Banff private tour: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Gondola

See five lakes and ride the gondola without planning the route or driving yourself

A private full-day tour of Banff National Park covering Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Vermilion Lakes and the Banff Gondola, with a live guide, hotel or airport pickup, and air-conditioned transport. You choose your starting point (Calgary, Banff or Canmore), and the guide handles all driving and parking while you photograph the glacial lakes and mountain views.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Moraine Lake1h
2. Johnston Canyon1h 30m
3. Lake Minnewanka20m
4. Banff Gondola1h 30m
5. Bow Falls20m

Full day sightseeing in Banff National Park

• Visit Lake Louise
• Explore Moraine Lake
• Hike Johnston Canyon
• See Vermilion Lakes
• Visit Lake Minnewanka
• Ride Banff Gondola
• View Bow Falls
• Stop at Surprise Corner viewpoint
• Walk along Banff Avenue

The experience

The tour hits the major stops in Banff in a single day: Lake Louise, famous for its turquoise glacial water and Victoria Glacier backdrop; Moraine Lake, nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks with equally striking turquoise waters (available June 1 through October 12); Johnston Canyon with its waterfalls and forest trails; Vermilion Lakes framed by the Rockies; Lake Minnewanka, stretching over 21 kilometers; and the Banff Gondola, which lifts you from the valley floor to Sulphur Mountain's summit for views across the park and town. Bow Falls and Surprise Corner round out the stops, the latter offering a panoramic view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel against the Rockies.

You pick your starting point (Calgary airport, Banff town or Canmore), and the driver collects you from your hotel or arrival point. The guide navigates between sites, finds parking at each stop and handles the day's logistics while you focus on the landscape. The vehicle is air-conditioned and stocked with bottled water. The tour runs 8 to 10 hours depending on how long you linger at each lake and canyon.

Moraine Lake is only available from early June through mid-October each season, so if you're traveling outside that window, the itinerary shifts to other park highlights. Gondola tickets are not included in the price, so you'll pay separately if you want to ride to the summit. The tour suits all fitness levels and accommodates wheelchairs, service animals and specialized infant seats.

What’s included

• Private transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• hotel or airport pickup from Calgary, Banff or Canmore.
• bottled water.
• parking fees at each stop.
• GST and fuel surcharge.

Options for this experience

3 options

From CanmoreGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 10:00Pickup from Canmore accommodations is included

From BanffGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 10:00Pickup from Banff accommodations is included

From CalgaryGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 10:00Pickup from Calgary accommodations is included

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 10:00

Book up to8h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 45 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteCA$ 80

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by The Fairy Bus

Is this one for you?Choose your departure city based on where you're staying or arriving: Calgary if you're flying in, Banff if you're already in town, or Canmore if that's your base. The private vehicle means no waiting for other passengers and no compromise on the route or pace, so you can spend as long as you want at each lake and canyon.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What makes Lake Louise and Moraine Lake different from each other?

Lake Louise is famous for its striking blue color fed by glacial melt, surrounded by Victoria Glacier and Mount Victoria, making it the centerpiece of the area. Moraine Lake sits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks with equally vibrant turquoise waters, especially vivid in summer when glacial melt is heaviest, and is framed by jagged mountains and evergreen forests.

Can I do this tour if I'm visiting in winter?

Moraine Lake is only open from June 1 through October 12 each season, so if you're traveling outside those months, the tour includes other Banff National Park highlights instead. Lake Louise, Lake Minnewanka, Johnston Canyon and the Banff Gondola remain accessible year-round.

What is Johnston Canyon like?

Johnston Canyon is a dramatic canyon within Banff National Park known for its waterfalls, lush forests and hiking trails. It's a short stop on the tour for nature lovers and anyone wanting to walk among the canyon's scenery.

Do I need to arrange my own pickup, or is it included?

Pickup is included in the tour price from your choice of three starting points: Calgary airport, Banff town or Canmore. You'll be collected from your hotel or arrival location and returned at the end of the day.