6 Day Private Tour:
Banff and Lake Louise from Calgary
Six days of exploring the highlights Banff National Park
Tour Category:
Private Multiday Tours
Season:
December to March | May to October
Destinations:
Calgary | Banff | Lake Louise
Tour Description:
From Calgary to Banff and Lake Louise. This 6-day, 5-night sightseeing tour will take you to all of the must-see highlights in Banff National Park. From the plains of Calgary to the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, you will see the very best of Canada’s landscapes: mountains, lakes, and waterfalls.
Banff and Lake Louise: 6 Day Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in Calgary and touring to Banff
To start your vacation, your private tour guide for the next five days will pick you up from the location of your choice within Calgary whether it is the Calgary Airport, downtown, or the surrounding area. For those who are arriving on a flight, your guide will meet you in the arrivals section of the airport.
From Calgary, your adventure to the Canadian Rockies begins! The drive from Calgary to Banff takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours as the scenery outside of your private vehicle gradually changes from prairie landscapes, to foothills, to mountain peaks. Depending on the time that you arrive in Calgary and the preferences of your group, your guide would be happy to make stops to show you some of the sights along the way.
Your hotel in Banff for the next two nights is included.
Day 2:
Half-Day Private Tour: Banff Highlights and Banff Gondola
Today, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning for a half-day sightseeing tour of the town of Banff and its surrounding highlights. Visit Surprise Corner for the best views of Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, otherwise known as “The Castle in the Rockies”. See the towering mountains including Rundle, Tunnel, Cascade, and Norquay. Learn about the wind-shaped hoodoos, see Bow Falls, and experience a scenic drive along Tunnel Mountain Drive.
The highlight of today’s tour is a gentle ride on the Banff Gondola up to the top of Sulphur Mountain for fantastic views of the Bow Valley, interpretive boardwalks, and endless photo opportunities.
Upon completion of the tour, the rest of the afternoon in Banff is yours to spend how you wish. The exact timing of the day is up to you as it is a private tour but it is best to plan for a 2 to 3 PM end to the tour if you are making afternoon plans. Let your guide know where you would like to be dropped off in town.
Your hotel in Banff tonight is included.
For ideas on how to spend your free time in Banff, see below:
Day 3:
Full-Day Private Tour: Banff to Lake Louise Sightseeing Tour
Today, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning with your luggage for a full-day sightseeing tour of the area between Banff and Lake Louise. During this tour, you will travel along the Alberta and BC border, cross the Continental Divide, and explore more sights within Banff National Park and Yoho National Park.
From May to October, the tour will focus on the many mountain lakes, and waterfalls in the area which include key locations such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, and Takakkaw Falls.
From December to March, the lakes will be frozen over and some of the mountain roads will be closed meaning that Moraine Lake and Takakkaw Falls are not accessible, however, there is still plenty to do and see! There are some great, optional, Canadian winter activities that can be included on this day. Let us know your preference for the following activities in advance of your trip:
- Ice Skating on Lake Louise
- Horsedrawn Sleigh Ride at Lake Louise
- Dogsledding in Banff National Park
- Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing at Emerald Lake
Your hotel for the next two nights at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is included.
This world-famous lake is known as the Jewel of the Canadian Rockies and is one of the most photographed locations in the world.
Day 4:
Free Day to Explore Lake Louise
Today is a free day to relax and enjoy one of the most beautiful locations in the Canadian Rockies. If you need some recommendations for what to do, see below, or let your guide know the day before if you prefer to take things day by day.
From May to October, here are a few ideas on how to spend your day:
- Canoeing – Rent a canoe and explore the waters of Lake Louise (generally available starting in late May or early June)
- Hiking – The Lake Agnes Tea House is a popular 7 KM (4.5 Mile) hike that starts from the hotel
- Afternoon Tea – A popular afternoon activity at the Fairmont hotels across Canada
- Spa Day – enjoy a relaxing day at the Chateau Lake Louise Spa
- Lake Louise Gondola – A popular spot for grizzly bear viewing during the summer months
From December to March, here are a few ideas on how to spend your day if you haven’t already included one of these on the previous day’s tour:
- Ice Skating on Lake Louise – skate rentals available at the hotel
- Horsedrawn Sleigh Ride at Lake Louise
- Spa Day – enjoy a relaxing day at the Chateau Lake Louise Spa
- Afternoon Tea – A popular afternoon activity at the Fairmont hotels across Canada
- Go Skiing or Snowboarding at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Your hotel for tonight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is included.
For additional ideas on how to spend your free time in Lake Louise, see below:
Day 6:
Full-Day Private Tour: Lake Louise to Calgary with Sightseeing Stops
Today, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning with your luggage for a full-day tour/transfer from Lake Louise back to Calgary. By this time, your guide will have gotten to know you pretty well and will make some recommendations for any last-chance sights to see before leaving the Rockies. This could include other stops in Banff, Yoho, or Kootenay National Parks that weren’t previously included on Day 2 or 3, or new locations such as Kananaskis, Canmore, or even a highlights tour of the city of Calgary.
Upon arrival in Calgary, you will be dropped off at your Calgary downtown hotel. It is time to say goodbye to your tour guide as your trip comes to an end with your last night in Calgary.
Your hotel in Calgary for one night is included.
*For those with an early morning flight the next day, a Calgary Airport hotel can also be substituted.
Day 6:
Departure from Calgary
Your vacation concludes upon check out of the Calgary hotel.
Should you have a flight to catch from YYC, a complimentary private shuttle to the airport will be included from your hotel.
Should you have some free time before you depart from Calgary, see below for ideas on how to spend your free time in the city:
6 Day Private Tour: Sample Pricing for 2024 & 2025
Pricing Details:
- Peak Season rates are for June through September – you’ll save more by traveling outside of those months
- Sample prices are per person(based on a group of 6 people) in Canadian Dollars and are subject to an additional 5% Canadian sales tax.
- Prices are based on double occupancy in hotels. For single, triple, or quad sharing, please request a quote.
- Base prices are based on the Popular Hotel category
- Prices are available for one to nine people traveling. Please request a quote to find out the exact pricing for your group.
- For groups or 10 or more people, please contact us for a custom itinerary.
- To qualify for any current Specials, please request a quote.
$1.00 CAD = | $0.74 USD | €0.69 EUR | £0.59 GBP | $1.14 AUD |
What's Included
- Private Tour Guide/Driver
- Private Vehicle (Up to 9 people with luggage)
- 5 Nights of Hotel Accommodations *(Hotel Level Selection Required)
- National Park Passes
- Private Transfer between Calgary & Banff
- Private Transfer between Calgary Hotel & Airport
- Private Half-Day Banff Tour (Banff Gondola – All Seasons)
- Private Banff to Lake Louise Tour (+ Optional Activity – Dec to Mar only)
- Private Lake Louise to Calgary Tour
- Luggage Handling
Not Included
- Flights in or out of Calgary
- Meals
- Gratuities/tip for guide and hotel staff
- Canadian 5% sales tax
Hotel Information
Popular Hotels
Our base level of hotels or “Popular hotels” typically include standard room types in major hotel chains such as Marriott, Delta, and Sheraton properties.
Superior Hotels
Our Superior level of hotels or “Superior hotels” provide you with upgraded rooms at Popular Hotels or base-level rooms at some of our 4-star properties.
Deluxe Hotels
Our Deluxe level of hotels or “Deluxe hotels” offer a guarantee of either a larger room or a spectacular view at one of the Superior Hotels, or at a 4.5-star hotel.
Premium Hotels
Our high-end hotel options, or “Premium hotels” include the Gold Floor at all Fairmont hotels where available, otherwise known as the Grand Railway Hotels.
