Banff: Gondola, Hot Spring and Three Lakes Tour
Description
What sets Canadian Rockies Tour and Travels LTD apart is our deep local knowledge, personalized service, and carefully curated itineraries that showcase the very best of Banff and the Rockies. From breathtaking gondola rides to relaxing hot springs and hidden lake gems, we create unforgettable experiences blending adventure, culture, and relaxation — all with comfortable transport and friendly guides who ensure every moment is seamless and memorable. Choose us for authentic, hassle-free exploration off the beaten path!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Travelers will ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the town of Banff. At the top, they can explore the boardwalk, visit the interpretive center, dine with a view, and capture unforgettable photos.
At the Banff Upper Hot Springs, travelers will soak in soothing natural mineral waters while surrounded by stunning mountain views. This relaxing experience offers the perfect way to unwind, with modern facilities, changing rooms, and towel rentals available on-site.
In Banff Town, travelers will explore a charming mountain community filled with boutique shops, cozy cafés, local restaurants, and historic landmarks. Stroll along Banff Avenue, enjoy scenic views of the surrounding peaks, and experience the unique culture and hospitality of the Rockies.
At Lake Minnewanka, travelers will experience the stunning beauty of Banff's largest glacial lake. They can embark on a scenic boat cruise to Devil's Gap, rent a canoe or kayak, or hike along the lakeshore trail to Stewart Canyon. The area offers opportunities for picnicking, wildlife spotting, and photography, all set against a backdrop of majestic mountain ranges. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a picturesque spot for ice skating and snowshoeing. Whether seeking adventure or tranquility, Lake Minnewanka provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
At Two Jack Lake, travelers will discover a serene alpine setting perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. The lake's emerald waters, framed by majestic Mount Rundle, offer a picturesque backdrop for photography and nature appreciation. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shoreline trail, ideal for families and casual hikers, providing easy access to picnic areas and scenic viewpoints. The lake is a popular spot for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing during the warmer months. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a picturesque spot for ice skating and snowshoeing.
At Johnson Lake, travelers will enjoy a serene and scenic experience in Banff National Park. This tranquil lake is ideal for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking, thanks to its relatively warmer waters and calm conditions. A 3 km loop trail encircles the lake, offering easy hiking through forested paths with picturesque mountain views. The area is perfect for picnicking, with numerous tables and grassy spots near the shoreline. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a popular spot for ice skating and snowshoeing. Whether seeking relaxation or light adventure, Johnson Lake provides a peaceful retreat amidst the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
At Bow Falls, travelers will witness a stunning, wide cascade along the Bow River, just a short walk from downtown Banff. Though the falls drop only about 9 meters (30 feet), their impressive breadth and the surrounding mountain scenery make them a must-see attraction. Bow Falls is easily accessible, with nearby parking and well-maintained trails, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. Whether you're capturing photos, enjoying a picnic, or simply taking in the natural beauty, Bow Falls provides a memorable experience in the heart of Banff National Park.
At Surprise Corner in Banff, travelers will discover a breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel set against the majestic backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. This spot provides a unique perspective of the "Castle in the Rockies" nestled amidst lush forests and towering peaks.
At the Banff Town Sign, travelers can capture a quintessential photo marking their visit to Banff National Park. This iconic wooden sign, situated at the town's entrance, offers a perfect backdrop with its bold "BANFF" letters set against the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Easily accessible via a short walk from downtown along the scenic Bow River Trail, it's a must-visit spot for memorable photographs and a symbol of the adventures that await in Banff.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Please be ready at your hotel lobby or designated pickup point 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Look for our vehicle marked with the Canadian Rockies Tour and Travels LTD logo. For any changes or assistance, contact us at +1587-837-8786.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(13)
Inder was very hospitable. He was also very understanding when I can do our timings from location to location. I have a 5-year-old and so we always try to stick to the timeline but we were always a few minutes over our meet up times and still found a way to make it home on time. It's an amazing experience to go on this tour and I recommend it again!
Dear Guest, Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience on the tour. It’s especially great to know that Inder’s hospitality and understanding made your trip comfortable and enjoyable, particularly while traveling with your child. We truly appreciate your recommendation and your kind words. We hope to welcome you again in the future.
Great tour guide. Wonderful photo ops and highly recommended. Knowledgeable tour guide was very friendly.
Dear Guest, Thank you for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour, including the wonderful photo opportunities. Your appreciation for our knowledgeable and friendly guide means a lot to us. Thank you for your recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you again.
Our first time to Banff, it snowed, and some of the roads were closed. We were unable to reach some of the locations on our excursion. Our guide was very accommodating with taking us to other destinations that were just as spectacular. The Gondola ride was definitely worth the experience. Absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking views from the top. Our guide, (sorry I can’t remember his name), was very very friendly, patient and kind. The trails we walked sometimes were slippery from the snow. He made sure we had safe footing at all times. It was a challenge. Thank you for keeping us safe.
Dear Guest, Thank you for your detailed and kind review. We’re delighted to hear that your first visit to Banff was still a memorable and enjoyable experience despite the weather and road conditions. We’re especially pleased that our guide was able to adapt the itinerary, ensure your safety on snowy trails, and provide a friendly and supportive experience throughout the tour. Your kind words truly mean a lot. We’re also glad you enjoyed the Gondola ride and the breathtaking views from the top. We hope to welcome you again for another amazing visit in the future.
We had a terrific driver who took great care of us during the day. We booked the trip expecting the gondola and hot pool, however both were closed and we expected a similar experience to replace them. It was disappointing to not have that experience since it was the prime attraction that was purchased.
Dear Guest, Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you had a terrific driver who took great care of you throughout the day. We’re sorry to learn that the closure of the gondola and hot pools affected your overall experience. We understand how disappointing it can be when key attractions are not available, and we regret that the alternative arrangements did not fully meet your expectations. We truly appreciate your comments and will use them to improve how we communicate itinerary changes more clearly in the future.
This was an excellent breathtaking amazing experience to see a lot of lakes from Banff national park.our tour guide/bus driver Vikrum Kunar was kind professional friendly and excellent in the entire trip really 14 hours total which is exhausting but very fulfilling our bucket list Thank you Mr Kumar and TripAdvisor for this wonderful experience highly recommend-Avel
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re thrilled to hear that you had an excellent and breathtaking experience exploring the lakes of Banff National Park. Vikrum Kumar will be pleased to know that his professionalism, friendliness, and guidance made your 14-hour tour fulfilling and memorable. We greatly appreciate your high recommendation and look forward to welcoming you on another unforgettable adventure soon!
Unbeatable price - to see all. Worth of the price. 100% suggest to take this tour- you will love. The driver Inder was great. Love this tour with beautiful memories.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour, found it great value, and created beautiful memories. Inder will be pleased to know that his efforts made a positive impact on your experience. We look forward to welcoming you on another memorable tour soon!
To start I want my money back. This tour provided really nothing it stated it was going to. From the pick up spot we were herded into a group by a third party in some white panel van. Our driver arrived late by 15-20 minutes. Once inside the van for the tour, we were told I drive you to Banff. The first stop of the tour was at an A&W on the side of the highway. Driver had to buy water. He stated this would be a 10 -15 minute stop trying a half hour. He bought 48 bottles of water and threw them in the front of the van. At no time did he really speak during the tour. The only.information the guide shared was about Two Jack Lake. He shared the lake was named after two jacks that worked really hard. The confusion when we arrived in Banff for the gondola was not easily erased. We chose to do the gondola even with an extra cost of 205 bucks for 2 people well over the suggested extra cost. The guide said he would help us book tickets, then said you go up to ticket desk and say this. There was some confusion so he did eventually come up and instructed us to come back in one hour. We were down in time. We were rushed over to the hot springs and told to hurry and see the pool. We paid for tickets that were never provided to us and we were not given time to use the pool. We were to stop at the Banff sign but I guess they did that with those who chose not to do the Gondola because we did not get to do this. Paid too much for a tour that was extra for everything. Unclear instructions from the guide and when we tried to clear things up he was very rude and dismissive. His driving was scary and his English was very limited. On the way back to the drop off spot he talked on his headset the entire time, not adressing any of the participants. We lost 2 people on this tour. One refusing to get back on the bus because of the drivers ignorant behavior. Please don't use this tour company. This tour company has a lot to answer for.
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We are truly sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations and that several aspects of the tour fell short of the high standards we strive to maintain. Please accept our sincere apologies for the delays, the confusion regarding the itinerary and tickets, and any discomfort caused by the driver’s conduct and communication. Your concerns about safety and service are taken very seriously, and we will be conducting a thorough review with our operations team and the guide involved. We understand how disappointing it must have been to feel rushed and not receive the quality of experience promised. We would like to make this right and discuss how best to address your concerns, including your request for a refund. Please reach out to us directly at [contact information] so we can assist you further and ensure your concerns are fully addressed. Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. Your feedback helps us improve our services for all future guests.
The tour manager was very accommodative of our last minute request to reschedule our trip. We were able to take the trip on another day and had a very good experience with our guide Vikram.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re glad to hear that our team was able to accommodate your last-minute rescheduling request and that you had a very enjoyable experience with Vikram as your guide. We look forward to welcoming you on another memorable tour soon!
Do not select the option to purchase admission tickets to the hot springs in advance with this tour. You do not get them and then they won’t refund your money. The tour that we went on was also not what we signed up for. It seemed like they combined 2 tours together and we went to lakes that were not in the original itinerary plus they were going to skip the hot spring altogether because we were the only travelers in the group who had that option on our tour. So we were given 15 minutes at the very end of the tour to walk on our own from the gondola to the hot springs, only to be told they would not honor our tour ticket that said “with hot springs” as they have no contract with Viator and we could pay another $16.50 each again if we wanted to go in. I have requested a refund from the tour operator several times and still haven’t received it. This is the first time I have had a bad experience with a tour on this app.
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear about your experience and the confusion regarding the Hot Springs admission. Please know that all activities should align with the confirmed itinerary, and we regret any changes or miscommunication that occurred. We’re currently reviewing your booking details and will follow up regarding your refund request as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and the opportunity to make this right.
Worst, we originally booked for Gondola, hot springs, and three lakes. We got mail in the midnight before the trip that we are going to lake Louise and lake moraine. We had planned to go to lakes the next day. It messed up our plans. The manager said take the lakes tour and I will adjust you next day for Gondola. So we cancelled the lakes trip which was with other agency and went with them. The next day the manager says I couldn't accommodate you and you can take full refund. The manager's mismanagement ruined our trip, messed up our plans, and we haven't got the refund. One more thing, we had to argue with the manager the whole trip instead of enjoying the trip that they put us in. Please get us our full refund ASAP if the agency is reading this.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We sincerely apologize for the disruption and inconvenience caused by the last-minute itinerary change and the resulting impact on your travel plans. We understand how frustrating it must have been to adjust your schedule based on assurances that could not be fulfilled, and we regret that this led to further confusion and dissatisfaction during your trip. Arguing with a manager instead of enjoying your experience is certainly not the standard we aim to deliver. We are currently reviewing the details of your booking and will prioritize processing your refund as requested. You will receive a confirmation as soon as it has been completed. Thank you for your patience, and again, we are very sorry for the inconvenience caused.
