Banff & Lake Louise day trip: Five lakes and canyons
See five alpine lakes and two canyons in one morning departure
A small-group day tour through Banff National Park and Yoho National Park, departing from Banff, Calgary or Canmore, with an expert local guide leading stops at Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, Johnston Canyon, and the Banff sign. The tour prioritizes early departure to beat crowds, includes canoeing on Emerald Lake, hiking to Johnston Canyon's waterfalls, and a lunch break at Lake Louise Village, all in an air-conditioned vehicle over 8 to 10 hours.
Options for this experience
3 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Explore iconic Canadian Rockies sites
- Visit Banff sign for photos
- Explore Lake Louise and hike trails
- Lunch stop at Lake Louise Village
- Visit Moraine Lake and hike Rockpile Trail
- Canoe and walk at Emerald Lake
- See Natural Bridge rock formation
- Hike Johnston Canyon and photograph waterfalls
- Emerald Lake 30m
- Johnston Canyon 1h
- Moraine Lake 1h
- Lake Louise 45m
- Banff National Park 45m
What’s included
- Bottled water.
- air-conditioned vehicle.
- expert local guide in English or Hindi.
- canoeing on Emerald Lake and Moraine Lake during summer months.
- lunch break at Lake Louise Village.
- access to all five lakes and canyon stops.
- photography guidance at each location.
Times
- Every day 08:00 09:30 09:50
Before you book
Operated by Matrix tours and travel LTD
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The experience
You leave early to reach the lakes before the tour buses arrive. The route moves through Banff National Park and into Yoho, hitting five distinct water features: Lake Louise with its turquoise glacial waters and the Fairmont Chateau backdrop; Moraine Lake's Valley of the Ten Peaks (open June through mid-October); Emerald Lake, a quieter spot known for mineral-rich green water where you can canoe or walk the shoreline; Johnston Canyon, a narrow gorge where the Kicking Horse River cuts through rock and waterfalls drop into the canyon floor; and the Banff sign at the park entrance, the standard photo stop. A lunch break sits at Lake Louise Village partway through.
The guide shapes the day around your pace and interests. Hikes vary by season and fitness: Johnston Canyon's Lower and Upper Falls trails are the main draw, though in winter the waterfalls freeze into ice sculptures and the canyon becomes an ice-walking route. Emerald Lake offers the Emerald Lake Loop for those who want a longer walk, or shorter scenic strolls along the shore. At Moraine Lake, the Rockpile Trail climbs for a panoramic view of the lake and the Ten Peaks. Canoeing is available on both Emerald and Moraine Lakes during summer months. The guide points out photography angles and insider details about each stop.
The vehicle is air-conditioned and seats a small group, so the ride itself is part of the experience rather than a crowded shuttle. Bottled water is provided. The full day, including all driving and stops, runs 8 to 10 hours. Note that Johnston Canyon closes in winter, so December through spring substitutes Marble Canyon. Moraine Lake access is seasonal, open only from June 1 through October 14.
Is this one for you?Choose your departure point (Banff, Calgary, or Canmore) based on where you're staying. The early start is what keeps five major lakes and two canyons inside a single day. If you're visiting outside June through mid-October, Marble Canyon replaces Johnston Canyon, and Moraine Lake is not included, so the itinerary shifts but the small-group pace and guide expertise remain the same.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Hindi.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 8).
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 Emerald Lake like compared to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?
Emerald Lake sits in Yoho National Park and is known for its striking green waters created by mineral-rich runoff from the surrounding mountains. It's a quieter, more serene spot than Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, making it a good choice if you want a peaceful escape rather than the busier, more photographed lakes.
Can I canoe on the lakes during this tour?
Canoeing is available on both Emerald Lake and Moraine Lake during the summer months. Emerald Lake offers canoeing year-round when conditions allow, while Moraine Lake canoeing is seasonal, open from June 1 through October 14.
What happens at Johnston Canyon?
Johnston Canyon is a deep, narrow gorge where the Kicking Horse River has carved a path through rock. The trail follows the canyon and leads to both the Lower Falls and Upper Falls. In fall, the surrounding leaves turn vibrant colors. In winter, the waterfalls freeze into ice sculptures and you can ice-walk the canyon floor.
When does the tour start and how early do I need to be ready?
The tour departs early to avoid crowds at the lakes. Depending on your pickup location (Banff, Calgary, or Canmore), you'll be collected in the morning. The exact time is confirmed at checkout. The full day, including all travel and stops, runs 8 to 10 hours.
Is Moraine Lake included on every departure?
Moraine Lake is open and included from June 1 through October 14. Outside those dates, the tour visits the other four lakes and canyons instead.
What is the Banff sign stop?
The Banff sign is a popular photo spot at the entrance to Banff National Park, featuring large wooden letters spelling "BANFF" set against mountain scenery. It's a standard stop where visitors climb and pose on the letters for photographs.
Banff & Lake Louise day trip: Five lakes and canyons
10h · EN +1
from CA$ 100 per person
≈ US$ 73 in your currency
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