Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Day Trip with Icefields Parkway

Summary

Crystal lakes, glacier air and quiet moments along the parkway

You’ll feel glacier air on your face as you step onto lake shores near Banff, hear stories from your local guide about villages lost beneath Minnewanka’s waters, and see Lake Louise’s unreal colors for yourself. Even if Moraine is closed, you’ll catch glimpses of wild blue lakes and glaciers along the Icefields Parkway — moments that linger long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely settled into the van when our guide (I think his name was Mark?) started telling us about how Lake Minnewanka used to be a whole summer village. I tried to picture houses under all that blue water — kind of wild. The air up there had this sharp, piney smell that hit me as soon as we stepped out. There were a couple of older locals fishing off the rocks, just nodding at us like it was any other Tuesday. It felt like we were stepping into someone else’s routine for a second.

When we reached Lake Louise, it was busy but not in a bad way — more like everyone was quietly stunned. I wandered around the edge, boots crunching on gravel, and snapped a photo that honestly didn’t do the color justice. Our group split up for a bit; I ended up talking to Li, who grew up nearby and laughed when I tried to pronounce “Chateau.” She pointed out the best angle for photos (not from where everyone else stands, by the way). The main keyword here is Lake Louise day trip — you’ll get why once you see it.

Moraine Lake was closed for the season (apparently opens late May), but Mark still stopped at the gate and told us about how its view used to be on Canada’s $20 bill. He showed us a crumpled note from his wallet — said he keeps it for luck. That moment stuck with me more than I expected. Onward along the Icefields Parkway: endless stretches of road, Bow Lake flashing past in icy silence, and then Peyto Lake’s wild blue from above. We caught sight of Crowfoot Glacier too; someone joked it looked more like a bear paw now than a crow’s foot.

By late afternoon, everyone was quieter — maybe tired or just full from all those mountain views. The cold air made my cheeks sting but in that good way that wakes you up. There’s something about being driven through all that space with strangers who slowly become less strange. I still think about Bow Lake’s emptiness and how nobody said much there except for one guy whispering “wow” under his breath — not even sure he meant to say it out loud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Banff's lakes and scenic parkway

• Visit Lake Minnewanka and learn history
• Explore Chateau Lake Louise and take photos
• Drive along Icefields Parkway and enjoy views
• Stop at Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint
• Visit Bow Lake and see Bow Glacier
• View Peyto Lake from viewpoint
• Visit Moraine Lake and walk around lake

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included on this Lake Louise & Moraine Lake tour?

Pickup and drop-off are included from designated meeting points in Banff.

Can you visit Moraine Lake year-round?

No, Moraine Lake road is closed during winter and reopens in late May or June.

How long is the full-day tour from Banff?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.

Are private tours available for this route?

Yes, private tours can be arranged on request.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The tour is provided in English only.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

No meals are included; guests should bring their own snacks or plan accordingly.

Which lakes are visited on this day trip?

The tour includes stops at Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake (viewpoint), and passes by Crowfoot Glacier; Moraine Lake if open.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age for participants is 9 years old.

Does this tour include entrance fees or extra activities like the Skywalk?

No extra attractions such as the Skywalk or Ice Explorer are included; just transport and guiding.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from Banff meeting points, comfortable transport by private vehicle with a small group (up to 22 people), plus commentary and guiding throughout by a local driver-guide who knows every twist of these mountain roads—so you can just watch those wild lakes roll by without worrying about logistics.