Lake Louise, Moraine & Banff: Day Trip with Gondola or Hot Springs

Summary

Banff lakes, mountain air, gondola rides and quiet moments by the falls

You’ll stand beside turquoise lakes at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, wander Banff’s cozy streets for lunch, then choose between soaring views from the Banff Gondola or soaking in historic hot springs. End your day by Bow Falls, feeling both awed and oddly at home in these wild mountains.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing at Lake Louise that morning — not in a bad way, just sort of hushed. The water was this unreal turquoise (I kept squinting like maybe it was a trick of the light), and you could hear boots crunching on gravel from all directions. Our guide, Jamie, pointed out some glacier streaks above us and laughed when I asked if people actually swim here. “Only if you like your toes blue,” she said. We wandered along the lakeshore trail for a bit — I kept stopping to touch the cold railings and take too many photos. Couldn’t help it.

Moraine Lake was next — honestly, it’s hard to say which is more impressive. The bus ride there was quiet; everyone sort of lost in their own thoughts staring out at those jagged peaks. Jamie told us about the Stoney Nakoda people calling Minnewanka ‘Lake of the Spirits’, which stuck with me for some reason. At Moraine, we hiked up this little Rockpile Trail (nothing too wild) and suddenly you’re looking down at that blue water with ten peaks stacked behind it. My phone camera didn’t do it justice — not even close.

Lunch in Banff Town felt almost too normal after all that scenery. There were families everywhere, couples taking selfies under flower baskets, and I ended up with soup and a sandwich at some café where they played Neil Young quietly in the background. It smelled like coffee grounds and wet jackets (it had started to drizzle). After lunch we had time to poke around shops — I bought maple fudge I definitely didn’t need.

I picked the Banff Gondola over the hot springs (though part of me wishes I’d tried both). Going up Sulphur Mountain felt a bit like floating — clouds drifting past the windows, wind rattling slightly when we reached the top. There’s this wooden boardwalk where you can walk out over everything; I stood there for a while just breathing cold air and watching shadows move across the valley below. Bow Falls was our last stop — quick but worth it for that rush of water noise and spray on your face. Funny how something so loud can feel peaceful.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

• Visit Lake Louise for 50 minutes
• Explore Moraine Lake for 50 minutes
• Travel to Banff Town for free time
• Enjoy lunch and shopping in Banff
• Choose Banff Gondola or Hot Springs
• Take Banff Gondola ride (extra fee)
• Walk boardwalk and visit observation deck
• Visit Bow Falls for 20 minutes

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Calgary to Lake Louise and Banff?

The tour lasts a full day with stops at Lake Louise (60 min), Moraine Lake (60 min), Banff Town (90 min), plus other highlights before returning to Calgary or Canmore.

Can I choose between Banff Gondola or Hot Springs?

Yes, you can pick either Banff Gondola or Hot Springs; tickets are extra and not included in your tour price.

Is Moraine Lake open year-round?

No, Moraine Lake is only accessible from June 1 to October 13; outside those dates you'll visit Two Jack Lake or Lake Minnewanka instead.

Are meals included on this tour?

No meals are included but there’s free time for lunch in Banff Town where you can choose any restaurant or café.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Yes, pickup is offered from designated points in Calgary, Canmore or Banff.

How much time do we spend at each lake?

You’ll have about 60 minutes each at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (or alternative lakes depending on season).

Are crampons provided in winter?

Crampons are provided during winter months for your use if needed; use them at your own responsibility.

Do I need to buy tickets for attractions separately?

The main tour price covers transportation; tickets for attractions like Banff Gondola or Hot Springs are purchased separately closer to departure date.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Calgary, Canmore or Banff points in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide leading stops at Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (seasonal), Bow Falls and more. You’ll get free time for lunch in Banff Town plus seasonal access to either the gondola ride or hot springs—with tickets arranged closer to your date—and crampons provided if it’s icy out before heading back in comfort.