3-Day Canadian Rockies Winter Tour from Calgary/Banff: Lake Minnewanka, Johnston Canyon, Banff, Lake Louise and Emerald Lake
What you'll experience
Highlights
• Iconic Instagram Spot: Weather permitting, discover the surreal frozen methane bubbles at Lake Minnewanka.
• Refined Dining Experience: Enjoy your choice of lunch or classic English afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
• Unforgettable Highlight: Ascend Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola for breathtaking panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies.
3 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Calgary/Banff - Johnston Canyon Upper Falls - Banff Town (lunch on own) - Bow Falls - Surprise Corner - Banff Gondola (mandatory) - Banff
Calgary /Banff - Johnston Canyon Upper Falls (120 min) - Banff Town Lunch Time (60 min, optional at own expense) - Bow Falls (15 min) - Surprise Corner - Banff Gondola - Banff
Your journey begins in Calgary, leaving behind the bustling city as you travel through the charming alpine town of Canmore en route to Banff National Park.
The first stop is Johnston Canyon, where you will hike along the scenic trail to the Upper Falls. (Trail information: approx. 5 km round trip, 120 m elevation gain. Ice cleats are provided during winter months.) Experience dramatic canyon walls and sparkling frozen waterfalls.
Next, enjoy lunch time in Banff Town (optional at own expense). Guests may freely explore local dining options or choose the Group Optional Lunch add-on at Seoul Country Restaurant (optional).
Afterward, continue to Bow Falls and Surprise Corner, two iconic viewpoints offering postcard-perfect winter scenery of the Rockies.
The highlight of the day is the Banff Gondola (mandatory), ascending Sulphur Mountain for a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the snow-covered peaks and Banff town below. The tour concludes around sunset, approximately 17:15 PM in Banff.
Note:
* Departure and sightseeing times are for reference only and subject to the tour guide’s on-site arrangements. Delays or changes may occur; thank you for your understanding.
* This tour operates as a shared coach tour. Pick-up and drop-off locations may be adjusted as needed; thank you for your understanding.
* If attractions or activities are closed or unavailable due to weather conditions, alternative sites will be arranged where possible.


Banff National Park

Johnston Canyon

Bow Falls

Surprise Corner

Banff Gondola
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded(Optional add-ons: Seoul Country Restaurant(Lunch)), D: ExcludedStay: Banff Elk + Avenue Hotel, Banff Inn, Canalta Lodge, Caribou Lodge - 2
Day 2 — Banff - Bow Lake - Peyto Lake - Icefield Parkway - Lake Louise Village Lunch Time (Optional lunch add-on) - Vermillion Outlook - Lake Minnewanka - Two Jack Lake - Banff
Banff - Bow Lake (15 min) - Peyto Lake (90 min) - Crowfoot Glacier (drive by) - Lake Louise Village Lunch (45 min, optional at own expense) - Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint (15 min) - Lake Minnewanka (20 min) - Two Jack Lake (15 min) - Banff
Travel along the scenic Icefields Parkway with its snow-covered peaks and pristine winter landscapes.
The first stop is Bow Lake, admired for its stunning alpine waters framed by towering mountains. Continue to Peyto Lake, world-famous for its unique maple-leaf shape. The viewpoint offers outstanding photography opportunities, and in winter includes a short guided hike (Ice cleats are provided during winter months). Along the way, enjoy views of the dramatic Crowfoot Glacier, a striking highlight of the Parkway.
Next, enjoy lunch time in Lake Louise Village (optional at own expense), with the choice to join the Group Optional Lunch add-on at Grill & Bar (Asian or Western set menu, optional).
In the afternoon, visit the Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint, where in winter the frozen lake surface reflects the majestic Mount Rundle, creating postcard-perfect scenery. Continue on to Lake Minnewanka, where under the right winter conditions you may see the magical “frozen bubble” phenomenon beneath the ice. The journey also includes a stop at the tranquil Two Jack Lake.
The tour concludes around sunset, approximately 17:30 PM in Banff.


Bow Lake

Peyto Lake

Icefields Parkway

Lake Minnewanka

Two Jack Lake

Canadian Rockies
Meals: B: Excluded(Optional add-ons: hotel hot breakfast), L: Excluded(Optional add-ons: Chinese or Western set lunch), D: ExcludedStay: Banff Elk + Avenue Hotel, Banff Inn, Canalta Lodge, Caribou Lodge - 3
Day 3 — Banff - Emerald Lake - Natural Bridge - Lake Louise and Lunch Time (Optional at own expense) - Kootenay National Park : Marble Canyon - Banff - Calgary
Banff - Spiral Tunnel (pass by) - Emerald Lake (20 min) - Natural Bridge (15 min) - Lake Louise & Lunch Time (120 min, optional at own expense) - Marble Canyon (45 min) - Banff / Calgary
Heading west, you will pass by the historic Spiral Tunnel, an engineering marvel built during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, symbolizing the wisdom and perseverance of early railway workers. Continue on to the tranquil Emerald Lake, a stunning alpine gem that remains enchanting even in winter. Then visit the Natural Bridge, where the Kicking Horse River has carved its way through solid rock to form a naturally sculpted arch.
Next, arrive at the magical Lake Louise, framed by the majestic Victoria Glacier. During January to April (subject to official opening dates), the world-renowned Ice Magic Festival transforms the area into a fairytale world of ice and snow sculptures created by artists from around the globe. Overlooking the lake, the elegant Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise adds timeless charm to the scenery.
Here, you may also choose from two optional add-on meals (mandatory, choose one):
* Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Lunch
* Winter Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Afternoon Tea at Fairview Bar
After lunch, continue to Marble Canyon for a light hike. The trail crosses multiple wooden bridges in a zig-zag pattern over a narrow creek, surrounded by towering limestone walls. In winter, frozen waterfalls cascade dramatically into the canyon, creating an unforgettable landscape.
The tour concludes around sunset, approximately 17:15 PM in Banff, with an estimated return to Calgary around 19:15 PM.


Emerald Lake

Natural Bridge, Canada

Lake Louise

Marble Canyon
Meals: B: Excluded(Optional add-ons: hotel hot breakfast), L: Excluded(Mandatory fee: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise lunch or Afternoon tea), D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned tour bus
- Accommodation: Hotels listed in the itinerary or equivalent; standard rooms with either one double bed or two single beds
- Guide: Bilingual Mandarin / English-speaking tour guide service
- Insurance: Basic travel accident coverage during transportation
- Admissions: National Park entry fees included
- Taxes & Fees: 5% federal GST and other applicable taxes
Not included
- Mandatory driver & guide service fee (CAD $45.00 per person (total), payable in cash on tour)
- All meals throughout the trip
- Optional activity admission fees mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, beverages, shopping, or pay-per-view TV
- Additional costs due to force majeure (e.g., traffic delays, war, political unrest, strikes, severe weather, aircraft breakdowns, flight cancellations, or schedule changes)
- Any type of travel insurance
Meeting & drop-off
Departure points
- Elk + Avenue Hotel · BanffPickup at 09:45:00333 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J3Please wait at the hotel ahead of time
- Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel · CalgaryPickup at 08:00:001316 33 St NE, Calgary, AB T2A 6B6Please wait at the hotel ahead of time
- Harry Hays BuildingFormer bus stop(Delta Calgary Downtown hotel Opposite),4th Ave SE, Calgary · CalgaryPickup at 08:20:00220 4 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4X3Please wait at the hotel ahead of time
End / drop-off
- Elk + Avenue Hotel333 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J3
- Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel1316 33 St NE, Calgary, AB T2A 6B6
- Harry Hays BuildingFormer bus stop(Delta Calgary Downtown hotel Opposite),4th Ave SE, Calgary220 4 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4X3
- Calgary International Airport2000 Airport Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6W5
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
– Domestic flights: please book flights departing after 21:00
– International flights: please book flights departing after 22:00
Calgary Northeast: Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel
– Drop-off time to be confirmed with the tour guide
Downtown Calgary: Bus stop in front of Harry Hays Building
– Located on 4th Ave SE, opposite Delta Calgary Downtown Hotel
– Drop-off time to be confirmed with the tour guide
Banff Town: Elk + Avenue Hotel
– Drop-off time to be confirmed with the tour guide
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–16 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 16 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 17+ days before | 60% | Cancellation Made 17 or more days prior to departure, only CA $60 charge handling fee by order |
Read the full cancellation terms
2. Payment processing fees incurred due to cancellations or changes (e.g. bank transfer fees, credit card fees) will be deducted from the refund
3. Cancellations and refunds will be processed within 1–9 business days
4. Christmas, New Year, and holiday period (December 15 – January 5): once confirmed, no changes or refunds will be permitted
* This tour is sold as a package price. Once the booking is confirmed, all services, activities, and products are reserved with suppliers. Unused or partially used services, activities, or itinerary components are considered voluntarily forfeited and are non-refundable.
Important info
Special notes
- Please provide accurate and complete details when booking (full name, gender, contact information, adult/child, etc.) to avoid booking errors and travel delays. For children, birthdate information is required to determine if a safety seat must be arranged in advance. Any loss or delay caused by missing information will be the traveler's responsibility.
- If you have not received your Tour Confirmation Letter at least 7 days before departure, please contact our staff immediately.
- To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, we strongly recommend booking optional activity tickets, meal packages, etc., at the time of reservation. No additional bookings will be accepted within 10 days before departure or during the tour.
- This is a join-in group tour. Services and standards remain the same, but itineraries may be shared with other guests. The order of activities may vary depending on the departure date.
- Hotel Standards: North America has no official hotel rating system. All hotels used are local brand hotels.
- Standard rooms in North American hotels may come with one double bed or two beds. If you have specific bed preferences, please inform us at booking. We will do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee.
- Transportation: Vehicle size will be arranged based on group size. For groups under 24 guests, one driver-guide will serve both roles. For groups of 24 or more, a separate driver and guide will be provided.
- Safety and liability: Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and transportation providers each have their own policies. In case of accident, injury, or loss, compensation will follow the policies of the operating provider and is not the responsibility of our company.
- We reserve the right to modify or cancel the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather or traffic incidents.
- We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your personal interests.
Issues related to flight cancellations, delays, weather, or other travel safety matters fall under airline or relevant authority regulations and are not the responsibility of our company.
[Travel Information]
- If your package includes airport transfer, please provide accurate flight details and arrive at the designated meeting point on time. Incorrect information may result in missed service. In such cases, we reserve the right to charge an additional transfer fee (equivalent to a private transfer) or arrange the next available free shuttle if space permits. Each booking includes one free airport pickup and one free drop-off only.
- Depending on hotel policy, you may be required to provide a credit card as a deposit to cover incidental expenses (e.g., phone calls, laundry, meals).
- For assistance prior to departure, please contact our Chinese-speaking customer service.
- All tickets and meals must be booked in advance. No additional bookings will be accepted within 10 days prior to departure or during the tour.
- During the tour, please arrive at the designated meeting point on time. Late arrivals may delay the group. If you miss the coach due to lateness, you will need to make your own way to the next meeting point at your own expense.
- Guests may stay in different hotels during the tour. Transfers between hotels will be arranged by the guide/driver as needed—thank you for your cooperation.
- Different vehicles and guides may serve you during the tour. We appreciate your understanding.
- If you need to leave the tour midway, you will be required to sign a Tour Departure Waiver.
- Travelers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or older).
- Complimentary activities are subject to weather, traffic, or other uncontrollable conditions. If canceled or if you choose not to participate, no refunds will be provided.
- If you have special requirements (e.g., bed type, vegetarian meals, child seat), please inform us at least 7 days before departure. We will do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Double, triple, or quadruple room rates refer to the price for two, three, or four people sharing a standard hotel room.
* Triple and quadruple rooms typically feature two beds; extra beds are not provided.
* Hotel note: There is no official star rating system for North American hotels. All hotels in the itinerary are local brand hotels.
* Standard double rooms in North America come with one large bed or two beds. If you have specific bed preferences, please notify us when booking, and we will do our best to accommodate.
* Maximum occupancy per room is four people, including adults, children, or infants.
Tour operator
Tours4Fun Provider 3015
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from
$429
NPR 57,893