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Calgary/Banff: Gondola, Upper Hot Spring, Bow Fall & Top 3 Lakes

4.114 reviewsDay trips

  • 10 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

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.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Water Bottle
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Admission Fee to Banff National Park

What's not

  • Meals
  • Lake Minnewanka Cruise ticket (Book Online for 10:30 AM time Slot)
  • Upper Hot Springs Tickets (Available Onsite only First Come First Serve Basis)
  • Personal expenses
  • Book Banff Gondola Tickets Online in Advance ( 2:10 PM Upload Time -3:30 Pm Download time)

Itinerary

  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. Note : Lake Minnewanka Cruise is Not included in the Tour/Admission Ticket

    1 h

  2. 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.

    30 min

  3. 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. (Visit to this lake is Optional )

    20 min

  4. 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.

    1 h

  5. Surprise Corner Viewpoint is one of the most famous scenic stops in Banff National Park. It offers a stunning postcard-style view of the historic Fairmont Banff Springs with the Bow River and surrounding mountains in the background.

    15 min

  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.

    40 min

  7. 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.

    2 h

  8. 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. Tickets are only available onsite and not included in the tour price

    1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

4.1

  • 59
  • 41
  • 32
  • 21
  • 11

Ratings come from 14 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Meeting point
Pickup Time: 9:30 AM – Moose Hotel & Suites (Banff) ▸ Wait near the hotel’s main entrance. ▸ The vehicle will stop briefly for boarding, so ensure you are visible to the driver. Your tour guide will greet you by name at the pickup point.
Pickup
Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size
Up to 13 travellers
Operated by
Banff Trip Planner Inc.
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How it compares in Calgary

  • Its from-price is 18% below the median of the 268 day trips we list in Calgary.
  • Its length is typical for the group.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 82 of 268.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Calgary

Calgary is the Alberta city where the prairies meet the Rocky Mountain foothills, a place of rodeo traditions, river pathways and big-sky sunshine.

Calgary sits on the Bow and Elbow rivers, with the snowy Rockies visible to the west on clear days. The Calgary Tower, from 1968, is the older landmark of a skyline now crowded with glass towers, and Fort Calgary marks the Mounted Police post that started the town in 1875. Prince's Island Park and the curving Peace Bridge are favourite spots along the river, and Heritage Park recreates an early prairie settlement.

Top-ranked sights in Calgary: Calgary Tower, Wonderland Sculpture, Calgary Stampede.

See all 556 experiences in Calgary

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Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.

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