Banff Day Trip: Johnston Canyon, Fairmont Banff Springs, Gondola
Active
8h - 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
Make the most of your time in Calgary on a day trip that takes you to several of the surrounding area’s highlights in one convenient tour. You don’t have to plan an itinerary or worry about renting a car for the drive. Sit back and snap photos as you’re driven to Bow Falls, the Banff Gondola, Johnston Canyon, and more.
Discover the best of the Rockies on a full-day tour from Calgary/Banff
Time-efficient tour with round-trip transportation included
Choose from multiple pickup and drop-off locations for flexibility
Enjoy a balanced mix of sightseeing and free time to explore
Available options
9:30AM Elk+AvenueHotel Banff
Duration: 8 hours<br/>Starting point:<br/>Elk + Avenue Hotel, Box 1140, 333 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J3, Canada
9:45 Elk + Avenue Hotel, Banff
Tour Only<br/>Duration: 8 hours
8:20 Downtown Calgary
Tour Only<br/>Duration: 10 hours
7:45AM Downtown Calgary
Duration: 10 hours<br/>Starting point:<br/>Harry Hays Building, 220 4 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4X3, Canada
What's included
National park pass ( May 1- Jun 18 and Sep 8 - Oct 12)
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Bilingual Tour Guide (English and Chinese)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Gratuities
Detailed itinerary
1
Travel from Calgary to Banff National Park
Pickup Locations & Times
This tour offers 2 pickup locations in Calgary. Please select your preferred starting point when placing your booking.
07:30AM [NE Calgary] Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel —
07:45AM[Downtown Calgary] Bus station in front of the Harry Hays Building (across the street from the Delta Calgary Downtown Hotel), on 4th Ave SE — 07:45
2
Your adventure begins as our professional guide warmly welcomes you at the Elk + Avenue Hotel in the heart of Banff. With a friendly smile and a wealth of local knowledge, they’ll ensure you feel at ease from the very start. （Boarding in Calgary: approx. 1.5 hours to Banff; Boarding in Canmore: approx. 20 minutes to Banff.）
3
Stop 3
Travel to Banff National Park, where the day begins on Sulphur Mountain. Ride the Banff Gondola (Optional Add-on activity) for sweeping, high-alpine views—snow-capped peaks encircling a dramatic Rocky Mountain landscape.
OPTIONAL ADD ON : Banff Gondola
4
SUMMER :Hoodoos are striking natural rock formations; tall, slender spires of sedimentary rock topped with harder caps that slow erosion, formed over thousands of years as wind and water wear away softer layers.
5
Stop 5
Bow Falls is a wide, powerful waterfall on the Bow River near Banff, known for its roaring flow, misty spray, and dramatic mountain backdrop. Unlike tall plunging falls, it spreads forcefully across the river, especially impressive in late spring and summer.
6
Surprise Corner for a postcard-perfect view of the river and the legendary Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The view reveals exactly why this spot is known as Surprise Corner.
7
SUMMER:Known as the “Castle of the Rockies” has a history of more than one hundred years. This iconic gem is nestled among the majestic Rocky Mountains with the clear Bow River at its feet.
Step inside this castle-inspired landmark and enjoy lunch (Optional with additional fees). Guests may upgrade to a refined French-brasserie–style dining experience.
NOTE : LUNCH STOP
8
Stop 8
SUMMER :Explore Johnston Canyon, one of the Rockies’ most beloved canyon walks. Follow elevated pathways to thundering waterfalls framed by limestone walls.
If Johnston Canyon is closed due to maintenance or other unforeseen conditions, the visit will be replaced with Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.
WINTER :Start the day with an immersive hike through Johnston Canyon, where the well-maintained trails lead you along dramatic limestone cliffs to the breathtaking Lower and Upper Falls. This 2-hour adventure offers stunning views of cascading waterfalls and lush forests.
9
Drop off : After a day immersed in alpine grandeur, return to Banff/ Calgary, concluding a truly spectacular Rocky Mountains experience.
Estimated return Banff : 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Estimated return Calgary : 7:30 - 8:30 PM
What's not included
Meals, Optional Activities & All Personal Expenses such as laundry, phone & travel insurance
Any additional expenses due to force majeure factors.
Winter Banff Gondola
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
37 reviews
5★
29
4★
4
3★
3
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.0
3 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Outside of the hotel lobby
Important notes
The name and contact number of your tour guide are sent by automated SMS (to the number provided at booking) the day before departure, typically between 17:30 and 22:00 MT.
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.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
