Banff: Hot Spring, Gondola, Lakes & Wildlife Tour

Banff’s stunning landscapes and natural wonders have long captivated visitors from around the world. This Hot Spring, Gondola, Lakes & Wildlife Tour promises an unparalleled exploration of the region’s breathtaking beauty. From serene lake cruises to the thrilling Banff Gondola, each activity on the itinerary offers a unique perspective on Banff’s diverse ecosystem. And for those seeking relaxation, the Banff Upper Hot Springs provide the perfect chance to unwind in mineral-rich waters. Discover why this tour has become a must-do for anyone visiting the Canadian Rockies.

Contents show

About Your Stay

This Banff tour offers a scenic boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka, visits to Two Jack Lake and Johnson Lake, and a break in the town of Banff.
The tour includes a ride on the Banff Gondola, providing panoramic views, and relaxation at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
The tour duration is 10 hours and includes round-trip transportation and a national park pass, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Guests can expect knowledgeable and friendly guides, who provide insights about the history and ecology of the region during the boat tour.
The tour is highly rated by customers, with praise for its excellent value and memorable experiences, including wildlife viewing opportunities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Banff Hot Spring, Gondola, Lakes & Wildlife Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Banff’s natural wonders. Priced from $67.76 per person, the 10-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, a national park pass, and guided experiences.

Highlights include a boat tour on Lake Minnewanka, wildlife viewing, visits to Two Jack and Johnson Lakes, a break in Banff, the Banff Gondola, the Upper Hot Springs, and photo stops at Surprise Corner and Bow Falls.

The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and provides the option to reserve now and pay later. Positive reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and memorable experiences.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Banff

Itinerary Highlights

Spanning 10 hours, the tour offers an immersive exploration of Banff’s renowned natural attractions.

Guests embark on a scenic boat cruise at Lake Minnewanka, followed by wildlife viewing in Banff. They visit the serene Two Jack Lake and Johnson Lake, with time to break in the town.

The tour then ascends the Banff Gondola for panoramic mountain vistas.

Afterwards, guests relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, guided by knowledgeable staff.

The experience concludes with visits to the Surprise Corner Viewpoint and Bow Falls Viewpoint, showcasing Banff’s iconic landmarks.

Activities and Experiences

The tour boasts a diverse array of activities and experiences that allow guests to enjoy Banff’s natural splendor.

A diverse array of activities and experiences allowing guests to enjoy Banff’s natural splendor.

Highlights include:

Lake Minnewanka: Guests can enjoy a scenic boat ride with stunning mountain views.
Johnson Lake: Visitors can relax and stroll along the serene shores of this picturesque lake.
Banff Gondola: Guests can ascend Sulphur Mountain to take in panoramic vistas of the Rockies.

Visitors also have the opportunity to discover the powerful Bow Falls, and unwind in the mineral-rich waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Lake Minnewanka Boat Ride

A captivating 1-hour boat tour of Lake Minnewanka offers guests a chance to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.

Perched in a comfortable vessel, visitors glide across the serene lake while marveling at the towering peaks, dense forests, and wildlife along the shoreline.

The boat cruise provides an up-close look at the natural beauty of the region, with knowledgeable guides offering insights about the lake’s history and ecology.

Whether it’s spotting bald eagles soaring overhead or admiring the turquoise hues of the water, the Lake Minnewanka boat tour is a must-do activity for those seeking to fully experience the Banff landscape.

More Great Tours Nearby

Banff Gondola and Panoramic Views

Ascending Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola provides visitors with unparalleled panoramic views of the majestic Canadian Rockies.

The gondola ride takes guests up 2,292 meters (7,486 feet) to the summit, where they can:

Admire the sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial-fed lakes.
Explore the boardwalk trails and interpretive exhibits at the summit.
Capture stunning photographs of the breathtaking scenery.

With a duration of 1.5 hours, the Banff Gondola experience offers travelers a chance to enjoy the grandeur of the Rockies and gain a new perspective on this iconic mountain destination.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Banff

Banff Upper Hot Springs Relaxation

After exhilarating experiences at the Banff Gondola, visitors can relax and unwind at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

This historic mineral-rich hot spring offers stunning mountain views and a peaceful atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a guided tour to learn about the springs’ history and natural features.

The tour is followed by free time to soak in the soothing waters and rejuvenate. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies, the Banff Upper Hot Springs provide a tranquil respite from the day’s adventures.

This one-hour experience is a perfect way to conclude the Banff exploration.

Surprise Corner and Bow Falls Viewpoints

As guests depart the Banff Gondola, the tour then takes them to the Surprise Corner viewpoint. This scenic lookout offers panoramic views of the Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow Valley.

The guide provides a brief overview, highlighting:

The stunning architecture of the Banff Springs Hotel, a iconic landmark built in the late 19th century.
The Bow River cascading through the valley below, creating the powerful Bow Falls.
The picturesque landscape framed by the surrounding mountains.

After enjoying the views, the tour continues on to the Bow Falls viewpoint, where guests can observe the cascading waterfall up close.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on this Banff tour. With a stellar 4.8/5 rating based on 18 reviews, travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, like Guri and AJ.

Reviewers highlight the tour’s excellent value and memorable experiences, from the gondola to the hot springs. Guides are commended for their accommodating nature and assistance with guest needs.

Questions About Your Stay

Is the Tour Available in Multiple Languages?

The tour is available in English, but it doesn’t specify if other languages are offered. Customers should check with the tour operator to see if translation services or multi-lingual guides are available to accommodate their language needs.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour’s maximum group size isn’t specified, but it provides round-trip transportation and includes a guide, indicating it’s likely a small group tour for a personalized experience. Exact group sizes may vary depending on demand.

Can I Extend My Time at Any of the Tour Stops?

According to the tour details, guests can’t extend their time at the stops beyond the scheduled durations. However, the tour allows ample time at each location, so guests can make the most of their experience within the designated timeframes.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age or fitness requirements. It’s suitable for all ages and ability levels, as the activities are generally easy and accessible. There are options to explore at your own pace during the stops.

Can I Customize the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

The tour offers a set itinerary, but customers can’t customize it to include additional activities. However, they can request special accommodations or modifications by contacting the tour operator prior to the trip.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Banff Hot Spring, Gondola, Lakes & Wildlife Tour offers an unforgettable experience in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. Guests can enjoy the region’s natural beauty, from serene lake cruises to panoramic gondola rides. The highlight is the relaxing soak in the mineral-rich Banff Upper Hot Springs, complemented by insights from knowledgeable guides. This comprehensive tour provides an excellent way to explore the wonders of Banff National Park.