Banff Gondola Lake Minnewanka Johnston canyon and Banff Town
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on a small group tour and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Banff National Park. This full-day adventure begins with convenient pick-up from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore.
Experience the beauty of Lake Minnewanka, soar high on the Banff Gondola, and relax at the Banff Town.
This comprehensive tour ensures you see all the must-visit destinations in Banff National Park, including Lake Minnewanka, Sulphur Mountain, and Johnston canyon.
Available options
Banff
Banff poickup from: Banff Caribou Lodge<br/>Gondola ticket: Not included in the tour fee. If you would like to purchase in advance, please contact us.
<br/>Gondola ticket: If you already have your own tickets, please let us know your time.<br/>Pickup included
Calgary
Calgary pickup from: Calgary Downtown Delta Hotel by Marriott<br/>Gondola ticket: Not included in the tour fee. If you would like to purchase in advance, please contact us.<br/>Gondola ticket: If you already have your own tickets, please let us know your time.<br/>Pickup included
Canmore
Canmore pickup from: Canmore Visitor Information Centre (2801 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore)<br/>Gondola ticket: Not included in the tour fee. If you would like to purchase in advance, please contact us.<br/>Gondola ticket: If you already have your own tickets, please let us know your time.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Pickup and dropoff available in Calgary, Canmore and Banff
Air-conditioned vehicle
5% GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Upon arriving at Lake Minnewanka, travelers will be greeted by breathtaking panoramic views. The lake is nestled amidst the Canadian Rockies, offering stunning vistas of towering mountains and pristine waters. Take a moment to appreciate the serene beauty of the surroundings.
2
Stop 2
Johnston Canyon in winter transforms into a magical wonderland of frozen waterfalls and icy landscapes. The easy-to-moderate ice walk along the canyon takes you through towering cliffs, offering breathtaking views of ice formations and snow-covered trees. It's a must-visit spot for nature lovers and photographers, with both the Lower and Upper Falls providing stunning winter scenery.
3
Travelers can explore the vibrant streets lined with boutique shops and restaurants, visit historic landmarks like Banff Avenue. (Lunch at Banff Town)
4
Stop 4
Begin your experience by boarding the Banff Gondola (Admission fee not included), a scenic cable car that takes you up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. The gondola offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies as it ascends, providing a unique perspective of the landscape.
Upon reaching the summit, you'll find multiple observation decks and viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges, valleys, and the town of Banff. Take some time to capture photos, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies.
Additionally, there are interpretive displays and educational exhibits that provide insights into the local wildlife, geology, and history of the area.
Explore the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk, which offers a short interpretive walk along the mountaintop. This elevated pathway provides a unique perspective of the alpine environment and allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
5
Stop 5
Bow Falls is a picturesque waterfall located near Banff town, where the Bow River cascades over a wide, shallow ledge. It's an iconic spot known for its roaring waters and scenic surroundings, offering a great place for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Banff.
6
(closed from 2025, Sep 8 to 2025, Oct 20, won't visit during this period)
Surprise Corner is a scenic viewpoint in Banff, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel nestled among the trees with the majestic Bow River and surrounding mountains in the background. It’s a must-see spot for photography and capturing the iconic landscape of Banff.
What's not included
All meals
All personal expenses including activities and travel insurance
Gratuities for guide CAD$15/head
Gondola ticket (If you wish to purchase in advance, you can contact us directly.)
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
YUE
EN
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
12 reviews
5★
11
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.6
17 reviews
5★
14
4★
2
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a local bus tour, and you will join the tour with other travelers locally. If you would like a private tour, please contact us directly.
If there are not enough participants for a tour in your selected language, we will contact you to discuss joining a tour in another language.
Total tour duration includes travel time
If the minimum number of participants is not met, we reserves the right to cancel your booking or change the tour date. We will contact you prior to the departure to inform you of any changes.
We will send a tour reminder the day before your tour. Please be sure to check your email or messages carefully, as important updates regarding your pickup time or itinerary may be included.
All pick-up times and locations are fixed. Please carefully review the pick-up detail and choose the location that best suits you. If you have any special requests, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.
Due to the unpredictable road conditions and weather, the itinerary may be subject to adjustments. We will inform you of any changes to the itinerary the day before the tour.
Kindly let us know if you'll be bringing luggage, a wheelchair, stroller, or anything that may require extra storage space, as there may be an additional charge.
Please note that this tour does not include attraction tickets (Banff Gondola). If you would like to purchase tickets in advance at our group discount rate, please feel free to contact us.
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
Instant confirmation
