Banff Top 5 Lakes and Banff Town Day Trip From Calgary

4.6
(9 reviews)

10 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Embark on a breathtaking full-day adventure through Banff National Park and Yoho National Park. Start your journey with a scenic drive to the stunning Lake Louise, followed by the iconic Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake and Johnson Lake known for their glacier-fed turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrops.

Continue to the serene Emerald Lake, a hidden gem in Yoho National Park, perfect for a peaceful lakeside stroll or photo stop. Explore the majestic Johnston Canyon, walking along scenic trails and catwalks to see the Lower Fall. This is an Optional Stop.

Wrap up your day in the charming mountain town of Banff, where you can shop, dine, or take in the views before returning to your original departure point or take an optional stop at Banff Gondola. This tour is the ultimate way to experience the best of the Canadian Rockies in one unforgettable day.

What's Included

Professional local guide and driver
Bottled water
Admission Fee to National Park
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pickup and drop-off in Calgary, Canmore, or Banff
Meals
No large baggage is allowed
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and other expenses not listed in the Cost Includes.
Tickets of Boat cruise at Lake Minnewanka (Available Online or Onsite for Purchase)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

To ensure a smooth and timely start to your tour, please be ready at your designated pickup location a few minutes before the scheduled time. 7:30 AM – Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown (Calgary) ▸ Meet your vehicle at the designated passenger pickup area across the street. 9:00 AM – Canmore Inn & Suites (Canmore) ▸ Wait in the main parking lot near the entrance. ▸ This area is clearly marked for tour pickups. 9:30 AM – Moose Hotel & Suites (Banff) ▸ Wait near the hotel’s main entrance. ▸ The vehicle will stop briefly for boarding, so ensure you are visible to the driver.

Itinerary

Duration: 10 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Lake Louise offers stunning activities year-round. In summer, enjoy canoeing, hiking to teahouses. In winter, go ice skating, skiing, or take sleigh rides across the frozen lake. Year-round, relax at the Fairmont Chateau, explore nearby Moraine Lake, and spot local wildlife. It’s perfect for both adventure and relaxation.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 2

    You can enjoy canoeing on the vibrant turquoise waters, hiking the easy 5.2 km Emerald Lake Loop, or exploring more challenging trails like the route to Emerald Basin. The lake is perfect for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. In winter, the area transforms into a peaceful snowy landscape ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

    50 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3

    Johnston Canyon near Banff offers an easy and scenic hike to two beautiful waterfalls. Walk the catwalk trail to the Lower Falls (1 km) and continue to the Upper Falls (2.5 km total one way) for stunning views. You can also hike further to the Ink Pots, a series of colorful spring pools. In winter, the frozen waterfalls create a magical landscape perfect for icy walks or guided ice climbing. It’s a great year-round spot for nature lovers, photographers, and families. This is an optional stop.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4

    Banff offers year-round activities for nature lovers and adventurers. In summer, enjoy hiking, canoeing on glacier-fed lakes, riding the Banff Gondola, mountain biking, and soaking in hot springs. Winter brings ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing, dog sledding, and cozy sleigh rides. Wildlife viewing and cultural experiences like visiting museums and festivals are great any time. Banff is perfect for outdoor fun and relaxation.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Lake Minnewanka offers plenty of outdoor fun year-round. In summer, you can take scenic boat cruises, rent canoes(Tickets are not included), hike nearby trails, and enjoy wildlife viewing. In winter, the frozen lake is great for ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

    55 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Two Jack Lake is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in the summer. You can also camp at nearby campgrounds with great facilities. In winter, enjoy ice skating and snowshoeing, plus wildlife watching year-round. It’s a peaceful spot for outdoor fun and relaxation.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Johnson Lake is a peaceful, family-friendly spot in Banff National Park. Just minutes from the town of Banff, it’s known for its calm waters, easy hiking trail, and beautiful views of Cascade Mountain. In summer, visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, or a relaxing walk around the lake, while in fall the golden trees create a stunning reflection on the water.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8

    The Banff Gondola is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park. It takes visitors on a scenic 8-minute ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, offering breathtaking views of six surrounding mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the town of Banff below. At the top, you’ll find observation decks, interactive exhibits, restaurants, and the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk that leads to the historic Cosmic Ray Station. It’s a year-round experience—perfect for panoramic mountain views in summer and magical snowy scenery in winter. Please Note : This is an Optional Stop

    1 hour 20 minutes Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not recommended for travelers with moving sickness
Supplied by Banff Trip Planner Inc.

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
4WD Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Car Tours
Small Group
Adventure Tours
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

Rating

4.6 Based on 9 9 reviews
5 stars
8
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Likely to sell out
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}