Tours/Banff/Banff Morning Tour Scenic Highlights and Gondola Ride
Viator · group up to 24 pax

Banff Morning Tour Scenic Highlights and Gondola Ride

4.7(31)Banff1 hour
VIATOR4.3(3)TRIPADVISOR4.7(28)

Description

Explore the stunning highlights of Banff in a small group with a knowledgeable local guide. Visit iconic spots like Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, and Lake Minnewanka, while uncovering fascinating tales of Banff’s history and stunning geology. The adventure culminates with a ride on the Banff Gondola, offering breathtaking views from the summit of Sulphur Mountain and a leisurely boardwalk walk. Ideal for those looking to experience Banff's beauty and charm in a relaxed setting. - Small-group tour ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere - Visit key attractions including Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, and Lake Minnewanka - Enjoy a scenic ride on the Banff Gondola for panoramic mountain views - Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included for a hassle-free experience

Tour Options

8:30am Departure
  • Departs at 8:30am Pickup included

Itinerary

15 min

Visit Lake Minnewanka, Banff's largest lake, and hear stories about the underwater ghost town.

10 min

See Bow Falls roaring rapids, as water crashes over ancient limestone creating a spectacle of sound and sight. These falls were featured in several classic Hollywood films of the 1950s including 'River of No Return' with Marilyn Monroe.

10 min

This viewpoint gives an iconic view of the “Castle Of The Rockies” against the backdrop of Sulphur Mountain with the majestic Bow River in the foreground.

20 min

Learn about the hoodoos from your guide as you look out over this impressive viewpoint.

10 min

(Summer only) Learn about an abandoned mining town and relic of Banff’s industrial past at this scenic stop.

Admission included120 min

Soar to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola for sweeping views of six mountain ranges and the Bow Valley.

Highlights

Banff Gondola Admission
Professional guide
Pick up from the public bus parking located behind the Mount Royal Hotel
Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
Maple cookie snack, fresh water
Hands on interpretive tools
Hotel pick up and drop off is available on request, please contact us directly.

What's included

Included
Banff Gondola Admission
Professional guide
Pick up from the public bus parking located behind the Mount Royal Hotel
Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
Maple cookie snack, fresh water
Hands on interpretive tools
Hotel pick up and drop off is available on request, please contact us directly.
Not included
Optional gratuities

Pickup Locations & Times

Every pickup point has a unique pickup time. Guests must be ready at their selected pickup point 5 minutes prior. Banff Rocky Mountain Resort at 7:55 AM Canalta Lodge at 8:00 AM Banff Caribou Lodge at 8:01 AM Fox Hotel & Suites at 8:02 AM Red Carpet Inn at 8:03 AM Douglas Fir at 8:06 AM Banff Ptarmigan Inn at 8:10 AM Banff Park Lodge at 8:11 AM Mount Royal Hotel (Public Bus Parking behind hotel) at 8:12 AM Rimrock Resort at 8:20 AM Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Motorcoach Entrance) at 8:25 AM Banff Train Station at 8:30 AM Juniper Hotel at 8:35 AM If no pickup is selected, your pick up will be defaulted to meet at the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 8:12 AM.

Traveller Ratings

4.7
31 reviews
5
28
4
0
3
1
2
0
1
2

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(31)

D
Dawn_B
June 4, 2026
Great way to spend a morning

We were given plenty of time at each stop which included Bow River Falls, Cascade of Time Garden and Lake Minnewanka. Animals spotted included elk, bighorn sheep and even a chipmunk! We had great weather so the gondola ride and views from Sulphur mountain exceeded expectations. A trip not to be missed

Operator response

We really appreciate this review! Thanks for choosing Discover Banff Tours for your Banff Morning Tour Scenic Highlights and Gondola Ride experience, and safe travels wherever you go next.

A
A3673DQtraceys
May 10, 2026
Beautiful scenery

Thank you to Sophie our guide and driver on this relaxed scenic tour of Banff. Spotted Elk, Deer and long horn sheep, sadly no bears. Ending with the gondola up Sulphur mountain enjoying fabulous views as the weather was perfect

S
Susan J
May 6, 2026
Private transfer but this is not given as an option

Our private transfer guide Cris (Cristino) was an absolute treasure find. Hilariously funny, whitty, knowledgeable and entertaining. He made our trip from Calgary to Banff such a joyful experience and totally deserves this 5 star review… great man 😄

S
Sharon_H
May 5, 2026
Really enjoyable trip

Really enjoyed this trip, enough time at each stop for photos & to enjoy the scenery Our driver Buffy was very informative & helpful The gondola ride up the mountain is not to be missed, fantastic views

7
763gregorys
April 23, 2026
Very cramped van! Plus-sized people should think twice before booking.

Cannot recommend them. They had us packed into a van which tried to fit 3 seats across and also an aisle... far too cramped. My wife did stay, and enjoyed the tour, but I was so uncomfortable when the guide picked us up that I got off... goodbye $100+ dollars.

Operator response

Thank you for your feedback. We’re really sorry to hear that you felt uncomfortable with the seating arrangement. Our vehicles are configured to meet safety standards and are commonly used for small group tours, but we understand that comfort levels can vary from person to person. We regret that the setup did not meet your expectations. As you chose to leave during pickups, our guide unfortunately didn’t have the opportunity to speak with you directly or explore possible adjustments on the spot. We would have been happy to see if there was anything we could do to make you more comfortable. We’re glad to hear your wife was still able to enjoy the tour, and we appreciate you sharing your experience. Your feedback will be passed along to our team as we continue working to improve our service.

H
hzl2026
February 8, 2026
Amazing experience with Discover Banff Tours

Neil was an awesome guide in Banff — friendly and funny. He shared so much interesting history and info about the mountains and different spots we visited. You can tell he genuinely cares and stories/knowledge about wildlife are fun too. His history degree definitely came in handy 😄 Only small suggestion: the hot chocolate stop at the beautiful Two Jack Lake would have been even better with a proper little reststop instead of standing by the road juggling drinks, phones, and maple cookies . Indeed a Banff101 morning with Neil

S
ShazcmD
October 1, 2025
An amazing day

Neil was the most amazing tour guide. So knowledge & approachable. He gave us a great tour & we saw a Woolf & white dear even before the Gondola which was totally amazing. A great tour company who go above & beyond your expectations so you ensure that you get the best.

J
JUNO1975
September 14, 2025
So many great places to see on our tour

Jake was a great guide and bus driver. Very knowledgeable and friendly. He took us to so many beautiful places. Gave us all the info we needed about the amenities. Every stop was breathtaking. It was a fun day. Jake is a handsome guy too. Thank you.

S
scotstewart
September 14, 2025
Fabulous Banff tours

We did the half day around Banff wildlife and Gondola tour and then the following day the Lake Louise and Moraine lake trip. Both times our guide was Neil. Both trips were excellent. We were picked up on time from our hotel and taken around the various stops with times to take on various viewpoints and highlights. Buses were comfortable and Neil was an excellent guide. Relaxed and extremely knowledgeable about the surrounding areas. He made sure we were comfortable and kept us up the date at all times with timings, what to see etc . We would recommend both of these trips and this company if you are staying in the Banff area.

C
ChrisofSurrey
September 9, 2025
Essence of Banff

A great way to start your stay in Banff providing an overview of the National Park Bannf town and the Rocky Mountains. Neil our guide was a huge source of information on “ All Banff” and his love and pride of the area was evident to me throughout. Neil encouraged questions on any subject although to be fair we had trouble thinking of anything else not covered by him. We also went on the Gondola ride which is spectacular and worth doing in my opinion. The walk to the summit can be done in the timeframe but you do need to watch timings. Watch out for Neil’s trick questions 🤭 They keep you in your toes and add to his repartee and humour to make the day fun as well. Thanks Neil Five stars all the way ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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