Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunrise Tour with Early Access

Summary

Sunrise light over Moraine Lake then quiet trails at Lake Louise

You’ll ride out from Banff before dawn with a small group and local guide, sipping hot drinks as you watch sunrise at Moraine Lake in near silence. Explore lakeside trails or just stand still in that first morning light. After breakfast in Lake Louise Village, you’ll reach the famous lake before crowds — maybe even paddle across its neon waters or wander quiet paths beneath glaciers.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d be awake before 4am on vacation, but there we were — shuffling onto the Radventures van in Banff while it was still dark enough that you could see your breath. Our guide, Jamie, handed out headlamps and quietly pointed out that sometimes elk wander near the road this early. The drive felt hushed, like nobody wanted to break the spell of the Rockies at night. I kept peeking through those big windows hoping for a glimpse of wildlife but mostly just saw my own reflection blinking back.

At Moraine Lake, we followed Jamie up a rocky path by headlamp — I nearly tripped over my own feet (should’ve had less coffee). The air smelled sharp, almost piney-cold. Then suddenly we were standing above the lake as the first light hit the peaks. It wasn’t loud or dramatic; it was more like someone slowly turning up the color on everything. Jamie poured us hot chocolate from a battered thermos and helped me fumble with my camera settings (I’m hopeless). She told me the Stoney Nakoda name for this place but honestly I can’t pronounce it — Li laughed when I tried.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm just watching water shift from black to turquoise while everyone stayed quiet. Afterward, we drove to Lake Louise Village for breakfast — Laggan’s bakery smelled like cinnamon and strong coffee even though it was barely sunrise. People from our group swapped stories about where they were from; someone had come all the way from Singapore just for this day trip to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.

We reached Lake Louise before the big buses showed up. The lake looked almost fake in that early light — neon blue under a pale sky. Some folks rented canoes, but I just walked along the trail with my hands stuffed in my pockets, listening to birds and trying not to think about emails back home. There’s something about being there before everyone else that sticks with you longer than any photo does.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise

• Early pickup in Banff
• Travel scenic backroads
• Arrive at Moraine Lake before crowds
• Walk to sunrise viewpoint by headlamp
• Enjoy complimentary hot drinks
• Photography session at sunrise
• Explore Moraine Lake trails
• Optional riverside breakfast in Lake Louise Village
• Visit Lake Louise before buses arrive
• Explore trails or rent canoe at Lake Louise
• Visit Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise grounds
• Return to Banff

Top questions

What time does the Moraine Lake & Lake Louise sunrise tour start?

The tour begins with an early pickup in Banff before dawn to reach Moraine Lake for sunrise.

Is breakfast included on this day trip?

A riverside breakfast at Laggan’s Mountain Bakery & Deli is available as an optional upgrade if arranged in advance.

How long do you spend at each lake?

You typically spend 1.5 to 2 hours each at Moraine Lake and at Lake Louise.

Are hotel pickups included?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at Banff Train Station for departure and return drop-off.

Can I rent a canoe at Lake Louise during this tour?

Yes, canoe rentals are available at Lake Louise while the water is calmest in the morning.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

No, children 5 and under cannot join these small group adventures.

Do I need to bring my own water bottle?

Yes, please bring your own water bottle for refills during the tour.

Is wildlife spotting common on this tour?

You may spot wildlife such as bears or elk during early morning drives but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at Banff Train Station, expert local guiding with photography tips (Jamie was great), hot chocolate or coffee all morning long, use of a headlamp for those pre-dawn walks, spacious transport with panoramic windows perfect for wildlife spotting (if you’re lucky), plus an onboard cooler for any snacks or drinks you bring along yourself.