Banff Day Trip: Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Johnston Canyon

Five glacial lakes and canyons fit into one day when you skip the driving.

This day trip from Calgary visits Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Johnston Canyon and Natural Bridge in Banff and Yoho National Parks, with hotel pickup from Calgary, Canmore or Banff and a professional driver handling the route. You stop at the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Emerald Lake, walk Johnston Canyon's limestone cliffs and waterfalls, and see the Kicking Horse River carve through Natural Bridge, ending on Banff Avenue for shops and views of Cascade Mountain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Emerald Lake1h
2. Johnston Canyon1h

Visit lakes and canyon in Banff and Yoho

• Visit Lake Louise
• Visit Emerald Lake
• See Natural Bridge
• Explore Johnston Canyon
• Walk Banff Avenue

The experience

The tour leaves from one of three hotels (Mount Royal in Calgary, Northwinds in Canmore, or Banff Train Station), and runs between six and ten hours depending on which stops you linger at. The shuttle is air-conditioned, parking and fuel surcharge are covered, and a live English-speaking guide narrates the route. Lake Louise sits first on the itinerary, a glacial lake fed by surrounding glaciers. Its turquoise water is brightest in summer when meltwater fills it. From there the route crosses into Yoho National Park to Emerald Lake, where fine glacial sediment suspended in the water gives it a turquoise-green color that photographs reflect back differently depending on the light and season.

Johnston Canyon comes next, a series of trails winding through lush forest and dramatic limestone cliffs along Johnston Creek, with a sequence of waterfalls and the vibrant blue water visible from the path. Natural Bridge, a short drive away, is where the Kicking Horse River has carved a passage through solid limestone, creating a natural arch. The site shows the power of erosion and works well for photography. The day ends on Banff Avenue, the main street of the town, lined with shops, restaurants and galleries with views of Cascade Mountain behind them.

Moraine Lake is closed for the season, so this itinerary routes around it to the other major glacial lakes and canyons instead. Service animals are allowed, specialized infant seats are available, and the tour suits all fitness levels. Wheelchair users can board. Gratuities are not included in the price.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle, professional driver, fuel surcharge and parking fees are covered.
• GST is included.
• specialized infant seats are available on request.

Options for this experience

4 options

Departure from the Mount Royal Hotel parking lotGuide in English · 08:00 and 09:00Meeting point: Mount Royal Hotel, Box 1140, 138 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J3, Canada

Departure from Banff Train StationGuide in English · 08:00 and 09:00Meeting point: Banff Train Station, 327 Railway Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A1, Canada

Departure from the Canmore Northwinds HotelGuide in English · 07:30 and 08:00Meeting point: Northwinds Hotel Canmore, 1602 2 Ave, Canmore, AB T1W 1M8, Canada

Departure from the Calgary Delta HotelGuide in English · 06:00, 06:30 and 07:00Meeting point: Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown, 209 4 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0C6, Canada

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 120

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by The Fairy Bus

Is this one for you?Choose your departure hotel when you book: Mount Royal in Calgary gets you there earliest, while Banff Train Station cuts the drive time if you're already staying in the park.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What color is the water at Lake Louise and Emerald Lake, and why?

Lake Louise is a striking turquoise fed by surrounding glaciers. The color comes from glacial meltwater and is brightest in summer. Emerald Lake is turquoise-green because fine glacial sediment suspended in the water catches and reflects light differently, giving it a distinct hue from Lake Louise.

Can I walk trails at Johnston Canyon, or is it just a drive-by stop?

Johnston Canyon has a series of picturesque trails that wind along Johnston Creek through lush forests and dramatic limestone cliffs, so you walk and explore the waterfalls and rock formations rather than view them from the vehicle.

How long does the tour take, and does that include driving time?

The tour runs between six and ten hours total, and that duration includes all travel time between stops as well as time spent at each site.

Which hotel do I get picked up from?

You choose your pickup location when you book: Mount Royal Hotel in Calgary, Northwinds Hotel in Canmore, or Banff Train Station.

What is Natural Bridge, and why is it worth a stop?

Natural Bridge is a striking rock formation in Yoho National Park where the Kicking Horse River has carved a passage through solid limestone, creating a natural arch. It's easily accessible and offers dramatic views of water rushing beneath the rock span, plus it's a good spot for photography.