Banff & Lake Louise tour: Three alpine lakes in one day

Three turquoise lakes and a mountain town in eight to ten hours

A guided tour of Banff and Yoho National Parks visiting Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, and either Moraine Lake (June through October) or Marble Canyon (winter), with stops at the Natural Bridge and free time in Banff Town. Pickup and dropoff are included from Calgary, Canmore or Banff. The tour runs with other travelers and a live guide in English, Spanish, French, Chinese or another language. The itinerary shifts with the seasons: Moraine Lake closes in winter, so the route changes to showcase the frozen landscape instead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Moraine Lake1h · entry included
2. Emerald Lake30m · entry included
3. Spiral Tunnelspass by

Explore iconic lakes and Banff Town

• Visit Moraine Lake
• Explore Lake Louise
• Lunch break
• Discover Emerald Lake
• See Natural Bridge
• Free time in Banff Town

The experience

The tour picks you up from Calgary, Canmore or Banff and heads into the Rockies on a fixed schedule that covers the region's most photographed water in a single day. In summer, you'll stop at Lake Louise first, then Moraine Lake, then Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park: each one a different shade of turquoise reflecting the peaks around it. You'll also see the Natural Bridge, a stone arch carved by glacial melt through the Kicking Horse River bed, and pass the Lower Spiral Tunnels, an engineering feat that lets trains climb the steep grades. Winter swaps Moraine Lake for Marble Canyon and adds a different kind of drama: snow-covered peaks, frozen shorelines, and the same lakes transformed by cold.

Lunch is built into the day: an hour to eat, usually near Lake Louise or Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Between stops you'll have time to walk the shorelines, photograph the reflections, and spot wildlife if it's out. The route also passes Cascade Mountain, Castle Mountain and Mt. Rundle, each one a landmark in the drive itself. Banff Town gets free time at the end, so you can browse the shops, galleries and cafes before heading back. The whole thing runs eight to ten hours including travel time, and the guide will tell you what to expect the day before by email or message.

Weather and road conditions can shift the itinerary, so the operator may adjust stops or timing and will let you know the day before if that happens. If you're bringing luggage, a wheelchair, stroller or anything that needs extra space, let them know when you book. There may be an additional charge. In winter, crampons are provided if you need them. This is a shared tour with other travelers. If you'd prefer a private group, contact the operator directly.

What’s included

• Pickup and dropoff from Calgary, Canmore or Banff.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• a live guide in your chosen language.
• lunch break (one hour).
• crampons in winter if needed.
• GST.

Options for this experience

3 options

Guide in 5 languages09:00

Guide in 5 languages08:40

Guide in 5 languages07:15

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:15, 08:40 and 09:00

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Banff Journey

Is this one for you?Choose your pickup location based on where you're staying: Calgary for airport arrivals, Canmore or Banff if you're already in the mountains. The shared tour format means you'll travel with other visitors and follow a fixed schedule, which keeps the cost down and the day well-organized. If you want a private group on your own timeline, contact the operator to arrange that instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, Chinese and Cantonese.

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 24h before the start.

Can I visit Moraine Lake on this tour?

Moraine Lake is open to visitors from June 1 through October 13, so it's included in the summer itinerary. From late October through May, the lake closes and the route changes to Marble Canyon instead, which offers its own dramatic frozen scenery.

What's the difference between the summer and winter routes?

Summer takes you to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge and Banff Town. Winter replaces Moraine Lake with Marble Canyon and adds snow-covered views of Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and the frozen Natural Bridge, giving you a different landscape of the same parks.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is included from Calgary, Canmore or Banff, depending on which option you choose at checkout. All pickup times and locations are fixed, so review the details carefully and select the one that works for your schedule.

Is lunch included in the tour?

The tour includes an hour for lunch, usually near Lake Louise, but you'll need to bring your own food or buy it at a cafe or restaurant along the route.

How long is the drive from Calgary or Canmore?

The total tour duration is eight to ten hours including all travel time. The drive from Calgary to Banff is roughly two hours each way, so most of the day is spent at the lakes and stops rather than in the vehicle.