Banff Day Trip Tours From Calgary

Focusing solely on one day Banff tours that leave from Calgary. These tours are long day trips and focus on all the main highlights in the park in just a short amount of time. Note that these are just suggestions, and if you’re looking for more tips, you can see our full example itinerary for Banff.
Banff Day Trips From Calgary
Banff Area & Johnston Canyon 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff

This long-day tour leaves Calgary and takes visitors to Banff Avenue, with an optional visit to the Banff Gondola. It then brings guests along the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon, where you can hike to the Lower and Upper Falls at the famous attraction. There is also a stop at Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, and a 15-minute stop to see the hoodoos nearby before heading back to Calgary.
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, & Banff Tour

This is one of the top-selling tours in the summer as it brings visitors to the most sought-after spots in Banff National Park – Lake Louise and Moraine Lake after there’s also a stop at Johnston Canyon. This is the ideal tour if your main agenda is seeing Moraine and Lake Louise.
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake

This tour not only takes you into Banff but also into Yoho National Park to set the dazzling Emerald Lake. Besides the lakes, you’ll also pass by Spiral Tunnels and the Natural Bridge on your way to Emerald Lake. This is a great tour if you don’t want to worry about any of the hassles of getting to Moraine Lake or Lake Louise. National Park Fees are also included in the tour.
Spectacular Banff Day Trip

This tour has multiple pick-up points in Calgary and starts early. The first stop in Banff will be the famous Banff Gondola, where you can take in 360 degrees of sublime beauty. Next, you’ll spend some time at Bow Falls and on Banff Avenue before heading to Lake Louise and the famous Moraine Lake. This is a great way to see the popular highlights of Banff if you have just a day.
Highlights of Banff

This tour includes a bit of everything. The first stop is the wonderful mountain town of Canmore. Next, you’ll drive the scenic Lake Minnewanka Loop Rd and stop at Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, two of the most beautiful lakes in Banff.
After that, you’ll have nearly two hours to walk around Banff Avenue. Here, you can shop till you drop or enjoy a lunch at one of the many restaurants. The last stops are Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (in the summer months). You might even get a surprise stop or two on this tour!
Hop On/ Hop Off

If you truly want a hassle-free experience, you can’t go wrong with the hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus. You can begin your adventure in Banff, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, or the Lake Louise Gondola; the decision is entirely yours. This tour really lets you explore Banff at your own pace, and that includes a visit to Moraine Lake. Take as long or as short as you need at each stop.
The only bad news is this tour does not leave from Calgary, but instead from The Moose Hotel in Banff. So as long as you can get yourself there to start your day, you’ll be on a fabulous day in the Rockies. This summer-only tour runs from early June to mid September.
Icefields Parkway (Stops at Peyto Lake)

This tour is for those whose main interest is hopping on the Icefields Parkway. Tours depart early morning from Banff or Canmore (not Calgary) and take visitors to Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake, and then hop on the Icefields Parkway, stopping at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake before turning around and heading back!
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Calgary

- Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown is our go to hotel when we’re staying in Calgary. It’s a beautiful modern hotel that is located in downtown Calgary. It’s convenient to Chinatown, the Bow River, and the downtown core. We also love the ability to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and rewards nights.
- Fairmont Palliser Hotel has an impressive portfolio of Canada’s most iconic hotels such as the Banff Springs, The Empress, and Le Château Frontenac. The Palliser is no exception and is the best hotel for luxury in Calgary.
- aLoft Calgary is a great option for a trendy, affordable hotel. We’ve stayed at several aLofts, and they always offer a reliable level of service and comfort. The hotel offers a spa, fitness center, pool, and bar.
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendation is the Banff Gondola – a must do experience! If you want to get active, consider snowshoeing on top of the world. Lastly, enjoy nighttime in Banff on this Sunset and Stars Tour!
- Want an all in one tour? Pursuit is running this special Winter Wonder tour on weekends!
- Transport in the winter: If you don’t want to drive to Banff in the winter, we totally get it. To avoid this book with the Banff Airporter.
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy.
- We can help you plan your 2025 trip to Western Canada! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning we can assist! We’ll personally go over your itinerary, hop on a 1 on 1 phone call, or create a bespoke itinerary just for you! See our services here.