Moraine Lake & Lake Louise tour: glacial lakes without the drive

Two turquoise glacial lakes, boulder-strewn shores, and the peaks that frame them

A half-day guided tour of Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies, departing from Banff, Canmore or Calgary. Moraine Lake closed to private vehicles in 2024, making this small-group tour the way to visit it; the tour includes park admission, transport in an air-conditioned coach, and a live English-speaking guide. Timed entry is guaranteed. Refunds available up to 24 hours before departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise

• Travel to Moraine Lake
• Explore Moraine Lake trails and scenery
• Learn about Moraine Lake from guide
• Travel to Lake Louise
• Discover Lake Louise and its surroundings

The Experience

Moraine Lake sits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks with mountains rising in a formation so tight that only the organized flow of a tour bus can move through it now. The water runs turquoise from glacial melt, and boulders the size of houses scatter the shoreline—trails wind between them into alpine meadows. Lake Louise, 0.8 square kilometers of the same glacial blue, sits within Banff National Park a short drive away. Both lakes are stops on the same half-day route, which means you see two of the Rockies' most photographed places without splitting your afternoon or arranging separate transport to each one.

The tour departs from Banff, Canmore or Calgary depending on which option you choose, and a live guide travels with the group to walk you through the geology and history of both lakes—why the water holds that particular turquoise, how the peaks got their names, what the boulder fields mean. The coach is air-conditioned and WiFi is on board; complimentary bottled water is included. Park admission is covered, so you step out ready to walk the shores without a ticket counter in between. Groups stay small, which is what the new visitation restrictions require.

The whole outing runs between five and eight hours depending on your departure point and whether you add extensions like Johnston Canyon. Last-minute bookings are available, and if plans change, full refunds go through up to 24 hours before the tour leaves.

What’s included

• Park admission to both lakes.
• air-conditioned coach transport.
• live English-speaking guide.
• complimentary bottled water.
• WiFi on board.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Banff2Go

Is this one for you?Pick a Banff or Canmore departure to minimize driving time from the mountain towns, or start from Calgary if that's your base; the small-group format is how you access Moraine Lake now that private vehicles are restricted.

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Top questions

Why can't I drive to Moraine Lake anymore?

Moraine Lake closed to public vehicle access in 2024 due to visitation restrictions. The tour bus is the guaranteed way in, which is why the small-group format exists.

What's the difference between Moraine Lake and Lake Louise?

Both are glacial lakes in the Canadian Rockies with turquoise water, but Moraine Lake sits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks with dramatic boulder fields along the shore, while Lake Louise is larger at 0.8 square kilometers and sits within Banff National Park. The tour visits both on the same route.

Which departure point should I choose?

Banff and Canmore departures are closer to the lakes; Calgary departure is a longer drive but works if you're based there. Some options include Johnston Canyon as an extra stop. Pick based on where you're staying.

Is there food included?

Meals are not included, though complimentary bottled water is provided on board. Plan to bring snacks or eat before or after the tour.

Can I get a refund if my plans change?

Full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the tour departs.

How much walking is involved?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You'll walk the shores and trails at both lakes at your own pace, with the guide sharing information along the way—the terrain is accessible but involves some walking on uneven ground near the boulders.