Explore the breathtaking winter landscapes of Banff on this 5-day adventure from Calgary. Enjoy an exclusive guided ice walk to the upper falls of Johnston Canyon, visit Peyto Lake, Lake Louise, and Lake Minnewanka, and check off seven iconic lakes along the journey. Optional experiences such as the Banff Gondola and dining at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise add flexibility to your trip.
On the final day, travel to Drumheller to discover Alberta’s famous badlands, visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum, explore the Hoodoos, and enjoy free time at CrossIron Mills Outlet. Comfortable transportation and bilingual guides ensure a smooth and enriching experience in the Canadian Rockies.
[Important Note]: Free admission applies to Parks Canada sites from December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026. A refund of CAD 7 per person per day will be issued on tour for days that include national park visits.
Westar Guide Pick-up: 10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 / 18:00 / 20:00 Location: Arrival Level, Outside Door 5 Hotel Shuttle Pick-up: 07:30–21:30 (exact times arranged based on flight information). Location: Calgary Airport Arrival Hall, outside Door 4 at Parking Stall #16.
Free Airport Pick-up Service: Each booking is entitled to one complimentary airport pick-up service from Calgary International Airport (YYC) on the tour start date only. Multiple pick-ups can be arranged with an additional fee. Westar Guide Pick-up: 10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 / 18:00 / 20:00 (exact times arranged based on flight information). Location: Arrival Level, outside Door 5. Hotel Shuttle Pick-up: 07:30–21:30 (exact times arranged based on flight information). Location: Calgary Airport Arrival Hall, outside Door 4 at Parking Stall #16.
Your adventure begins at Johnston Canyon, where you'll hike to the stunning Upper Falls. Along the way, marvel at towering canyon walls and frozen waterfalls that sparkle in the winter light. (Trail info: about 5 km round trip, Ice cleats provided in winter for added safety.) Enjoy an unforgettable, close-up winter wonderland experience.
Next, head to Bow Falls, where you'll be captivated by the majestic waterfall and scenic surroundings.
Next, visit Surprise Corner, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Rockies—perfect for capturing postcard-worthy winter scenery.
Finish your day with a ride on the Banff Gondola, reaching the top of Sulphur Mountain for a stunning 360° panoramic view of the Rockies. Admire snow-covered peaks and the town of Banff below before the tour ends around 5:15 PM near sunset.
Your first stop is Bow Lake, where you’ll admire its vivid turquoise waters fed by Bow Glacier — an ideal spot for photos and fresh mountain views.
Next, head to Peyto Lake, one of the most iconic lakes in the Canadian Rockies, famous for its unique maple-leaf shape. From the viewpoint, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views and some of the best photo opportunities of the day. In winter, you’ll also take a short scenic walk to the lookout, with ice cleats provided for your safety and comfort.
Pass by Crowfoot Glacier and enjoy its dramatic icy views framed by the surrounding mountains, a perfect backdrop for photos.
Later, visit Vermilion Lakes, where snow-covered scenery and partially frozen waters reflect the stunning silhouette of Mount Rundle, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset on clear days.
In winter, Lake Minnewanka offers a truly magical sight. When conditions are right, you may witness the unique “bubble lake” phenomenon, where frozen methane bubbles appear beneath the ice, creating a stunning and unforgettable view.
Enjoy a scenic drive past Two Jack Lake before returning to Banff around 5:30 PM, as the day comes to a close.
Depart from Banff in the morning and head west, passing the famous Spiral Tunnels, an incredible feat of engineering built during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Continue on to Emerald Lake, where the crystal-clear water remains stunning even in winter, offering a peaceful, storybook-like setting.
You’ll then visit the Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park, a striking rock formation carved by the rushing waters of the Kicking Horse River. Here, you can see firsthand how powerful water flow has sculpted this natural stone arch over thousands of years.
Next, you’ll visit the iconic Lake Louise, where the frozen lake and snow-covered landscape sit beneath the towering Victoria Glacier. From January to April (subject to official schedules), the area comes alive with the Ice Magic Festival, featuring beautifully crafted ice sculptures by artists from around the world — transforming the lakeside into a truly enchanting winter scene.
After lunch, head to Marble Canyon for a light walk. The zigzagging wooden bridges cross a winding stream, flanked by towering limestone cliffs and frozen waterfalls. In winter, the ice formations sparkle like crystal, creating a truly breathtaking scene.
The Banff sightseeing tour will end at around 5:15 PM, with an estimated arrival in Calgary at approximately 7:15 PM.
Depart Calgary in the morning and head east across Alberta’s endless prairies to Drumheller, where rolling badlands, eroded cliffs, and striking red-and-white rock layers reveal the raw beauty of nature.
Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum (approx. 150 minutes, including lunch time), home to one of the world’s most impressive collections of dinosaur fossils, bringing the prehistoric world to life.
Pass by the World’s Largest Dinosaur for a photo opportunity, then enjoy a short walk at the Hoodoos Trail, where uniquely shaped, mushroom-like rock pillars stand dramatically in the valley, carved by wind and time.
On the way back, stop at CrossIron Mills Outlet, Alberta’s largest outlet shopping destination, offers a diverse shopping experience with over 200 stores, from luxury brands to popular retailers. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, great dining options, and entertainment, all while taking advantage of Alberta’s lowest provincial tax rate. It’s the perfect destination for a fun and budget-friendly shopping day.
As the day’s adventure comes to a close, we’ll return to Calgary, where your journey began, bidding farewell to the incredible landscapes of Drumheller and the Canadian Badlands. If you do not join the CrossIron Mills Outlet Shopping stop, please book flights departing after: *Domestic flights: after 6:30 PM *International flights: after 7:30 PM If you are joining the full itinerary including outlet shopping, please book flights departing after: *Domestic flights: after 9:00 PM *International flights: after 10:00 PM
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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