Banff Icefields Parkway tour: Five lakes in one day

Five alpine lakes on one route through the Canadian Rockies

A full-day private bus tour from Banff along the Icefields Parkway visits Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, with a live guide in English, Hindi, Punjabi or Urdu and hotel pickup included. The route follows the scenic highway north, stopping at each lake for views and photos, then returns to Banff along the Bow River valley.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Moraine Lake45m · entry included
2. Icefields Parkwaypassing by
3. Peyto Lake45m · entry included
4. Bow Lake45m · entry included
5. Bow River1h
6. Lake Minnewanka30m

Explore Alberta Rockies Lakes

• Visit Lake Minnewanka
• Travel scenic Icefields Parkway
• Stop at Lake Louise
• Explore Moraine Lake
• Visit Bow Lake for photos
• Hike short trail at Peyto Lake
• Drive back to Banff

The experience

The tour departs Banff and heads first to Lake Minnewanka, a glacial lake ringed by peaks. From there the route climbs toward Lake Louise, where a glacier rises above emerald water and the valley spreads out below. The bus then continues north on Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway, a mountain pass that opens views of the surrounding peaks and ice fields as it climbs.

Moraine Lake sits in a valley of ten peaks and is only open from June through mid-October. The vivid blue water and the scale of the surrounding mountains are what make this stop central to the day. After Moraine Lake, the route reaches Bow Lake, where you stop for photos and views, then continues to Peyto Lake, a turquoise alpine lake reached by a short trail that opens onto the panorama. The return journey follows the Bow River back down to Banff, a drive of about an hour through the valley.

Travel time between attractions totals four and a half hours across the full day. The bus is private, so the group stays together at each stop. A guide travels with the group and speaks English, Hindi, Punjabi or Urdu. Hotel pickup in Banff is included, as is bottled water and fuel surcharge.

What’s included

• Private transportation by bus.
• bottled water.
• GST (Goods and Services Tax).
• fuel surcharge.
• hotel pickup in Banff.
• live guide in English, Hindi, Punjabi or Urdu.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 31

Live guideEnglish, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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.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.

Paid on siteCA$ 187

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Signature Charters & Tours

Is this one for you?At eight and a half hours, this tour fills most of a day and leaves little room for other activities in Banff itself. Book it when you want to spend the full day in the mountains and return to town in the evening.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4).

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 is Lake Moraine and why does it matter for this tour?

Moraine Lake sits in a valley surrounded by ten massive peaks and glaciers, with vivid blue water that makes it one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada. It is the centerpiece of the day but is only accessible from June through mid-October, so the tour operates seasonally around it.

How much time do you actually spend driving versus at the lakes?

Travel time between attractions is four and a half hours across the full day. The remaining time is split among stops at Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake for photos and views.

What is the Icefields Parkway and what will I see there?

The Icefields Parkway is Highway 93 North, a scenic mountain pass that climbs through the Canadian Rockies and connects the lakes on this tour. As the bus travels the parkway, you see surrounding peaks, glaciers and ice fields from the road.

Does the tour include entry fees to Banff National Park?

Banff National Park fees are not included in the tour price and are paid separately. Private transportation, bottled water and fuel surcharge are included.