Banff Day Tour from Calgary: Gondola, Lake Louise & Canmore

Sulphur Mountain gondola, two glacier-fed lakes, a mountain town and the drive home: all in one day from Calgary.

This 10 to 11 hour guided tour departs Calgary for Banff National Park, covering the Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Falls and the town of Banff itself, with park entry and gondola tickets included. The itinerary shifts to avoid peak times and weather, and a guide adjusts stops based on light and conditions. Hotel pickup from Calgary is included. Children from age 4 are welcome. Meals are not included, though time is built in to eat and shop in town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Bow Falls15m
2. Moraine Lakepassing by

Explore Banff and Surroundings

• Ride Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain
• Visit Bow Falls viewpoint
• Explore Banff Avenue and local shops
• Admire Lake Louise scenery
• Stop for a break in Canmore

The experience

The day starts with a ride up Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola. No hiking required, just the views from the top: 360 degrees of the Canadian Rockies spread below you. The guide handles the route from there, moving through the park to catch the best light at each stop and steer around the crowds that gather at the same time every day. Lake Louise comes early, when the glacier-fed water is at its clearest and the peaks around it are still sharp in the morning sun. Moraine Lake opens in June and runs through fall. When it's open, it's the second major stop, another turquoise basin ringed by mountains.

Between the lakes, you'll stop at Bow Falls and walk the flat ground around it: no scrambling, no technical terrain. Banff Avenue downtown is where the day pauses for lunch, coffee, shopping or a gallery if that's your pace. The guide carries a camera and will take your photo at the stops if you ask. Bottled water is in the vehicle. The rest of the day is yours to spend or not spend in the town. Winter brings crampons for any walking on ice, and the route adjusts for weather and road conditions.

The tour ends in Canmore, a smaller mountain town in the Bow Valley about 20 minutes before Calgary. There's a final stop for a hot drink and a break before the drive back to your hotel. The whole day is 10 to 11 hours door to door.

What’s included

• Banff National Park entrance fees.
• Banff Gondola tickets (one ride up, one ride down).
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• hotel pickup from Calgary.
• bottled water.
• a guide in English who adjusts the route for crowds and weather.
• crampons or cleats in winter months if needed.
• a personal photographer (ask the guide to take your photo at any stop).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (15 to 95 years) · Youth (4 to 14 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Banff Day Trips

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based outside the park without a car: hotel pickup is included, and the small-group format lets you move at your own pace for photos and swimming rather than following a fixed itinerary with larger tour groups.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 14 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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's included in the Banff gondola ticket?

The Banff Gondola ticket covers one ride up Sulphur Mountain and one ride down, so you get the 360-degree views from the summit without climbing. The ticket is included in the tour price.

Can I swim or get my feet wet during the day?

Yes. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake both have accessible shoreline where you can wade or swim if you bring a bathing suit. The guide builds time into the itinerary for that if it's what you want to do.

How does the guide adjust the route during the day?

The guide watches traffic, weather and crowds at each stop and shifts the order or timing to catch the best light and avoid peak times. If weather turns or a road closes, the itinerary changes to show you the best possible scenery and keep the day running smoothly.

Is Moraine Lake always on the tour?

Moraine Lake is closed from November through May, so it's only included from June onward. During winter months, the tour covers the other main stops (the gondola, Lake Louise, Bow Falls and Banff Avenue), and adjusts the route to make the most of what's open.

What should I bring for a 10-hour day in the mountains?

Bring a camera or phone charger, sunscreen, layers and comfortable walking shoes. Bottled water is provided. In winter, wear warm clothes. The guide provides crampons if you need them for icy sections. Meals are not included, so plan to eat in Banff or bring snacks.

How does pickup work if I'm staying outside Banff?

Hotel pickup is included from Calgary accommodations. If you're staying in Banff itself, confirm your pickup location when you book. The guide will collect you and return you at the end of the day.