Banff: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise

Summary

Banff’s yellow bus to lakes, canyons and teahouses with locals

You’ll ride Banff’s iconic yellow school bus past forests and wildlife to places like Johnston Canyon and Moraine Lake—with flexible stops and friendly local hosts guiding you along the way. Hike waterfalls or just sit by turquoise lakes without worrying about parking or schedules. It’s less about perfection, more about soaking in whatever moments stick with you after.

What’s the experience like?

I stepped onto that bright yellow school bus on Banff Avenue feeling a bit out of place—like I was late for class or something. But our host, Jamie, grinned and handed me a little map, saying “Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it.” The seats were just as bouncy as I remembered from childhood. We rolled out past the station and suddenly Bow Valley Parkway opened up—pine needles everywhere, that sharp cold-morning smell sneaking in through the window. Someone behind me spotted a deer and everyone twisted around at once. You never really get used to how wild Banff feels.

First stop was Johnston Canyon. The bus dropped us right near the café (I could smell coffee before I saw it), and Jamie reminded us when the next pickup would be—no pressure if we wanted to hike further. The lower falls trail was slick with spray; my shoes got muddy but honestly, I didn’t care. There’s this echo of water in there that sort of follows you back up the path. I tried chatting with an older couple from Calgary who’d done this “hop-on hop-off Banff” thing three times already—they swore by it for skipping parking headaches at Lake Louise.

We made it to Lake Louise around midday. It’s busy, yeah, but stepping off the bus right by the shore felt like cheating (in a good way). Some folks peeled off for the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike—I went just far enough to catch that blue-green water between trees before turning back for a snack. At Moraine Lake later on, our host pointed out where some Hollywood movie had been filmed (can’t remember which one now). The light changed so fast up there—one minute it’s all bright turquoise, then suddenly shadowy and quiet except for people laughing or speaking softly in different languages.

I kept thinking about how easy it was not having to plan every detail or fight for parking spots—just hopping on and off whenever something caught my eye. Even waiting for the next bus felt relaxed; people swapped stories about hikes or compared muddy boots. It wasn’t perfect—my sandwich got squished somewhere between stops—but honestly, that’s part of what made it feel real. If you want every second scheduled out, maybe not for you. But if you like drifting a bit… well, I still think about those mountain smells sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Banff and nearby attractions

• Depart from Banff Moose Hotel or Train Station
• Travel along Bow Valley Parkway
• Hop off at Johnston Canyon
• Hike to upper and lower falls
• Hop off at Lake Louise Gondola
• Purchase gondola tickets onboard
• Hop off for Lake Agnes or Plain of Six Glaciers hikes
• Visit Moraine Lake and admire views
• Return to Banff by 5pm or 6pm

Top questions

How does the hop-on hop-off Banff bus work?

You board at designated stops in Banff and can get on or off at places like Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Gondola, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake throughout the day.

Is pickup included with this day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from set meeting points like 345 Banff Avenue or directly outside the Station.

Are guides available on board?

Yes, there are English-speaking hosts on each bus who help answer questions and share tips about Banff.

Can I bring a stroller or large items?

No, oversized items or strollers aren’t allowed unless they fit on your lap.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

It’s not recommended for children 5 years old or under; infant/booster seats aren’t provided.

What are some main stops on this route?

Main stops include Johnston Canyon Resort (near café), The Lodge of Ten Peaks at Lake Louise Gondola, commercial bus parking at Lake Louise village area, and directly by Moraine Lake shore.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

Yes—it runs rain or shine so dress appropriately for changing mountain conditions.

When does the full day end?

The last buses return to Banff either at 5pm or 6pm depending on schedule.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Banff meeting points like 345 Banff Avenue or outside the Station; an English-speaking host onboard every classic yellow school bus; GST tax; flexible hop-on hop-off access at Johnston Canyon Resort (right near the café), Lake Louise Gondola area by The Lodge of Ten Peaks, commercial parking at Lake Louise village zone, plus drop-off right by Moraine Lake’s shore before returning to town in late afternoon or early evening.