【Classic Tour + Summer Tour】4-Day Canada Tour from Calgary: Banff, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield and Yoho

Welcome to Calgary! Enjoy the dazzling mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows, blue-green lakes, dense forests and abundant wild animals. Immerse yourself into the nature, and enjoy local delicacies.

Your choices of full day/half day [Guided/ Self-Guided City Tour] (Additional Fees):

  1) [ City Walk - Full day Calgary Tour] Back to the Time at Heritage Park+Explore "Calgary CBD" + check out trendy locations (Start at 9:00 am, includes guide and transfer, 8hr)

  2) [ City Guided - Explore - Route A] Explore "Calgary CBD" + check out trendy locations + The Core shopping mall (For guests arrive Calgary before 12:00 pm, the tour starts at 1:30 pm, 5hr)

  3) [ City Self-Explore - Route C ] Shopping! Shopping! Shopping! @ CrossIron Mills Outlet (For guests arrive Calgary before 12:00 pm, the tour starts at 1:30pm, 5hr)

  4) [ City Self-Explore - Route D ] Shopping @ Chinook Centre (For guests arrive Calgary before 12:00 pm, the tour starts at 1:30pm, 5hr)

Visit Banff National Park to marvel at the beauty and grandeur of the granite peaks. It is hard to miss this natural wonder. Enjoy a ride to the Sulphur Mountain Summit on [Banff Gondola]. Next, you can see [Banff Hoodoos], "Devil's Rock." Following [Bow Falls], It is almost like you are enchanted with time when the river roars in summer. After taking a peek at the [Surprise Corner], the spectacular viewpoint for the famous [Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel], we will visit and make a lunch stop at this Iconic Castle hotel. Finally, hiking at [Johnston Canyon] This popular hiking spot takes you to stunning waterfalls. The trail will take you through open meadows and glacial lakes. (If the attraction has been closed due to maintenance or any other force majeure, we will visit Lake Minnewanka or Two Jack Lake as an alternate attraction.)

Recommendations in the evening: [Banff Night Tour] (min. 2 participants, about 2 hours). You may encounter some fascinating wildlife and capture some amazing pictures of Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka just like Award winner movies - 'Brokeback Mountain' and 'The Revenant'!

【Itinerary】

Calgary - Banff Gondola (Additional fees) (90 min) - Hoodoos (15 min) - Bow Falls (15 min) - Surprise Corner (15 min) - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Lunch stop [French Brasserie] (Optional with additional fees) (75 min) - Johnston Canyon (60 min)

  

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is Canada's first national park, and is a destination on innumerous people’s bucket lists from all around the world. The most famous attractions in the park are Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Banff National Park is also home to countless iconic natural landmarks from majestic mountain ranges to gorgeous turquoise lakes, to beautiful waterfalls, and canyons.

Sulphur Mountain

Sulphur Mountain is a mountain located in Banff, Alberta, Canada. At the peak of the mountain you will be amazed by the incredible 360 degree view on the skywalk, of six majestic mountain ranges, beautiful rivers and valleys, the Bow Valley as well as the Town of Banff. Surrounded by the massive peaks that reach the sky, you feel as if you are at the heart of the planet.

Hoodoos

Hoodoos take millions of years to form and stand 5 to 7 meters tall. Each hoodoo is a sandstone pillar resting on a thick base of shale that is capped by a large stone. Hoodoos are very fragile and can erode completely if their capstone is dislodged. The protected Hoodoos site is a guaranteed spot to see Hoodoos but smaller versions of these sandstone giants can be found all over the Badlands. The Hoodoos make a great stop on the way to the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site in East Coulee.

Bow Falls 

Located 2.7 km from the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is Bow Falls. The astounding scene and the powerful sound of aqua green water crashing over limestone is truly a remarkable experience. The bow falls is a shallow but wide waterfall on the bow river. Several Hollywood films of the 1950s were filmed here! Famous Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe once was swept over the bow falls as they filmed for “River of No Return.”

Surprise Corner 

The Surprise corner is named after its spectacular views of the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel that is cozily nestled at the heart of a dense forest with the beautiful Sulphur Mountain as a backdrop. This beautiful scene is elevated with Bow River cascading down into the Bow Falls as a foreground. The magnificent scene at Surprise Corner will make you feel as if you have travelled into a fairytale story.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, also known as the "Castle of the Rockies" has a history of more than one hundred years. This iconic gem is nestled among the majestic Rocky Mountains with the clear Bow River at its feet. Whether you are soaking in the hot springs outdoors or indoors, you can admire the distant Rocky Mountains peacefully. The snow on the peaks, the blue sky, and the cool air are enough to make you feel like one with nature.

Johnston Canyon 

As Banff National Park's most popular hiking destination, you won't want to miss Johnston Canyon. Johnston Canyon is carved into the limestone bedrock from thousands of years of water erosion. On this hike, you will be immersed into a beautiful scene of overhanging canyon walls, waterfalls, and lush forest. Every moment at Johnston Canyon is a memory as you explore depths and different perspectives of the beautiful gorge.

 

 

Today, we will drive along [Icefields Parkway], National Geographic magazine has voted it as one of the most beautiful scenic highways on the planet. This breathtaking drive blends jaw-dropping views with pristine wilderness. Pass by the snow-capped mountain peaks of [Crowfoot Glacier]. Following the visit to [Bow Lake], the lake is a bright turquoise color which is due to the glacial runoff from Bow Glacier. Shortly after, we will come to [Peyto Lake], a must-see lake in Banff National Park for its unique maple shape or vibrant blue glacier-fed water. (Note: If the Peyto Lake is under maintenance or other force majeure, we will go to Waterfowl Lake and Big Hill as an alternative attraction.)

Next, we will arrive at [Columbia Icefield] and experience the stunning beauty of [Athabasca Glacier], the largest and oldest icefield in North America. For an unforgettable trip into this region, take a ride of [Ice Explorer - Snowcoach] for an in-depth perspective of the glacier.

【Itinerary】

Banff - Crowfoot Glacier (Pass by) - Bow Lake (20 min) - Peyto Lake (30 min) - Lunch stop (Optional Western Lunch Box with additional fees)(60 min) - Columbia Icefield [Snowcoach] (Additional fees) (90min)

 

Crowfoot Glacier

Attached to the Northeast side of the Crowfoot Mountain and overlooking the Bow Lake lies the Crowfoot Glacier. This huge mass of ice was named a century ago because its appearance resembled that of a three-toed crowfoot. Be sure to take lots of photos because the next time you visit Crowfoot Glacier, it might not look the same anymore!

Bow Lake

Bow Lake is a stop you will not regret taking while you are travelling across Icefield Parkway. When the lake thaws in the summer, it becomes a vivid blue colour from the glacier melt of the Crowfoot Glacier. Speaking of the Crowfoot Glacier, the Bow Lake is also the perfect place to view the Crowfoot Glacier, Wapta Icefield, bow glacier, crowfoot mountain and Mount Thompson. It really seems like the ultimate all in one package!

Icefields Parkway

Joining the hamlet of Lake Louise in Banff with the Town of Jasper in Jasper National Park is one of the most scenic highways in the world --- Icefields Parkway. Along the 230 km mountain road, every corner on the Icefields Parkway reveals another one of nature's splendor, from the ancient glaciers and cascading waterfalls to the vivid colours of lakes and lush forests . Many stops along the Icefields Parkway deserve a stop.

Peyto Lake

Located along the Icefields Parkway, approximately 40km north of Lake Louise is the vibrant glacier-fed lake, Peyto Lake. The lake is nestled in majestic mountain ranges which lie on each of its sides. This jaw dropping view is the best reward for an intense scrambling hike. The scenery on the viewpoint looks as if it is a carefully painted piece of art. Peyto Lake's beauty is comparable with the famous Moraine Lake without as many crowds.

Columbia Icefield

It is the world's largest ice remains outside the Arctic Circle. The glacier lies partially in Jasper, extends between summits of Mount Columbia, and reaches the paved highway of Banff. That covers approximately 230 square km. Due to the high density of ice in the glacier, sunlight cannot be refracted. This results in a crystal-like blue light radiating out of the surface, presenting a magnificent view.

 

In the morning, we will pass [Castle Mountain] on the way to [Lake Louise], one of the most visited destinations in the Canadian Rockies; known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks, overlooked by a stately chateau and backed by [Victoria Glacier] and elevated by [Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise]. Followed closely by [Moraine Lake] (Open Seasonal/Alternative Attractions: Lake Minnewanka/Vermilion Lakes). Set in the rugged Valley of the [Ten Peaks], amazing colors create a unique appearance used on the Canadian dollar bill. After a lunch stop at Lake Louise Village (Optional choice of [Grill & Bar Asian or Western Set Lunch] with additional charges), we will enter the Yoho National Park, pass by [Spiral Tunnel] This section of the Canadian Pacific Railway carries too much blood and tears of railroad workers and history. Arrive [Emerald Lake], the place where the amazing blue-green color is caused by the sunlight reflecting off the "marl" layer. This is a extraordinary natural beauty! Before ending our tour, you will be amazed by the waterfall cascading over [Natural Bridge]. Enjoy the sounds of nature as you stroll along the path that leads to the Bridge.

【Itinerary】

Banff - Lake Louise (75 min) - Moraine Lake (45 min) - Lunch Stop at Lake Louise Village [Optional [Grill & Bar] Asian or Western Set Lunch with additional charges) (60 min) - Yoho National Park - Emerald Lake (20 min) - Natural Bridge (15 min)

Lake Louise

If there is only one place you can go while you are in the Canadian Rockies, you must visit Lake Louise. Also named "Jewel of the Rockies", this world famous turquoise lake draws millions of visitors every year. This gorgeous alpine lake is embellished with Victoria Glacier as the backdrop. The rugged peaks and glaciers behind the lake makes the scenery of the lake seem as if it were a carefully designed painting.

 

Moraine Lake

Located 14 km southeast of the hamlet of Lake Louise is home to Moraine Lake, a beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by the Ten Peaks, waterfalls, and rock piles. The colour of the water actually changes intensity through the summer. Explore further by canoeing to the heart of the lake, or go on a hiking adventure that will lead you to a vista giving you a birds eye view of the beautiful Moraine Lake.

 

Emerald Lake

One of the most admired destinations in Yoho National Park is Emerald Lake. This gorgeous emerald coloured lake is a result of the light refracting the deposit of rock flour in the lake. Emerald Lake is surrounded by the President Range that forms a natural amphitheater with towering forested banks. If you look carefully, you might be able to spot some really cool wildlife such as marmots, bald eagle, bears, loons, and the occasional moose!

Natural Bridge

Stop at the Natural Bridge along the way and admire the Kicking Horse River as it carves a path through ancient rock. You can view the incredible natural formation from different perspectives at vantage points with interpretive displays that tell you about interesting facts about Natural Bridge. This beautiful scenery is enhanced with the scenic mountains and lush forests in the background.

 

Dropoff Points in Banff: 

* Elk + Avenue Hotel

Dropoff Points in  Calgary: 

* Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza, 1316 33rd St NE, Calgary AB T2A 6B6.

* Delta Calgary Downtown, 209 4th Ave SE, Calgary AB T2G 0C6.

* Calgary International Airport, pease ensure that your flight departs after 10:30pm. Please understand that depending on the situation, your arrival time in Calgary may be adjusted.