Which Calgary Tours & Things To Do To Choose? Our Best 9 Picks

Calgary is a city that offers much more than its famous Stampede. It’s a hub for outdoor explorers, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone looking to uncover Alberta’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re interested in a hassle-free day trip to the Canadian Rockies, a scenic city tour, or an adrenaline-filled horseback ride, Calgary’s diverse tour options make it easy to craft your ideal itinerary.

We’ve especially enjoyed the Discover Banff National Park – Premium Day Trip for its personalized touch and breathtaking scenery, and the Explore Banff National Park with Our Premium Day Tour for its detailed exploration and small-group experience.

From easily accessible city tours like the Calgary: 3-Hour Sightseeing Bus Tour to multiday private adventures in Banff, there’s something tailored for every traveler. If you’re after a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural charm, options like horseback riding in Kananaskis or self-guided river rafting provide authentic Alberta experiences. Keep reading to find the perfect fit for your trip.

1. Discover Banff National Park – Premium Day Trip

Explore the Canadian Rockies on this popular small-group tour. It’s perfect if you want to visit Lake Louise, Castle Mountain, and other major sights without the hassle of driving. Your guide takes care of navigation and shares local insights, making it ideal for those wanting a relaxed but comprehensive experience.

The trip includes national park entry, and you’ll enjoy a short mountain hike — perfect for nature lovers. Reviewers love the personalized attention and stunning scenery.

At around $86.77, it offers great value for a full day of adventure, especially with the small-group setting ensuring a more intimate experience.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a hassle-free, scenic day with knowledgeable guides and versatile stops like Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka.

Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers or anyone short on time but eager to see Banff’s highlights without feeling rushed.

2. Explore Banff National Park with Our Premium Day Tour

For around $119, this small-group full-day tour offers an in-depth look at Banff’s most celebrated lakes: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Surprise Corner. Your guide provides rich insights into the area’s geology and history, elevating the experience beyond just sightseeing. This tour is flexible enough to adapt for summer and winter, showcasing the parks’ year-round beauty.

Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the carefully curated stops, with many mentioning how guides like Luis and Angel enhanced their trip. The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and ample free time for photography and exploring Banff town.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded, guided experience with plenty of room for photo ops and local knowledge.

3. Calgary/Canmore: Banff National Park & Lake Louise Day Trip

This well-rated day trip offers a balanced itinerary with stops at Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon. Starting from Calgary or Canmore, you’ll cover the park’s highlights in about 10 hours. The tour focuses on learning about the region from passionate locals, making it best suited for newcomers wanting an overview without the full complexity of a multiday trip.

Guests enjoy the knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, with reviews mentioning the smooth logistics and worthwhile stops. Expect to see iconic sites along with some less crowded spots in Banff.

Bottom Line: A solid choice for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed day of natural beauty.

4. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake Day Trip from Banff/Calgary

This full-day tour combines Banff’s most famous lakes with a visit to Yoho National Park. It’s a favorite for nature lovers who enjoy photography, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives. The tour includes Lake Louise, with its iconic chateau, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake, known for its striking green waters.

For about $59.89, the value is excellent, especially since it includes photo stops and optional lakeside dining at the Fairmont Chateau. Ice cleats are provided in winter, making it accessible year-round.

Guests love the beautiful landscapes and the friendly guides who point out wildlife and hidden viewpoints. The tour tends to fill up, so booking early is wise.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a full day immersed in Alberta’s lakes and mountain scenery.

5. Calgary: 3-Hour Sightseeing Bus Tour

If you’re limited on time but want to get a good overview of Calgary, this bus tour is perfect. For just $49, you’ll see major landmarks like Heritage Park and Canada Olympic Park, while learning about Calgary’s history. It’s a comfortable, informative way to familiarize yourself with the city’s highlights, with many reviews praising the engaging guides and photo opportunities.

The tour covers key neighborhoods and viewpoints, making it an efficient option for busy visitors or first-timers who want a quick introduction.

Bottom Line: Ideal for a short, city-focused tour that provides a solid overview of Calgary’s main sights.

6. Lake Louise Moraine Lake Emerald Lake Yoho Banff National Park

This full-day tour explores both Banff and Yoho national parks, giving you a diverse landscape experience. Highlights include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Bow Falls, plus a chance to explore the town of Banff. The tour is highly rated, with guests remarking on how much they saw without feeling rushed, thanks to knowledgeable guides like Ivan and Patrick.

It’s especially suitable for nature enthusiasts who want to see a variety of lakes, waterfalls, and mountain vistas. The price of around $63.04 offers great value considering the number of sites visited and the included free time.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want an active, scenic day that covers multiple parks and landmarks.

7. 2025 Winner-Lake Louise Moraine Lake Johnston Canyon Banff Town

This full-day experience covers Banff’s top lakes and Johnston Canyon’s waterfalls, with plenty of free time to explore Banff Avenue. Starting from Calgary, the tour emphasizes hiking (with crampons in winter) and scenic viewpoints. Guests praise guides like Emma for their engagement and knowledge, making it a great option for active travelers.

The itinerary includes free time in Banff for shopping or dining, and the stops at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are unforgettable.

Bottom Line: Suitable for active visitors who want a comprehensive, flexible day with hiking and sightseeing.

8. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Tour from Calgary – Canmore – Banff

This special access tour offers Moraine Lake, usually closed to the public since 2023, along with Lake Louise. For about $114.95, you’ll enjoy exclusive views and a well-paced day with stops in Canmore and Banff.

Many reviews highlight the expert guides like Roger and Emma, who make the experience both informative and fun. The tour provides scenic photo stops and free time in Banff for exploring the town or grabbing lunch.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking exclusive access and a curated experience of Alberta’s top lakes.

9. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake and Johnston Canyon Tour

This 10-hour tour combines four stunning sites: Emerald Lake, Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise. It’s ideal for those who love diverse landscapes and hiking—with time to walk Johnston Canyon’s waterfalls or relax lakeside. Guides like Arun are praised for their local knowledge and ability to bring the scenery to life.

The tour is budget-friendly at $107.54 and includes free photo stops. It suits active travelers wanting a full day of exploration and natural beauty.

Bottom Line: Great for those who want a balanced mix of hiking, sightseeing, and photography.

How to Choose Your Perfect Tour

Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and time. For a relaxed introduction to Banff, the Discover Banff National Park – Premium Day Trip offers a personalized touch. If you prefer a comprehensive exploration of multiple parks and lakes, the Lake Louise Moraine Lake Emerald Lake Yoho Banff National Park is ideal.

Budget travelers will appreciate the Calgary: 3-Hour Sightseeing Bus Tour, while active adventurers might enjoy horseback riding in Kananaskis.

Consider your fitness level—some tours include hikes or walking in rugged terrain, while others focus on scenic drives and photography. Booking early ensures you secure spots, especially for popular tours like the Moraine Lake access.

Final Thoughts

From scenic day trips to city tours and outdoor adventures, Calgary and the surrounding Rockies offer a rich variety of experiences. If you’re after a breathtaking mountain escape, the Discover Banff National Park – Premium Day Trip is hard to beat for its personal touch.

For those who want to see multiple lakes and waterfalls in one day, the Lake Louise Moraine Lake Emerald Lake tour is perfect. And if your time in Calgary is tight, the city sightseeing tour provides a quick yet rundown.

No matter your interests or budget, planning ahead and booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable adventures. Now, it’s time to pack your camera and hiking shoes—these tours in Calgary will give you stories to tell for years.