Private & custom tours
Private & Custom Tours in Alberta With Local Guides
Private and custom tours across Alberta. Connect with vetted local guides and create a personalized itinerary for the Canadian Rockies and beyond.
Private and custom tours in Alberta give you the Canadian Rockies on your own terms. No crowded buses, no fixed scripts, no rushing between stops.
VELO connects you with vetted local guides who design the day around you: your pace, your interests, your group only.
Whether you want a tailored itinerary across Banff, Lake Louise, and Yoho, a private dinosaur day in Drumheller, or a quiet hike in Kananaskis, you’ll explore with a guide who knows the area, and can lead the day in your language.
What makes a private VELO tour different
Every private tour is shaped around you: your pace, your people, and a local guide who knows the area.
A tour built around you
Want sunrise at Moraine Lake? More hiking and fewer viewpoints? A relaxed photography day? Your guide can adjust the itinerary before your trip begins.
Your group only
No strangers, no shared vans. Private tours are just you and the people you’re travelling with.
A local who gets you
VELO guides come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages, so you can find someone who understands what makes your trip meaningful, and can guide in Spanish, Mandarin, French, and more.
Transparent pricing
Guides set their own fair rates and show them upfront. No hidden fees, and full tour price refund protection if a guide cancels (less 3% service fee).
Featured private & custom tours
Explore some of the private and custom experiences VELO guides offer across Alberta and the Canadian Rockies.
Private Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Emerald Lake
with Russell B
Banff
$1,413 – $2,199 CAD
Banff, Jasper & Yoho Parks Custom Tour
with Yug Borad
Icefield Parkway
$699 – $1,400 CAD
Canadian Rockies Full-Day Guided Hiking Tour
with Lindsay Bornau
Kananaskis
$132 CAD
Banff Romantic Highlights: Banff Gondola & "Can This Love Be Translated" Vistas
with Travis C
Banff
$1,500 CAD
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tour
with Jeff Samson
Banff
$135 CAD
Sunrise Moraine Lake – Lake Louise – Emerald Lake – Banff Town (From Calgary/Canmore)
with Thanh Chu
Banff
$195 CAD
Popular private tours by destination
Explore private tours in the places you’re planning to visit.
How to customize your private Alberta tour
Browse & choose a guide
Find a local guide whose expertise, language, and style fit your trip.
Share what you want
Send a booking request with your dates and preferences. Your guide confirms availability and price within 24 hours, and you can message them directly to shape the itinerary.
Confirm & explore
Secure your booking and enjoy a private experience made just for you.
Why a local guide makes a difference
Moraine Lake requires planning.
Private vehicles can’t access Moraine Lake during the main season, so you’ll need to book a shuttle or visit with a tour that includes transportation. A local guide can help you choose the best timing and logistics.
The Rockies are bigger than they look.
Distances between major sights can be longer than visitors expect. Even travelling between popular stops in Banff National Park often takes 20–40 minutes, and a day that includes Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, and the Icefields Parkway requires careful planning.
Weather changes quickly.
Mountain weather can shift within minutes. Local guides know when to adjust plans, suggest alternative stops, or avoid crowded areas.
Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed.
Knowing where and when to look greatly improves your chances of seeing elk, bighorn sheep, bears, or mountain goats safely and responsibly.
Sunrise starts early.
Popular locations like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are busiest during peak season. Private guides can help you time your day to avoid crowds or catch the best light.
Frequently asked questions
What is a custom tour?
A custom tour is a private experience shaped entirely around you. Rather than following a fixed itinerary, you tell your guide what you want to see, how far you want to go, and the pace that suits your group, and they build the day to match. On VELO, many experiences are marked customizable, so you can adjust the route, stops, and timing with your guide before you go.
How much does a private tour in Alberta cost?
Private tours on VELO range from a few hundred dollars per person for shared-cost day trips to premium private-group experiences, depending on the guide, group size, and itinerary. Guides provide an initial estimate for the tour and their pricing structure upfront, not a full cost, since the itinerary is finalized with you later.
How many people can join a private tour?
Private tours are for your group only, and group size limits vary by experience, from intimate tours for one or two travellers up to larger private groups. Each experience lists its maximum on the guide’s page.
Can I fully customize the itinerary?
Yes. Many VELO experiences are marked customizable, meaning you can adjust the route, stops, and pace with your guide. Once you send a request, a direct message thread opens so you can plan the day together before you go.
Can I book a private guide who speaks my language?
Yes. VELO guides speak a range of languages including Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, and more. You can filter for a guide who speaks your language and shares your travel style.