Banff: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Small Group Tour Access

Summary

Lake Louise morning light, Moraine Lake blue, Banff stories along Bow Valley

You’ll feel Banff’s wild beauty up close on this small group tour with guaranteed access to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Walk along turquoise shores, listen as your local guide shares personal stories about these iconic places, and enjoy time to soak in each view without rushing. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s being part of these landscapes for a morning.

What’s the experience like?

"You’ll want to see this color for yourself," our guide said as we rounded the last curve before Lake Louise. And honestly, I thought I’d seen enough photos online to know what to expect — but standing there in the early morning hush, it hit different. The air was sharp, almost minty with pine, and the water really did look unreal. We had about half an hour to wander, so I walked the shoreline slow, boots crunching on gravel. A couple from Edmonton asked if I’d take their picture with Victoria Glacier behind them; we all laughed when a squirrel tried to photobomb.

The drive up Bow Valley Parkway was quiet — not much chatter in the van at first, just that soft hum of tires and someone unwrapping a maple cookie (they handed me one too; sweet but not too much). Our guide, Mark, started telling us about how the lakes change color through the seasons because of rock flour. He pointed out a spot where grizzlies sometimes cross — didn’t see any, but now I always look twice at every shadow in the trees. At Moraine Lake, those Ten Peaks just shoot up out of nowhere. The blue is almost loud. Some people climbed up to the viewpoint for photos; I stayed lower and just watched light move across the water for a while. Didn’t expect to feel that calm.

We weren’t rushed — that surprised me most. Other tours zipped by but our group kind of lingered. Mark answered every random question (even about avalanche dogs), and he seemed genuinely happy to share little stories about growing up near Banff. There was this moment when everyone went quiet at Moraine Lake — just wind in the trees and a few camera clicks — and I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

• Travel Bow Valley Parkway
• See Chateau hotel at Lake Louise
• Walk Lake Louise shoreline
• Admire Victoria Glacier
• Stop at Moraine Lake
• Walk Moraine Lake viewpoint or shoreline

Top questions

How long do we spend at Lake Louise?

You’ll have around 30 minutes at Lake Louise to walk the shoreline or see the Fairmont Chateau.

Is hotel pickup included for this Banff tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is available on request or you can meet at Mount Royal Hotel’s public bus parking.

Can I visit both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on this day trip?

Yes, both lakes are included unless it’s early spring or late fall when only Lake Louise is open.

How big is the group on this Banff tour?

The group size is small—up to 24 guests per guide for a more relaxed pace.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

You get a maple cookie snack and fresh water included during your time on tour.

What route does the tour take between Banff and the lakes?

The drive follows scenic Bow Valley Parkway between Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake.

What happens if Moraine Lake is closed?

If access road is closed (early May or after early October), you’ll spend extra time at Lake Louise instead.

What’s included

Your morning includes round-trip transport from Banff (with hotel pickup if you want), guided stops at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for about 30 minutes each, a maple cookie snack with fresh water along the way, plus all stories and insights from your local guide before returning back into town.