Lake Louise & Moraine Lake tour from Banff: skip the shuttle

Turquoise lakes and the Valley of the Ten Peaks in one day, without the parking lot stress.

A full-day guided tour of Banff National Park and Yoho from Calgary, Canmore or Banff, visiting Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (June–October), Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge with a local guide, park entry and hotel pickup included. The tour skips the shuttle lines and parking chaos that trap most visitors, routing you straight to each lake and giving you time to walk, photograph and stand still at each one.

Step-by-step itinerary

Canadian Rockies iconic lakes tour

• Pick up in Calgary, Canmore, or Banff
• Drive to Lake Louise
• Explore Lake Louise shoreline and views
• Visit Moraine Lake and hike Rockpile Trail
• Lunch stop at Lake Louise Village
• Visit Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park
• See Natural Bridge viewpoint
• Explore Banff Town
• Drop off in Banff, Canmore, or Calgary

The Experience

You start from your hotel in Calgary, Canmore or Banff and drive into the Rockies with a guide who knows the timing and the light. Lake Louise comes first—the turquoise water, Victoria Glacier filling the frame, the peaks rising behind it. You walk the shoreline, take the photos you came for, and move at your own pace along the water's edge. No shuttle queue, no parking negotiation.

From June through October, the tour continues to Moraine Lake, the view that appears on Canadian money. The short Rockpile Trail hike takes you to the "Twenty Dollar View"—the vantage point where the Valley of the Ten Peaks spreads in front of you—or you can stay lakeside and let the turquoise water hold your attention. A lunch stop at Lake Louise Village gives you time to eat and rest before the next stop. In winter, Marble Canyon replaces Moraine Lake: a narrow path crosses seven bridges over a limestone canyon where the Kicking Horse River cuts through, with frozen waterfalls hanging from the cliffs above.

Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park shifts the mood. The water here is a deeper green, the crowds thinner, and the stop feels like a breath between the bigger icons. Natural Bridge follows—the Kicking Horse River surges through carved rock, the sound and movement a sharp contrast to the still lakes. You finish in Banff Town with 45 minutes to walk Banff Avenue, grab a BeaverTails pastry or a coffee, and feel the local pulse before heading back to your hotel. The whole day runs 8 to 10 hours depending on your starting point; drop-off is as straightforward as pickup.

What’s included

• National Park entry for both Banff and Yoho.
• Moraine Lake entrance permit (through October 12).
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Calgary, Canmore or Banff.
• a local guide who speaks English.
• multiple photo stops at each lake and landmark.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Westar Travel Ltd.

Is this one for you?Book an early morning departure if you want to reach Lake Louise and Moraine Lake before the midday crowds arrive. The fixed schedule and included park passes mean you skip the planning and the gate lines, so the day holds together without you managing transport or entry separately.

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Top questions

What is the Rockpile Trail hike at Moraine Lake like?

The Rockpile Trail is a short hike that leads to the famous viewpoint called the "Twenty Dollar View," where you see the Valley of the Ten Peaks spread across the horizon. It's the most photographed angle of Moraine Lake, and the walk is manageable for most fitness levels. The trail is only open June 1 through October 12.

Do I have to eat lunch, or is it optional?

Lunch at Lake Louise Village is optional. The tour includes a 45-minute stop there during summer months (June–October), and you can choose to sit down at a restaurant, grab something quick from a café, or skip eating altogether. In winter, Lake Louise itself has an optional set lunch or afternoon tea available for an additional charge.

What replaces Moraine Lake in winter?

From October 13 through May 31, Marble Canyon replaces Moraine Lake on the itinerary. The canyon has seven bridges crossing over a limestone gorge where Torkham Creek meets the Vermilion River. In winter, frozen waterfalls cascade down the canyon walls, and the hike follows a zigzag pattern over the deep canyon with views of the creek below.

Are the national park passes included?

Yes, the tour includes Banff National Park entry and Yoho National Park access. The Moraine Lake entrance permit is also included through October 12, 2026, so you don't pay separately at any gate.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available from downtown Calgary (7:45 AM or 8:05 AM), Canmore Visitor Center (9:10 AM) or Canmore (9:20 AM), or three locations in Banff: Elk+Avenue Hotel (9:30 AM) or Banff Town (9:45 AM). Drop-off returns to the same location; Calgary drop-off takes about 1.5 hours from Banff, and Canmore is roughly 20 minutes away.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all fitness levels and infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller. If you're traveling with children aged 7 and under, bring a car seat for the drive.