Canadian Rockies Golden Hour Tour | Lunch Included

Calgary , Canada

Canadian Rockies Golden Hour Tour | Lunch Included

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(84 reviews)

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

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About this experience

***Lunch with view of Abraham Lake Included*** Summer Only***

Golden hour is a magical time of day for capturing Canadian Rockies and their Eastern Slopes under the golden glow of the rising or setting sun (it is short-lived). The flattering effects of its warm, soft light, however, make it infinitely popular. We designed itineraries for this tour around golden hours because of the light in its natural beauty.

Our golden rule is to pick you up early because when it comes to golden hour photography, in particular, the brief window of opportunity makes it absolutely necessary to prepare ahead of time. It’s also important for you to keep in mind that you will have all these beautiful spots to oneself before the crowds arrive or leave later in the day.

*** Lunch included in tour ***

Available options

Canadian Rockies Golden Hour Tour | Lunch Included

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Lunch

All Fees and Taxes

Coffee and/or Tea

Private Guide

Small private group maximum 2-3 travelers

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Sunrise at Bow Lake in Banff National Park offers stunning golden light, mountain reflections, and vibrant colors, especially with calm water, but can be chilly. Tour will arrive early at the lake (around 5.30am). This is a popular spot for photographers seeking peaceful views before crowds arrive.

Stop 2

Sunrise at Peyto Lake in Banff National Park offers a stunning spectacle as the sun illuminates the vibrant, turquoise glacial water, though getting the perfect shot requires an early start (an hour or more before dawn) and a short hike from the Icefields Parkway. While the view is iconic, some photographers find the light hits the surrounding peaks before the lake itself, making it more of a dawn experience with evolving colors (pinks, blues, purples) than a direct sun-on-water shot, with Bow Lake sometimes preferred for different lighting.

Spending a morning at Abraham Lake offers a tranquil experience defined by vast mountain views and unique winter landscapes. Easy walk to see an ancient Limber Pine estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,000 years old. Said to be the oldest Limber Pine in the world.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

22 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

62 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This private tour will have a maximum of 3 travelers

Free pick up/drop off from Hotel and Airbnb

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.