Banff & Lake Louise tour: 10 scenic spots in one day

Ten landmark stops across the Canadian Rockies in a single day

A full-day small-group tour of Banff and Yoho explores ten scenic stops (from Bow Falls and Johnston Canyon to Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Moraine Lake) with a professional local guide, round-trip transportation, and safety gear for winter conditions. The itinerary shifts seasonally: Moraine Lake opens in summer, Emerald Lake in winter. Children from age 2 are welcome. The tour suits all fitness levels, though cardiovascular fitness helps on the gentle hikes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Bow Falls15m · entry included
2. Johnston Canyon1h · entry included
3. Moraine Lake1h · entry included
4. Crowfoot Glacier15m · entry included
5. Bow Lake30m · entry included
6. Peyto Lake30m · entry included
7. Emerald Lake30m · entry included

Explore Banff and Yoho scenic spots

• Visit Bow Falls waterfall
• Stop at Surprise Corner viewpoint
• Enjoy views from Mount Norquay Lookout
• Hike to Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
• Walk along Lake Louise shoreline
• Lunch at Samson Mall
• Stroll around Moraine Lake (summer only)
• View Crowfoot Glacier lookout
• Walk along Bow Lake shoreline
• See Peyto Lake viewpoint
• Walk Emerald Lake shoreline (winter only)
• Admire Natural Bridge rock formation

The experience

Nine to eleven hours gets you through Banff's most photographed landmarks and the hidden stops locals favor. You start at Bow Falls, where the roar of cascading water and dramatic cliffs frame the first photos, then move through Surprise Corner (the classic shot of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel), and Mount Norquay Lookout for sweeping views over the Bow Valley. A gentle 1.4-mile hike along catwalks takes you into Johnston Canyon Lower Falls, where canyon walls rise around you and the waterfalls create an immersive moment.

Lake Louise comes next, its turquoise waters backed by towering peaks, with time to walk the shoreline and recharge at Samson Mall. The route then follows the Icefields Parkway, where Crowfoot Glacier Lookout and Bow Lake offer glacier views and alpine reflection, before reaching Peyto Lake: striking for its vivid turquoise color and distinctive shape. Moraine Lake, open only in summer, reveals vivid blue waters in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. In winter, Emerald Lake takes its place with vibrant green waters reflecting the forest and mountains. Natural Bridge, a rock formation carved by the Kicking Horse River, closes the day.

Round-trip pickup from your accommodation is included, along with an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and crampons for icy conditions. A professional local guide or driver leads the group with storytelling and photography tips throughout. The tour operates year-round, so seasonal highlights (Moraine Lake in summer, Emerald Lake in winter) shape each departure differently.

What’s included

• Round-trip pickup and drop-off from your accommodation.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• parks admission fee.
• bottled water.
• crampons for icy conditions.
• experienced local tour guide or driver leading the group in English.
• seasonal Moraine Lake Access Pass (summer) or Emerald Lake access (winter).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 10

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Monarc VIP Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so the storytelling and photography tips are accessible to all language levels. This tour suits families with children from age 2 and works for all fitness levels, though the gentle hikes and full-day pace require reasonable cardiovascular health to enjoy comfortably.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years).

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 the 1.4-mile hike at Johnston Canyon like?

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls involves a gentle walk along catwalks where canyon walls rise dramatically around you and the waterfalls create an immersive setting. It's accessible for most fitness levels and designed for both nature lovers and photographers.

Does the tour include food or meals?

Food and beverages are not included in the tour price. Samson Mall along Lake Louise Drive provides a convenient lunch stop where you can purchase meals while surrounded by mountain scenery.

Which lakes will I see if I book in summer versus winter?

Moraine Lake, with its vivid blue waters in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, opens only in summer. In winter, Emerald Lake takes its place, showcasing vibrant green waters reflecting the surrounding forest and mountains. Both tours visit Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake year-round.

What happens if there's ice or snow on the trails?

Crampons are provided for icy conditions and should be used for safety on winter hikes. The tour operates year-round and adjusts to seasonal terrain, so winter departures come equipped for snow and ice.