Lake Louise & Banff Tour: Small Group Experience

Four lakes and canyons in one day, starting from where you're staying.

A small-group full-day tour from Canmore, Calgary or Banff visiting Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon and Banff, with a maximum of 14 guests, Parks Canada entry included, and a driver available throughout for photos and local advice. Pickup is included from your hotel. The tour runs about nine to ten hours and suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility limitations.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Moraine Lake1h 30m
2. Bow Falls15m · entry included

Explore Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Banff

• Visit Moraine Lake and Rockpile Trail
• Explore Lake Louise lakeshore
• Stop at Bow Falls for photos
• Visit Surprise Corner viewpoint
• Enjoy free time in Banff town

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Canmore, Calgary or Banff, then heads straight into the Canadian Rockies. You'll spend time at Moraine Lake first, where the turquoise water sits beneath the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The Rockpile Trail viewpoint is there if you want to climb for a better angle, and wildlife often appears in summer. From there, Lake Louise comes next: the Fairmont Chateau sits on the shore, and Victoria Glacier rises across the water. You get time to walk the lakeshore and shoot photos without being rushed.

The route then drops into Banff town for free time to eat, walk Banff Avenue or just sit in a café. A stop at Bow Falls follows, a quick photo break at one of the most-shot spots in the park, and then Surprise Corner rounds out the day. That's the viewpoint where the Bow River bends in front of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The van holds a maximum of 14 people, which means the stops don't turn into a crowd scramble. Bottled water and snacks are included; Parks Canada entry is covered; the driver stays available if you want help framing a shot or need a local recommendation.

What’s included

• Parks Canada entry.
• bottled water and snacks.
• air-conditioned van transport.
• parking fees.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Canmore, Calgary or Banff.
• a driver available throughout the day to help with photos and local recommendations.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturday and SundayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 43 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree 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.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Elevation Charters

Is this one for you?If you're staying in Canmore, Calgary or Banff without a rental car, pickup from your hotel means you skip the logistics of getting to the trailheads and lakes yourself. The van does the driving, and a maximum of 14 guests keeps the pace relaxed enough to actually enjoy each stop instead of racing through them.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

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.

How long does the full tour take from start to finish?

The tour runs nine to ten hours total, including pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

What is Moraine Lake actually like when you get there?

Moraine Lake sits in Banff National Park beneath the Valley of the Ten Peaks, famous for its bright turquoise water. You'll have time to walk the lakeshore and visit the Rockpile Trail viewpoint for a higher vantage point. Wildlife may also be spotted in the area during summer.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the meeting point?

No. Pickup is included from your hotel in Canmore, Calgary or Banff, and the driver will drop you back there at the end of the day.

What happens during the free time in Banff town?

You have time to explore Banff Avenue, visit shops, sit at a café or grab lunch while surrounded by the Rocky Mountain scenery. The group reconvenes at an agreed time to continue to the remaining stops.

What's included in the price?

Parks Canada National Park entry, bottled water, snacks, air-conditioned van transport and parking fees are all included. Meals and drinks beyond the snacks provided are not.