Banff Day Trip from Calgary: Johnston Canyon, Gondola & Bow Falls

Hike into a limestone canyon carved by millennia of water, then rise high above Banff on the gondola.

A full-day tour from Calgary into Banff National Park combines hiking Johnston Canyon's forested gorge and waterfalls, riding the Banff Gondola for panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies, and stopping at Bow Falls and Surprise Corner. The tour includes park entry, hotel or downtown pickup, and a professional driver-guide. Lunch in Banff town is optional, and the Gondola ride is an optional add-on depending on your choice at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Bow Falls15m
2. Banff Gondola1h 30m

Explore Banff and Johnston Canyon

• Pickup from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff
• Travel through Canadian Rockies scenery
• Hike Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls
• Optional lunch in Banff town
• Visit Bow Falls viewpoint
• Stop at Surprise Corner viewpoint
• Ride Banff Gondola for mountain views
• Drop-off in Calgary, Canmore, or Banff

The experience

The day starts with pickup from downtown Calgary, The Shops of Canmore, or The Fat Ox of Banff: three departure points that let you join from wherever you're staying. The drive into the Rockies takes you past glacier-fed lakes and iconic mountain scenery before you reach Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park's most popular hiking destination. The canyon itself is carved into limestone bedrock from thousands of years of water erosion, and the trail leads you past overhanging canyon walls, waterfalls, and lush forest to the Upper Falls. The hike takes about two hours round-trip, so you're moving through the gorge at a pace that lets you take in each perspective of the beautiful gorge without rushing.

After Johnston Canyon, you have a 45-minute lunch break in Banff town: time to grab a meal on your own or add on lunch at Seoul Country Restaurant if you book that option. From there, the tour stops at Bow Falls, where the river roars in summer, and then at Surprise Corner, a viewpoint overlooking the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The Banff Gondola comes next: an eight-minute ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain at 7,486 feet, where observation decks, dining, and hiking trails let you spend 90 minutes taking in the panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding peaks. The Gondola is an optional add-on, so you choose at checkout whether to include it. The day ends with drop-off back in Calgary, Canmore, or Banff.

Your guide is a professional driver who speaks English and knows the area. The group stays under 24 people in winter. You'll receive a National Park pass for entry and a travel souvenir fridge magnet. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though Johnston Canyon does involve a two-hour hike on a forested trail.

What’s included

• Professional driver-guide who speaks English.
• Banff National Park pass.
• pickup and drop-off from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff.
• travel souvenir fridge magnet.

Options for this experience

3 options

8:05 AM, departing from Delta Downtown CalgaryGuide in English · 08:05Tour only. Lasts 10 hours. Meals and drinks are not included. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes early at the bus stop in front of the Harry Hays Building, across from the Delta Calgary Downtown. Starting point: Harry Hays Building, 220 4 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0L1, Canada.

The Shops of Canmore at 9:20 AMGuide in English · 09:20Tour only. Lasts 8 hours. Meals and drinks are not included. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before pickup time at The Shops of Canmore parking area near the main entrance. Starting point: The Shops of Canmore, 302/304 Old Canmore Rd #300, Canmore, AB T1W 0L5, Canada.

The Fat Ox of Banff at 9:45 AMGuide in English · 09:45Tour only. Lasts 8 hours. Meals and drinks are not included. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes early at the parking area in front of The Fat Ox of Banff restaurant. Starting point: The Fat Ox of Banff, 415 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1E3, Canada.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Thursday and SundayDepartures at 08:05, 09:20 and 09:45

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteCA$ 72

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Westar Travel Ltd.

Is this one for you?The three departure times and locations let you join from wherever you're based in the region without a separate transfer. Choose the Gondola add-on if you want the high-altitude views. Skip it if the canyon hike and waterfall stops are enough for your day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Johnston Canyon like when you get there?

Johnston Canyon is a limestone gorge carved by water erosion over thousands of years, with overhanging canyon walls, waterfalls, and lush forest. The hike to the Upper Falls takes about two hours round-trip and moves through different perspectives of the gorge at a steady pace.

How high does the Banff Gondola go, and what can you do at the top?

The Banff Gondola rises to 7,486 feet (2,281 meters) on Sulphur Mountain. At the summit, you have 90 minutes to use the observation decks, explore hiking trails, or eat at the dining options available there.

Which pickup location works best for me?

You choose one of three at checkout: 8:05 AM from Delta Downtown Calgary, 9:20 AM from The Shops of Canmore, or 9:45 AM from The Fat Ox of Banff. Pick whichever matches where you're staying or your preferred start time.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included in the base tour, but you have a 45-minute break in Banff town to eat on your own. You can add on lunch at Seoul Country Restaurant when you book if you prefer that option.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your chosen location, a professional English-speaking driver-guide, entry to Banff National Park, and a travel souvenir fridge magnet. The Banff Gondola ride is optional and added at checkout.