Banff Area & Johnston Canyon 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff
Active
9h - 11h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
From the quaint mountainside town of Banff, to the snow-dusted peaks, misty falls, and dramatic canyons around Banff as you explore this rugged slice of Alberta with an experienced guide.
Starting your day with rolling by the steep slopes of Sulphur Mountain for the chance to take a gondola ride to the summit's sweeping viewpoints. (Banff Sulphur Gondola is optional)
Enjoy some leisure time in downtown Banff and Snap photos of Johnston Canyon's limestone-carving creek.
Fill your camera with misty shots of the tumbling rapids at Bow Falls, capture panoramic images of downtown Banff framed against a backdrop of craggy peaks from the Surprise Corner lookout, and keep your eyes peeled for the monolithic silhouette of glacier-carved Hoodoos.
Available options
(Sale) From Calgary no Gondola
Without Banff Gondola Ticket<br/>Starting point:<br/>Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, 610 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K1, Canada
From Calgary No Gondola ticket
Without Banff Gondola Ticket<br/>Starting point:<br/>Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, 610 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K1, Canada
(Sale) From Calgary + Gondola
Banff Gondola Tickets Included<br/>Starting point:<br/>Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, 610 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K1, Canada
From Calgary + Gondola
With Banff Gondola Ticket<br/>Starting point:<br/>Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, 610 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K1, Canada
From Banff + Gondola
With Banff Gondola Ticket<br/>Starting point:<br/>Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada
(Sale) From Banff no Gondola
Without Banff Gondola Ticket<br/>Starting point:<br/>Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada
From Banff No Gondola Ticket
Without Banff Gondola Ticket<br/>Starting point:<br/>Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada
(Sale) From Banff + Gondola
Banff Gondola Tickets Included<br/>Starting point:<br/>Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada
What's included
Traffic Accident Insurance (10M liability)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Free Crampon for Winter itinerary (Nov to mid-Apr)
National Park Fee & GST
Detailed itinerary
1
Bus Ride from Calgary to Banff / Pick Up Guests at Banff
2
Stop 2
Take the Sulphur Gondola (Optional) to the top viewing point of Mt Sulphur to enjoy a 360º view of Banff.
**With the high demand, we strongly recommend to book the option provided with admission
**Tour will not visit Banff Gondola during Nov 6-Nov 17 due to Annual Maintenance. Will replace by other sightseeing place.
3
Enjoy some leisure time in downtown Banff, consider grabbing lunch or looking for a new piece of gear in a shop catering to outdoor adventurers.
4
Stop 4
Known for its walking trail throughout the year. The trail to the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon has to be the busiest in the Canadian Rockies. Nearly every day throughout the summer, hundreds of hikers follow its canyon-clinging catwalks and cliff-mounting staircases to the gorge’s Lower and Upper Falls. Throughout the journey, scan the creek and its banks for dippers. Also known as water ouzels, these solitary, slate-grey birds are often seen bouncing up and down on streamside rocks.
*Free Crampon are provided for Winter itinerary (Nov to mid-Apr)
**November to April we will visit Marble Canyon (Stop for 30 minutes)
5
Capture panoramic images of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and downtown Banff framed against a backdrop of craggy peaks from the Surprise Corner lookout where most of the famous pictures have been taken
6
Hoodoos are composed sedimentary rock covered by harder rock that is harder to erode. Once softer sediment erodes rock needle, or tower like natural obstacles are left.
7
Stop 7
Location of the film "The River of no return" in 1960's. Fill your camera with misty shots of the tumbling rapids at Bow Falls.
8
Bus Ride from Banff to Calgary
What's not included
Free time at Banff town for lunch will be arranged
Personal expense, insurance, and additional excursions
Specific Hotel Pick up (we meet all travelers at a meeting point)
Gratuities (Suggested: CAD $15 per person per day in cash)
Checked-In Luggage Allowance (Extra fee may apply if needed)
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
YUE
EN
ZH-CN
Audio guide
JA
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
101 reviews
5★
62
4★
18
3★
8
2★
4
1★
9
Tripadvisor
4.6
50 reviews
5★
37
4★
7
3★
5
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Meeting Time 09:25AM. Departure Time 09:35AM. Please wait at the hotel lobby and our tour guide will come in and greet you.
Important notes
Please contact us by sending email to tour@calgarytours.ca if you would like to be picked up at Banff but dropped off at Calgary, or picked up at Calgary but dropped off at Banff.
Please note that due to travel length and tour arrangement, we do not offer specific hotel pick up. We meet all travelers at 2 meeting locations
1. Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, 610 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K1
2. Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada (Subject to change to other hotels in Banff Town. Guests will be notified one day prior to departure if any changes)
About Calgary
Calgary, known as the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is a vibrant city that beautifully blends urban energy with stunning natural beauty. It's famous for its annual Calgary Stampede, a world-renowned rodeo and festival, and offers easy access to the breathtaking landscapes of Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies.
Top Attractions
Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is the greatest outdoor show on earth, featuring rodeos, chuckwagon races, live music, and much more. It's a must-visit event held annually in July.
Cultural
10 days
Free entry to the grounds, tickets required for some events
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is a stunning national park in the Canadian Rockies, known for its turquoise lakes, majestic mountains, and abundant wildlife. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nature
Full day or overnight
Free entry with a Parks Canada pass
Calgary Tower
The Calgary Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the Rocky Mountains. It's a great place to learn about Calgary's history and enjoy a meal with a view.
Architecture
1-2 hours
$19 CAD for adults, $10 CAD for children
Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park is Canada's largest living history museum, showcasing life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the 1950s. Visitors can explore historic buildings, ride vintage trains, and enjoy interactive exhibits.
Historical
3-4 hours
$29.95 CAD for adults, $17.95 CAD for children
Prince's Island Park
Prince's Island Park is a beautiful urban park located in the heart of Calgary. It's a great place for picnics, walks, and outdoor concerts. The park is also home to the Calgary Folk Music Festival and other events.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Beef Brisket
Slow-cooked, tender beef brisket is a Calgary staple, often served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Main Course
Not vegetarian/vegan
Bison Burger
A delicious and lean alternative to beef, bison burgers are a popular choice in Calgary.
Main Course
Not vegetarian/vegan
Butter Chicken
A beloved Indian dish, butter chicken is a creamy, spicy curry made with tender chicken pieces.
Main Course
Not vegetarian/vegan, contains dairy
Caesar Cocktail
A Canadian classic, the Caesar cocktail is a spicy, savory drink made with vodka, Clamato juice, and various seasonings.
Drink
Contains alcohol
Popular Activities
Hiking
Skiing
Rock climbing
Mountain biking
Spa treatments
Picnicking in parks
Yoga and meditation
Visiting museums and galleries
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the best time to visit Calgary for warm weather and outdoor activities. It's also when the Calgary Stampede takes place, a major event not to be missed.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: French, Punjabi, Chinese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone
GMT-7 (Mountain Time Zone)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Calgary is generally a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Calgary International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center
By train
Calgary Station
By bus
Calgary Transit Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The CTrain is efficient, frequent, and a popular way to get around Calgary. It's free to ride downtown.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
Beltline
Kensington
Innisfail
Day trips
Banff National Park
130 km (81 miles) • Full day or overnight
Banff National Park is a stunning national park in the Canadian Rockies, known for its turquoise lakes, majestic mountains, and abundant wildlife.
Canmore
100 km (62 miles) • Half day or full day
Canmore is a charming mountain town located near Banff National Park, known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and stunning scenery.
Drumheller
135 km (84 miles) • Full day
Drumheller is a town in the Canadian Badlands, known for its unique geological features, dinosaur fossils, and the famous Royal Tyrrell Museum.
Festivals
Calgary Stampede • July
Calgary Folk Music Festival • Early July
Calgary International Film Festival • Mid-September
Pro tips
- Visit during the Calgary Stampede for a unique and unforgettable experience, but be prepared for crowds and higher prices.
- Explore the city's extensive park system, including Prince's Island Park and the Bow River Pathway, for a taste of Calgary's natural beauty.
- Take advantage of the city's excellent public transit system, including the CTrain and buses, to get around easily and affordably.
- Try local specialties, such as beef brisket and bison burgers, and don't miss out on the city's thriving coffee and craft beer scenes.
- Dress in layers, as the weather in Calgary can change quickly, especially in the spring and fall.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
