Banff, Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Tour: Guaranteed Access

Summary

Guaranteed entry to Moraine Lake plus Banff’s quiet corners

You’ll get guaranteed access to both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise without battling crowds or bus lines. Your local guide adapts each day trip from Banff based on wildlife sightings and group vibe—so you might end up at secret viewpoints or peaceful trails most visitors miss. Expect real downtime by the lakeshore and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed our pickup at the Banff Train Station because I was distracted by a raven hopping around the parking lot — which our guide, Jamie, later said is a good luck sign out here. The van was roomy and smelled faintly like pine needles (or maybe that was just my backpack), and everyone seemed half-awake but excited. Jamie started off by warning us that “no two days are ever the same” on this tour. I thought it was just a line, but it turned out to be true in weird little ways.

First stop: Lake Louise. I’d seen photos, but standing there is different — the color looks fake in pictures but real up close, like someone dropped turquoise ink into the water. We had almost two hours to wander, and Jamie pointed out a quieter spot away from the crowds where you could actually hear the wind in the trees. Some people rented canoes; I just sat under a tree and watched a couple try (and fail) to take a selfie with their dog. There’s something about the air here — cold and sharp even in summer — that makes you want to breathe deeper.

Moraine Lake was next. Since public vehicles aren’t allowed anymore, having guaranteed access felt like cheating (in a good way). The light shifted as clouds moved over those jagged peaks — I kept taking photos but none of them really captured it. Jamie showed us this side trail for lunch where we could watch chipmunks darting around picnic tables. Someone asked about bears and he just grinned: “You’ll see them when they want you to.” I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

On our way back through Banff, we took a detour down Bow Valley Parkway because someone spotted elk tracks (or claimed they did). Not every group gets that route — depends on time and luck, apparently. We stopped at Morant’s Curve hoping for a train; no dice today, but honestly it didn’t matter. The mountains were enough. It all felt kind of unscripted — not rushed or rigid like some tours I’ve done before. So yeah, if you’re after those famous lakes but also want space to just…be there, this day trip from Banff is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Banff National Park highlights

• Meet guide in Banff
• Visit Lake Louise with guided exploration
• Explore Moraine Lake with expert guide
• Drive Bow Valley Parkway if time allows
• Stop at Morant's Curve if possible
• Visit Castle Cliff Viewpoint or Moose Meadows

Top questions

Is public vehicle access allowed at Moraine Lake?

No, since 2023 only approved shuttles or tours offer access—this tour guarantees entry.

How long do we spend at Lake Louise?

You’ll have about 1.5–2 hours to explore Lake Louise at your own pace.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No, wildlife sightings depend on luck and timing; guides adjust routes if possible based on recent activity.

Is lunch included in this Banff day trip?

No lunch is provided but there’s an onboard cooler for your food; guides suggest picnic spots by the lakes.

Where does pickup happen for this tour?

The meeting point is Banff Train Station; pickup and drop-off are included there.

Can children join this small group tour?

This tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 years old or travelers with mobility issues.

What’s special about Morant’s Curve?

It’s a scenic bend in Bow River with mountain views—sometimes you’ll see a train pass through for classic photos.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at Banff Train Station, guaranteed expedited entry to both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise (even though public vehicles can’t go), water refills if you bring your own bottle, an expert local guide who adapts stops based on wildlife sightings or group interests, use of an onboard cooler for your lunch or drinks, plus comfortable panoramic transport with space for up to 12 guests before heading back in the evening.