Banff National Park Tour: Moraine Lake & Johnston Canyon
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in one day, with a guide who knows where to stand
This full-day guided tour of Banff National Park departs from Calgary, Canmore or Banff and visits the park's signature lakes and canyons: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (June to mid-October) or Bow Falls (mid-October to May), Johnston Canyon, and Banff Town. The itinerary shifts with the seasons because Moraine Lake closes in winter, so you get the best access available when you travel. Pickup and drop-off are included at your chosen location. The tour runs 8 to 10 hours with lunch at your own cost in Lake Louise Village (summer) or Banff Town (winter).
Options for this experience
3 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Explore Banff National Park highlights
- Scenic drive along Bow Valley Parkway
- Visit Moraine Lake (summer only)
- Visit Lake Louise and hike or canoe
- Lunch at Lake Louise Village (summer)
- Explore Johnston Canyon and hike trails
- Visit Banff Town
- Pass by Cascade Mountain and Castle Mountain
- Moraine Lake Entry included 1h
- Bow River passing by
- Johnston Canyon 1h
- Bow Falls 15m
What’s included
- Pickup and drop-off in Calgary, Canmore or Banff.
- air-conditioned vehicle.
- live guide in English, Chinese or Cantonese.
- crampons in winter.
- access to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (summer only), Johnston Canyon, Banff Town, and seasonal stops at Bow Falls and Surprise Corner (winter only).
Times
- Every day 07:15 08:40 09:00
Before you book
Operated by Banff Journey
Prices and times updated yesterday
Traveler reviews
The experience
The tour starts with pickup in Calgary, Canmore or Banff, then heads into the park along Bow Valley Parkway: a drive that doubles as wildlife spotting, with elk, deer and occasionally bears visible from the vehicle. You'll stop at Cascade Mountain and Castle Mountain to see the raw rock faces that frame the valley, then arrive at Lake Louise, where the turquoise water and mountain backdrop give you the first real moment to step out and breathe. The guide helps you find the angles for photos. This is not a rushed stop.
What comes next depends on when you travel. In summer (June to mid-October), the route continues to Moraine Lake, famous for its glacial turquoise water and the Valley of the Ten Peaks rising behind it. The lake sits at the end of a winding road and rewards the drive with views most visitors only see in pictures. Winter brings a different route: Bow Falls and Surprise Corner replace Moraine Lake, each offering their own drama. The falls in particular are worth the stop. Either way, Johnston Canyon comes next, where you walk suspended bridges over turquoise pools and see waterfalls drop through narrow canyon walls. The trails are well-maintained, and the canyon's scale hits differently when you're standing inside it.
Banff Town gets 45 minutes in summer or two hours in winter, so you have time to walk around, grab a coffee or browse. The guide is live (in English, Chinese or Cantonese, depending on your booking), travels with the group the whole day, and knows the park well enough to answer questions as they come up. The vehicle is air-conditioned. In winter, crampons are provided if the terrain needs them. The tour reminder arrives the day before, with any weather-related changes to the itinerary. Total time includes driving, so plan for a full day out of Calgary or your pickup point.
Is this one for you?Book from Calgary or Canmore if you want to see Banff's signature lakes and canyons without driving yourself. The guide handles the route, the timing and the stops, and you arrive at each location ready to walk and photograph instead of navigating or finding parking. Choose the winter dates if you prefer a longer time in Banff Town and don't mind swapping Moraine Lake for Bow Falls and Surprise Corner.
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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 (under 16).
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's the difference between the summer and winter itinerary on this Banff tour?
Moraine Lake closes mid-October to May, so the summer itinerary (June to mid-October) includes Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon and Banff Town. The winter itinerary replaces Moraine Lake with Bow Falls and Surprise Corner, adds an extra hour in Banff Town, and provides crampons for icy terrain.
Does this Banff tour include lunch?
Lunch is at your own cost. The tour stops at Lake Louise Village in summer or Banff Town in winter, where you can buy food, but meals are not included in the price.
Where can I be picked up for this tour?
Pickup is available in Calgary, Canmore or Banff. All pickup times and locations are fixed, so you'll choose your preferred location when you book. The tour reminder sent the day before will confirm your exact pickup time.
How long does this Banff National Park tour take?
The tour runs 8 to 10 hours total, including driving time between stops. The exact length depends on traffic, weather and how long you spend at each location.
Is this tour private or shared?
This is a shared group tour. You'll travel with other local travelers. If you'd prefer a private tour, contact the operator directly to arrange one.
Banff National Park Tour: Moraine Lake & Johnston Canyon
8h–10h · EN +2 · at your hotel
from CA$ 109 per person
≈ US$ 79 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.