Banff: Gondola Ride, Hot Springs & Bow Falls Day Tour
Lake Minnewanka, Banff Gondola ride, hot springs soak and Bow Falls in one day
You’ll ride high above Banff on the gondola, unwind in mineral-rich hot springs with mountain views all around, hear Bow Falls rumbling, and feel glacier air on your skin at Lake Minnewanka. This day trip blends wild beauty with small comforts, and leaves you thinking about those quiet moments long after you’ve left.
Options for this experience
3 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Banff Gondola, Lakes, Hot Springs
- Ride Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain
- Explore Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
- Visit Interpretive Centre
- Relax at Banff Upper Hot Springs
- See Bow Falls viewpoint
- Lunch and shop on Banff Avenue
- Visit Lake Minnewanka
- Visit Two Jack Lake
- Photo stop at Banff sign
- Banff Gondola 1h 30m
- Banff Upper Hot Springs 1h
- Bow Falls 15m
- Banff Avenue 1h
- Lake Minnewanka 1h
- Two Jack Lake 15m
- Banff 10m
What’s included
Your day includes bottled water throughout and comfortable travel in an air-conditioned vehicle between stops like Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.
- Every day 08:00 09:30 09:50
Information
Feel the crisp air at Lake Minnewanka, soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs, and catch mountain views from the Banff Gondola. Includes transport and local guide.
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Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts high: the Banff Gondola glides up Sulphur Mountain in about eight minutes, and Banff and the Rockies spread out below you. At the top: wind in your hair, mountains everywhere, and peaks with names you probably can’t pronounce. Bottled water comes with the day, and you’ll need it for all the “oohs and ahhs.” Then comes Banff Upper Hot Springs: warm mineral water, mountain views all around, and steam that fogs up your glasses the second you sink in.
At Bow Falls, you can hear the water before you see it, loud but kind of calming? It smells like wet stone and pine needles. Surprise Corner (the name fits) adds a sudden view opening up between the trees. The lunch break is on Banff Avenue, which has way more shops than you’d expect, so there’s time to browse for souvenirs.
You know that feeling when you open your eyes and there’s just blue everywhere? That’s Lake Minnewanka: cold air on your cheeks, the lake so clear it almost hurts to look at, and mountains that feel close enough to touch but also impossibly far away. Two Jack Lake comes next, quieter (almost like it’s hiding from the crowds), and the light there is softer somehow. The last stop is a photo at the Banff sign.
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Hindi.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Infant (1 to 7 years).
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.
How long is the Banff Gondola ride?
The Banff Gondola takes about 8 minutes each way to reach the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels though some activities may not be recommended for travelers with certain health conditions.
How far is Lake Minnewanka from Banff town?
Lake Minnewanka is about 10 km from downtown Banff.
What should I bring for the hot springs?
Bring a swimsuit. The hot springs facility has change rooms and showers.
Operated by Matrix tours and travel LTD. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated today
Banff: Gondola Ride, Hot Springs & Bow Falls Day Tour
9h · EN +1
from CA$ 100 per person
≈ US$ 72 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.