4 Lakes in Banff from Calgary: Moraine Lake & Bow Lake

Glacial rock flour turns these lakes colors you won't see anywhere else.

A full-day tour from Calgary, Canmore or Banff visiting four alpine lakes in the Canadian Rockies, with a professional English-speaking driver, air-conditioned vehicle and national park pass included. The itinerary covers Moraine Lake (with a choice of the short Rockpile Trail hike or the Lakeshore Trail), Bow Lake, and Lake Louise, where you can walk the lakefront or rent a canoe. Pickup is included from your hotel. The tour runs 9 to 10 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Bow Lake15m
2. Moraine Lake1h · entry included

Tour four iconic lakes in Banff

• View wolf-head shaped lake from above
• Visit Bow Lake and admire turquoise waters
• Explore Lake Louise and lakefront
• Optional canoe rental at Lake Louise
• Hike Rockpile Trail for panoramic views
• Stroll Lakeshore Trail at Moraine Lake

The experience

You start from your hotel in Calgary, Canmore or Banff and travel in a heated or air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver who shares local knowledge about the area. The national park pass is included, so there's no stop at the gate. You head straight into the Canadian Rockies. The vehicle holds up to 24 passengers, making it suitable for families and groups traveling together.

The tour moves through four lakes, each one distinct. Bow Lake is known for its vivid turquoise water, a result of glacial rock flour suspended in the lake, and sits framed by Crowfoot Mountain and Bow Peak. Lake Louise opens up with the Fairmont Chateau visible across the water. You can walk the lakefront, photograph from the boathouse, or arrange a canoe rental on your own. Moraine Lake offers two options: a short, rewarding hike up the Rockpile Trail for panoramic views, or a gentler walk along the Lakeshore Trail. The first lake you visit has a distinctive wolf-head shape when viewed from above, formed by thousands of years of glacial movement.

The full day runs 9 to 10 hours, which gives you time to move between lakes without rushing and to spend a meaningful stretch at each one. Specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with small children, and the tour suits all fitness levels. The hikes and walks are optional or can be adjusted to your pace.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned or heated vehicle for the full day.
• professional English-speaking driver with local knowledge.
• national park pass so you skip the gate.
• pickup from your hotel in Calgary, Canmore or Banff.
• access to all four lakes with time to explore each one.
• optional hikes and walks at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Dash The Driver

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Banff or Canmore without a car. The driver picks you up from your hotel and handles all navigation, leaving you free to absorb each of the four lakes rather than splitting focus between driving and scenery.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 16 years); Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving in Calgary without a rental car?

Yes. Pickup from your Calgary hotel is included, and you can also join from Canmore or Banff if you're staying in either of those towns. The driver handles the full route, so you don't need your own vehicle.

What makes Bow Lake's color so different from other mountain lakes?

Bow Lake's vivid turquoise comes from glacial rock flour, fine sediment created by glacial movement, suspended in the water. The same process colors Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, but each lake's shade depends on the amount of sediment and the angle of the light.

Do I have to hike at Moraine Lake, or can I just walk around it?

You have a choice. The Rockpile Trail is a short, rewarding hike that rewards you with panoramic views. The Lakeshore Trail is a peaceful, easier walk along the water. Both are included in the tour, and you can pick based on how you're feeling that day.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included, so you'll want to bring food or plan to eat at one of the stops. Lake Louise has a boathouse with a café, and there are other options in the area.

What's included in the tour besides the vehicle and driver?

The national park pass, air-conditioned or heated transport, and the professional English-speaking driver are all included. Canoe rentals at Lake Louise are available separately if you want to add that.

How many people typically travel on this tour?

The vehicle holds up to 24 passengers, so it's designed for families and groups. Smaller groups may share the vehicle with other travelers on the same day.