Banff National Park Day Trip
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Banff National Park's stunning landscapes
- Hike the scenic Johnston Canyon trails
- Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Louise
- Witness the majestic Bow Falls
- Discover the rich history of the area
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Banff National Park
- Visit to Johnston Canyon
- Transportation from Banff/Calgary
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: Begin your day with a convenient pick-up from Calgary or Banff and travel into the heart of Banff National Park. Sit back and enjoy the drive through snow-dusted valleys and towering mountain scenery as your guide shares insight into the region’s history, wildlife, and landscapes.
Continue to Bow Falls, where powerful glacial waters tumble over broad rock steps, creating one of Banff’s most impressive natural landmarks!
Visit Surprise Corner for a classic Banff photo stop, offering a dramatic view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel set against the surrounding mountains.
(Optional) Upgrade your experience with a ride on the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the Bow Valley and surrounding peaks, explore the boardwalk, and take in the alpine scenery from above (weather permitting).
Itinerary from 10/13/2025-04/30/2026: (120 minutes of optional lunch time and free time to explore at your own pace) Itinerary from 05/01/2026-10/13/2026: (75 minutes for optional-lunch time) Arrive in the Town of Banff for free time to explore at your own pace. Stroll along Banff Avenue, browse boutique shops, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, or choose an optional winter experience such as the Banff Upper Hot Springs or a traditional winter sleigh ride. After a full day of exploring, return to Banff for drop-off.
Pass by: Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a breathtaking wonderland of vividly colored lakes, towering mountains, and endless outdoor adventures. As Canada’s first national park and the third in the world, it boasts a rich heritage and unparalleled natural beauty. Spanning 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles) of rugged terrain, Banff is home to majestic peaks, ancient glaciers, lush forests, and winding rivers. Its easy access and proximity to untouched wilderness make it a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, exploring vibrant meadows, or soaking in the awe-inspiring views, Banff offers an unforgettable experience. Come and immerse yourself in nature’s masterpiece!
Summer Itinerary visit from 05/01/2026-10/13/2026: Stop at the Hoodoos viewpoint to see striking sandstone pillars shaped by centuries of erosion. These unique formations offer excellent photo opportunities and a fascinating look at Banff’s geology.
Summer Itinerary visit from 05/01/2026-10/13/2026: End the day with a scenic walk through Johnston Canyon. Follow elevated boardwalks along the canyon walls, passing waterfalls and rushing streams in one of Banff’s most accessible and picturesque hikes.
Pass by: After a full day of exploration, relax on the return journey to Banff with lasting memories of the Canadian Rockies.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult; check age restrictions if applicable.
- Availability may vary seasonally; confirm tour dates in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
- Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
- Easy Public Transport
- Stroller Accessible
Good to know
- Age and Safety: Customers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women may join if under 24 weeks by the trip's end.
- City Passes or personal attraction tickets are not accepted. Admission and meal prices are subject to change without prior notice. Refunds will not be issued for price decreases, and price matching for attraction tickets is not available.
- Booster Seats: For state law, Children under the age of 6 require a booster seat in order to participate in the tour group. Please understand that the violations and fines are borne by the guests themselves. There is no need for a booster seat for bus travel on the day of travel.
- If you choose to leave the group early, please inform the tour guide in advance and sign a departure agreement. No refunds will be provided for any unused portions of the tour.
- Gifts provided during the tour are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions. No refunds will be issued for any changes to the gifts.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes and clothes, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and drinks for hydration.
- Closed Attractions: If a scenic spot is closed, an alternative will be provided.
- Parking is not available at the meeting point. Transportation to and from the departure location is not included.
- Please provide accurate information, including your full name, contact details (preferably a mobile phone number), and flight information. Inaccuracies may affect your travel arrangements, and any losses resulting from incorrect information will be the responsibility of the traveler.
- If a scheduled attraction is closed due to public holidays or other unforeseen circumstances, we will adjust the itinerary accordingly and/or substitute it with an equivalent attraction to maintain the quality of the Tour.
- Health Requirements: Guests with disabilities must provide advance notice. Wheelchair-accessible buses are not guaranteed without prior approval.
- The tour itinerary may be modified by the guide due to weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances to ensure a smooth trip.
- These terms may be updated from time to time. Please refer to the product website for the most current information before booking. The tour provider is not liable for any incidental or consequential damages, except as required by laws.
- Please Note: The total duration of the tour (7–11 hours) may vary depending on your pick-up and drop-off locations.Passengers picked up from Calgary may experience longer travel times compared to those boarding in Banff.
- The Surprise Corner will be closed for maintenance from 09/08/2025-10/20/2025. During this period, the site will not be included in the itinerary on the day of the visit. We appreciate your understanding.
- Banff Upper Hot Springs will be closed for maintenance from 11/01/2025-12/31/2025. During this period, the tour will not visit the attraction. The itinerary in Banff Village will be updated to: Banff Village (120 mins, including lunch at your own expense and free time). Thank you for your understanding.
Traveler reviews
Good. The guide explained it very clearly. We're happy with 👍
The guide explained it very clearly, we were satisfied and had a very pleasant day
Day tour with Rick
I have one day tour with tour guide Rick, absolutely enjoyable experience and stunning day we had in banff, we did a hike in Johnston canyon, Rick very takes care of us and being very detailed oriented and helpful for whole trip, thanks again to Rick!
Good reviews
Perfect score for this trip! The itinerary is reasonable, the sights are classic and polished, the scenery is absolutely delightful. The guide is professional and thoughtful, meticulous and fun to explain, attentive throughout the care. The accommodation is clean and comfortable, the food authentic and delicious, the value for money. There is no compulsory consumption throughout, play easy and fun, harvest full of good memories, highly recommended, will choose next time!
Banff tour.
Rick was wonderful. We had a fantastic day. Rick was very knowledgeable about all the sights we visited.
An amazing fun day spent with a top tour guide Sam
This trip was exactly what we were hoping for, our tour guide Sam was amazing. He was so informative, he ran through the itinerary and ensured we didn’t miss out on anything, thank you Sam for showing us fabulous sights, you were professional, fun and above all patient. You planned the day so well, the gondola views were amazing, spending time in Banff town was great, surprise corner had wonderful views and Johnston’s Canyon and lower falls was breathtaking! You made our day one to remember, we won’t forget you. Many thanks Sam, from us four in Cambridge UK
