Banff Three Lakes and Johnston Canyon Day Tour

Four lakes and a canyon in one morning departure, before the crowds arrive.

A full-day tour of Banff's most photographed lakes and Johnston Canyon, departing early to reach each site before peak hours. Small groups travel by air-conditioned vehicle with a live guide in English or Hindi, stopping at Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, Johnston Canyon and the Natural Bridge. Admission to Moraine Lake is included June through October. Hotel pickup is available from Canmore, Calgary or Banff, with the Banff departure operating year-round and the town-only option available in winter from October 14 onward.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Johnston Canyon1h
2. Emerald Lake30m
3. Lake Louise45m
4. Moraine Lake1h

Explore lakes and canyon in Banff area

• Visit Banff sign for photos
• Explore Lake Louise and surroundings
• Lunch stop at Lake Louise Village
• Visit Moraine Lake and hike Rockpile Trail
• Walk Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park
• Visit Emerald Lake and canoe or walk
• Hike Johnston Canyon Trail to waterfalls

The experience

The tour runs eight to ten hours total, built around early departures that get you to Johnston Canyon's waterfalls and the turquoise waters of Lake Louise before the parking lots fill. You'll hike the canyon trail to both the Lower and Upper Falls, walk the shoreline at Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, and stop at Moraine Lake (open June through October) to photograph the Valley of the Ten Peaks reflected in the water. A lunch break happens at Lake Louise Village, and the route includes a short stop at the Natural Bridge, where the Kicking Horse River has carved an arch through solid rock.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and holds small groups, with a guide who speaks English or Hindi and knows the timing of light and crowds at each stop. Bottled water is provided throughout the day. Your pickup point depends on which option you choose at checkout (Canmore, Calgary or Banff), and if you're traveling in winter, the Banff departure operates year-round while the town-only option begins October 14. Moraine Lake admission is included only during its open season, June 1 through October 14.

Photography spots are positioned to avoid the main viewing areas, and the itinerary leaves room for custom hikes or, in summer months, private canoe rentals on the lakes if you want to extend your time on the water. The pace is unhurried. The goal is to see four distinct landscapes (canyon, two major lakes, and a quieter alpine lake) without rushing between them.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• live guide in English or Hindi.
• admission to Moraine Lake (June 1 to October 14 only).
• hotel pickup from your chosen location.

Options for this experience

3 options

Guide in English or Hindi09:50

Guide in English or Hindi08:00

Guide in English or Hindi09:30

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 08:00, 09:30 and 09:50

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Infant (under 8)

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Matrix tours and travel LTD

Is this one for you?Choose your pickup location at checkout based on where you're staying (Canmore, Calgary or Banff), since the tour departs from that point. The early start is what keeps four separate lakes and a canyon inside a single eight-hour day, so the timing is fixed. If you prefer a later departure or a different pace, a different tour may suit you better.

Traveler reviews

4.90★★★★★★★★★★

60 verified traveler reviews

5 ★54

4 ★6

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Hindi.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 8).

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.

What's the difference between Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on this tour?

Lake Louise is the iconic turquoise lake ringed by snow-capped peaks and the Fairmont Chateau, with summer canoeing and winter ice skating available. Moraine Lake, a short drive away, sits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and is one of Canada's most photographed spots, especially at sunrise and sunset. It's open June 1 to October 14 and admission is included on this tour.

Can I canoe on the lakes during this tour?

Canoeing is available on Lake Louise and Moraine Lake during summer months, and on Emerald Lake year-round. The tour includes time at each lake, and private canoe rentals can be arranged as an add-on if you want to get on the water.

What happens at Johnston Canyon?

Johnston Canyon is a deep, narrow gorge where you hike the trail to both the Lower Falls and Upper Falls, with waterfalls cascading down the rock walls. In winter, the falls freeze into ice sculptures and the trail becomes an ice-walking experience. In fall, the surrounding leaves turn vibrant colors.

Which pickup location should I choose?

You can pick up from Canmore, Calgary or Banff at checkout. Banff operates year-round. If you're traveling October 14 onward, the Banff town-only option becomes available. Choose based on where you're staying or which location is most convenient for your schedule.

Is lunch included in the tour?

A lunch stop happens at Lake Louise Village, but food is not included. You'll have time to buy a meal or bring your own during the break.

What should I bring for the hikes?

Bring comfortable hiking boots, layers for changing weather, and a camera. Bottled water is provided. The hikes range from short walks to the Natural Bridge to longer trails like the Rockpile Trail at Moraine Lake for panoramic views, so pack according to how much hiking you want to do.