Pursuit Pass Review – Is it worth it for travelers or couples?
Snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and sky-high sunsets—this is romance at altitude.
As a couple who loves travel with a mix of adventure and quiet moments, we found that the Canadian Rockies offered more than just jaw-dropping scenery.
From heart-pounding heights to peaceful alpine lakes, the region delivered a full spectrum of experiences—thrilling, serene, and unforgettable.
And with the Pursuit Collection attractions, we didn’t have to choose between exploring and connecting—we got to do both.
Armed with the Pursuit Pass, we explored some of the Rockies’ most iconic adventures together—from walking on ancient ice to gliding above Banff in a gondola.
Pursuit Pass Review: Was It Worth It?
Here’s our honest review about what we learned—about the pass, the places, and each other. Find out at the end if this pass is a must-have.
What Is the Pursuit Pass & Who Is It For?
The Pursuit Pass is a bundled ticket from the Pursuit Collection Banff, Jasper, and Golden, granting access to multiple top attractions in the Canadian Rockies.
Think of it as a “build-your-own-adventure” card for iconic experiences like the Banff Gondola, Columbia Icefield Adventure, Maligne Lake Cruise, and more.
- Best for: Travelers, families and couples planning a 3 to 7 day Rockies loop.
- Great value: If you’re planning at least three attractions (we did five, plus a bonus).
- Flexibility: Reservations can be modified up to 24-48 hours before travel, subject to availability.
- Ease: All your must-do’s are covered, so you spend more time soaking it in and less time juggling logistics.
Our Romantic Adventures with the Pursuit Pass
Here’s our Pursuit Pass Review: a breakdown of what we experienced—with honest insights, pricing context, and moments that stuck with us:
🏔️ 1. Banff Gondola: Our Most Cinematic Moment
We started high—literally. The cozy 4-seater Banff Gondola took us to the summit just in time for sunset, where golden light and a light drizzle created a surreal, fog-kissed view.
Later, we soaked in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Imagine: warm water, crisp mountain air, and a storybook ending to the day.
❄️ 2. Columbia Icefield Adventure: A Walk on Ancient Ice
Next up: a ride on a massive Ice Explorer across the surface of a 10,000-year-old glacier. It’s one of those rare “bucket list” moments that feels surreal.
We sipped fresh glacier water and laughed as the wind whipped through our jackets—pro tip: dress warm. It can get cold out there, but worth the chill for the thrill.
🌉 3. Columbia Icefield Skywalk: Love on the Edge—Glass Floors Included
A short shuttle from the Ice Explorer brought us to this cliff-edge glass walkway. Suspended above the Sunwapta Valley, this was part fear, part fascination.
For couples with a bit of a thrill-seeking side, it’s the perfect “hold my hand or I’ll scream” moment. We took some amazing photos, and the interpretive signs made it surprisingly insightful too.
🚢 4. Maligne Lake Cruise: Serenity with a View
After all that adventure, this was the perfect reset. Pursuit Pass holders can choose between Lake Minnewanka or Maligne Lake for their cruise.
We opted for a relaxing cruise across Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, which gave us that much-needed “just breathe” moment.
Yes, it’s a popular spot. However, the silence of the water, the mountains surrounding us, and the sense of stillness made it a shared memory we didn’t expect to love as much as we did.
🌲 5. Golden Skybridge: Scream, Laugh, Repeat
This experience was pure fun. Two long suspension bridges, zipline options, and rope courses meant this stop was all about play.
We laughed, we screamed, and we may have challenged each other to cross without holding the handrail. It wasn’t a typical romantic experience, but the shared excitement and laughter made it a highlight of our trip.
🚠 BONUS: Jasper SkyTram
Although not included in our Pursuit Pass, the Jasper SkyTram is also managed by Pursuit—so Pursuit Pass holders save 25% at the Jasper SkyTram.
A promo code and booking link will be sent to you after your Pursuit Pass purchase. We added it last minute and we’re so glad we did.
We reached the top just as the light started shifting, and the views of Jasper and its endless mountain ranges were jaw-dropping.
Maximize Your Pursuit Pass: Tips for All Travelers and Couples
1. Get the Rockies Value vs. Regular Rockies Pass:
It offers the best savings, especially if you’re a bit more flexible and okay with non-peak time slots.
2. Book high-demand experiences early:
The Banff Gondola and Open Top Touring are in high demand during peak season—reserve your preferred times as soon as possible.
3. Modify reservations if needed:
Plans can certainly change. Update your bookings online at least 24 hours in advance to find the best alternative times. If you need to make changes on the day of your visit, check with the ticket office. Sometimes, they can accommodate same-day adjustments if there’s availability.
4. Time your visits wisely:
Plan to spend at least 2 hours at the Banff Gondola and Jasper SkyTram—both have incredible summit views, and boardwalks worth lingering in. If you’re planning to dine at the top, give yourself even more time to enjoy the experience fully.
- We recommend guests book experiences located in Banff (Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Open Top Touring) a minimum of three hours apart from each other.
- We suggest booking Jasper National Park and Golden experiences (Golden Skybridge, Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour, Columbia Icefield Skywalk, Maligne Lake Cruise) on dedicated days.
5. Explore in between adventures:
Use gaps between activities to discover Banff, Jasper, and Golden—each town has its own charm, local shops, and relaxing spots to unwind.
6. Keep an eye on the weather:
Mountain weather can change quickly, so be ready for anything. Check the forecast a few days before and use the Banff Gondola webcam or Jasper SkyTram webcam on the day of your visit to see current conditions.
7. Pack smart:
Bring layers (temperatures shift quickly), water, sunscreen, and light snacks—especially for longer experiences like the Columbia Icefield Adventure.
8. Map out your plans:
Pay attention to the distances between Banff, Jasper, and Golden so you can group activities by location and avoid backtracking. The Banff Gondola and Open Top Touring are in Banff; the Columbia Icefield Adventure and Skywalk are in Jasper; and the Golden Skybridge is in Golden, BC.
9. Build in photo stops:
The Icefields Parkway, between Banff and Jasper, is more than just a route—don’t miss iconic spots like Peyto Lake and Bow Lake. Pull-offs can be quick but offer postcard-worthy views. Remember to also be cautious of wildlife crossings and weather changes.
10. Take advantage of additional savings:
The Pursuit Pass also gives you about 25% off the Jasper Skytram and 10% off at various retail locations—so keep an eye out for those perks to stretch your budget even further.
BONUS – Leave room to breathe:
Don’t overschedule your itinerary. Build in space for slow mornings, spontaneous detours, or simply sitting still and soaking it all in. Remember to enjoy yourself—that’s the whole point.
Pursuit Pass Review: Verdict
The Pursuit Collection offers more than just sightseeing. For us, it brought together some of the North America’s and the Rockies’ most iconic landscapes in ways that felt immersive, well-organized, and at times, incredibly magical.
The Pursuit Pass made things easier and did help us save—all of the included experiences were things we genuinely wanted to do.
That said, if gondolas, glacier walks, or skybridges aren’t on your list, it might not be the right value for you. But if they are? Then this pass could be a smart and seamless way to elevate your trip.
Definitely for us though, it made total sense and more than paid for itself.
Inspired by our Pursuit Pass Review?
Check out the Pursuit Pass and start planning your next great adventure together.
Disclaimer: We were hosted by the Pursuit Collection as media guests. Please note, we did not receive any pressure or compensation to write a positive review. All opinions shared in this guide reflect our genuine personal experiences.
