Rocky Mountains Peyto Lake and Banff Day Trip

Calgary , Canada

Rocky Mountains Peyto Lake and Banff Day Trip

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

This winter day tour focuses on the most iconic glacier lakes of the Canadian Rockies, with extended time at Peyto Lake, famous for its unique shape and breathtaking views. You’ll also visit Lake Minnewanka, where you may — if conditions allow — witness the rare frozen bubble phenomenon beneath the ice.

Passing by other Banff highlights such as Bow Lake, Vermilion Lakes and Two Jack Lake, this perfectly curated one-day journey captures the true essence of Banff’s winter beauty in a single unforgettable experience.

[Important Note]: Free admission applies to Parks Canada sites from December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026. A refund of CAD 7 per person per day will be issued on tour for days that include national park visits.

Available options

Day Tour

What's included

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Air-conditioned vehicle

Bilingual Tour Guide (English and Chinese)

Gratuities

Admission for National Park

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide at the hotel and begin your journey into Banff National Park. You’ll find yourself surrounded by towering peaks, turquoise lakes and breathtaking alpine scenery in Canada’s very first national park. As you travel through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, take in some of the most iconic landscapes on many travelers’ bucket lists from around the world.

Stop 2

Your first stop is Bow Lake, where you’ll admire its vivid turquoise waters fed by Bow Glacier — an ideal spot for photos and fresh mountain views.

Stop 3

Next, head to Peyto Lake, one of the most iconic lakes in the Canadian Rockies, famous for its unique maple-leaf shape. From the viewpoint, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views and some of the best photo opportunities of the day. In winter, you’ll also take a short scenic walk to the lookout, with ice cleats provided for your safety and comfort.

Stop 4 Pass by

Pass by Crowfoot Glacier and enjoy its dramatic icy views framed by the surrounding mountains, a perfect backdrop for photos.

Later, visit Vermilion Lakes, where snow-covered scenery and partially frozen waters reflect the stunning silhouette of Mount Rundle, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset on clear days.

Stop 6

In winter, Lake Minnewanka offers a truly magical sight. When conditions are right, you may witness the unique “bubble lake” phenomenon, where frozen methane bubbles appear beneath the ice, creating a stunning and unforgettable view.

Enjoy a scenic drive past Two Jack Lake before returning to Banff around 5:30 PM, as the day comes to a close.

What's not included

Meals & All Personal Expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

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

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

10:45am, Meeting Outside of the Hotel Lobby

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.