Banff winter tour: Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake

Frozen waterfalls and alpine lakes on one guided day through the Rockies

A guided winter tour from Banff or Canmore visits Johnston Canyon's frozen waterfalls, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge and Lake Minnewanka over 8 to 10 hours. Crampons are provided, and the route changes seasonally: winter includes Johnston Canyon and Lake Minnewanka when Moraine Lake is closed. Summer swaps those for Moraine Lake and Banff Town. A professional guide leads the group through Banff National Park and Yoho National Park.

Options for this experience

3 options

From CA$ 89 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Calgary 07:15 Guide in English, Chinese or Cantonese Pickup from Calgary Downtown Delta Hotel by Marriott. Winter itinerary: Lake Louise 1 hr, Johnston Canyon 1 hr, Emerald Lake 30 mins, Natural Bridge 15 mins, Lake Minnewanka 20 mins. Summer itinerary: Lake Louise 1 hr, Moraine Lake (2025/6/1-2025/10/13) 1 hr, Emerald Lake 30 mins, Natural Bridge 15 mins, Banff Town 45 mins. Pickup is included.

Canmore 08:40 Guide in English, Chinese or Cantonese Pickup from Canmore Visitor Information Centre (2801 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore). Winter itinerary: Lake Louise 1 hr, Johnston Canyon 1 hr, Emerald Lake 30 mins, Natural Bridge 15 mins, Lake Minnewanka 20 mins. Summer itinerary: Lake Louise 1 hr, Moraine Lake (2025/6/1-2025/10/13) 1 hr, Emerald Lake 30 mins, Natural Bridge 15 mins, Banff Town 45 mins. Pickup is included.

Banff 09:00 Guide in English, Chinese or Cantonese Pickup from Banff Caribou Lodge. Winter itinerary: Lake Louise 1 hr, Johnston Canyon 1 hr, Emerald Lake 30 mins, Natural Bridge 15 mins, Lake Minnewanka 20 mins. Summer itinerary: Lake Louise 1 hr, Moraine Lake (2025/6/1-2025/10/13) 1 hr, Emerald Lake 30 mins, Natural Bridge 15 mins, Banff Town 45 mins. Pickup is included.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Winter journey through Canadian Rockies

• Pickup in Banff or Canmore
• Pass by Cascade Mountain
• Pass by Castle Mountain
• Visit Moraine Lake
• Visit Lake Louise
• Lunch time (self-pay)
• Visit Emerald Lake
• Visit Natural Bridge
• Visit Lake Minnewanka
• Visit Johnston Canyon

Stops and time spent at each 4 stops

1. Moraine Lake Entry included 1h
2. Emerald Lake 30m
3. Lake Minnewanka 20m
4. Johnston Canyon 1h

What’s included

• Pickup and dropoff in Banff, Canmore or Calgary.
• crampons.
• entry to Banff National Park and Yoho National Park.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• professional guide in English, Chinese or Cantonese.
• GST.

Times

• Every day 07:15 08:40 09:00

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Before you book

Group Up to 24

Live guide English, Cantonese and Chinese

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Book up to 12h before

Ages Adult (18 and older) · Child (under 18)

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 Infant seats available Public transport nearby

Operated by Vancouver Journey

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 2 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The tour starts with pickup in Banff or Canmore and moves through the Canadian Rockies on a fixed itinerary that shifts with the season. From mid-June through mid-October, the route centers on Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, with stops at Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park. When Moraine Lake closes for winter (mid-October through May), Johnston Canyon takes its place (the frozen waterfalls there are the draw in those months), and Lake Minnewanka rounds out the day instead of Banff Town. Either way, you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide who speaks English, Chinese or Cantonese.

Crampons come with the tour, and you'll need them on the icy sections. Lake Louise sits in the heart of Banff National Park surrounded by glaciers. Its emerald color comes from mineral particles that drift down from the ice above. Emerald Lake, across the border in Yoho, lives up to its name. The water holds a green so vivid it looks unreal. Natural Bridge, also in Yoho, is a stone arch carved by the Kicking Horse River through the riverbed. The stops vary by season, but the lakes and frozen features are what anchor the day.

Lunch is on your own, and the total time of 8 to 10 hours includes the drive. The itinerary can shift if weather or road conditions demand it. The operator will notify you the day before if anything changes. This is a group tour, so you'll travel with other participants. Pickup times and locations are fixed once you book, and you'll get a reminder email the day before departure.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Chinese and Cantonese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 18).

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's the difference between the winter and summer itinerary on this tour?

Winter (October 14 through May 31) includes Johnston Canyon with its frozen waterfalls and Lake Minnewanka. Summer (June 1 through October 13) features Moraine Lake and Banff Town instead. Both versions visit Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge.

Do I need special gear to walk on the ice and snow?

Crampons are provided with the tour and included in the price. You'll wear them on the icy sections at the lakes and canyon.

How long does the tour actually take?

The tour runs 8 to 10 hours total, including all travel time between stops and time spent at each location.

Where does the tour pick me up?

You choose your pickup location when you book: Banff, Canmore, or Calgary. Dropoff is at the same location at the end of the day.

What is Lake Louise actually like in winter?

Lake Louise transforms into a winter landscape with ice covering the surface. The emerald color of the water comes from glacial minerals, and the surrounding peaks and glaciers frame the frozen lake.