Banff is one of Canada’s most stunning destinations, famous for its rugged mountains, turquoise lakes, and endless outdoor opportunities. What sets Banff apart for tours is its variety — whether you want breathtaking views from Sulphur Mountain, an exhilarating glacier trek, or a leisurely boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka, there’s something for every traveler. We’re particularly fond of the Banff Gondola for its spectacular panoramic views and the Ice Explorer tour for up-close glacier adventures. These experiences give you a real feel for the vastness and beauty of the Rockies, while providing practical insights into the area’s geology and wildlife.
If you’re trying to decide which tours will make your trip memorable, this guide covers a broad range, from quick half-day trips to comprehensive full-day excursions. Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or in a small group, you’ll find options that suit your pace and interests.
1. Banff: Banff Gondola Admission Ticket
Admire spectacular views of Banff National Park’s turquoise lakes and jagged peaks on this iconic gondola ride. The 8-minute ride takes you up Sulphur Mountain to a rooftop observation deck offering 360-degree vistas. At the top, you’ll find the Above Banff Interpretive Center, where you can learn about local wildlife, geology, and history. During winter months, the Nightrise experience offers a unique way to enjoy the mountain after dark. Guests consistently praise this tour, with a 4.7/5 rating from over 3,470 reviews, highlighting its value and stunning scenery. Costing around $53, it’s perfect for those who want a quick, spectacular highlight with options for hiking and exploring.
Bottom Line: An easy, scenic way to get a broad view of Banff’s landscape — ideal for small groups or families wanting a memorable introduction to the Rockies.
2. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour
This full-day tour is a classic, covering Banff’s most famous lakes and the stunning Icefields Parkway. The 8-9 hour trip includes stops at Lake Louise, with its iconic chateau and shimmering waters, and Moraine Lake, with its towering peaks and vivid blue hues. You’ll also pass by Bow Falls on your way to the Icefield Parkway, often called one of the world’s most scenic roads. The highlight is the Ice Explorer ride onto the Columbia Icefield, where you can walk on ancient glacier ice. With a perfect 5.0 rating from over 800 reviews, travelers love the small-group setting (limited to 22 people) and the expert guidance—making it feel personalized without the hassle of driving.
For around $163, your guide provides detailed commentary on geology, wildlife, and local history. Expect a long day, but one packed with breathtaking views and memorable moments.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive way to see Banff’s top sights, especially suited for travelers who want to maximize their time and experience a variety of highlights in one trip.
3. Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus
Discover Banff National Park at your own pace with this flexible hop-on, hop-off bus tour. For $93.44, you get an 8-hour ticket that travels between key spots like Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Banff Gondola. The on-board host helps you plan your day and provides local tips, ensuring you don’t miss hidden spots or the best viewpoints. The service guarantees seats and operates on a reliable schedule, making it perfect for spontaneous explorers or those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Guests rave about its convenience, with a 5-star rating from 765 reviews.
This tour allows you to customize your experience, stopping at landmarks as long as you like. It’s ideal for travelers who want a flexible, stress-free way to see Banff’s major attractions without worrying about parking or driving.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking independence and flexibility, with the comfort of guided planning and reliable transportation.
4. Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk from Banff
At number 4, the Columbia Icefield Tour offers a full-day adventure into the heart of the Rockies. The journey along the famous Icefields Parkway includes stops at Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, and Peyto Lake, with spectacular scenery at every turn. The highlight is the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored platform that extends over the Sunwapta Valley, giving you an adrenaline rush and jaw-dropping views of ice and mountains. The Ice Explorer ride onto the glacier itself allows you to walk on snow that fell hundreds of years ago.
Rated 5.0 from 637 reviews, guests love the mix of scenic driving, educational guides, and the thrill of standing on glacier ice. The $281 tour includes roundtrip transport, a buffet lunch, and multiple photo stops.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers wanting an immersive glacier experience combined with stunning mountain vistas.
5. Lakes Moraine, Louise, Emerald, Johnston Canyon & Yoho Tour
This full-day tour from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore packs some of the most beautiful lakes and waterfalls into 7.5–11 hours. You’ll visit Emerald Lake with its emerald-green waters and the Natural Bridge, then explore the iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The tour also includes Johnston Canyon’s waterfalls and scenic stops in Yoho National Park. Rated 4.8/5 from over 1,000 reviews, it’s praised for its efficient itinerary and knowledgeable guides. Costing only $61, it offers excellent value given the diversity of sights and the opportunity to see multiple parks in one day.
Ideal for those who want to see a variety of locations in one trip, especially if time is limited or if you’re starting from Calgary or Canmore.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers interested in multiple lakes and waterfalls, with a focus on natural beauty and ease of access.
6. Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Banff Secrets
Number 6, the Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Banff Secrets takes you beyond the crowds to some of the region’s lesser-known spots. This small-group tour emphasizes expedited access to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, avoiding long lines and busy parking lots. The guide shares local insights and secret spots, making it a more personal experience. The tour lasts around 8 hours and includes stops for wildlife viewing and photo opportunities. Guests say guides like Rob make the day special, with one review describing him as “safe, experienced, and knowledgeable.”
Costing about $140, this tour is perfect for those who want the classic scenery but with fewer travelers and more personalized attention.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a deeper, less touristy experience of Banff’s lakes with insider tips and small-group comfort.
7. Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls – roundtrip from Banff
Number 7 offers a 9.5-hour guided coach tour that includes Victoria Glacier, Moraine Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and more. Rated 5.0 from 481 reviews, it’s a comprehensive journey with wildlife sightings and scenic stops like the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The tour provides round-trip transportation from Banff hotels, making logistics simple. Guests enjoy the storytelling of guides like Les and Harry, who share stories of the area’s natural and cultural history. The stops at Takakkaw Falls are especially praised for their grandeur.
This tour is well-suited for travellers wanting a full immersion into the Rockies’ natural wonders without the hassle of planning, with prixes around $209.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a detailed, all-encompassing day of mountain lakes and waterfalls, with a focus on wildlife and geology.
8. Johnston Canyon Icewalk
This 4-hour winter adventure is a hit, rated 5.0 from 455 reviews. The guided ice walk takes you along frozen waterfalls and ice-encrusted canyon walls, with ice cleats, hiking poles, and a hot chocolate snack included. Guides like Emma and Tina share insights into the canyon’s geology and wildlife while helping you stay safe on the icy paths. The hot drinks and the opportunity to see ice formations and possibly wildlife make it a well-rounded winter activity.
Costing $83, it’s a fantastic option for visitors looking for a shorter, active outdoor experience. The terrain does involve some uphill walking, so moderate fitness helps.
Bottom Line: Perfect for winter lovers wanting a manageable but awe-inspiring hike through a frozen landscape.
9. ShuttleBus 2way Banff to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
This budget-friendly half-day shuttle for just $28.92 makes visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake simple. The 4.5-hour trip includes one-hour stops at each lake, with the convenience of pick-up and drop-off in Banff. Guests appreciate the driver’s friendly commentary and the ease of avoiding parking hassles, especially during busy seasons when parking can be difficult. It’s a straightforward way to see these lakes without the expense of a full tour or the added logistics.
Best suited for travelers who want quick access without much fuss, this shuttle is a practical choice for a quick sightseeing stop.
Bottom Line: A cost-effective option for those short on time but eager to see Banff’s famous lakes.
10. Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff
Number 10 offers an immersive full-day glacier adventure for about $264. The trip includes a ride on an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier, with amazing mountain scenery along the Icefields Parkway. The tour also features a mountain picnic lunch and a Glacier Skywalk experience. Guests rave about the up-close glacier views and the guides’ storytelling, with a 5.0 rating from 385 reviews. Stops at Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier add to the scenic appeal.
This tour is perfect for outdoor lovers and those wanting a comprehensive glacier experience with ease of logistics.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting an all-in-one glacier adventure with plenty of photo opportunities and educational commentary.
11. Banff: Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Rated 4.7/5 from 759 reviews, this 1-hour cruise on Lake Minnewanka offers stunning views of towering peaks and wildlife. Costing $55 per person, it includes stories about the underwater town of Minnewanka Landing and local flora and fauna. It’s a relaxing way to experience Banff’s largest lake, making it ideal for families or visitors seeking a peaceful, scenic experience without strenuous activity.
Guests love the entertaining guides and the opportunity to learn about the natural environment from the water.
Bottom Line: A laid-back, scenic boat ride suited for those wanting a calm, picturesque outing.
12. Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine, Emerald Lake & Johnston Canyon
This full-day tour combines Banff’s top lakes and Johnston Canyon with a focus on photography and sightseeing. Rated 4.9/5 from nearly 400 reviews, it offers guided walks and free time to explore. The trip covers Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, and Johnston Canyon, providing diverse landscapes and photo opportunities. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a rundown of Banff’s natural beauty.
Costing $65, it’s an affordable option packed with highlights and flexibility.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a well-rounded, scenic day that balances guided commentary with free exploration.
13. Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour
Number 13 offers a relaxing paddle on the Bow River, rated 5.0 from 301 reviews. For $57.40, you’ll enjoy a guided canoe trip where you can spot elk, eagles, and other wildlife from the water. The guide shares insights into native history and local ecology, making it educational as well as peaceful. The tour is perfect for families or anyone wanting a gentle outdoor activity with plenty of wildlife viewing.
Guests praise the helpful guides and the opportunity to relax while immersed in nature.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a calm, family-friendly water activity with wildlife sightings and cultural insights.
14. From Canmore Banff to Lake Louise Moraine Lake 1.5h Half Day Tour
This half-day shuttle from Canmore or Banff provides easy access to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. For $66, enjoy 1–1.5 hour stops at each lake, with comfortable transportation included. Guests love the flexibility to explore at their own pace and the informative guides who point out wildlife and scenic viewpoints. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time but who want to see the must-see lakes.
Ideal for those who want a quick, hassle-free visit without a full tour’s commitment.
Bottom Line: A practical, budget-friendly option for a brief but beautiful sightseeing experience.
How to Choose the Best Banff Tour for You
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you want a quick overview with stunning panoramic views, the Banff Gondola is hard to beat. For those looking to see many highlights in one day, the Icefields Parkway full-day offers an unforgettable experience. Travelers with a passion for glaciers and adventure will enjoy the Columbia Icefield, while small-group tours provide a more personalized touch for those wanting insider access.
For travelers preferring flexibility, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus or the shuttle bus are excellent options. If winter’s your season, the Johnston Canyon Icewalk is a fantastic way to see Banff’s frozen waterfalls.
Book early, especially during peak summer months, to secure your spot on these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Banff offers a broad selection of tours to suit different interests and travel styles. For those who want breathtaking views with minimal effort, the Gondola is perfect. For adventurers craving glacier exploration, the Ice Explorer or Glacier Skywalk tours deliver unforgettable moments. Families and casual travelers will appreciate shorter outings like the Lake Minnewanka Cruise or shuttle services.
No matter your choice, these tours bring the incredible beauty of Banff within reach. With a little planning, you’ll leave with amazing photos, new knowledge, and stories to tell for years. Remember, popular tours fill up quickly—consider booking well in advance to ensure your spot on the adventure that’s just right for you.