Day Trip to Emerald & Minnewanka Lakes, Natural Bridge & Banff
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the Canadian Rockies: Emerald Lake, Banff & Lake Minnewanka Day Trip
Discover the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies on this unforgettable day trip from Calgary. Begin your adventure at the Natural Bridge, a remarkable rock formation shaped by the powerful Kicking Horse River. Continue to the breathtaking Emerald Lake, where you can take a peaceful stroll along the shore or rent a canoe to explore its vibrant turquoise waters.
In the afternoon, visit the scenic Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park, surrounded by majestic mountains and rich in history. Conclude your day in the charming town of Banff, where you’ll have free time to browse local shops, enjoy lunch, and take in the beautiful mountain views.
✨ Tour Highlights:
Full-day trip from Calgary featuring iconic natural sites
Visit Natural Bridge, Emerald Lake, Lake Minnewanka, and the town of Banff
Enjoy free time in Banff for lunch, shopping, and exploration
Available options
Day Trip to Emerald & Minnewanka Lakes, Natural Bridge & Banff
Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
National park entrance fees
Air-conditioned vehicle
Tour guide and organization
Round-trip transportation
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Lake Minnewanka – the largest lake in Banff National Park, known for its deep blue water and fascinating history. Surrounded by majestic mountains, it’s a perfect place to enjoy scenic views, boat tours, and short walks along the shore. Beneath the surface lies a sunken village, making it one of the park’s most interesting and mysterious spots.
2
Stop 2
Famous for its rich green color, Emerald Lake is surrounded by forested peaks and peaceful trails. Travelers can walk along the lakeshore or rent a canoe to enjoy the calm, crystal-clear waters from a new perspective. A tranquil and photogenic stop in Yoho National Park.
3
Travelers will witness a powerful natural wonder where the Kicking Horse River has carved its way through solid rock, forming a stunning natural bridge. It’s an impressive stop to see the force of water up close and capture unique photos in a mountain setting.
4
At Surprise Corner, travelers will enjoy a scenic stop with a stunning view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel framed by the Bow River and surrounding mountains. It’s a perfect photo spot and a great way to see Banff’s “castle in the Rockies” from above.
5
Guests will have free time to explore the charming town of Banff — visit shops, grab a coffee, enjoy mountain views, or take photos by the Bow River or Banff Avenue with Cascade Mountain in the background.
What's not included
Meals
Coffee and/or Tea
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
UK
EN
PL
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Depart: 8:15 AM
Meet in the parking lot opposite the entrance to the Safeway store
Important notes
Please arrive at the pickup location 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Your guide will meet you at meeting location
You do not need to print your ticket — simply provide your name and booking confirmation.
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
