Emerald Lake & Moraine Lake tour from Golden BC: Yoho waterfalls

See four of the Rockies' most photographed lakes and waterfalls in one morning and afternoon

This eight-hour tour from Golden BC visits Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, with national park entry and minibus transport included. The itinerary gives an hour at Emerald Lake to walk the shoreline, a short hike to the edge of Takakkaw Falls (the largest in the area), and an hour at Moraine Lake where you can hike the rock pile or explore the lake shore. Groups stay under twelve people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Emerald Lake1h
2. Takakkaw Falls45m
3. Moraine Lake1h · entry included

Explore Yoho National Park and Lakes

• Visit Emerald Lake and explore
• Hike to Takakkaw Falls
• Stop at Natural Bridge and Kicking Horse Falls
• Explore Lake Louise and Fairmont Chateau
• Hike or explore Moraine Lake

The experience

You start from Golden BC and travel by air-conditioned minibus through Yoho National Park. The route takes in Emerald Lake first (a full hour to explore the turquoise waters and surrounding trails), then moves to Takakkaw Falls, where a short hike brings you to the base of the cascade. Quick stops follow at the Natural Bridge and Wapta Falls on the Kicking Horse River, then the tour heads to Lake Louise to see the Fairmont Chateau and the lake itself before the final stop.

Moraine Lake gets a full hour at the end of the day. This is where most people spend time either hiking the rock pile (a steep scramble with views across the lake) or simply walking the shoreline. The tour wraps by late afternoon, giving you time to rest before dinner if you're staying in the area. Your guide handles the driving and narrates the stops. National park fees are already paid.

What’s included

• National park entry fees.
• transport by air-conditioned minibus.
• driver and guide throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 4 Jun 2027

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 19 pickup points.

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 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Beyond Banff

Is this one for you?Book this shared minibus tour if you're visiting for a day or afternoon and want to see multiple lakes and waterfalls at a comfortable pace. You'll spend a full hour at each major stop rather than moving quickly between them.

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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 24h before the start.

How much hiking is involved on this tour from Golden?

Takakkaw Falls requires a short hike to reach the base of the waterfall. At Moraine Lake, you can choose to hike the rock pile (a steep scramble) or walk the easier shoreline trail. Both options fit inside the hour-long stop. The other stops involve minimal walking.

What is Emerald Lake like when you arrive?

Emerald Lake is known for its distinctive turquoise water and sits in a mountain valley surrounded by forest. The one-hour stop gives time to walk trails around the lake shore and take photographs. It's one of the most photographed lakes in Yoho National Park.

Is lunch included on the eight-hour tour?

Lunch is not included, so you'll want to bring snacks or plan to eat at one of the stops. Field BC, near the midpoint of the tour, has cafes and small restaurants if you prefer to buy food along the way.

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

Lake Louise is a shorter stop where you see the Fairmont Chateau and the lake itself. Moraine Lake, the final stop, gets a full hour and is where most people spend time hiking or exploring the shoreline. It's one of the most scenic lakes in Canada.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel in Golden?

Yes, pickup from Golden BC hotels is included. The minibus collects passengers before heading into Yoho National Park for the eight-hour route.