Calgary’s mix of stunning natural scenery, vibrant city life, and easy access to the Rocky Mountains makes it a fantastic launching point for full-day tours. Whether you’re seeking the grandeur of Banff and Lake Louise, exploring wilderness at Columbia Icefield, or venturing into Alberta’s dinosaur past, Calgary offers a diverse range of experiences. We particularly love the private $1 for its personalized approach, and the Columbia Icefield Glacier Trip for jaw-dropping glacier views. These tours balance comfort and adventure and go beyond just sightseeing—they deliver authentic encounters you’ll remember for years.
Calgary’s full-day excursions cover everything from scenic mountain drives and wildlife safaris to cultural outings and specialized experiences like helicopter rides or private luxury tours. The list below highlights some of the top options, designed to fit various interests and budgets.
1. Banff National Park & Lake Louise FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR
At number 1, this private, tailor-made tour offers a flexible, customized way to explore Banff’s highlights. Perfect for families or couples who want to avoid the hassle of group tours, it includes pick-up from your accommodation and a personal guide who can adapt the day to your interests. Highlights include Lake Louise, where you can walk on the frozen lake or snap Instagram-worthy photos of the Chateau, and Johnston Canyon, famous for its waterfalls and dramatic tunnels. You’ll also visit Bow Falls, the filming site for movies like “River of No Return,” and Surprise Corner for stunning views of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Guests love the personal touch—”Our guide was wonderful, sharing stories and tailoring the tour to our interests,” reports a 5-star reviewer. This tour is best suited for travelers wanting a flexible, luxury experience that takes care of all logistics. The value lies in the convenience and personalized service, making it ideal for those with limited time but high expectations.
Bottom Line: For an intimate, customized introduction to Banff and Lake Louise, this private tour offers a seamless, memorable day.
2. From Calgary/Banff: Columbia Icefield Glacier Full-Day Trip
Ranking highly for its breathtaking scenery, this full-day trip takes you from Calgary or Banff to the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies. The highlight is exploring the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored platform offering vertigo-inducing views, and the chance to see the vibrant blue glacier-fed lakes like Peyto and Bow Lake. Along the way, you’ll also get spectacular views of the Crowfoot Glacier and the Big Ice.
This tour typically lasts 10-11 hours and is perfect for travelers eager to see North America’s most accessible glaciers without the hassle of planning. Reviewers praise the experience: “The views of the icefield are jaw-dropping, and the guide shared fascinating facts about glaciers and geology.” It’s a good value for those wanting a comprehensive, scenic day trip with expert guiding.
Bottom Line: Ideal for nature lovers who want to see vast glaciers and alpine lakes in a single, well-organized day.
3. Full Day Tour – Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Peyto Lake
This full-day tour offers a stunning journey through some of the most iconic lakes in the Rockies. Departing early from Calgary, you’ll visit Johnston Canyon and the majestic Castle Mountain before reaching Lake Louise, where the scenery and the famous Chateau make for perfect photos. The tour continues to Moraine Lake, renowned for its striking blue waters and rugged peaks, and Peyto Lake, famous for its wolf-shaped glacier-carved valley and vibrant turquoise color.
Guide-led and small-group friendly, guests note that “the scenery is breathtaking, and the guide was very knowledgeable.” The tour is especially suited for those who want to see the most photographed lakes in the Rockies in one day without the stress of driving. The value lies in the expertly curated route and the chance to relax and soak in the views.
Bottom Line: Perfect for photography enthusiasts and first-time visitors wanting an efficient, scenic overview of Alberta’s best lakes.
4. From Calgary: Drumheller Private Tour, Full day sightseeing
At number 4, this private tour takes you into Alberta’s Badlands, with a focus on dinosaur fossil sites and unique landscapes. Highlights include the Royal Tyrrell Museum, a world-class paleontology museum, the Hoodoos, and the historic Atlas Coal Mine. The tour is fully customizable—allowing you to spend more time at favorite sites or explore additional locations.
Guests praise the personalized experience: “Our driver was very informative, making the day both fun and educational,” says one reviewer. This tour is ideal for families, geology buffs, or anyone interested in Alberta’s prehistoric past. The private format ensures flexibility, but it’s more costly than group options.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a private, educational adventure into the Badlands with a focus on dinosaurs and geology.
5. Private VIP Banff and Lake Louise Full-Day Tour from Calgary
Number 5 on our list offers an ultra-luxurious, personalized experience. This private VIP tour includes snacks, tea, and coffee, and allows for flexible stops—like hiking, canoeing (at your expense), or just leisurely exploring. You’ll visit Ghost Lake, the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, and Boundary Ranch for horseback riding, then enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka.
Guests say, “Asad tailored the trip perfectly to our interests,” and appreciate the comfort and customization. This trip is best suited for travelers who want a high-end, relaxed experience with the option to indulge in activities like wildlife encounters or scenic cruises. It’s pricier but offers unmatched exclusivity.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for discerning travelers wanting a private, flexible, and indulgent day in the Rockies.
6. Full Day Banff Lakes and Gondola Tour from Calgary
Ranking at number 6, this tour combines lake visits with an unforgettable gondola ride. Starting along Bow Valley Parkway, you’ll stop at Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake, and Lake Minnewanka—each offering stunning reflections and mountain vistas. The highlight is riding the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain, where panoramic vistas stretch for miles.
One reviewer notes, “The gondola ride was breathtaking, and the lakes are picture-perfect.” This tour offers great value at around $93 per person and is suitable for those who want a mix of lakes and mountain views in a single day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a balanced, accessible introduction to Banff’s natural beauty.
$93.79 per person
7. Lake Full Day Tour – Emerald Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon
This full-day trip focuses on spectacular lakes and the famous Johnston Canyon. Departing from Calgary, the tour visits Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, known for its vivid green waters, then moves on to Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon. The itinerary emphasizes scenic beauty, with a relaxed pace and plenty of time for photos and short walks.
Reviewers mention, “The lake colors are unforgettable, and the guide made sure we saw all the highlights.” It’s perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet leisurely day exploring Alberta’s best lakes.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those looking for a scenic, relaxing day with plenty of photo opportunities.
$184.83 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Calgary Full-Day Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. Private options like the $1 suit travelers who prefer exclusivity and flexibility, while group tours such as the Banff Lakes and Gondola Tour offer great value and social encounters. If glaciers and expansive icefields are your thing, the $1 delivers spectacular scenery in a single day.
Booking early is recommended, especially in summer months when tours fill quickly. Think about how much walking or physical activity you want—some tours include hikes or boat rides, while others focus on scenic drives and photography.
Final thoughts
Calgary offers a wealth of full-day tour options that cater to nearly every taste. From private mountain adventures like the Banff Private Tour to awe-inspiring glaciers at the Columbia Icefield, or the dinosaur-filled landscapes of Drumheller, there’s something for all. For those wanting a luxurious, personalized experience, the VIP Banff and Lake Louise Tour stands out. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the value-packed Banff Lakes and Gondola Tour.
No matter which you choose, booking early will help secure your spot on these popular excursions. With such a rich variety of options, it’s easy to find a full day of memorable adventure in Calgary.