Moraine Lake and Lake Louise shuttle from Banff: Turquoise waters

Spend 75 minutes at each lake, shooting photos and walking the shorelines

A shared shuttle bus from Banff visits Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in a single morning or afternoon, with 75 minutes to explore each lake on your own. The route winds through the Canadian Rockies, and an air-conditioned vehicle handles the drive between the two destinations. You walk the lakeshore, photograph the turquoise water and mountain peaks, and move at your own pace at both stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Moraine Lake1h 15m
2. Lake Louise1h 15m

Explore Moraine Lake and Lake Louise

• Travel from Banff to Moraine Lake
• Self-guided 75-minute tour at Moraine Lake
• Travel to Lake Louise
• Self-guided 75-minute tour at Lake Louise
• Return to Banff

The experience

How do you reach two of Banff National Park's most photographed lakes without renting a car? This shuttle departs Banff and follows the scenic drive to Moraine Lake first, where you get 75 minutes to walk the shoreline, frame shots from the famous viewpoint, and absorb the turquoise water against the mountain backdrop. The vehicle then carries you to Lake Louise, where the same 75-minute window lets you explore the emerald-green water, the Victoria Glacier view, and the lakeshore trail at whatever pace suits you.

The whole trip runs about five hours from Banff, including the drive time between lakes and the stops themselves. You're traveling with other visitors in an air-conditioned bus, so there's no navigation, no parking hunt, and no guessing whether you've left enough time. An English-speaking guide travels with the group, though the exploration at each lake is self-guided. You're free to hike, photograph, sit on the rocks, or simply stand at the viewpoint as long as you want within your 75 minutes.

Moraine Lake sits in a narrow valley and fills up early. The shuttle gets you there while the light is still good and the crowds are manageable. Lake Louise, with its glacier backdrop and wider shoreline, gives you room to walk or linger. Neither stop includes a meal, so pack snacks or plan to eat before or after the tour.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide are included.
• gratuities are not.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 56

Live guideEnglish

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 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Banff Explorer™

Is this one for you?This shuttle suits small groups and solo travelers who want to see both lakes without driving or navigating mountain roads themselves. The fixed 75-minute stops at each lake mean you're not rushed, but you're also not spending half the day at one location. The shared schedule keeps the whole trip to five hours and the cost low.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

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.

How much time do I actually get to spend at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise?

You get 75 minutes at Moraine Lake and another 75 minutes at Lake Louise, both self-guided. The remaining time in the five-hour trip covers the scenic drive between Banff and the two lakes.

Can I hike at either lake, or is it just a quick stop for photos?

Both lakes have time for hiking or walking. The 75 minutes at each lake is enough for a short lakeshore walk, a climb to a viewpoint, or simply photographing and resting by the water. You choose how to spend it.

What is Moraine Lake actually like when you get there?

Moraine Lake sits in a narrow valley with turquoise water and a ring of peaks around it. The most famous view is from the shoreline viewpoint, and the lake is small enough that you can walk most of the accessible shore in an hour if you want to explore beyond the main viewing area.

Do I need to book a specific departure time, or can I pick the morning or afternoon?

The shuttle runs on a set schedule. You choose your preferred departure time when you book, and the return time is fixed based on that departure.

Is lunch included, or should I bring food?

Lunch is not included. Bring snacks or a packed meal if you want to eat during the tour, or plan to eat in Banff before departure or after you return.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The shuttle operates in most weather conditions. Rain, snow, and cloud cover are common in the Rockies and don't usually cancel the tour, though visibility and photography conditions will vary with the weather.