Lake Louise and Moraine Lake tour from Banff: Two glacial lakes

Two turquoise glacial lakes in one morning from Banff

A shared bus tour from Banff Town visits Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, two glacial-fed alpine lakes in Alberta's Rockies known for vivid turquoise water. The five-hour trip includes round-trip transport from Banff, a professional driver-guide who shares local insights, Moraine Lake admission, and views of Castle Mountain, Mount Rundle and Vermillion Lake along the route.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

• Pick up at Banff bus stop
• View Castle Mountain en route
• Explore Lake Louise glacial lake
• Visit Moraine Lake with admission
• View Mount Rundle and Vermillion Lake
• Drop off at Banff bus stop

The experience

The tour picks you up at one of two stops in Banff Town (behind Mount Royal Hotel or in front of Explore Norquay Cafe at the train station), and heads northwest toward Lake Louise, about 45 minutes away. On the drive, you pass Castle Mountain, a landmark visible from the highway. Lake Louise itself sits tucked into Banff National Park at the base of Victoria Glacier. The turquoise water comes from rock flour ground by the glacier and suspended in the meltwater, which is what gives it that unreal color.

From Lake Louise, the route continues south to Moraine Lake, about 14 km away and nested in the Valley of Ten Peaks at 1,884 m elevation. Moraine Lake's vivid turquoise-blue water comes from meltwater carrying rock flour from the Fay Glacier. Your Moraine Lake admission is included, so you walk straight in. On the return to Banff, you get another set of views: Mount Rundle and Vermillion Lake appear as the bus heads back down. Drop-off is at the same location where you were picked up.

A professional driver-guide travels with the group and shares local knowledge throughout the day. The whole trip runs five hours, which keeps both lakes and the mountain views inside a single outing without rushing between stops.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport from Banff Town.
• professional driver-guide sharing local insights.
• entrance fee to Moraine Lake.
• tax and fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (19 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (10 to 18 years) · Child (2 to 9 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 34

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Dash The Driver

Is this one for you?A shared bus tour suits travelers who want to see both lakes without driving themselves and don't mind traveling with other visitors. The fixed five-hour schedule keeps the two alpine lakes and the mountain views inside one morning or afternoon, making it straightforward for anyone staying in Banff.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 18 years); Child (2 to 9 years); Infant (under 2).

What makes Lake Louise water that bright turquoise color?

Lake Louise's turquoise water comes from rock flour, fine sediment ground by Victoria Glacier, suspended in the glacial meltwater. The same process creates Moraine Lake's vivid blue, where meltwater from the Fay Glacier carries the rock flour down into the alpine lake.

Where do I get picked up in Banff?

Pickup happens at one of two stops: behind Mount Royal Hotel in Banff, or in front of Explore Norquay Cafe at Banff Train Station. You choose which one suits your location when you book.

Is the entrance fee to Moraine Lake included?

Yes, Moraine Lake admission is included in the tour price. Lake Louise does not charge an entrance fee, so you can spend time at both without extra costs.

How much time do I spend at each lake?

The itinerary gives you time at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to take in the views and walk around, though the exact duration at each stop depends on the group's pace. The full tour runs five hours from pickup to drop-off in Banff.