Private guided day hikes in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay
Our private guided hikes in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks are full mountain days for your own group of up to 8 guests, led by an ACMG-certified hiking guide from June through September. We choose the route with you, from gentle walks to big alpine days, and bring lunch, trailside espresso and the group gear.
- Full day, most 4–8 hours
- Private, up to 8 guests
- June to September
- Gentle to advanced routes
- Starting from $800 CAD
A full mountain day, planned around you
A private day hike is the easiest way to see the Canadian Rockies properly without committing to a multi-day trip.
Your route, your pace
Together we'll choose a route that fits your interests, your comfort level and the conditions on the day, whether that's a classic like the Plain of Six Glaciers above Lake Louise, a quieter valley in Kootenay or Yoho National Park, or something in between.
We handle the details
Your guide sets a steady pace, with time to stop, look around and enjoy the day as it unfolds. From snacks and lunch to trekking poles and safety gear, we take care of it so you can focus on the trail and the views.
Who leads your day
Columbia Wild Guides is a Canmore, Alberta hiking company led by ACMG-certified hiking guide Jacob Downie, offering private and small-group guided hikes in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks and Kananaskis Country. Your day is led by one of our ACMG-certified hiking guides.
Private, small-group hikes for every level
You don't need to be an expert hiker. Pick the kind of day you'd enjoy and we'll match the route to it.
Short walks at a relaxed pace
- Wide, well-maintained trails
- Minimal elevation gain
- Frequent stops and interpretive pacing
- Kid-friendly and accessible
Easy hikes with light elevation
- Clear trails with gentle climbs
- Comfortable for beginners with basic fitness
- Half-day outings
A solid challenge for most active hikers
- Noticeable elevation gain
- Rocky or uneven terrain in sections
- 3–5 hours on the trail
Big mountain days with real vertical gain
- Sustained, steady climbs
- Longer distances in remote backcountry
- Full days for hikers with high fitness
Ambitious alpine hikes for experienced hikers
- Significant elevation and long days
- Remote and committing wilderness travel
- Sustained effort in variable mountain weather
Tell us how you like to hike
Share your group's experience and what you'd love to see, and we'll suggest a level and route. Every day can be eased off or stepped up as it goes.
Guided day hikes in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay
A few favourites to start the conversation. Your guide can suggest other routes to match your level, the season and the conditions.
Plain of Six Glaciers
Lake Louise · Banff National Park
This classic Lake Louise route follows the lakeshore and climbs beneath towering glaciers and rugged summits, with close-up views of the icefields and a stop at the historic teahouse along the way.
- 15 kmOut and back
- 582 mElevation gain
- ModerateDifficulty
Lake Agnes Tea House
Lake Louise · Banff National Park
A scenic, approachable climb through forest to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, with sweeping views back over Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks.
- 8.2 kmOut and back
- 395 mElevation gain
- ModerateDifficulty
Stanley Glacier
Kootenay National Park
A quieter corner of the Rockies. The trail climbs through a forest renewing itself after wildfire into a hanging valley of tall cliffs, waterfalls and views of the Stanley Glacier.
- 11.3 kmOut and back
- 576 mElevation gain
- StrenuousDifficulty
Ha Ling Peak
Canmore · Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park
A steady climb rewards you with panoramic views over the Bow Valley and the surrounding peaks, making this iconic Canmore summit a powerful introduction to the scale of the Rockies.
- 7.9 kmOut and back
- 796 mElevation gain
- StrenuousDifficulty
Lake O'Hara
Yoho National Park
Colourful lakes, glaciers and craggy peaks make Lake O'Hara a bucket-list day for many hikers. Access is limited and never guaranteed, so Lake O'Hara days are requested first and confirmed with you once we have them, for up to five guests.
- 6.3–12.2 kmRoute options
- 271–873 mElevation gain
- Moderate to strenuousDifficulty
Personal, flexible and well paced
Whether it's your first visit to the Rockies or you're returning with places in mind, your guide shapes the day with you and leads it with care.
How the day works
- We choose the route together, based on your preferred level, what you want to see and the current conditions.
- Your guide leads with professional judgement, with safety at the forefront.
- The pace is unhurried, with time to stop, explore and adjust as the day goes.
Lunch and trail comforts
You'll enjoy a locally sourced, healthy lunch and trail snacks, served outdoors and adapted to your dietary needs. Expect fresh ingredients and simple comforts like charcuterie, fruit and nuts, plus espresso brewed trailside. Time to rest and refuel is as much a part of the day as the hiking.
What's included
- A private, professionally guided hike led by an ACMG-certified hiking guide
- Route planning and decision-making based on conditions and your group
- A locally sourced, healthy trail lunch, espresso and snacks
- All necessary group gear, such as trekking poles or microspikes as conditions require
- Emergency communication and first-aid equipment
Transport to and from the trailhead can be added for an additional fee. Ask us about this add-on.
Planning your private day hike
Season, group size and fitness
- June through September
- Private bookings for up to 8 guests
- Options range from gentle walks to advanced alpine hikes, depending on route and conditions
Our day hikes are designed for active travellers with varying experience. You don't need to be an expert hiker, but a basic level of fitness and comfort walking on uneven terrain is recommended. Pace and route are adjusted through the day so it feels challenging in the right ways.
Park passes
You only need a pass if you drive your own vehicle: a national park pass for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay, or a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for Ha Ling Peak. If your guide drives your group, you don't need one.
Getting to the trailhead
Meet your guide at the trailhead, or add transport for an additional fee. Moraine Lake is shuttle-only, so for Moraine Lake hikes we drive you in or arrange the shuttle for you and your guide.
Lake O'Hara
Access to Lake O'Hara is limited and never guaranteed. See how Lake O'Hara days work.
Book your private day hike
Choose a date below to see availability. For Lake Louise, Lake O'Hara or a route we haven't listed, ask us first and we'll plan it with you.
Trip Logistics
June through September
Private bookings for up to 8 guests
Options range from gentle walks to advanced alpine hikes, depending on route selection and conditions.
Designed for active travelers with varying experience levels. You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but a basic level of fitness and comfort walking on uneven terrain is recommended. Pace and route difficulty are adjusted throughout the day to ensure the experience feels challenging in the right ways.
Booking and Dates
What guests say on Google
Private day hike FAQs
If we haven't answered your question here, please get in touch.
How much does a private hiking guide in Banff cost?
Private day hikes start from $800 CAD. Lake O'Hara days are priced separately, and transport to and from the trailhead is an optional add-on for an additional fee. Check dates to see availability for your day.
What are the best guided hikes near Lake Louise?
The Plain of Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes are our favourite guided hikes near Lake Louise. The Plain of Six Glaciers is a 15 km out-and-back with 582 m of elevation gain, ending beneath the glaciers above the lake. Lake Agnes is an 8.2 km out-and-back with 395 m of gain to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House. Both are rated moderate.
Can you pick us up in Banff or Canmore?
Transport can be added for an additional fee. Your guide can drive your group to and from the trailhead; tell us where you're staying in Banff or Canmore when you get in touch and we'll confirm the details.
Can you plan a hike for kids or older hikers?
Yes. Every day hike is private, so the pace and route are set for your group. We can choose gentle, well-maintained trails with minimal elevation gain and frequent stops for families with young children, or a steady, unhurried route for older hikers.
Do we need our own park pass?
Only if you drive your own vehicle. If you drive yourselves to the trailhead, you'll need a national park pass for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay, or a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for Ha Ling Peak. If your guide drives your group, you don't need one. Moraine Lake is shuttle-only, so we drive you in or arrange the shuttle for you and your guide.
Can a private day hike include Lake O'Hara?
Sometimes. Access to Lake O'Hara is limited and never guaranteed, so Lake O'Hara days are requested first and confirmed with you once we have them. See how Lake O'Hara days work.
Who leads private day hikes in Banff and Yoho?
One of our ACMG-certified hiking guides. Columbia Wild Guides is a Canmore, Alberta hiking company led by ACMG-certified hiking guide Jacob Downie, offering private and small-group guided hikes in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks and Kananaskis Country. We operate under a professional Emergency Response Plan (ERP) that is vetted annually for our national park licences.
What safety and communication gear do your guides carry?
Every guide carries satellite and radio communication. That includes a Garmin inReach Mini for satellite SOS and a VHF radio programmed with Parks Canada Dispatch frequencies, plus a comprehensive WFR-level medical kit, bear spray and emergency shelters on every outing.
What should I bring, and how long are the hikes?
Most day hikes last 4–8 hours. Bring a comfortable daypack, sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate layers; a detailed list comes with your booking. We provide all group safety gear and trekking poles, plus lunch, snacks and espresso.
Is a liability waiver required?
Yes. To keep our professional standing with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and our national park permits, all guests sign a Release of Liability Waiver. You'll acknowledge it when you book and sign a physical copy in person before we head out. You can review the waiver here at any time, and we're happy to talk it through before you book.
Ready for a day in the mountains?
Tell us who's coming and how you like to hike, and we'll suggest a route for your day.