Banff National Park tour: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake highlights

Hike Johnston Canyon's waterfalls, then stand at the edge of three glacial lakes in one day

A full-day guided tour of Banff National Park and Yoho National Park, departing from Banff, Canmore or Calgary, with a local guide driving an air-conditioned van to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (June through October), Emerald Lake and Johnston Canyon. You walk the scenic trail alongside Johnston Creek past waterfalls and misty cliffs, visit the turquoise shores of Lake Louise and the vivid blue waters of Moraine Lake, stroll the emerald-green shoreline of Emerald Lake, and finish with free time on Banff Avenue or at Bow Falls.

Options for this experience

3 options

From CA$ 88 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Calgary meet up 07:30 Guide in English Pickup point: Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown, 209 4 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0C6, Canada

Canmore meet up 08:45 Guide in English Pickup point: 2801 Bow Valley Trl, Canmore, AB T1W 3A2, Canada

Banff meet up 09:10 Guide in English Pickup point: Canalta Lodge Banff, 545 Banff Ave #1B5, Banff, AB T1L 1B5, Canada

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Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Banff National Park highlights

• Visit Lake Louise and view Victoria Glacier
• See Moraine Lake and Valley of the Ten Peaks
• Lunch stop at Lake Louise Village
• Walk along Emerald Lake shoreline and bridge
• Hike Johnston Canyon trail to waterfalls
• Choose visit to Bow Falls or Banff Avenue

Stops and time spent at each 3 stops

1. Moraine Lake Entry included 50m
2. Emerald Lake Entry included 25m
3. Johnston Canyon Entry included 1h

What’s included

• Local tour guide as driver.
• air-conditioned van.
• admission to Moraine Lake (June 1 to October 11).
• crampons provided in winter for your own use.

Times

• Every day 07:30 08:45 09:10

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Before you book

Group Up to 24

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts. 3 with pickup ›

Book up to 10h before

Ages Adult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort Pets welcome Public transport nearby

Operated by Banff ToDo

Prices and times updated yesterday

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 3 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

Lake Louise sits at the heart of this tour: a turquoise glacial lake with the Fairmont Chateau and Victoria Glacier framing the view. The guide handles all the driving and navigation while you take in the Canadian Rockies from the van window, and the stops are timed so you spend real time at each lake rather than rushing through. Moraine Lake, open June through October, sits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and is known for its vivid blue water. Emerald Lake in nearby Yoho National Park has a striking green hue and a wooden bridge that photographers favor.

Johnston Canyon is where you leave the van and walk. The trail follows Johnston Creek for a scenic hike past dramatic waterfalls and misty cliffs, with the guide pointing out wildlife and the best spots to stop. The canyon is one of Banff's most popular trails, and the walk breaks up the day of sightseeing from the vehicle. Lunch happens at Lake Louise Village at your own expense, so you choose where and what to eat.

The tour ends with free time either on Banff Avenue or at Bow Falls, depending on which you pick. Winter changes the itinerary: Moraine Lake closes, and you may visit Johnston Canyon, Marble Canyon or Peyto Lake depending on weather and road conditions. If winter conditions require crampons, the tour provides them. The van is air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter, and the guide is a local who knows the park and can offer insider tips and photo recommendations throughout the day.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

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 Lake Louise like when you arrive there?

Lake Louise is a turquoise glacial lake nestled in Banff National Park, with the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Resort and Victoria Glacier visible across the water at the foot of Mount Victoria. The shores are pristine and the setting is a classic photo stop.

Does the tour visit Moraine Lake every day?

Moraine Lake is open to the tour from June 1 to October 11 only. Outside those months, the itinerary changes to include Johnston Canyon, Marble Canyon or Peyto Lake depending on weather and road conditions.

Can you choose where to pick up the tour?

Yes, you pick one of three meeting points at checkout: Banff, Canmore or Calgary. If your drop-off location differs from your pickup location or you're bringing luggage, contact the operator at least three days before the tour.

What happens at the end of the day?

You have free time to explore either Banff Avenue or Bow Falls, depending on which you choose. This gives you a chance to walk around on your own before heading back to your starting point.