See two of the world’s most beautiful lakes including iconic Lake Louise – famous for its jewel-like water nestled between rugged peaks.
These stunning alpine lakes look too beautiful to be real. On this sightseeing tour you will visit the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies”, Lake Louise, and the world renowned Moraine Lake, both of which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of their priceless natural beauty. They’ll stop you in your tracks in awe.
Wander the shoreline at Lake Louise and see the Victoria Glacier and the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel, and then snap some shots of Moraine Lake in the beautiful Valley Of The Ten Peaks. Take a short walk up the Rockpile at Moraine Lake, where you’ll find the iconic view that was once on the back of the Canadian $20 bill. During the tour, your guide will weave tales of the early mountaineers, who also fell in love with this spot in the 1890s.
With parking lots often filling up by sunrise, get guaranteed access to both famous lakes on this guided tour.
Bow Valley Parkway
Wildlife watching and the role of fire in the park.
Castle Mountain
Learn how this local landmark got its name.
Lake Louise
Spend around half an hour at Lake Louise, and take a stroll on the lake shore.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Visit the famous Chateau while at Lake Louise.
Moraine Lake
Stop at Moraine Lake for around half an hour, with an optional walk up the rockpile or stroll the shoreline. This is our favorite lake, with its emerald waters and massive peaks.
This afternoon tour begins at 1:00pm and returns at 5:15pm. The tour is approximately 4.25 hours in length. Please note that the morning tour only operates from June to September.
This small group tour includes transportation from most hotels in Banff on a guided bus tour to see two of the area’s most famous lakes. The tour includes a sightseeing stop along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway and 30 minute stops at both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, fresh water, a maple cookie snack and hands on interpretive tools.
We pick up from most hotels in Banff, and you can select your preferred pick-up location during the booking process. For drop offs, our guide will ask you on the way back where you would like to be dropped off either in town or at your hotel.
You are welcome to meet us at any of our pick up locations in Banff to join the tour, and there is free parking at the Banff Train Station in Banff for up to nine hours. Guests parking here can select their pickup location as the Banff Train Station (in front of Main Entrance).
Most guests choose to self-drive into Banff, although please note that you will need to find parking in Banff that exceeds the duration of the tour. Please refer to the Town of Banff website for general parking information, or the banffparking.ca website for live parking availability. For guests staying in Canmore, you can also use the Roam bus service and disembark at the Banff High School. The closest pick up point to the Banff High School is across the road at the Elk and Avenue Hotel.
We will be at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for about a half an hour visit at each location.
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake usually thaw in June. The lakes are beautiful at anytime of year, but if you are set on seeing the famous blue-green water then the best time to visit is from late June to early September.
The access road to Moraine Lake is closed each year from early October to late May due to avalanche risk. In spring and fall, the Discover Lake Louise Tour operates while the access road to Moraine Lake is closed.
Parking is extremely limited at the Lake Louise lakeshore and Moraine Lake, parking lots are often full by sunrise and remain full throughout the day. Taking a guided tour provides guaranteed access to both lakes without the parking hassles. Also, mandatory paid parking is in effect for all public stalls in the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot from mid May to mid October between the hours of 7am and 7pm.
There will be at least one stop along the Bow Valley Parkway, as well as stops at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. At every stop you will have the opportunity to get off the bus and stretch your legs and all of the viewpoints are a short walk. The Rockpile at Moraine Lake is an optional easy short trail of less than 500 metres that offers fantastic views, and both lakes offer an easy, flat shoreline walk.
There is a chance of seeing wildlife on the tour and we often spot animals, however we do not guarantee seeing wildlife on any of our tours. Our guides have a lot of knowledge about the animals within the park and can fill you in about them if you see any wildlife or if you have any questions.
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