Banff four-lake day tour: Lake Louise, Moraine, Emerald, Peyto
Four turquoise lakes in one day, each with its own mountain frame
A full-day guided tour through Banff and Yoho National Parks visiting Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (summer only), Emerald Lake and Peyto Lake, each a distinct alpine landscape. You travel by air-conditioned vehicle with a live guide in your chosen language, stopping at each lake for viewing and photography. Winter tours replace Moraine Lake with the Natural Bridge when seasonal closures apply.
Options for this experience
3 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Visit iconic Canadian Rockies lakes
- Pass Cascade Mountain viewpoint
- Pass Castle Mountain viewpoint
- Pass Mt. Rundle viewpoint
- Pass Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- Visit Lake Louise
- Visit Peyto Lake
- Visit Emerald Lake
- See natural rock arch at Kicking Horse River
- Lunch break
- Spiral Tunnels passing by
- Emerald Lake 30m
- Moraine Lake Entry included 1h
- Peyto Lake 45m
What’s included
- GST (Goods and Services Tax).
- pickup and dropoff in Calgary, Canmore or Banff.
- air-conditioned vehicle.
- live tour guide in English, Spanish, French, Mandarin or Cantonese.
- crampons provided in winter for safe footing on snow and ice.
Times
- Every day 07:15 08:40 09:00
Before you book
Operated by Banff Journey
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The tour moves through four separate lake basins, each one a different color and setting. Lake Louise sits beneath glaciers with turquoise water that reflects the surrounding peaks. In winter it freezes into a smooth surface framed by snow. Moraine Lake, open June through October, lies in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and is known for its vivid turquoise hue caused by glacial rock flour. Emerald Lake, surrounded by forest and towering mountains, glows green-blue year-round and transforms into a snow-covered expanse when frozen. Peyto Lake, shaped like a wolf's head when viewed from above, displays brilliant turquoise waters in summer and becomes a pristine frozen landscape in winter.
The route includes stops at Cascade Mountain, Castle Mountain and the Lower Spiral Tunnel in Yoho National Park. An engineering marvel that lets trains navigate steep grades. In winter when Moraine Lake closes, the itinerary substitutes the Natural Bridge, a rock formation carved by the Kicking Horse River over centuries. Lunch is built in: 45 minutes in summer, one hour in winter. The full day runs 8 to 10 hours including travel time. A live guide leads the tour in English, Spanish, French, Mandarin or Cantonese, and you travel with other local participants in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Pickup and dropoff are available in Calgary, Canmore or Banff depending on which option you choose at checkout. In winter, crampons are provided for safe footing on snow and ice. The operator sends a reminder the day before departure and may adjust the itinerary if weather or road conditions change. You'll be notified by the day before the tour. If you're bringing luggage, a wheelchair, stroller or other items needing extra space, let them know in advance as additional charges may apply.
Is this one for you?Choose your pickup location at checkout (Calgary, Canmore or Banff) based on where you're staying, since all pickup times are fixed. The shared tour format means you travel with other local participants. If you'd rather have the vehicle and guide to yourself, contact the operator about a private option.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Chinese and Cantonese.
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.
What's the difference between the summer and winter routes on this tour?
Summer (June 1 to October 13) includes Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Winter (October 14 to May 31) replaces Moraine Lake with the Natural Bridge, a rock arch carved by the Kicking Horse River, because Moraine Lake closes seasonally. Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Peyto Lake appear on both itineraries, though they transform from turquoise waters to frozen surfaces as the seasons change.
Can I book a private tour instead of joining other travelers?
This is a shared local bus tour where you join other participants. If you'd prefer a private tour, contact the operator directly to arrange one.
Which pickup location should I choose?
Pickup and dropoff are available in Calgary, Canmore or Banff. All pickup times and locations are fixed, so review the details carefully and choose the one that suits your accommodation. If you have special requests, contact the operator directly.
Is lunch included, and what about gratuities?
Lunch is not included in the tour price. Gratuities for the guide are customary at CAD$15 per person. The tour includes the guide, vehicle, air-conditioned transport, pickup and dropoff at your chosen location, and crampons in winter.
What should I know about the road conditions and itinerary changes?
Due to unpredictable weather and road conditions in the Canadian Rockies, the itinerary may be adjusted. The operator will notify you of any changes the day before the tour, so check your email or messages for updates.
Banff four-lake day tour: Lake Louise, Moraine, Emerald, Peyto
8h–10h · EN +2 · at your hotel
from CA$ 179 per person
≈ US$ 130 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.