Banff Area & Johnston Canyon 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff

Overview

From the quaint mountainside town of Banff, to the snow-dusted peaks, misty falls, and dramatic canyons around Banff as you explore this rugged slice of Alberta with an experienced guide. Starting your day with rolling by the steep slopes of Sulphur Mountain for the chance to take a gondola ride to the summit's sweeping viewpoints. (Banff Sulphur Gondola is optional) Enjoy some leisure time in downtown Banff and Snap photos of Johnston Canyon's limestone-carving creek. Fill your camera with misty shots of the tumbling rapids at Bow Falls, capture panoramic images of downtown Banff framed against a backdrop of craggy peaks from the Surprise Corner lookout, and keep your eyes peeled for the monolithic silhouette of glacier-carved Hoodoos.

Itinerary

1. Banff

   Bus Ride from Calgary to Banff / Pick Up Guests at Banff

   · 1 h 30 min

2. Sulphur Mountain

   Take the Sulphur Gondola (Optional) to the top viewing point of Mt Sulphur to enjoy a 360º view of Banff. **With the high demand, we strongly recommend to book the option provided with admission. **Tour will not visit Banff Gondola during Nov 9-Nov 20, 2026 due to Annual Maintenance. Will replace by other sightseeing place.

   · 1 h 30 min· Admission not included

3. Banff Avenue

   Enjoy some leisure time in downtown Banff, consider grabbing lunch or looking for a new piece of gear in a shop catering to outdoor adventurers.

   · 1 h 30 min

4. Johnston Canyon

   Known for its walking trail throughout the year. The trail to the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon has to be the busiest in the Canadian Rockies. Nearly every day throughout the summer, hundreds of hikers follow its canyon-clinging catwalks and cliff-mounting staircases to the gorge’s Lower and Upper Falls. Throughout the journey, scan the creek and its banks for dippers. Also known as water ouzels, these solitary, slate-grey birds are often seen bouncing up and down on streamside rocks. **From October 13 to the end of April 2027, this itinerary will be replaced with Cascade of Time Garden and Cave and Basin National Historic Site (Optional admission, Purchase on-site).

   · 1 h

5. Cascade Gardens

   Escape the crowds and discover the Cascade of Time Garden, a hidden gem nestled in Banff National Park. Terraced into the hillside, this tranquil oasis features vibrant floral displays, cascading waterfalls, and winding stone pathways. It offers some of the most breathtaking, unobstructed photography views of iconic Cascade Mountain. **From October 13 to the end of April 2027, this attraction will replace the scheduled visit to Johnston Canyon.

   · 15 min

6. Cave and Basin National Historic Site

   Discover the birthplace of Canada’s national parks at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Banff National Park. Located in the majestic Canadian Rockies, this iconic landmark preserves the natural thermal springs discovered in 1883. Today, you can explore the atmospheric underground cave filled with mineral-rich waters, enjoy interactive cultural exhibits, and stroll along scenic marshland boardwalks to spot the rare Banff Springs Snail. **From October 13 to the end of April 2027, this attraction will replace the scheduled visit to Johnston Canyon.

   · 30 min· Admission not included

7. Bow Falls

   Location of the film "The River of no return" in 1960's. Fill your camera with misty shots of the tumbling rapids at Bow Falls.

   · 15 min

8. Calgary

   Bus Ride from Banff to Calgary

   · 1 h 30 min

9. Surprise Corner

   Capture panoramic images of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and downtown Banff framed against a backdrop of craggy peaks from the Surprise Corner lookout where most of the famous pictures have been taken

   · 15 min

10. Hoodoos Trail

    Hoodoos are composed sedimentary rock covered by harder rock that is harder to erode. Once softer sediment erodes rock needle, or tower like natural obstacles are left.

    · 15 min

How to use your ticket

Please contact us by sending email to tour@calgarytours.ca if you would like to be picked up at Banff but dropped off at Calgary, or picked up at Calgary but dropped off at Banff. Please note that due to travel length and tour arrangement, we do not offer specific hotel pick up. We meet all travelers at 2 meeting locations 1. Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, 610 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K1 2. Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada (Subject to change to other hotels in Banff Town. Guests will be notified one day prior to departure if any changes)

Meeting and end point

What to know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This activity can accommodate a maximum of 50 travelers.
• You will receive confirmation at the time of booking, unless you book less than 48 hours before departure: it will then arrive as soon as possible, subject to availability.

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: 220265P1

Activity offered by Tourland via Viator.