Small Group Tours
Banff Highlights Half-Day Tour
Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Banff or Canmore. From the town of Banff, along with a small group of up to 10 people, your tour guide will show you all of the must-see locations within the townsite. Visit Surprise Corner for the best views of the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, see the towering mountains, learn about the wind-shared 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.
Pick-ups for this tour typically range from 15 minutes before, or 15 minutes after the listed start time in Banff. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed a few days prior to the tour as the timing is dependent on where the other guests in your small group are staying.
CAD $175 per person
Duration: 5 hours
Maximum: 10 people
Sightseeing Locations
- Bow Falls
- Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain
- Surprise Corner
- Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
- Hoodoos and Bow Valley Viewpoint
- Two Jack Lake
- Lake Minnewanka
- Mount Norquay Lookout
Top 3 Reasons to Book Our Small Group Tours
- Enjoy small group experiences at large group tour prices. Our small group tours are available exclusively when we charter guides for Canada Rail Vacations and have unfilled seats.
- These tours provide a more personalized experience, allowing deeper exploration of Banff compared to larger tours with up to 50 guests.
- These tours often coincide with Rocky Mountaineer arrivals or departures, offering an excellent opportunity to see Banff's key attractions, particularly for those on short stays without a vehicle.
- Guided tour of Banff with an interpretive guide
- Small group size
- Pick up and drop off from Banff or Canmore
- Banff National Park entrance fees
- Banff Gondola Admission
What to bring: We recommend that you have an extra layer of clothing as the temperature will be cooler at the top of the gondola.
Restrictions: This tour may not be suitable for those who have a fear of heights. If this is the case, ask us about removing the gondola portion of the tour for you.
With six stunning mountain ranges and the sweep of the Bow Valley before you, views from the Sulphur Mountain summit are nothing short of breathtaking. And there’s much more to discover in the state-of-the-art summit building — designed to heighten your senses at every turn.
Visit the Above Banff interpretive centre that takes the unbelievable range of adventures in Banff National Park to a higher level. The centre offers a fun, friendly experience.
Discover the timeless wonder of the Canadian Rockies in the summit building’s Above Banff Theatre. Soar above mountain peaks and through the Bow Valley on a cinematic journey that spans generations. Along the way, you’ll encounter daring climbers, high-flying skiers, and stunning shots of mountain wildlife.
From a quick snack to an unforgettable multi-course meal, there’s a wide range of choices at the top of Sulphur Mountain. Their chefs create fresh and locally sourced menus that will fuel you up for a hike or help you wind down as you watch the sunset behind the Canadian Rockies.
Please be ready at the front of your hotel 5 minutes prior to your listed pick-up time. Look out for a black or silver Ford Transit van with the Alberta Blue Sky Tours logo. Just let the tour guide know your name to join the tour!
Please allow for 5 minutes of leeway if your tour guide has not arrived exactly on time as they may held up picking up other guests.
Do I have to go up the Banff Gondola?
No. Please indicate next to your name that you wish to remove the Gondola portion of the tour and we will refund you CAD $50.00 per person. While other guests are doing the experience the tour guide can give you approximately 30 minutes of free time in Banff, or you may wish to go to the hot springs for a quick soak.
What is the elevation at the top of the Banff Gondola?
The Banff Gondola ride will take you to the top of Sulphur Mountain which stands at a height of 2281 metres (7,486 feet).
What is there to do at the top of the Banff Gondola?
The summit building atop Sulphur Mountain boasts the Banff Interpretive Centre featuring interactive exhibits, multiple viewing platforms offering 360-degree views of six scenic mountain ranges, and two summit restaurants. The Sky Bistro offers a world-class dining experience above the clouds, and the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen offers a more basic, casual experience.
Can I join this tour from Calgary, Lake Louise, or Canmore?
Those coming from Calgary or Lake Louise will need to make their way to Banff or Canmore independently to join the tour. Alternatively, ask us about our private tours!
Guests can join our morning tours from Canmore, however, afternoon tours are only available to start from Banff.
Will I see wildlife on the tour?
There is always a chance of seeing wildlife on our Banff tour, however, it is not guaranteed.
Availability Overview
Please review our most up-to-date availability.
Can't find the date you are looking for?
Let us know your requested date and we will do our best to accommodate you!
Popular Banff Tours
We may be sold out or not operating this tour on your travel dates. Check out our Banff small group tours that may be operating on this date, or book a private tour instead!
Photo Gallery
Small Group Tours
Banff Highlights Half Day Tour
Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Banff or Canmore. From the town of Banff, along with a small group of up to 10 people, your tour guide will show you all of the must-see locations within the townsite. Visit Surprise Corner for the best views of the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, see the towering mountains, learn about the wind-shared 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.
Pick-ups for this tour typically range from 15 minutes before, or 15 minutes after the listed start time in Banff. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed a few days prior to the tour as the timing is dependent on where the other guests in your small group are staying.
CAD $175 pp
Find Your Dates
Top 3 Reasons to Book Our Small Group Tours
- You'll pay large group tour prices, for a small group experience.
- Our small group tours are only made available to the public when we have chartered our guide services to clients of Canada Rail Vacations and all seats have not yet been filled. By joining one of these exclusive group tours, you'll get a more intimate tour experience, and get to see more of Banff than would otherwise be possible when traveling with a larger group as similar tours in the area may include up to 50 people.
- Many of our tours align well with Rocky Mountaineer arrivals or departures in Banff. This tour offers a great way to see the highlights of the Banff townsite and surrounding area, particularly for those who only have a short stay in Banff booked and are without their own vehicle.
What's Included
- Guided tour of Banff with an interpretive guide (5 hours total)
- Small group size (up to 10 people)
- Pick up and drop off from Banff or Canmore
- Banff National Park entrance fees
- Banff Gondola Admission