Banff Gondola Upper Hot Springs & Top 3 Lakes Tour from Calgary

Calgary , Canada

Banff Gondola Upper Hot Springs & Top 3 Lakes Tour from Calgary

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(5 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Start your journey from Calgary or Canmore with a scenic drive to Lake Minnewanka, a glacier-fed gem perfect for sightseeing, boat tours, or lakeside walks. Continue to peaceful Johnson Lake for a swim, picnic, or an easy loop trail walk surrounded by nature. Next, stop at Surprise Corner for breathtaking views of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow River.

Visit the stunning Bow Falls, just minutes from downtown Banff, where the roaring waters offer a great photo opportunity. For an unforgettable view, take the optional Banff Gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain. At the top, enjoy panoramic vistas, mountaintop dining, and short hiking trails.

Unwind at the Banff Upper Hot Springs in soothing mineral waters with mountain views. Then explore downtown Banff—browse shops, try local cuisine, or enjoy the alpine vibe along Banff Avenue.

End the day with a visit to Marble Canyon, where a scenic walk reveals narrow limestone walls, waterfalls, and a turquoise creek.

Available options

Banff Gondola Upper Hot Springs & Top 3 Lakes Tour from Calgary

Pickup included

What's included

Water Bottle

Air-conditioned vehicle

Admission Fee to Banff National Park

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Lake Minnewanka is a beautiful glacial lake located just 10 km from Banff in Banff National Park. It offers activities like boating (motorized boats allowed), hiking scenic trails, picnicking, and in winter, ice skating and snowshoeing. The lake has a rich history, including a submerged old settlement and hydroelectric developments.

Visitors enjoy stunning mountain views, easy access to trails, and picnic spots. Parking can fill up quickly in summer, so plan accordingly.

Two Jack Lake, just 10 km from Banff, is a peaceful mountain lake known for beautiful views of Mount Rundle. It’s great for easy hikes, kayaking, swimming, and picnics.

There are two nearby campgrounds with basic amenities—reservations are recommended. In winter, the lake freezes for ice skating and snowshoeing.

Banff is a charming mountain town located in Banff National Park, Alberta. Surrounded by the stunning Canadian Rockies, it’s famous for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, and vibrant local culture.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, wildlife viewing, hot springs, and exploring shops and restaurants. Banff offers year-round attractions, making it a top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Stop 4

Banff Upper Hot Springs is a popular natural hot spring located near Banff town, offering warm, mineral-rich waters with stunning mountain views. It’s perfect for relaxing after outdoor activities. The facility includes change rooms, showers, and rentals for swimsuits and towels.
Please NOTE: Banff Upper Hot Springs is Closed till December 2025 for Maintenance

Stop 5

The Banff Gondola offers a scenic 8-minute ride up Sulphur Mountain, providing panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding Rockies. At the summit, visitors can enjoy the Sky Bistro for dining, explore the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk, and learn about the area's history at the Interpretive Centre. The gondola is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are permitted.

Stop 6

Bow Falls is a beautiful, wide waterfall located just 1 km from downtown Banff on the Bow River. It’s easy to reach by foot, car, or public transit. Visitors enjoy scenic views, photography, and walking trails nearby. The falls are especially impressive during spring runoff and offer peaceful surroundings year-round.

Stop 7

Johnson Lake, located about 11 km from Banff, is a warm, peaceful lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, and easy hiking. It features a 2.8 km loop trail with beautiful views of nearby mountains. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and, in winter, ice skating. The lake is accessible by car or public transit and offers a relaxing spot in Banff National Park.

What's not included

Meals

Lake Minnewanka boat cruise ticket (Available for Purchase On-Site)

Upper Hot Springs Ticket(Available for Purchase OnSite)Note:Its Closed Till Dec 2025 for Maintenance

Personal expenses

Banff Gondola Admission Fee (Available for Purchase On-Site or Online)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

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

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.