Banff & Lake Louise: Guided Hike with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Hiking Banff’s iconic trails with local guides and a picnic lunch

You’ll join a small group hike through Banff or Lake Louise’s famous trails with a local guide who keeps things real. Expect muddy boots, shifting mountain light, a simple packed lunch, and stories you’ll remember longer than your photos. Pickup is included — just don’t get lost finding it like I did.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the pickup spot behind the Mount Royal Hotel — classic me, wandering in circles before I spotted our group clustered near the bus parking. The morning was chilly, but not in that postcard way; more like damp socks and coffee breath. Our guide, Jamie, handed out hiking poles and made a joke about “Canadian weather roulette.” It felt easy right away — nobody was trying too hard.

We headed out toward Moraine Lake for the Larch Valley trail (it was Saturday), and honestly, I’d seen those turquoise lake photos everywhere but didn’t expect the real thing to look so… muted? The light kept shifting behind clouds, so sometimes it was all silvery and quiet. Jamie pointed out where the larches turn gold in fall — apparently people drive hours just for that. I tried to say Minestimma Lakes out loud and Li laughed at my pronunciation (fair enough). The climb up those switchbacks got my heart going faster than I’d admit.

The packed lunch came out at the top — nothing fancy, just a sandwich and an apple, but after that climb it tasted like something special. There was this weird silence while we ate, broken only by some wind and someone unwrapping their snack too loudly. I remember thinking how small we looked under Mt Temple’s shadow. On the way down, my knees complained but nobody rushed; Jamie let us stop to watch a marmot sunning itself on a rock. I still think about that view from Sentinel Pass — not dramatic, just honest mountain space.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided hike on iconic trails

• Join small group guided hike
• Choose one of four iconic trails
• Hike Stanley Glacier trail (Sun & Thu)
• Hike Larch Valley trail (Mon & Sat)
• Hike Consolation Lakes trail (Tue)
• Hike Plain of Six Glaciers trail (Wed & Fri)
• Enjoy mountain, lake, and glacier views

Top questions

Which Banff hikes are included on this guided tour?

You can choose from Larch Valley at Moraine Lake, Plain of Six Glaciers at Lake Louise, Stanley Glacier in Kootenay National Park, or Consolation Lakes.

Is lunch provided during the Banff guided hike?

Yes, a packed lunch is included and you can select your meal by contacting reservations before your hike.

Where does pickup take place for this hike?

Pickup is from the public bus parking located behind the Mount Royal Hotel in Banff.

Are hiking poles provided on this tour?

Yes, use of hiking poles is included as part of your day trip from Banff or Lake Louise.

What fitness level do I need for these hikes?

You should have at least moderate fitness; some trails include switchbacks or elevation gain.

Can children join this guided hike in Banff?

The minimum age is 13. Ages 13-15 must be with an adult; 16-17 can join solo if a parent signs a waiver in person that morning.

What should I bring for weather changes during the hike?

Bring layers including a warm fleece or waterproof jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, sturdy shoes or boots, water bottle, and camera.

Are there different hikes on different days?

Yes: Stanley Glacier runs Sunday/Thursday; Larch Valley Monday/Saturday; Consolation Lakes Tuesday; Plain of Six Glaciers Wednesday/Friday.

What’s included

Your day includes return transport from Banff with pickup behind the Mount Royal Hotel, guidance from a certified local hiking guide on one of four iconic trails around Banff or Lake Louise (with hiking poles if you want them), plus a packed lunch to eat along the way before heading back down together.