Banff tour from Canmore: Six lakes and Johnston Canyon
Six alpine lakes and a canyon in one day, without driving yourself
A full-day guided tour from Canmore through Banff National Park in a private Mercedes Sprinter van, with door-to-door pickup and a local guide. The itinerary covers Johnston Canyon's Lower Falls, Morant's Curve, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, with time to walk and photograph at each stop. Complimentary hiking gear, snacks, coffee and tea are included.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore iconic Canadian Rockies lakes
- Scenic drive through Banff National Park
- Walk Johnston Canyon cliffside trails
- View Morant’s Curve railway and wildlife
- Walk and photograph Moraine Lake
- Stroll along Lake Louise lakeshore
- Enjoy views at Bow Lake shoreline
- Walk to Peyto Lake viewpoint
- Johnston Canyon 1h
- Moraine Lake Entry included 1h
- Bow Lake 15m
- Peyto Lake 30m
What’s included
- Door-to-door pickup from your Canmore or Banff accommodation.
- travel in a black Mercedes Sprinter van with panoramic windows, air conditioning, USB ports and spacious seating.
- a local guide in English.
- entrance fees to Banff National Park.
- complimentary hiking poles, sit pads, blankets and headlamps.
- snacks, coffee and tea throughout the day.
Times
Next departure: 1 Jun 2027
11 departing soon ›Before you book
Operated by The Mountain Explorer Co.
Prices and times updated 6 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
You're picked up from your Canmore or Banff accommodation and driven into Banff National Park in a Mercedes Sprinter van with panoramic windows and air conditioning. The guide shares local stories and wildlife facts during the scenic drive through turquoise river valleys and alpine forests. You choose your own start time, so the day fits your schedule rather than the other way around.
The route hits six named lakes and a canyon. Johnston Canyon comes first: a short walk on cliffside boardwalks to the Lower Falls. At Morant's Curve, you stop where the railway bends beside the Bow River, a known wildlife corridor where elk, deer or bears sometimes pass through. Moraine Lake is the turquoise centerpiece: you walk the lakeshore or climb the Rockpile for photos of the Ten Peaks. Lake Louise follows with its glacier backdrop and the Fairmont Chateau. Bow Lake sits along the Icefields Parkway with Bow Glacier reflected in the water. Peyto Lake closes the loop: a walk to a viewpoint overlooking the lake's wolf-head shape and striking turquoise color.
Complimentary hiking poles, sit pads, blankets and headlamps are yours to use. Snacks, coffee and tea come with the tour. The pace is relaxed: no rushing between stops, no parking stress, no navigation. The van seats a small group and the driver handles all the logistics so you focus on the views.
Is this one for you?The tour runs eight to ten hours with moderate walking at each of the six lakes and canyon: short walks on established paths, nothing steep or technical. Choose this if you want the Rockies' most photographed views without managing the drive, the parking or the route yourself.
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Top questions
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 Johnston Canyon like to walk?
Johnston Canyon has cliffside boardwalks that lead to the Lower Falls on a short, scenic walk. The path is built into the canyon walls above the rushing water.
Can I see wildlife on this tour?
Morant's Curve sits in a known wildlife corridor, so elk, deer or bears may pass through during the day. The guide will point out what to watch for, though sightings are not guaranteed.
How much time do I spend at each lake?
The tour stops at six lakes: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake each get time to walk and photograph, plus Johnston Canyon and Morant's Curve. The pace is relaxed and you're not rushed between stops, though the exact time at each depends on the group's interests and the day's flow.
What should I bring on this tour?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers for mountain weather. Hiking poles, sit pads, blankets and headlamps are provided. Snacks, coffee and tea are included. You may want to bring water and sunscreen.
Is there time to explore on my own at the lakes?
Yes. At each lake you have free time to walk the shoreline, take photos or simply sit and take in the views. The guide is there to share information and point out the best spots, but you set your own pace at each stop.
Banff tour from Canmore: Six lakes and Johnston Canyon
8h–10h · EN · at your hotel
from CA$ 1,574.10 per group
≈ US$ 1,143 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.