Lake Louise, Emerald Lake & Moraine Lake tour from Banff
Three lakes, one afternoon, nothing left to arrange
A half-day guided tour from Banff visiting Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Moraine Lake in the Canadian Rockies, with live commentary in English, Chinese or Cantonese. The route changes seasonally: summer runs Lake Louise to Moraine Lake (1.5 hours at the lake), while winter swaps Moraine Lake for Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge. Pickup is included from Banff, Canmore or Calgary, and the total time is 5 to 6 hours with travel included.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Visit lakes and mountain views
- Pass by Cascade Mountain
- Pass by Castle Mountain
- Visit Moraine Lake
- Visit Lake Louise
- Pass by Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- Pass by Spiral Tunnels
- Moraine Lake Entry included 1h 30m
- Spiral Tunnels passing by
- Emerald Lake Entry included 30m
What’s included
- Live guide commentary in English, Chinese or Cantonese.
- air-conditioned vehicle.
- pickup and dropoff from Banff, Canmore or Calgary.
- specialized infant seats available on request.
Times
- Every day 07:40 08:00 14:00 14:20
Before you book
Operated by Banff Journey
Prices and times updated yesterday
Traveler reviews
The experience
The tour starts with Lake Louise, where you spend about 75 minutes standing in front of emerald waters backed by glaciers and the Fairmont Chateau. From June through October, the route continues to Moraine Lake for another 90 minutes. Outside that window, you visit Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park instead, plus a short stop at the Natural Bridge on the Kicking Horse River. Castle Mountain and Cascade Mountain pass by en route, and Mt. Rundle (which stretches over 12 kilometres with seven peaks) frames the drive between Banff and Lake Louise.
A live guide travels with the group and narrates in English, Chinese or Cantonese. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and pickup happens from fixed times and locations in Banff, Canmore or Calgary. You choose your starting point when you book. The tour is shared with other local travelers, though private departures are available on request. Road conditions and weather can shift the itinerary, so the operator sends a reminder the day before with any updates to timing or stops.
The half-day format means you're back by early afternoon, leaving the rest of the day open. Specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with young children, and the pace suits all fitness levels. Most time is spent at the lakes themselves, with short walks and viewpoints rather than strenuous hiking. If you're bringing luggage, a stroller or a wheelchair, let the operator know ahead of time, as extra storage may incur a charge.
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see three major lakes without renting a car or planning the route yourself. The guide handles the timing and the stops, and you're back by early afternoon. The seasonal switch between Moraine and Emerald Lake means you always visit what's accessible when you go.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Chinese and Cantonese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).
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.
Can I choose which lake I visit, or does the season decide?
The season decides. From June 1 to October 12, the tour goes to Moraine Lake for 90 minutes. The rest of the year, you visit Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge instead. Both routes include Lake Louise as the first stop.
How much time do I actually spend at each lake?
Lake Louise takes about 75 minutes. In summer, Moraine Lake gets 90 minutes. In winter, Emerald Lake gets 30 minutes and the Natural Bridge gets 15 minutes. The remaining time is travel between stops and back to your pickup location.
What's included in the price?
The tour includes the guide, the air-conditioned vehicle, pickup and dropoff from Banff, Canmore or Calgary, and GST. Meals, personal activities and travel insurance are not included. Gratuities for the guide are customary at CAD$15 per person.
Do I need to be fit to do this tour?
The tour suits all fitness levels. Most time is spent at the lakes with short walks and viewpoints. There's no strenuous hiking required. Specialized infant seats are available, and the operator can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers with advance notice.
What happens if the weather is bad or the road is closed?
The itinerary may shift due to road conditions or weather. The operator sends a reminder the day before your tour with any changes to timing or stops, so check your email or messages before departure.
Is this a private tour or will I be with other people?
This is a shared local bus tour, so you'll travel with other guests. Private tours are available on request. Contact the operator directly to arrange one.
Lake Louise, Emerald Lake & Moraine Lake tour from Banff
5h–6h · EN +2 · at your hotel
from CA$ 99 per person
≈ US$ 72 in your currency
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