Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tour: Turquoise Glacial Lakes

Walk to a turquoise lake that opens only half the year, then stand in front of another one across the valley.

This half-day tour from Banff visits Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (or Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge when Moraine Lake closes seasonally), with pickup from your hotel, a multilingual guide, and bottled water. The tour runs four to five hours and includes time to walk from the parking lot to Moraine Lake's shore. Moraine Lake is accessible only from June through mid-October, so the itinerary shifts in winter months.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

• Pick up from Banff
• Pass by Castle Mountain
• Visit Lake Louise
• Visit Moraine Lake
• Drop off at Banff

The experience

The tour picks you up from your Banff hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and heads toward Lake Louise, passing Castle Mountain on the way: a peak in Banff National Park shaped like a fortress by erosion over time. Lake Louise itself is a glacial lake with vivid turquoise water and the Victoria Glacier rising behind it, a sight that has drawn visitors worldwide. From there, the route continues to Moraine Lake, which sits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and is only a short walk from the parking lot.

Moraine Lake's access is seasonal: it opens June 1st and closes October 13th each year. During those months, the strikingly turquoise water and the ring of peaks make it one of the most photographed spots in Banff. From October 13th through May 31st, the tour shifts to Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge instead, so the itinerary adapts to what is actually open. Your guide speaks English, Chinese, or Cantonese and can answer questions about what you are standing in front of without the group growing too large: small groups mean your guide has time for each person.

Pickup and drop-off happen from Banff. If you are staying in Canmore or Calgary, contact the operator to arrange that separately. The four to five hour duration includes all travel time between stops, so you are not waiting around between lakes. Bottled water comes with the tour, and the vehicle is air-conditioned for the drive.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your Banff hotel.
• multilingual guide in English, Chinese or Cantonese.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the drive between stops.
• GST (Goods and Services Tax).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 13:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish, Cantonese and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Rockies Journey

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see Lake Louise and Moraine Lake without renting a car or driving the mountain roads yourself. The guide handles the route and timing, and the small group size means you get attention at each stop instead of being herded through with a crowd.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Chinese and Cantonese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); 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.

What is Moraine Lake and why does it close for part of the year?

Moraine Lake is a glacial lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks with striking turquoise-blue water, located within Banff National Park. It is only accessible from June 1st through October 13th each year due to heavy snow and road conditions in winter. Outside those dates, the tour visits Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge instead.

How much time do I spend actually at each lake on this tour?

The tour is four to five hours total, including all driving between Banff, Castle Mountain, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake. You walk a short distance from the parking lot to reach Moraine Lake's shore, and the guide gives you time at each stop to take in the views.

Does the tour include meals or snacks?

The tour includes bottled water. Meals and other personal expenses are not included, so plan accordingly if you want to bring food or purchase lunch in the area.

Can I book this tour if I am staying in Calgary or Canmore instead of Banff?

Pickup and drop-off are standard from Banff hotels. If you are staying in Canmore or Calgary, contact the operator to arrange pickup from your location before booking.

What is Castle Mountain and why do we pass it?

Castle Mountain is a peak in Banff National Park with a castle-like appearance created by erosion over time. It sits on the route between Banff and Lake Louise, so you pass it on the way to the two main lakes.