You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Banff National Park & Gondola Day Tour from Calgary or Banff

136 Reviews 4.46 out of 5 stars Based on 136 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Calgary, Canada
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

9 to 11 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 2 more
Mandarin, Japanese

Overview

Discover Banff National Park with us on a guided day tour from Calgary or Banff. Enjoy approximately 90 minutes to explore Banff town’s shops and cafés, then see the rushing water at Bow Falls and photograph the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel from Surprise Corner.

At the Banff Gondola stop, you can choose to purchase a ride up Sulphur Mountain for sweeping Rocky Mountain views; admission costs extra. On eligible dates, explore Johnston Canyon’s trails and catwalks. From October 13 through April, the canyon visit is replaced by Cascade of Time Garden and Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where admission is optional and costs extra.

If the gondola closes, the tour visits Mt. Norquay Viewpoint and Vermilion Lakes instead. Eligible winter departures may include a crampon experience, weather permitting.

What's Included

  • Traffic Accident Insurance (10M liability)
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Free Crampon for Winter itinerary (Nov to mid-Apr)
  • Lunch Free time at Banff town for lunch will be arranged
  • Personal expense, insurance, and additional excursions
  • Specific Hotel Pick up (we meet all travelers at a meeting point)
See 5 moreSee 6 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Banff

Bus Ride from Calgary to Banff / Pick Up Guests at Banff
Read more

1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sulphur Mountain

Take the Sulphur Gondola (Optional) to the top viewing point of Mt Sulphur to enjoy a 360º view of Banff.*With the high demand, we strongly recommend to book the option provided with admission. *Tour will not visit Banff Gondola during Jan 4~15, 2027 due to Annual Maintenance. If Banff Gondola is closed, we will visit Mt. Norquay Viewpoint and Vermilion Lakes.
Read more

1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Banff Avenue

Enjoy some leisure time in downtown Banff, consider grabbing lunch or looking for a new piece of gear in a shop catering to outdoor adventurers.
Read more

1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Johnston Canyon

Known for its walking trail throughout the year. The trail to the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon has to be the busiest in the Canadian Rockies. Nearly every day throughout the summer, hundreds of hikers follow its canyon-clinging catwalks and cliff-mounting staircases to the gorge’s Lower and Upper Falls. Throughout the journey, scan the creek and its banks for dippers. Also known as water ouzels, these solitary, slate-grey birds are often seen bouncing up and down on streamside rocks.**From October 13 to the end of April 2027, this itinerary will be replaced with Cascade of Time Garden and Cave and Basin National Historic Site (Optional admission, Purchase on-site).
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Cascade Gardens

Escape the crowds and discover the Cascade of Time Garden, a hidden gem nestled in Banff National Park. Terraced into the hillside, this tranquil oasis features vibrant floral displays, cascading waterfalls, and winding stone pathways. It offers some of the most breathtaking, unobstructed photography views of iconic Cascade Mountain.**From October 13 to the end of April 2027, this attraction will replace the scheduled visit to Johnston Canyon.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Discover the birthplace of Canada’s national parks at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Banff National Park. Located in the majestic Canadian Rockies, this iconic landmark preserves the natural thermal springs discovered in 1883. Today, you can explore the atmospheric underground cave filled with mineral-rich waters, enjoy interactive cultural exhibits, and stroll along scenic marshland boardwalks to spot the rare Banff Springs Snail.*The admission fee is not included. Payable on-site. *From October 13 to the end of April 2027, this attraction will replace the scheduled visit to Johnston Canyon.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bow Falls

Location of the film "The River of no return" in 1960's. Fill your camera with misty shots of the tumbling rapids at Bow Falls.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hoodoos Trail

Hoodoos are composed sedimentary rock covered by harder rock that is harder to erode. Once softer sediment erodes rock needle, or tower like natural obstacles are left.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Surprise Corner

Capture panoramic images of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and downtown Banff framed against a backdrop of craggy peaks from the Surprise Corner lookout where most of the famous pictures have been taken.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Banff

Bus ride from attraction to Banff Town
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Calgary

Bus ride from Banff to Calgary
Read more

1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 10 more stops

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with walking difficulties or those who require a wheelchair.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Banff National Park & Gondola Day Tour from Calgary or Banff?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-220265P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.46
136 reviews

Average 4.46 out of 5 stars based on 136 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
94
4 stars
25
3 stars
8
2 stars
4
1 star
5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Banff: Lake Louise Sunrise, Wildlife & Johnston Canyon

Watch the sunrise at Lake Louise, explore Bow Falls, search for wildlife near Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, and walk Johnston Canyon on a …More

Watch the sunrise at Lake Louise, explore Bow Falls, search for wildlife near Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, and walk Johnston Canyon on a...

10 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$102

Banff and Yoho National Parks Full Day Guided Tour

Explore the stunning landscapes of Banff and Yoho National Parks on this full-day guided tour. Discover the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, …More

Explore the stunning landscapes of Banff and Yoho National Parks on this full-day guided tour. Discover the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake and Lake Louise,...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
3.5 (2)
from
$80

Explore 4 Lakes Banff & Yoho Year-Round Adventure

Explore four of the most iconic lakes of the Canadian Rockies in one unforgettable day, combined with time to enjoy the charming town of Banff. …More

Explore four of the most iconic lakes of the Canadian Rockies in one unforgettable day, combined with time to enjoy the charming town of Banff....

12 to 13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (9)
from
$84

Explore Banff National Park from Calgary private Luxury Tour

This experience is a private luxury tour, exclusively reserved for your group. When you book this tour, the vehicle and guide are dedicated only to …More

This experience is a private luxury tour, exclusively reserved for your group. When you book this tour, the vehicle and guide are dedicated only to...

10 to 12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (9)
from
$585

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Calgary: Stephen Avenue, The Bow & Downtown Walk | Gratuity-Based

Get to know downtown Calgary on foot with a local guide, from the Calgary Tower to the East Village. Start at our Toonie Tours storefront …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Get to know downtown Calgary on foot with a local guide, from the Calgary Tower to the East Village. Start at our Toonie Tours storefront...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (520)
from
$5

Lake Louise Moraine Lake Day Trip from Banff Calgary Canmore

Departing from Calgary,Canmore or Banff,relax as dramatic mountain scenery unfolds: glacier-fed rivers, towering peaks, and postcard views at every turn. Cruise past the iconic Castle …More

Departing from Calgary,Canmore or Banff,relax as dramatic mountain scenery unfolds: glacier-fed rivers, towering peaks, and postcard views at every turn. Cruise past the iconic Castle...

8 to 10 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,555)
from
$57

Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Tour from Calgary/Canmore/Banff

Best of the Best 2026 — City Balloon Tours | #1 Tour in Canada | Top 1% Worldwide This is the highest recognition City Balloon …More

Best of the Best 2026 — City Balloon Tours | #1 Tour in Canada | Top 1% Worldwide This is the highest recognition City Balloon...

8 to 10 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (4,791)
from
$72

Lake Louise Moraine Lake Emerald Lake from Banff Canmore Calgary

Discover the ultimate Moraine Lake & Lake Louise tour from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff, designed for seamless Moraine Lake access and easy Lake Louise access, …More

Discover the ultimate Moraine Lake & Lake Louise tour from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff, designed for seamless Moraine Lake access and easy Lake Louise access,...

8 to 10 hours Free Cancellation
4.6 (774)
from
$115

What's Included

Activity name

  • Traffic Accident Insurance (10M liability)
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Free Crampon for Winter itinerary (Nov to mid-Apr)
  • National Park Fee & GST
  • Professional Tour guide (Bilingual Chinese-English tour guide)
  • LunchFree time at Banff town for lunch will be arranged
  • Personal expense, insurance, and additional excursions
  • Specific Hotel Pick up (we meet all travelers at a meeting point)
  • Gratuities (Suggested: CAD $15 per person per day in cash; Suggested: CAD $20 from Nov 1st)
  • Checked-In Luggage Allowance (Extra fee may apply if needed)
  • Admission fee of Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with walking difficulties or those who require a wheelchair.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name