Spend a full day sampling Banff National Park’s must-see stops: the cliffside catwalks of Johnston Canyon, the Sulphur Mountain gondola views, and the shimmering shore of Lake Minnewanka. This practical guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the coach into a bowl of mountains: the town of Banff framed by serrated peaks, the Bow River whispering at your feet and the gondola cables slicing the sky above Sulphur Mountain.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people comfortable with a day of light walking and short stair sections; no long hikes required.
Wildlife
History
Banff grew out of late-19th-century railway tourism and the discovery of thermal springs; many sites retain interpretive panels about early park development and Indigenous presence.
Conservation
Banff National Park is a protected area—stay on trails, pack out waste and respect wildlife distances; sound and scent can disrupt animals and fragile alpine vegetation.
Reserve your spot on the Banff Gondola Johnston Canyon Ball Falls Lake Minnewanka Banff today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Gondola ticket
Gondola admission is usually not included—book ahead or bring cash/card at the ticket window to avoid waits.
Footwear for waterfalls
Johnston Canyon has wet, icy sections—sturdy shoes with grippy soles are recommended year-round; winter needs microspikes.
Altitude and hydration
Banff sits around 1,400 m (4,600 ft); drink water and pace yourself during hikes or when ascending the gondola.
Timing and light
Start early if you want quieter trails and softer light for photos; afternoons bring more tour groups and harsher shadows.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provide traction on wet boardwalks and uneven canyon steps.
Insulated shell or layers
Layering helps manage rapid temperature shifts on the gondola and at the summit.
fall
Microspikes/crampons
Improve footing on icy sections of Johnston Canyon and summit boardwalks.
winter
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during walking, and many stops have refill stations in Banff town.
summer