Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls & Lake Louise from Calgary

Two national parks, four alpine landmarks, one guided day from Calgary

A full-day tour departing Calgary visits Banff National Park and Yoho National Park with a live English-speaking guide, private transportation and park entry included. The route crosses the Spiral Tunnels, stops at Natural Bridge and Emerald Lake, then climbs to Takakkaw Falls before ending at Lake Louise beneath Victoria Glacier.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Spiral Tunnels15m · entry included
2. Yoho National Park1h · entry included

Explore Yoho and Banff National Parks

• Visit Lower Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint
• See Natural Bridge rock formation
• Explore Emerald Lake and surroundings
• View Takakkaw Falls up close
• Visit Lake Louise and enjoy views
• Explore Banff town and main street

The experience

You leave Calgary in an air-conditioned vehicle with your guide and reach Yoho National Park in British Columbia. The first stop is the Lower Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint, an engineering landmark built in the early 20th century to handle the steep grades of the Kicking Horse Pass. From there, the route moves to Natural Bridge, a rock formation spanning the Kicking Horse River just 3 kilometers from the town of Field, where interpretive displays explain how the river carved the passage. The drive includes travel time as part of the full day, so the pacing accounts for the distance between stops.

Emerald Lake sits at the heart of the tour: a 5.2-kilometer alpine lake ringed by peaks including Mount Burgess and Wapta Mountain. The water's vibrant emerald color comes from glacial silt suspended in the flow. You have time to walk the Emerald Lake Trail or simply stand at the overlook. The lake is also open for canoeing and kayaking in summer. From there, the route climbs to Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada's highest waterfalls at 373 meters, fed by the Daly Glacier. The name comes from a Cree word meaning "magnificent," and the falls are most powerful in late spring and early summer when meltwater peaks. You can approach the base of the falls to feel the mist and see the cascade up close.

The final stop is Lake Louise in Banff National Park, where turquoise water reflects the Victoria Glacier at an elevation of 1,750 meters. The Lake Agnes Tea House Trail offers a shorter walk with views, or you can stay at the overlook. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits on the lake's edge if you want to see the historic hotel. Wildlife including grizzly bears and elk inhabit the area, though sightings are not guaranteed. Your guide handles the route and timing. You move through the parks without arranging transport or entry yourself.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Banff National Park entrance fee.
• a live guide speaking English.
• pickup from your Calgary location.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

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

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Banff Explorer™

Is this one for you?A shared tour with a guide and fixed stops suits travelers arriving in Calgary who want to see multiple parks and landmarks in one day without renting a car or navigating the mountain roads themselves. The 8- to 10-hour commitment fits a full day of sightseeing. If you prefer a shorter outing or want to linger at one lake, a different itinerary would serve you better.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What is Takakkaw Falls and why is it worth the drive to see it?

Takakkaw Falls is one of Canada's highest waterfalls, plunging 373 meters in a dramatic cascade in Yoho National Park. The falls are fed by the Daly Glacier and flow most powerfully in late spring and early summer. You can walk to the base to feel the mist and see the thundering water up close.

Can I hike at Emerald Lake or do I just look at it from the car?

Emerald Lake has a 5.2-kilometer trail that circles the lake and offers panoramic views. You're not confined to the vehicle. The lake is also open for canoeing and kayaking in summer if you want to get on the water.

What makes Lake Louise different from the other lakes on this tour?

Lake Louise sits in Banff National Park at 1,750 meters elevation and is famous for its turquoise water backed by Victoria Glacier. The historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits on the shore, and the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail provides a shorter walk with rewarding views if you want to hike.

Does the tour include entry to both Banff and Yoho National Parks?

Yes, Banff National Park entrance fee is included in the tour price, and the route covers both parks without requiring separate tickets at the gate.

How much of the day is spent driving versus at the actual stops?

The full tour runs 8 to 10 hours total, and travel time between Calgary and the parks is included in that duration. You stop at five main sites (the Spiral Tunnels, Natural Bridge, Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls and Lake Louise) with time to explore each one.