Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Lake Louise colors, Moraine Lake light and the sound at Johnston Canyon

You’ll start your day with pickup from Calgary, Banff or Canmore before heading out to see Moraine Lake’s wild color, walk Johnston Canyon’s bridges and trails, and pause by turquoise Lake Louise. There’s time for photos, small surprises (maybe elk), and coffee in Banff town before heading back—expect moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

Hands shoved deep in my jacket pockets, I watched our guide—Jamie, I think?—point out a patch of elk tracks along Bow Valley Parkway. The bus was still humming behind us, and someone’s thermos lid clicked open. It was early but not cold enough to bite; just that pine-and-earth smell you get in Banff after a night of rain. Jamie grinned when I tried (and failed) to pronounce “Moraine” the French way. He said locals just call it “the lake,” which feels about right—it’s blue like nothing else I’ve seen.

We’d started from Calgary before sunrise, but by the time we reached Lake Louise the sky had cracked open and everything glowed: water so clear it almost looked fake, mountains sharp against the light. There were people scattered along the shore—some taking photos, some just standing there quietly. I tried to skip a stone but missed and startled a duck (sorry, duck). Lunch was on our own; I grabbed something quick near Fairmont Château and ate it sitting on a cold bench. Not fancy, but honestly perfect.

Johnston Canyon was louder than I expected—the water echoing off those narrow walls. The path gets slick in places (crampons if you go in winter!), but the bridges make you feel like you’re floating above it all. At one point Jamie stopped us to listen: just water and wind and someone’s laughter bouncing off rock. We finished up in Banff town for coffee; my legs were tired in that good way. Still thinking about how blue Moraine Lake was—like it got stuck in my head somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Banff

• Drive along Bow Valley Parkway
• Stop at Moraine Lake for 60 minutes
• Pass by Castle Mountain
• Visit Lake Louise for 60 minutes
• Pass by Fairmont Château Lake Louise
• Explore Johnston Canyon for 60 minutes
• Visit Banff Town for 45 minutes
• Pass by Cascade Mountain

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Moraine Lake day trip?

Yes, pickup is available from Calgary, Canmore or Banff for this tour.

What stops are included on the summer itinerary?

The summer itinerary includes Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon and Banff town.

What do you see at Johnston Canyon?

You’ll walk along bridges over waterfalls and through narrow canyon walls at Johnston Canyon.

How long do we spend in Banff town?

You’ll have about 45 minutes in Banff town during summer or 2 hours during winter itineraries.

Are crampons provided for winter tours?

Yes, crampons are included if you join during winter months when trails may be icy.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch isn’t included—you can buy food near Fairmont Château or in Banff town.

Can families with infants join this tour?

Yes; specialized infant seats are available upon request for families traveling with babies.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and dropoff from Calgary, Canmore or Banff plus an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort between stops. In winter they’ll hand out crampons if needed for icy paths. All taxes are covered too—you just bring yourself (and maybe a snack for the bus ride).