# 4-Day In-Depth Rocky Mountain Tour: Banff Gondola, Johnston Canyon, Columbia Icefield, Moraine Lake | Stay at Glacier View Lodge | Small Group(14 Pax)

Tour in CA — Calgary → Calgary.
Listed and booked on Yatra For Fun (yatraforfun.com) — our Kathmandu concierge confirms availability, prices it in NPR, and sends a payment link within 2 business hours.

## Key facts

- Type: multiday
- Country: CA
- Route: Calgary → Calgary
- Duration: 4.00 day
- Price from: $1,399.11
- Rating: 4.90 / 5 (10 reviews)
- Operator: Tours4Fun Provider 3015

## Summary

Premium Small Group of 14 Guests: Stay at Glacier View Lodge by the Columbia Icefield and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the icefield Aurora Viewing: September and October are ideal for watching the Northern Lights, especially in the remote areas near the Columbia Icefield, where light pollution is minimal and the night skies are clear. Enjoy watching the aurora right from your hotel. Photography Opportunities: Autumn in the icefield region offers perfect conditions for photographers, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the snow-capped mountains and glaciers create a mesmerizing scene. Unique Experiences: As a member of this premium small group, you&#39;ll enjoy exclusive experiences like private dinners, stargazing, and specially arranged icefield activities such as Ice Explorer and Skywalk, creating unforgettable memories. Autumn Beauty: September and October in Banff mark one of the most beautiful seasons, especially for leaf-peeping and wildlife sightings. The park is covered in golden larch trees and evergreen pines, with the best viewing period from mid to late September and early October. Discover surprises in locations like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Bow Valley (viewed from the Banff Gondola). Perfect Hiking Weather: The cool autumn weather is ideal for hiking, with Banff offering a wide range of trails, especially Johnston Canyon and the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail. Wildlife Watching: Autumn is also a peak season for wildlife activity, especially for elk and bears. You might even encounter these &quot;locals&quot; during your trip.

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Calgary/Banff - Banff Gondola - Bow Falls - Johnston Canyon - Banff

Visit Banff National Park to marvel at the beauty and grandeur of the granite peaks. It is hard to miss this natural wonder. Enjoy a ride to the Sulphur Mountain Summit on Banff Gondola . Next, you can see Banff Hoodoos , "Devil's Rock." Following Bow Falls , It is almost like you are enchanted with time when the river roars in summer. After taking a peek at the Surprise Corner , the spectacular viewpoint for the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel , we will visit and make a lunch stop at this Iconic Castle hotel. Finally, hiking at Johnston Canyon. This popular hiking spot takes you to stunning waterfalls. The trail will take you through open meadows and glacial lakes. (If the attraction has been closed due to maintenance or any other force majeure, we will visit Lake Minnewanka or Two Jack Lake as an alternate attraction.) Calgary/Banff-Banff Gondola (Additional fees) (90 min)-Hoodoos (15 min) -Bow Falls (15 min)-Surprise Corner (15 min)-Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Lunch stop [French Brasserie] (Optional with additional fees) (90 min)-Johnston Canyon (60 min) Add-on lunch: Enjoy a French bistro-style meal at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel . Immerse yourself in the essence of Banff through its cuisine, sharing the Fairmont experience. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the hotel retains the charm of a Scottish castle, becoming one of the major landmarks of the Rockies with its unique blend of grandeur and seclusion. [ Banff Gondola ] [ Banff Hoodoos ] & [ Bow Falls ] [Fairmont Banff Spring Hotel]

### Day 2: Banff - Lake Louise - Moraine Lake - Bow Lake - Icefield Centre

Travel in a small group exclusive bus, heading west along the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) to begin an in-depth exploration of the Rocky Mountains. First, visit Lake Louise (75 minutes), known as the "Sapphire of the Rockies." With Victoria Glacier as its backdrop, the lake is surrounded by picturesque scenery. Take a stroll around the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise , a peaceful and romantic retreat. Next, head to Moraine Lake (60 minutes). Surrounded by the Ten Peaks, this lake's deep blue water, like a gemstone, is often referred to as "one of the most photogenic lakes in the world." From a small hill by the lake, it feels like stepping into a fairyland. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Lake Louise Village (optional, 45 minutes). Indulge in local specialties while savoring the tranquility of this charming town. After lunch, pass by Bow Lake (20 minutes), a glacial lake with crystal-clear, mirror-like water reflecting the surrounding mountains—a dazzling gem of the Rockies. Then, proceed to the Icefield Centre for an immersive glacier experience before checking into your hotel. Stay at the Glacier View Lodge, guests in this package will enjoy VIP treatment (mandatory fees included), with participation in the Skywalk and Snowcoach activities the following morning, experiencing the grandeur and wonder of nature. At dinner, enjoy a delicious meal at the Altitude restaurant, with an unbeatable glacier view. Itinerary: Banff → Lake Louise (75 mins) → Lake Moraine → Lake Louise Village lunch (45 mins) → Bow Lake (20 mins) →Icefield Center → Skywalk (mandatory, 60 minutes) * The Moraine Lake special access fee and Skywalk are mandatory fees. [Lake Louise] & [Moraine Lake] [Natural Bridge] [Icefields Parkway]

### Day 3: Icefield Centre - Sunwapta Falls - Maligne Lake - Jasper

Breakfast will be served at the Altitude restaurant at the Icefields Center, where you can enjoy a lavish and diverse buffet breakfast (mandatory) while admiring the endless glacier views in the sunlight. After breakfast, around 10:00 AM, all guests will board the Snowcoach (mandatory) to traverse the Athabasca Glacier , experiencing the accumulated wonders of nature over millions of years. Around 12:15 PM, you will depart from the Icefields Center and head toward Sunwapta Falls , named after the Stoney Indian language. From the bridge over the canyon, you can watch the waterfall tumbling beneath you, offering a unique and different experience. On the way, pass by Medicine Lake and reach Maligne Lake , the second-largest glacial lake in the world. You will board the Maligne Lake Cruise (extra charge), drifting along the 22-kilometer-long lake, slowly approaching the Sprite Island , also known as "the place where God holds meetings." After the tour, return to Jasper for check-in at the hotel. Evening free activities suggestion: In the evening, you can enjoy a drink at Jasper Brewing Co. and immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of the American West. Alternatively, take a walk through the quaint town, visit the charming old train station, and listen to stories from the indigenous people. Columbia Icefield → Snowcoach (mandatory, 90 minutes) → Sunwapta Falls (20 minutes) → Medicine Lake (15 minutes) → Maligne Lake (optional boat cruise, 90 minutes) → Sprite Island → Jasper

### Day 4: Jasper - Pyramid Lake - Maligne Canyon - Athabasca Falls - Peyto Lake - Emerald Lake - Calgary

After breakfast, leave the hotel in Jasper and head first to Pyramid Lake , where the pyramid-shaped peaks are reflected in the calm waters of the lake, creating a picturesque scene as if you've stepped into a painting. Next, proceed to the Maligne Canyon , the longest and deepest canyon in the Rocky Mountains. Formed by glacial erosion, it features deep rock cliffs that are captivating. Then, visit the Athabasca Falls , shaped by melting snow and ice. Standing on the cliffs, you can feel the water cascading down like a mighty army, with the sound of the water echoing all around. Next, visit Peyto Lake (if maintenance or other uncontrollable factors close the area, it will be replaced by a visit to Waterflow Lake ). The lake, shaped like a maple leaf, is a brilliant blue jewel nestled in the Rocky Mountain valley. Along the way, pass Waterflow Lake , and enjoy views of Crowfoot Glacier . Continue to Yoho National Park , where you will arrive at the serene Emerald Lake . Here, red canoes gently ripple the tranquil waters. Next, head to the Natural Bridge , formed by the accumulation of water from the kicking horse river. The riverbed, alongside the towering pines and distant mountains, creates a beautiful picture. After stopping in Banff Town , return to Calgary. Jasper → Pyramid Lake (30 minutes) → Maligne Canyon (45 minutes) → Athabasca Falls (30 minutes) → CROSSING Lunch Box (extra charge, 45 minutes) → Peyto Lake (30 minutes) → Emerald Lake (30 minutes) → Natural Bridge (15 minutes) → Calgary/Banff * The arrival times in Banff and Calgary may vary depending on the activity schedule. Thank you for your understanding. * If needed, you can opt to add a meal package. Lunch will be served as a buffet at the Mt. Wilson Restaurant, which was once an important fur trade transfer station. Enjoy a meal in this harmonious natural setting before embarking on the breathtaking journey along the southern section of the Icefields Parkway.

## Guide languages

Chinese Live, English Live

## Links

- Yatra page: https://yatraforfun.com/tour/105251652-in-depth-rocky-mountain-tour-4-day
- WhatsApp concierge: https://wa.me/9779708072951
