Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour from Canmore: Beat the Crowds

Arrive at Moraine Lake before sunrise, with hot chocolate in hand and a guide who knows where the light hits first

A small-group sunrise tour departing from Canmore, Harvey Heights, Banff or Lake Louise that reaches Moraine Lake before dawn and before the crowds. The tour includes hotel pickup, hot drinks and blankets on the shuttle, a local guide in English, and runs 6.5 hours total. Children from age 2 are welcome. Service animals are permitted.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunrise tour at Moraine Lake

• Pick up from Canmore or Banff
• Travel to Moraine Lake before sunrise
• Enjoy hot drinks and blankets
• Watch sunrise at Moraine Lake
• Listen to local guide insights

The experience

The shuttle picks you up at your hotel in Canmore, Harvey Heights, Banff or Lake Louise in the pre-dawn dark, and the drive itself becomes part of the day: the guide points out wildlife and shares local knowledge while you settle in with hot chocolate or coffee and a blanket. By the time you reach Moraine Lake, the sky is still dark enough that the first light hits the water before anyone else arrives.

A local guide shows you the best vantage points to watch the sunrise unfold across the lake and the Valley of Ten Peaks beyond it. The guide also tells you about the area's wildlife, geology and history, and offers tips and recommendations for the rest of your time in the Rockies. The group stays small, which is how a sunrise moment stays peaceful instead of crowded.

After the sunrise, you have time to explore the lake itself before the shuttle returns you to your hotel. The whole experience (pickup, drive, sunrise, exploration and return) takes 6.5 hours.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport.
• hot chocolate, coffee and tea.
• blankets for the shuttle ride.
• a local guide in English throughout the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 3 Sep 2027

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (2 to 10 years)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Via Via Moraine Lake Shuttle

Is this one for you?The tour is led in English by a live guide, so you follow the commentary and the moment without translation or audio delays. If you speak another language, request it when you book and the operator will arrange a guide in that language.

Traveler reviews

4.20★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 10 years).

Can I book this tour if I'm staying in Lake Louise instead of Canmore?

Yes. Pickup is available from Canmore, Harvey Heights, Banff, and Lake Louise, so you can be collected from whichever town you're based in.

What time do we actually leave for the lake?

The shuttle picks you up in the pre-dawn hours so you arrive at Moraine Lake before sunrise. The exact pickup time depends on the season and when sunrise occurs, but the goal is always to reach the lake before the crowds and before the sun clears the peaks.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and return, hot chocolate, coffee and tea on the shuttle, blankets to keep warm, and a local guide throughout the morning.

Are there language options besides English?

The guide speaks English. Other languages (French, Spanish, Dutch, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Min Nan and Hawaiian) are available on request.