Explore Alpine Wonders
Enjoy a relaxed, fully guided three‑day winter escape from Calgary through the Canadian Rockies. Travel scenic Kananaskis Country roads, stroll beside Cascade Ponds, and take in iconic lakes and glacier‑framed peaks at Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Two Jack Lake. Ride the Banff Gondola for sweeping mountain views and experience a festive evening at a Christmas Market with hot chocolate and holiday lights. Two nights in downtown Canmore, guided transportation, sightseeing and thoughtful logistics let you savour the scenery and the season without the planning.
What’s Included
- Two nights accommodation in downtown Canmore
- Guided transportation from Calgary with hotel pickup and final drop‑off
- Banff Gondola admission
- Christmas Market admission
- Thoughtfully arranged sightseeing and winter driving handled by the operator
Itinerary
DAY 1 – FRIDAY
Mountain Views & Christmas Magic
- Calgary hotel pickup
- Scenic back roads drive to Canmore
- Coffee break at a local gourmet deli
- Cascade Ponds for a gentle stroll and photographs
- Lunch in Banff
- Bow Falls, Bow River
- Banff Gondola, Sulphur Mountain
- Banff Christmas Market & holiday light show
- Donwtwon Canmore hotel check-in
DAY 2 – SATURDAY
Lake Louise & Emerald Lake
- Breakfast at Rocky Mountain Bagel Company in downtown Canmore
- Scenic drive to Lake Louise
- Lakeshore stroll, with time for photographs and shorter walking options
- Casual lunch in Lake Louise Village
- Emerald Lake visit and leisurely shoreline stroll
- Natural Bridge viewpoint overlooking the Kicking Horse River
- Return to your downtown Canmore hotel
- Free evening for dinner, shopping or drinks
DAY 3 – SUNDAY
Johnston Canyon & a Warm Farewell
- Breakfast in Canmore and hotel checkout
- Scenic drive to Johnston Canyon
- Walk to the Lower Falls, with ice cleats provided
- Two Jack Lake photo stop
- Lake Minnewanka visit and time to enjoy the views
- Relaxed lunch in Banff
- Downtown Calgary Lookout
- Return to Calgary hotel or airport drop off
Highlights
- Small group of just 10 guests for a personalised experience
- Scenic drives through Kananaskis and classic mountain viewpoints
- Banff Gondola ride for expansive alpine panoramas
- Festive evening at a Christmas Market with hot chocolate and holiday lights
Check-in details
Pickup from your Calgary hotel at the tour start; final drop off at a Calgary hotel or the airport.
Special requirements
Two nights’ hotel accommodation in downtown Canmore are based on Double Occupancy, 2 beds.
Restrictions
Guests should be comfortable walking on snowy or icy paths in cold weather. Shorter walking options are available at Lake Louise. Please contact us before booking to discuss mobility or accessibility needs.
Disclaimers
Operated in winter conditions; itinerary and timing subject to change due to weather or road conditions.
How long is the tour?
Three days and two nights, departing Friday and returning Sunday.
Where does the tour start and finish?
We pick you up at your Calgary hotel on Friday. On Sunday, we drop you off at your Calgary hotel or the airport. Please confirm timing with us before booking flights.
How many guests are on the tour?
Our small groups have a maximum of 10 guests.
What’s included?
Two nights’ accommodation in downtown Canmore, guided transportation, sightseeing, Banff Gondola admission, Banff Christmas Market admission and ice cleats for the Johnston Canyon walk. The itinerary also includes the market’s scheduled holiday light show.
Are meals included?
Meals and drinks are not listed among the inclusions. We make stops at local cafés and restaurants, giving you time to purchase breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Guests should be comfortable with outdoor winter conditions and walking on snowy or icy paths. Some stops involve uneven terrain. Please contact us before booking to discuss mobility needs or suitability for your group.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No
What should I wear and bring?
Bring warm layers, a winter coat, gloves, a hat and sturdy winter boots with good traction. A refillable water bottle, sunglasses and a camera are also useful. Ice cleats are provided for Johnston Canyon.
Where will we stay?
You’ll spend two nights at a hotel in downtown Canmore, surrounded by mountain views with free evenings to explore local restaurants, shops and cafés.
Will we have free time?
Yes. Enjoy free time in Banff and evenings in Canmore for dinner, shopping or drinks.
Do I need to arrange transportation?
Transportation throughout the itinerary is included, along with Calgary hotel pickup and Calgary hotel or airport drop-off.
Cancellations
Private tours require a non-refundable deposit of 25% and the balance due 5 days before departure. There are no refunds if a booking is canceled within 5 days of departure. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Disclaimers
Private tours require a non-refundable deposit of 25% and the balance due 5 days before departure. There are no refunds if a booking is canceled within 5 days of departure. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Assumption of Risk: All participants voluntarily assume all risks and dangers associated with outdoor activities and travel, including but not limited to, hiking, wildlife encounters, weather conditions, and transportation.
Health and Fitness: Participants are responsible for ensuring they are in suitable health and fitness for the chosen tour. Banff Day Trips reserves the right to deny participation to anyone deemed unfit for the tour activities.
Liability Waiver: Banff Day Trips, its employees, and affiliates are not liable for any injury, loss, damage, or inconvenience caused during the tour. Participants agree to release and hold harmless Banff Day Trips from any claims or legal actions arising from participation in the tour.
Weather and Itinerary Changes: Tours operate in varying weather conditions. Banff Day Trips reserves the right to alter or cancel tour itineraries due to weather, safety concerns, or unforeseen circumstances without prior notice.
Personal Belongings: Participants are responsible for their personal belongings during the tour. Banff Day Trips is not liable for any loss, theft, or damage to personal items.
Code of Conduct: Participants are expected to adhere to a respectful and considerate code of conduct towards fellow travelers, guides, wildlife, and the environment. Banff Day Trips reserves the right to remove any participant who behaves inappropriately or disruptively.
Medical Assistance: In the event of a medical emergency, participants authorize Banff Day Trips to seek medical assistance on their behalf. Participants are responsible for any costs incurred.
Photographs and Videos: Banff Day Trips reserves the right to use photographs and videos taken during tours for promotional purposes. Participants who do not wish to be photographed or filmed must inform the guide at the start of the tour.
By booking and participating in a tour with Banff Day Trips, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to this disclaimer and the terms and conditions outlined above.
Enjoy your adventure with Banff Day Trips, and experience the natural beauty and wonder of the Canadian Rockies with peace of mind.