Calgary is an intriguing, modern city and there are plenty of day tours out to Banff National Park to see a different side of Canada.
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
Buzzing, diverse, and full of cutting edge eating, drinking and nightlife options, Calgary is very much the North American metropolis. But just an hour and a half away is Banff National Park, one of the world’s great wildernesses and home to glistening glaciers, towering mountains, raging whitewater and grizzly bears. It goes without saying then that a day tour to the town of Banff and the surrounding Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site is a perfect day trip into the wild, away from the urban jungle.
Banff National Park Day Trip
This 11-hour tour is pretty comprehensive and will take in most of the big sites in Banff National Park – prepare to come back to Calgary satisfied but exhausted. It starts with a hotel pick up and quickly suburbia turns into breathtaking scenery, before arriving at the big wow destinations of Lake Minnewanka and Kananaskis Provincial Park, as well as the guide’s secret spots. Later there will be a chance to hike around Lake Louise (or just sit and admire the calm waters) and also check out the shopping on Banff’s main street. The guide is really informative, and the price is right – what’s not to love? From € 107.42.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Banff & Yoho National Parks Private Day Tour
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
This tour takes in both the Banff and Yoho National Parks, including views of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake. With this being a private tour it is a bit more expensive but there is always the possibility to tailor your day trip a little and also pack more in – you won’t be waiting for a crowd of people to use the loo before setting off. There is the chance to see the towering Takakkaw Falls, the second tallest waterfall in Canada and check out the town of Banff – as well as some less-touristy spots recommended by the encyclopedic guide. From €887.38.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Icefield Parkway Scenic Tour with Park Entry
Icefield Parkway is one of the most beautiful roads in the world – a 232 km stretch of double-lane highway along the Continental Divide, running from Lake Louise in Banff to the Town of Jasper. This tour takes visitors along the highway, stopping at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. There is a short hike to Mistaya Canyon, Howse Pass, ending at The Crossing, the spot where 19th century travellers and fur traders used to cross the North Saskatchewan River on their way to British Columbia. Not cheap though. From €1,024.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Banff Area & Johnston Canyon 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff
While this tour does take in most of the main sites – Bow Falls and the chance to take a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain – it keep things fairly simple. That’s no bad thing, replacing a manic box ticking adventure with the chance to stop at places like Johnson Canyon Walk, which is packed full of wildlife, and hike the trails. Naturally there is a stop at Banff Town too. The guides are professional and friendly. From €107.63.
Book at Viator.com