Is the trip suitable for children?

Yes, the trip is suitable for families with children who are comfortable with moderate walking and hiking.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water, snacks, and a camera for capturing the views.

A charming lunch in Banff is included as part of the full-day experience.

How long is the hike at Johnston Canyon?

The hike to the waterfalls is approximately 2-3 kilometers one way, with options to extend the walk.

Is there any difficulty in riding the chairlift?

No, the chairlift ride is gentle and accessible for most visitors, providing spectacular views without require technical skill.

When is the best time to take this trip?

Spring through fall offers the best weather and scenery, though winter provides a unique snowy landscape for the adventurous.

Outdoor Adventure with Banff Day Trips: Johnston Canyon & Chairlift Rides in Calgary

Adventure Brief

Discover the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park on a guided day trip that includes waterfalls, lakes, and mountain vistas. From a canyon hike to panoramic chairlift views, this adventure offers unforgettable scenery and expert guidance in just one day.

8–11 hours

moderate

From CA$155.40

In the heart of Alberta’s wilderness near Calgary, Banff Day Trips offers an 11-hour journey through some of Canada's most striking landscapes. This guided expedition combines the serenity of lakes, the majesty of waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views, making it a perfect choice for travelers seeking both adventure and natural beauty.

The day starts with visits to the crystalline waters of Banff's iconic lakes, where calm stretches of blue reflect rugged peaks and forested slopes. Midday, guests stroll through Johnston Canyon, renowned for its dramatic gorge and cascading waterfalls carved into layered sedimentary rock. Hiking along the well-maintained trails, visitors can witness the force of nature that created this narrow, winding canyon and feel the spray from the plunging waterfalls.

After the canyon exploration, the adventure shifts upward to Mt. Norquay via a sightseeing chairlift. The platform offers sweeping views across the Rockies—sheer cliffs, alpine meadows, and distant snow-capped peaks—making it a highlight for photography and simply taking in the scale of this untouched landscape.

What sets Banff Day Trips apart is their comprehensive approach to showcasing Banff National Park's highlights in a single day, guided by expert staff who bring stories and insights about the area's geology and ecology. This trip offers the perfect balance of light activity, breathtaking scenery, and local culture, cementing its status as a standout adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether you're a first-timer or seasoned traveler, the combination of waterfalls, lakes, mountain vistas, and professional guiding makes this day trip a memorable way to experience Alberta’s crown jewel in comfort and style.

About Banff Day Trips

Banff Day Trips is a Calgary-based tour operator specializing in guided day and multi-day excursions to Banff National Park and the surrounding Canadian Rockies.

From Calgary, Alberta, the company runs small-group and private experiences that visit iconic destinations such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon and the Banff Gondola. Tours include full-day options, VIP small-group itineraries, guided private tours, two-day packages with Banff hotel stays, scenic one-way transfers between Calgary, Canmore and Banff, and specialty trips to the Wolfdog Sanctuary and Kananaskis.

Experienced, expert guides lead each outing, providing route guidance, local insights and flexible stops for photography, short hikes, and meals in Banff town. Several itineraries explicitly include chairlift or gondola rides and curated culinary stops. The company emphasizes personalized attention through limited group sizes, bespoke private itineraries, and thoughtful scheduling designed to maximize time at glacial lakes, waterfalls and viewpoints.

Logistics such as hotel pick-up for transfer services and included accommodation on multi-day packages reduce planning friction for travelers arriving in Calgary. Banff Day Trips focuses on curated access to natural highlights of the Canadian Rockies while offering varied trip lengths to suit first-time visitors and repeat travelers.

Travelers seeking a guided, convenient way to experience Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, Banff town and regional sanctuaries can choose from a roster of day, VIP and two-day tour options operated from Calgary, Alberta. Each itinerary clearly lists duration, key inclusions and accessibility notes so guests can select tours that match mobility, season and personal interests.