2-Day Banff & Lake Louise: Gondola, Hot Springs, Johnston Canyon and Emerald Lake

Banff•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2 days (approx. 48 hours total; 6–10 hours active time per day)

Fitness Level

Suitable for travelers in average fitness who can handle several short hikes (up to ~5 km) and light elevation gain.

Overview

Two days of high-impact Rocky Mountain scenery—Lake Louise, Moraine Lake or Marble Canyon, Emerald Lake, Johnston Canyon, and a Sulphur Mountain gondola ascent. This guided trip pairs easy walks with dramatic viewpoints for a compact introduction to Banff and Yoho National Parks.

2-Day Banff & Lake Louise: Gondola, Hot Springs, Johnston Canyon and Emerald Lake

Bus Tour

Other

Wildlife

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

The bus eases away from Calgary and the Rockies sharpen into focus: limestone spines, glaciers like pale knives, and the sudden turquoise of lakes that seem to refuse ordinary color.

Adventure Photos

2-Day Banff & Lake Louise: Gondola, Hot Springs, Johnston Canyon and Emerald Lake photo 1

Adventure Tips

Moraine Lake timing

Visit Moraine Lake early in the day (when open) to beat shuttle traffic and crowds; it’s busiest mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

Layer for summit conditions

Temperatures at the Banff Gondola summit can be 5–10°C colder than town—carry a windproof layer even on warm days.

Footwear for catwalks

Johnston Canyon’s catwalks can be wet or icy—wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction; crampons are provided in winter for Marble Canyon.

Book gondola/hot springs separately

Gondola and Upper Hot Springs tickets are often not included—reserve them early if you want guaranteed access.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Elk
Bighorn sheep

History

Banff grew from a late-19th-century hot-spring discovery and became part of Canada’s first national park, reflecting early conservation and tourism decisions in the Rockies.

Conservation

Parks Canada manages visitor access to sensitive lakeshores and trails; stay on designated paths, pack out waste, and respect seasonal closures to protect fragile alpine ecosystems.