Banff National Park Day Trip: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

The turquoise lakes change color with the season, and your guide knows which viewpoint catches it best.

A 10-hour guided tour of Banff National Park departing from Calgary, led by a certified local guide who navigates seasonal closures and road restrictions so you don't have to. The route includes Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (June through October), Johnston Canyon, Bow Falls and Lake Minnewanka, with free time in Banff town for a meal. Pickup is included from Calgary, Canmore or Banff. Bottled water and park admissions are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Johnston Canyon1h
2. Moraine Lake1h
3. Bow Falls15m

Explore Banff National Park highlights

• Visit Lake Louise
• See Moraine Lake (summer only)
• Walk Johnston Canyon (seasonal)
• Tour Banff town and lunch
• View Bow Falls or Lake Minnewanka (summer)
• Stop at Surprise Corner viewpoint
• Enjoy Castle Mountain scenic view

The experience

The tour leaves Calgary at 7:30 AM, with later pickups in Canmore at 9:00 AM or Banff at 9:30 AM. A certified guide handles the driving and logistics, which means you skip the navigation through seasonal road closures and the guesswork about which stops are open. Lake Louise opens the day: the turquoise water framed by snow-capped peaks is the same in every season, but the guide knows how the light hits it and where to stand. In winter the lake freezes solid. In summer it's surrounded by hikers and kayakers.

The route shifts with the season. From June through October, Moraine Lake replaces some stops: a glacial lake set against the Valley of the Ten Peaks, accessible only during those months. In the colder half of the year, Johnston Canyon takes its place, with suspended catwalks that lead to waterfalls. In winter those falls freeze into ice formations. Bow Falls and Surprise Corner (or Lake Minnewanka in summer) round out the stops. You get free time in Banff town to eat and walk around before heading back.

Bottled water is included, and the guide carries crampons for icy sections. Park admissions are covered. The remaining 10 hours account for travel time and rest stops, so this is a full day but not a sprint. Minimum age is 5 years old, and the tour suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Round-trip transportation from Calgary, Canmore or Banff.
• certified local guide leading the entire day.
• park admissions to Banff National Park.
• bottled water.
• Moraine Lake access pass (seasonal, June through October).
• crampons for icy terrain.

Options for this experience

3 options

Tour From CalgaryGuide in English · 07:30Duration: 11 hours. Starting from Calgary: Your guide and driver will wait outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel at 7:30 am. Departure time: 7:40 am.

Tour From CanmoreGuide in English · 09:00Duration: 10 hours. Starting from Canmore: Your guide and driver will be at the Legacy Trail Parking Lot between 8:50 am and 9:00 am.

Tour departing from Banff TownGuide in English · 09:30Duration: 9 hours. Starting from Banff: Your guide and driver will be outside the Hotel Canoe & Suites between 9:15 am and 9:30 am.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except SaturdayDepartures at 07:30, 09:00 and 09:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (5 to 90 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Rocky Mountain Trips

Is this one for you?The 7:30 AM start from Calgary means an early morning, but it's what fits Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon and Bow Falls into one day without rushing the stops themselves. The guide handles all the driving and knows which roads are closed, so you're not managing the logistics or the seasonal changes.

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Top questions

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 visiting Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon on this tour?

Moraine Lake is open June 1st through October 15th and is known for its vivid turquoise water backed by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Johnston Canyon operates October 14th through May 31st and features suspended catwalks over waterfalls. In winter the falls freeze into ice formations. The tour includes whichever is in season when you go.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the meeting point?

Pickup is included from Calgary (7:30 AM), Canmore (9:00 AM) or Banff (9:30 AM). You choose which location works for you at checkout, and the guide collects you there.

What happens if I arrive late or need extra luggage space?

Details are emailed 24 hours before your trip date. If you need extra space for luggage or equipment, reach out to the operator directly. They handle requests on a case-by-case basis.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included, but the tour builds in free time in Banff town where you can eat at one of the restaurants or cafés there. Bottled water is provided throughout the day.

What should I bring for the frozen waterfalls in winter?

The guide carries crampons for icy sections, so you don't need to bring your own. Dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear. Johnston Canyon's catwalks are navigable year-round, but winter adds ice and snow.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

The tour suits all fitness levels. Most stops involve short walks to viewpoints or along established paths. Johnston Canyon's catwalk is suspended but not strenuous. The remaining time is spent driving and at rest stops.