Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 222 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour worth booking?
Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour is a 8-hour experience in Canmore, Canada, from $87 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 222 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (222)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $87 per person
Your adventure begins with a scenic ride on the Banff Gondola, ascending Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of Banff and its majestic peaks—an awe-inspiring experience. Next, marvel at the stunning Lake Louise, known for its striking turquoise waters and impressive mountain backdrop. Take a moment to soak in the serene beauty of this world-famous spot. We'll stop at Morant's Curve, a picturesque viewpoint along the Canadian Pacific Railway, perfect for capturing a train winding through the Rockies. Then, visit Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, a tranquil gem of vibrant colors. Explore Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake, both offering stunning vistas and tranquility. Don’t miss the Natural Bridge, a remarkable rock formation shaped by the Kicking Horse River. Conclude your day in charming Banff Downtown, where vibrant streets are filled with boutique shops and delightful dining.
What you get
About this experience
Your adventure begins with a scenic ride on the Banff Gondola, ascending Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of Banff and its majestic peaks—an awe-inspiring experience. Next, marvel at the stunning Lake Louise, known for its striking turquoise waters and impressive mountain backdrop. Take a moment to soak in the serene beauty of this world-famous spot. We'll stop at Morant's Curve, a picturesque viewpoint along the Canadian Pacific Railway, perfect for capturing a train winding through the Rockies. Then, visit Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, a tranquil gem of vibrant colors. Explore Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake, both offering stunning vistas and tranquility. Don’t miss the Natural Bridge, a remarkable rock formation shaped by the Kicking Horse River. Conclude your day in charming Banff Downtown, where vibrant streets are filled with boutique shops and delightful dining.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional Tour Guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Gondola Tickets
- Hot Water Spring Tickets
- Cruise Tickets
What you'll see and do
Banff Gondola
With our Banff Gondola experience, travelers will ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where panoramic views of Banff, the Bow Valley, and surrounding peaks await. At the top, explore the mountaintop boardwalk, take in breathtaking vistas, visit the interpretive center, and enjoy dining with a view. After descending, immerse yourself in Banff’s charming town, where you can shop, dine, and explore the local culture. This experience combines awe-inspiring nature and vibrant town life, offering a perfect day in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Lake Minnewanka
On our Lake Minnewanka experience, travelers will enjoy a scenic journey along Banff's largest lake, surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes. Marvel at crystal-clear waters, breathtaking views, and abundant wildlife. Choose between a lake cruise or kayaking for an up-close exploration. Hike along the lakeshore, capture memorable photos, and relax in a serene mountain setting. With opportunities for adventure and tranquility, this experience offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor enjoyment in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Two Jack Lake
On our Two Jack Lake experience, travelers will immerse themselves in the serene beauty of this picturesque, turquoise lake framed by towering pine trees and Mount Rundle in the background. Enjoy peaceful lakeside strolls, stunning photo opportunities, and the chance to spot local wildlife in their natural habitat. Bring a picnic to relax by the water’s edge or explore nearby trails for a closer look at Banff's rugged landscapes. With its tranquil ambiance and captivating views, this experience is ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat in nature.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Banff
In our Banff Downtown experience, travelers will explore the vibrant heart of Banff, a charming mountain town filled with boutique shops, local art galleries, and unique souvenirs. Walk along lively Banff Avenue, where spectacular views of surrounding peaks meet an array of restaurants, offering delicious local cuisine for lunch. Savor regional flavors, from Canadian classics to international options, while enjoying the town’s bustling yet cozy ambiance. This experience is perfect for those looking to blend adventure with a taste of Banff's rich culture and mountain-town charm.
60 minutes here
Lake Louise
In our Lake Louise experience, travelers will be captivated by the stunning turquoise waters of one of Canada’s most iconic lakes, surrounded by towering peaks and the majestic Victoria Glacier. Begin with a scenic walk along the lakeshore, where the colors of the water shift with the sunlight. Explore various viewpoints to capture unforgettable photos, or opt for a canoe ride to experience the lake up close. Wander the area and enjoy the tranquil alpine ambiance, with the option to visit the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for refreshments. This serene experience offers breathtaking views and the perfect blend of nature and history.
40 minutes here
Emerald Lake
In our Emerald Lake experience, travelers will discover the vibrant, jade-colored waters nestled in the pristine wilderness of Yoho National Park. This scenic spot offers peaceful lakeside strolls, with views framed by towering mountains and lush forests. Travelers can choose to canoe on the lake’s glassy surface or walk the easy shoreline trail, perfect for capturing reflections of the surrounding peaks. There’s also an opportunity to explore the nearby historic Emerald Lake Lodge for a cozy retreat or a meal with a view. This serene, nature-immersed experience offers a glimpse of Yoho’s untouched beauty.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Natural Bridge
At the Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park, travelers will witness the powerful Kicking Horse River carving through solid rock, creating a unique natural rock formation. This incredible spot showcases how water has sculpted an impressive stone arch over centuries. Travelers can observe the rushing turquoise waters from multiple viewpoints and learn about the fascinating geological forces at play. They’ll also enjoy scenic trails around the area, ideal for capturing photos of the river and surrounding lush forest. This stop provides a stunning glimpse into Yoho’s dynamic landscapes and natural history.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Johnson Lake
At Johnson Lake in Banff National Park, travelers can enjoy tranquil walks along the scenic shoreline trails, indulge in paddleboarding or kayaking on the calm waters, and take in breathtaking mountain reflections. It's also a popular spot for picnics and spotting local wildlife amidst stunning natural beauty.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Lower Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint
The Spiral Tunnels in British Columbia are an engineering marvel on the Canadian Pacific Railway, designed to reduce the steep grade through Kicking Horse Pass. Travelers often marvel at the sight of long trains looping through these tunnels, creating a fascinating optical illusion. It's a popular spot for railway and history enthusiasts.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Canadian's Rockies Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- For your visit, please allow approximately 3-4 hours for round-trip travel time between all locations.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 222 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
222 verified traveler reviews for Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful experience...
Beautiful experience thank you the tour guide was very helpful and informative , I would highly recommend
via Viator
The itinerary was changed...
The itinerary was changed a day before, from 9:00 am to 7:30 am in pick up destination.. Not satisfied because all written in our itinerary were changed.We booked ahead but we missed some places/ destination.
via Viator
They cancelled our tour day before at 1pm. Unprofessional.
They cancelled our tour day before at around 1pm due to operational issues they said. Unfortunately I have read their "email" at around 6pm since we are also touring (good thing we booked our day 1 from another operator-Banff everydaytours. Day 2 should be this one) It was confusing because I booked the Gondola and Emerald lake tour but on their email they mentioned MY NAME and said MORAINE LAKE TOUR IS CANCELLED so I was confused. I immediately contacted them and no one answered the call since it's already past office hours. Around 7pm they called me to tell that they indeed have to cancel our tour and they just put a wrong tour on the email they have sent then offered the refund or we can join the other tour that they have for tomorrow (same day we booked our tour) I declined. We flew from BC and we're not Alberta locals, we have a flight and schedules to catch and planned. We even bought a non-refundable gondola tickets already which was not included on their fee just to hear that they will be cancelling the tour. I would appreciate it if they had said it earlier than "A day before" right? or at least "call the person" don't rely on the email as some people might be busy during the day and doesn't had time to check on the emails like what happened to me. The person who called me even told me "You can still book for tomorrow to other tours" then I was like "seriously?? are you kidding me it's already 7pm" We just let it pass and charge it to one of our bad experience. Does a tour operator can easily do that? I believe there are others as well that had the same experience. I was suppose to do this write up on Viator but I can't because they only limit the reviews to those who have successfully had the tour.
via Tripadvisor
Had a great experience...
Had a great experience with the tour. Tour guide Sam is so nice and patient. The tour went smoothly.
via Viator
Great trip
Was just the best day. Host was very knowledgeable and everything went smoothly. Saw all that we should have, and more. An excellent taster to get to know the area.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $87 to $119
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 78
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Canadian's Rockies Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.5.
See everything Canadian's Rockies Tours runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Canmore.
How much does Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour cost?
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Prices start at $87 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Canmore usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Canmore is not rushed.
Is Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 222 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Canmore, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour?
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Around 78 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Canmore can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Canmore and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Canmore within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Canmore?
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On Outty we rank every Canmore experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Explore Banff, Moraine Lake, Louise, Johnston Canyon & Bow Falls, 8 Iconic Stops. 12 Comfy Seats. See Banff's Best in First Class., Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Tour from Calgary - Canmore - Banff. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Canmore?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Canmore?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour?
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Included: Bottled water; On-board WiFi; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Professional Tour Guide. Not included: Lunch; Breakfast; Gondola Tickets; and Hot Water Spring Tickets. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 5 listed pickup locations in and around Canmore. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka Tour?
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Across 222 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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