Emerald Lake & Takakkaw Falls: Discover Hidden Gems of Canadian Rockies
5.0
18 Ratings
Banff
Escape the summer crowds and discover the hidden gems of the Canadian Rockies in Yoho and Kootenay National Parks. Experience the stunning beauty of Emerald Lake, Takkakaw Falls, and more!
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Yoho National Park - Yoho National Park might be one of the smaller parks in the Canadian Rockies, but we believe it packs the biggest punch!

Located a little further up the road from the busy & bustling Lake Louise & Banff National Park, Yoho National Park has an intimate feel, despite being filled with immense, snow-capped mountains and thundering waterfalls!

This beautiful region is heaven for explorers looking to escape the ordinary, and we think it should be on everyone’s Rockies bucket list.

On this tour, your fun & local expert Radventures guide will determine the best times to visit each of these following locations, in no particular order, based on weather conditions, big bus tour schedules & a few other factors that we as locals consider to ensure that you, as our valued guests, are getting the best and most authentic experience on the day.

As one of our signature small group tours, we’ll also treat you to a few secret locals spot with incredible views too!

What's Included
  • Bring Your Own bottle for water refills
  • Guided by an expert, fun local with insider secrets
  • Fast-track entry to top attractions like Emerald Lake & Takakkaw Falls
  • Exclusive small group experience (Maximum 12 guests)
  • Access to an onboard cooler for chilled beverages & lunch
  • Private, air-conditioned transport via van or minibus
What's Not Included
  • Canoe rental at Emerald Lake (please contact Radventures BEFORE booking for VIP front of the line)
  • Hotel pick-up in Banff or Lake Louise (please contact Radventures BEFORE booking for availability)
  • Guide gratuities (not mandatory but greatly appreciated)
  • Lunch & snacks (please BYO or contact Radventures BEFORE booking to add-on a picnic lunch)
Additional Information

If you believe you’ve witnessed and engaged with nearly everything in the picturesque yet bustling Banff National Park, then participating in this excursion to the equally stunning but less-frequented Yoho National Park is sure to satisfy your lingering thirst for adventure!

The journey is punctuated with visits to the vibrant turquoise waters of Emerald Lake, Canada’s highest waterfall, Takkakaw Falls, and a hidden gem nestled in the nearby Kootenay National Park. This adventure offers thrill-seekers the opportunity to explore our top-picked spots, experiencing the awe-inspiring magnificence of the Canadian Rockies, sans the summer rush.

  • Avoid crowded tourist coaches and discover the Canadian Rockies legendary, hard-to-reach jewels in Yoho & Kootenay National Parks

  • Experience the grandeur of some of Canada’s most magnificent waterfalls (standing 380m tall!)

  • Venture off the common trail and uncover the best-kept secrets of the Canadian Rockies!

Location
Banff Train Station
Railway Avenue
For select hotel pick-ups in Banff, Canmore & Lake Louise please contact Radventures BEFORE booking for availability. Please meet your guide at the front of the Banff Train Station building and allow an extra 5 minutes for parking and walking to the meeting point if you are driving.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(18 Ratings)
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Theresa_s
Oct 4, 2023
3 Beautiful scenic stops - Tyler did a great job and on the hike/walk portion set pace which was good for everyone. He was knowledgeable and shared interesting facts. On the tour it would have been nice for a quick stop at Natural Bridge.
Review provided by Viator
Rabbitt2018
Sep 30, 2023
Off the beaten path! - Great itinerary, something different than Lake Louise and Moraine, yet equally amazing! Canyon, magical Emerald Lake and the waterfalls - highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robertcy3784bl
Sep 20, 2023
Personal and custom experience - The guides were friendly, professional & safe drivers. They made the trip feel fully custom to our needs, great tips and wonderful true “gems” of the beautiful Rockies. And lunch quite fabulous! Thanks from all 31 of us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lindsay_f
Aug 27, 2023
Great variety of scenery and brilliant guide. - Great trip. Small group with a fantastic guide. Packed a lot in to the day but pace was just right. Free time at Emerald Lake. Good variety on this trip from a canyon to a lake and waterfall. Lots of stops for scenic photographs. Felt like you were getting away from the crowds.
Review provided by Viator
Wallacelindsey
Aug 23, 2023
Great experience - Wonderful tour guide for our trip. We had a chance to see all the lovely hidden gems of the area with enough time to take in the atmosphere, take photos, and learn about the local area. Highly recommend this trip for anyone looking for something a little more than the average.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachel_z
Aug 22, 2023
Cool and unique! - Really cool and unique spots in these parks! Plus you get to step into another province while you’re in the Banff area. Radventures is a great company; I highly recommend using them!
Review provided by Viator
Beachiemom
Aug 10, 2023
Small group tour, skip the big crowds! - I had a great time on the Hidden Gems tour. We went to places that most of the big tour companies don't go which was nice. It was a small group, so it felt more personal. Our guide Riley was very informative about the area, the history, and nature. I bought the add-on lunch and it was delicious. There was a concession stand at Emerald Lake, but it was very crowded, so I'm glad I pre-ordered mine. I recommend bringing a raincoat no matter the weather forecast, as we got stuck in a major downpour and I got soaked. Be careful when booking online, as I messed up my original tour by submitting the wrong date, they were flexible in letting me reschedule my tour for the next day. This is one of the highlights of my trip to the area. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karl
Aug 6, 2023
I’m coming back here - MAJESTIC. Again. I keep telling myself that these places are on Earth and not in an alien planet. I wasn’t particularly excited for this part of the tour as it was our last before leaving Banff, but again each stop was quite the adventure. The 1.5 hour stop at Emerald lake where we went paddle boarding was so therapeutic it just evaporated all the separation anxiety in me lol. Plus I’m really happy we passed by the Natural Bridge while in Yoho! Our guide Riley was so accommodating and has a really cool personality we can always approach. Go and take this tour to complete your experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carol
Aug 6, 2023
Does not disappoint - We took the tour on 7/28 and once again Rad did not disappoint . It was our 3rd tour and again Kayla blew it out of the water. This company needs to continue doing what it excels at, employing local guides that are knowledgeable and who obviously enjoy what they are doing. Their insights add so much to the experience from tips on local eateries, hiking trails and other experiences available to select. Kayla spent her time explaining, sharing and ensuring everyone was getting their questions answered and seeing what they had hoped to see. Absolutely an asset for Rad. We will highly recommend you and your tours. You deliver what you advertise and it’s great. Additionally, our recommendation to anyone booking a tour is request Kayla, she’s awesome.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vicki_p
Jul 31, 2023
Spectacular Waterfalls - Loved seeing all the waterfalls and Emerald Lake! Great tour! The pink wildflowers were everywhere!!
Review provided by Viator
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