Banff Gondola, Johnston Canyon and Lake Minnewanka Trio Spot Shuttle Service
Tour Highlights
- Soar above the Rockies on the Banff Gondola and explore Sulphur Mountain’s summit
- Walk the catwalks and admire waterfalls at Johnston Canyon
- Enjoy the peace and panoramic views of Lake Minnewanka
- Learn fascinating stories and local history from knowledgeable guides
- Snap unforgettable photos of mountains, rivers, and alpine scenery
- Small group setting for a personalized experience
- Optional hike extension to Johnston Canyon Upper Falls:
- Distance: 5.4 km (3.4 miles) round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 120 m (394 ft)
- Duration: ~1.5 hours round-trip
Banff Gondola, Johnston Canyon & Lake Minnewanka Day Tour
Day Tour Overview
Experience the magic of Banff like never before on this immersive day tour that combines stunning viewpoints, natural wonders, and local insight. From soaring above the Rockies on the Banff Gondola to exploring waterfalls in Johnston Canyon and taking in the serenity of Lake Minnewanka, this adventure blends thrill, beauty, and relaxation into one unforgettable journey.
Begin your day with convenient hotel pickup in Banff, Canmore, or Harvie Heights. Travel in comfort in a spacious, clean vehicle with one of our professional, friendly guides. Choose a morning or afternoon departure to suit your style — either way, you’re in for a scenic and enriching ride.
Banff Gondola
Your first stop is the iconic Banff Gondola. Glide up Sulphur Mountain and rise 2,281 meters above sea level for panoramic views of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the town of Banff. At the summit, enjoy time to explore the boardwalk, take in sweeping vistas, snap photos, and even grab a snack at one of the mountaintop cafes.
Johnston Canyon
Next, we journey to one of Banff’s most beloved natural attractions — Johnston Canyon. With your guide’s insights, enjoy a scenic walk along suspended catwalks that hug the canyon walls as you make your way to the Lower Falls and, if you're feeling energized, continue on to the Upper Falls. Be amazed by rushing waterfalls, mossy canyon walls, and the vibrant turquoise waters below.
Lake Minnewanka
Cap off your tour at the peaceful Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park. Whether you stroll the shoreline, skip stones, or simply soak in the serenity, this is the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your day. If you're lucky, you might even spot bighorn sheep or bald eagles in the area.
Bonus Stop
To make your experience even more special, we include a surprise bonus stop — a lesser-known scenic viewpoint or local gem handpicked by your guide. It’s the perfect last touch of magic before we head back to Banff, Canmore, or Harvie Heights.
Itinerary
- Convenient Pickups: Available in Canmore, Harvie Heights, and Banff for both morning and afternoon tours.
- Banff Gondola Experience: Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain with free time at the summit.
- Johnston Canyon Exploration: Guided or self-paced walk to the Lower and optional Upper Falls.
- Lake Minnewanka Stop: Relax by the lake or explore the shoreline trails.
- Bonus Scenic Stop: Discover a surprise viewpoint or hidden gem curated by your guide.
- Comfortable Return: Drop-offs back in Banff, Canmore, or Harvie Heights with memories to last a lifetime.
- Flexible Itinerary: Order of stops may vary based on weather and daily conditions to ensure the best experience.
Pickup locations in Canmore, Harvie Heights, Banff, and Lake Louise
Drop off locations in Canmore, Harvie Heights, Banff, and Lake Louise
- ๐งฅ Dress in cozy layers—you never know how the mountain weather might shift during the day!
- ๐งข Don’t forget your hat, sunnies, and some sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- ๐ฅค Bring a refillable water bottle and some snacks to keep your energy up while exploring.
- ๐ฆ Mountain weather can change fast—be ready for a little bit of everything.
- ๐ Before heading out, check the latest weather update through the link we sent in your confirmation email.
- Private round-trip transportation from your accommodation in Banff, Canmore, or Harvie Heights.
- Priority entry to both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, skipping the public shuttle hassle.
- Enjoy up to 2 hours of personal time to relax, explore, or take photos at each iconic lake.
- All mandatory National Park entrance fees are included.
- Full coverage of the 2025 Moraine Lake Road access surcharge introduced by Parks Canada.
- Guided by a friendly and experienced local expert with deep knowledge of the area.
- Light snack included, plus complimentary water refills (please bring your own bottle).
- Stay charged with onboard power outlets—just remember your device cable!
- โ Food, drinks, or snacks are not included—feel free to bring your own!
- โ Canoe rentals are available at the lake but not part of this package.
- โ Guided hikes are not provided—this is a self-paced adventure.
- โ Tips for your guide or driver are always appreciated but completely optional.
- โ Any personal purchases or souvenirs are at your own expense.
- โ Hiking gear or equipment isn’t included, so please come prepared if you plan to hit the trails.
No need to meet us somewhere—we’ll come to you! Your check-in will be done right at your hotel pick-up.
Please be ready and waiting 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled time so we can stay on track.
We'll send you a confirmation message the night before with your exact pick-up time and location.
Exploring Moraine Lake and Lake Louise with Tanan
Can I drive to Moraine Lake?
Personal vehicles are not permitted on the road to Moraine Lake. Access is exclusively via **shuttle services** or organized tours.
Is Tanan a shuttle or a tour?
Tanan provides shuttle services. This means we offer reliable transportation, picking you up and dropping you off at your designated location in either Canmore or Banff. Our focus is on getting you to and from Moraine Lake and Lake Louise efficiently, allowing you to enjoy your time at these stunning locations.
It's important to note that **our service is a shuttle, not a guided tour.** While our friendly driver will ensure a smooth journey, they do not provide historical commentary or stay with you at the lakes. Shuttles are ideal if you prefer independent exploration and simply need transportation to and from the lakes.
Is sunrise or sunset better for visiting?
Both sunrise and sunset at Moraine Lake offer incredible scenery and memorable experiences. Any time you choose to visit is sure to be breathtaking. Many find sunrise offers more vibrant photos, while sunset tends to have fewer crowds.
How can I get to Moraine Lake?
The most convenient way to reach Moraine Lake is by utilizing **shuttle services**. Our shuttles provide direct transportation to the lake and will pick you up at a pre-arranged time.
Other transportation options include:
- Hiking (approximately 28km round trip)
- Biking (traditional or e-bike)
- Parks Canada Shuttles
- Roam Public Transit
Can I see Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in one day?
Yes, absolutely! Our shuttle services are designed to allow you to experience both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on the same trip. Enjoy ample time at each of these iconic destinations.
How long are the shuttles?
Our Sunrise Shuttle runs for 7 hours from Canmore or 6 hours from Banff, with approximately 4 hours total spent at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
Our Sunset Shuttle runs for 6 hours from Canmore and 5 hours from Banff, including around 1.5 hours at Moraine Lake and 1 hour at Lake Louise, followed by a scenic wildlife drive back.
What should I wear?
Mountain weather can be unpredictable, often experiencing all four seasons in a single day. We highly recommend dressing in **layers!** Sweaters, jackets, hats, and gloves will help you stay comfortable. Feel free to pack extra layers or shorts in a backpack, which you can store in the shuttle. We will also have blankets available to help keep you warm.
What should I bring?
We suggest bringing your camera to capture the stunning views, a reusable water bottle, and some light snacks to keep you energized. We will provide water to refill your bottles during the journey.
Please note: Our Sunset Shuttle often coincides with dinner-time. We recommend eating before the shuttle departs or bringing more substantial snacks to enjoy along the way.
Do you offer snacks on the shuttle? Are there any allergy-friendly options?
We offer complimentary bottled water and chips.
Can I eat at the lakes?
Given that we often travel during less busy times, there's a possibility that cafes at the lakes may be closed. However, we will provide light snacks on every shuttle for your convenience.
- Sunrise Shuttle: At Moraine Lake, food service is typically not available. At Lake Louise, there will likely be access to a cafe within the hotel.
- Sunset Shuttle: There's a chance the cafe at Moraine Lake will be open. If your shuttle crosses over dinner, we strongly recommend eating beforehand or bringing a larger snack with you.
Do I need to be an avid hiker?
Not at all! While there's a popular 15-minute hike offering one of the best views of Moraine Lake, there are plenty of easily accessible viewpoints for everyone. Lake Louise also offers numerous convenient viewpoints. You'll have plenty of options to enjoy the scenery without strenuous hiking.
Can my kids come?
We do not provide child safety seats. Children under 40 lbs or under 6 years of age cannot join our shuttles. Children aged 7-12 who can safely ride with a regular seatbelt are welcome. Exceptions may be made for private bookings if you can provide your own child seat – please contact us before booking to discuss.
Can I bring my pet?
While we adore animals, pets are not currently permitted on our shuttles. Please stay tuned for potential future dog-friendly days!
*Exceptions are made for certified service dogs – please contact us if you need to bring a service dog with you.
Do you only visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise?
Our small group shuttle services are focused on providing access to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise during less crowded times. If you're interested in exploring other areas, we'd be happy to discuss a custom itinerary for a private shuttle booking.
For more details, please refer to our terms and conditions.
Cancellation Policy
Life happens—we get it! If you need to cancel or make changes to your private tour or transfer, just let us know at least 7 days in advance and we’ll happily offer a full refund or help reschedule your booking.
If it’s less than 7 days before your tour or transfer, we’re unable to provide a refund, and no-shows will also be non-refundable. For any special cases, check your confirmation email for details specific to your booking.