Banff Day Trip: Johnston Canyon, Fairmont Banff Springs, Gondola

Overview

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

Itinerary

1. Calgary

   With convenient pick-up options from Calgary and Banff, your journey begins with ease. Sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery, glacier-fed lakes, and iconic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies along the way. Summer Season : May 1 – Oct 31 Calgary-Banff Gondola (Additional fees) (90 min)-Hoodoos (15 min) -Bow Falls (15 min)-Surprise Corner (15 min)-Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Lunch stop [French Brasserie] (Optional with additional fees) (90 min)-Johnston Canyon (60 min) -Banff/Calgary Winter Season: Nov 1 - April 30 Calgary/Banff - Johnston Canyon Upper Falls (120 min) – Banff Town Lunch Time (60 min, optional at own expense) – Bow Falls (15 min) – Surprise Corner (15 min) - Banff Gondola (90 min, mandatory; replaced by Cave and Basin Historical Site during Nov 4–15 maintenance) – Banff/Calgary

   · Non-stop passage

2. Parc national Banff

   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.）

   · Non-stop passage

3. Banff Gondola

   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 Note : Replaced by Cave and Basin Historical Site during Nov 4–15 maintenance)

   · 1 h 30 min· Admission not included

4. Hoodoo's Viewpoint

   Summer Season : May 1 – Oct 31 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.

   · 15 min

5. Bow Falls

   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.

   · 15 min

6. Surprise Corner

   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. Note : Closed for maintenance Sep 8–Oct 20)

   · 15 min

7. Summer Season : May 1 – Oct 31 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

   · 1 h 30 min

8. Banff Avenue

   Winter Season: Nov 1 - April 30 Lunch stop

   · 1 h

9. Calgary

   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

   · 1 h 30 min

10. Johnston Canyon

    Summer Season : May 1 – Oct 31 ( 60mins) Winter Season: Nov 1 - April 30 -Upper Falls (120 min) 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.

    · 1 h

11. Calgary

    After the tour finishes, enjoy a convenient drop-off in Banff and Calgary making your journey home easy and stress-free.

    · Non-stop passage

How to use your ticket

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.

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This activity can accommodate a maximum of 55 travelers.
• You will receive confirmation immediately when you book.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

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

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

This activity can be canceled in case of bad weather or if there aren't enough participants.

Reviews

Product code: 180217P28

Activity offered by Westar Travel Ltd. via Viator.