Banff Tour — Hike in Sunshine Meadow & Johnston Canyon — Gondolas

Overview

Enjoy a refreshing one-day Banff hiking tour to bask in the scenery of one of the world's most beautiful National Parks. Stroll through Johnston Canyon and take in the sights, wander Sunshine Meadows admiring the gorgeous flora and natural beauty of the valley. Finally, relax and feel your spirits soar in a gondola up to Sulphur Mountain to feel the alpine breeze and drink in the wonders of the peaceful Rockies. A tour designed for hiking lovers, our guide will help you cover three of the Kananaskis Country's most beloved moderate trails, showcasing Canada's finest scenery. This adventure is best paired with our Lake View Day Tour to give you a a two-day unforgettable experience, immersing yourself in all that Banff and it's surrounding beauties has to offer.

Itinerary

1. Sunshine Meadows

   a gentle alpine trail above Sunshine Village with sweeping wildflower meadows, panoramic mountain views, and three small hidden alpine lakes tucked among the ridges. Easy, well‑marked paths with rolling terrain and short climbs—great for families and casual hikers.

   · 3 h· Admission included

2. Johnston Creek originates north of Castle Mountain in a glacial valley southwest of Badger Pass and south of Pulsatilla Pass, at an elevation of 2,500 meters (8,200 ft). The creek flows southeast between Helena Ridge and the Sawback Range, and then south through a gorge known as Johnston Canyon. As Johnston Creek approaches the Bow River, it flows through a large canyon formed by erosion over thousands of years. The creek has cut through the limestone rock to form sheer canyon walls, as well as waterfalls, tunnels, and pools. A popular hiking trail follows the canyon and leads to a meadow within the Johnston Valley above the canyon. The first part of the trail consists of a constructed walkway with safety rails and bridges, while the last part of the trail is natural and more rugged. Within the meadow are the Ink Pots, which are six blue-green spring-fed pools.

   · 1 h 45 min

3. Vermilion Lakes

   The Vermilion Lakes are a series of lakes located immediately west of Banff, Alberta, in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The three lakes are formed in the Bow River valley, in the Banff National Park, at the foot of Mount Norquay. The area offers wildlife viewing opportunities and breathtaking scenery. Offering spectacular views of Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain, the proximity of these lakes to town make them a fantastic place to watch sunrise or sunset.

   · 15 min

4. Sulphur Mountain

   Timeless Rocky Mountain views. 100% reimagined summit experience. Take the Sulphur Gondola (Optional) and discover sweeping scenes of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley and the charming town of Banff from the Sulphur Mountain summit. Once you're at the top, begin your adventure by strolling the boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson's Peak and learn about Canada's first national park. The air is clean and clear up here. When gaze down from the jagged mountain ridge, you stare in amazement at the town, lakes, and rivers on the valley floor far below, and a lot more. it’s such a revitalizing and calming sensation.

   · 1 h 25 min· Admission not included

5. Cascades of Time Garden spreads out behind Banff National Park's historic administration building at 101 Mountain Ave. A geological sequence of cascading ponds and water courses provide the garden’s namesake and is highlighted with flowers, shrubs, rustic bridges, pavilions and flagged walks. The peak season for blooms is June through September.

   · 15 min

6. Bow Falls

   Bow Falls is a major waterfall on the Bow River. The falls rumble about 30 feet over a low-gradient pitch of channeled bedrock, providing a short turbulent interrupt of the cerulean waters of the Bow River. The falls are pretty, and under the right conditions, exceptionally photogenic, but not terribly impressive. The 1953 Marilyn Monroe film “River of No Return” featured the bow falls.

   · 15 min

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This activity can accommodate a maximum of 24 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: 375373P1

Activity offered by Banff2Go via Viator.