“It all started with a mistake.”
In 1883, three railway workers stumbled upon steaming mineral springs bubbling from the rock near what is now the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. That accidental discovery became the spark that led to Canada’s entire national park system and it all began right here in Banff.
But this land was no secret to the Stoney Nakoda, Ktunaxa, and Blackfoot peoples, who had lived among these mountains for generations. Their stories, passed down through time, are just as much a part of Banff’s foundation as the rugged peaks and turquoise lakes.
Why go? Because Banff isn’t just Canada’s first national park, it’s one of its finest. Towering mountains, glacier-fed rivers, herds of elk crossing the road, and trails that make you forget what day it is. Every turn reveals something spectacular.
This self-guided audio tour allows you to explore at your own pace, with stories that sync to your location, even when you’re offline. It’s like having a local guide riding along without the schedule or crowds.
Here’s what’s ahead:
Bow Falls, where the Bow River turns thunderous.
The iconic Banff Springs Hotel was once a luxury retreat for the elite.
Banff Avenue is full of mountain-town charm and local flavor.
The Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain, optional but unforgettable.
Cave and Basin, where history and hot springs meet.
Wildlife-rich Vermilion Lakes, where the views are as wild as the animals.
Pro tip: You might lose cell signal, but you’ll gain something better- quiet moments, fresh air, and a whole lot of “wow.”
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
Know Before You Go
Note: For all road closure updates and more, please visit the Canada National Park Website
Nearby Tours
Driving
76 Stories
3 - 4 Hrs
Driving
50+ Stories
2 - 3 Hrs
Driving
150+ Stories
4 - 5 Hrs
Driving
39 Stories
2 - 3 Hrs
Driving
27 Stories
1 - 2 Hrs
Banff Map
Where To Start?
Start your tour from 224 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1E5, Canada
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Banff Audio Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
-
Welcome
-
Surprise Corner Viewpoint
-
Wildlife Corridors
-
Bow River
-
First Nations or Native Americans
-
Tunnel Mountain
-
Hoodoos Viewpoint
-
The Métis
-
Kiguli Pithouses of Banff
-
Lake Minnewanka Scenic Dr
-
The Stoney People
-
The Lake Minnewanka Monster
-
The Abandoned Mining Site
-
Chinese Workers of Bankhead
-
Fire and Flood
-
Logging's Impact
-
Northern Lights
-
Mount Norquay Lookout
-
Mount Norquay
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The tour starts in the heart of the Banff Townsite.
The tour features Bow Falls, a natural spectacle, and shares stories about its early inhabitants and the geological forces that shaped it.
The tour includes the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, also known as the “Castle in the Rockies,” and shares its rich history spanning over a century.
The tour includes Sulphur Mountain, and visitors have the option to embark on a gondola ride (ticket not included) to the summit for panoramic views of Banff Townsite and the Canadian Rockies.
Banff Avenue is the main street in the town of Banff, and the tour highlights its restaurants, shops, and galleries, providing insights into Banff’s beginnings and transformation into a bustling town.
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is the birthplace of Canada’s national park system. It features natural hot mineral springs that led to the creation of Banff National Park and shares stories of cultural significance to indigenous people.
Visitors can spot wildlife at Vermilion Lakes, and animals like elk, deer, and bears might be encountered. The tour provides stories about the area’s diverse wildlife and the mountain ecosystem.
The tour meanders along the Bow River, and it is significant for its role in shaping the landscape and early history of Banff.
The natural hot mineral springs at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site played a pivotal role in the creation of Banff National Park.
Must-see attractions in Banff National Park include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Johnston Canyon, and the Columbia Icefield.
Yes, Banff and the Icefields Parkway offer excellent opportunities for stargazing due to their remote locations with minimal light pollution. The Jasper Dark Sky Preserve along the parkway is renowned for its stargazing experiences.
Explore 200+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Assistance available all day via call, chat, or email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated videos, text guides, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
