Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Peyto Lake tour from Banff

Four turquoise lakes and a hanging glacier in one morning and afternoon

A small-group tour of Banff National Park visiting Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake with a live English-speaking guide, private air-conditioned vehicle, and park admission included. The tour runs eight hours with free time at each stop to walk the shorelines, climb the Rockpile Trail at Moraine Lake, or simply photograph the peaks. Children from age three are welcome. Pickup is included from your accommodation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Moraine Lake1h · entry included
2. Crowfoot Glacier15m · entry included
3. Bow Lake30m · entry included
4. Peyto Lake30m · entry included

Explore Moraine Lake and Surroundings

• Visit Moraine Lake
• Stroll lakeshore and climb Rockpile Trail
• Explore Lake Louise
• Enjoy free time at Lake Louise
• View Crowfoot Glacier
• Stop at Bow Lake
• Walk along Bow Lake shoreline
• Visit Peyto Lake viewpoint

The experience

The route starts at Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, where the turquoise water sits ringed by towering summits. You get free time to walk the lakeshore, climb the Rockpile Trail for views across all ten peaks, or stay at the shore level and photograph the water and mountains. From there the tour moves to Lake Louise, where the historic Fairmont Chateau overlooks the glacier-fed lake and you have time to walk the scenic path along the water's edge. The guide handles the driving and the route. You decide how much time to spend at each stop.

The second half follows the Icefields Parkway, a mountain corridor that connects the major lakes. You'll stop at Crowfoot Glacier, a hanging glacier visible from the roadside with its distinctive three-pronged shape, then continue to Bow Lake, a pristine glacial lake where the shoreline walk is short and the mountain backdrop is unobstructed. The final stop is Peyto Lake, reached by a short walk to a viewpoint overlooking the wolf-head-shaped lake surrounded by forest and ancient glaciers. The vehicle is air-conditioned, bottled water is provided throughout, and park admission is included in the price.

The tour is built for small groups, which means fewer people at each stop and a pace that does not feel rushed. A live guide travels with you the whole day and knows the Rockies well enough to answer questions about the geology, the wildlife, and the history of each site. Pickup from your Banff accommodation is included. You'll return after eight hours.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle.
• live English-speaking guide for the full eight hours.
• Parks Canada admission to Banff National Park.
• bottled water.
• pickup from your Banff accommodation and return after the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (3 to 17 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

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 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Monarc VIP Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout the day, so you'll understand the commentary about the geology and history of each lake and glacier. Small-group size keeps the stops from feeling crowded, which matters at popular spots like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise where larger coach tours can create lines at viewpoints.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (3 to 17 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

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 walking is involved in this tour?

Walking is optional and short at every stop. Moraine Lake has a leisurely lakeshore stroll and an optional climb of the Rockpile Trail for panoramic views; Lake Louise offers a scenic path along the water; Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake are viewable from short walks; Peyto Lake requires a brief walk to the viewpoint. You can stay at the vehicle or walk as much as you want.

What makes Moraine Lake so famous for photography?

Moraine Lake sits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, surrounded by ten distinct mountain summits that frame the turquoise water. The color comes from glacial melt, and the peaks create a dramatic backdrop that changes with the light throughout the day. The Rockpile Trail climb gives an elevated angle of all ten peaks at once.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, Parks Canada admission fees, bottled water throughout the day, and pickup from your Banff accommodation. Food and drinks beyond the water are not included, so bring snacks or plan a meal stop if needed.

Why is Peyto Lake shaped like a wolf's head?

Peyto Lake's distinctive wolf-head shape is visible from the viewpoint at the top of the short walk. The shape comes from the way the glacial melt has carved the lake's shoreline over time, creating the appearance of a wolf's profile when viewed from above. The turquoise color intensifies the outline.