Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Half-Day Shuttle Tour Banff
Overview
This half-day shuttle tour departs from Canmore or Banff and visits Lake Louise and, in season, Moraine Lake, with Johnston Canyon replacing Moraine Lake when that road is closed. The default option includes the Banff National Park pass, an air-conditioned vehicle, designated pickup and drop-off and a professional driver-guide. Morning and afternoon departures make it easy to fit into a Banff stay. It suits solo travellers, couples and small groups who want the two famous lakes without driving or parking.
Highlights
- Two famous lakes in about five and a half hours
- Banff National Park pass, taxes and air-conditioned vehicle included
- Designated pickup and drop-off in Canmore and Banff
- Morning and afternoon departures to choose from
- Photo-stop tips from your driver-guide
- No parking and road-restriction stress at the busiest lakes
- Winter traction spikes for shoes provided in the cold season
Full Description
Lake Louise: the classic lakeshore
Lake Louise is the anchor of this Lake Louise half-day tour from Banff. You spend about 75 minutes at the lake, enough to walk the shoreline toward the far end, take photographs with the Victoria Glacier behind the water and look into the grand lobby area of the Fairmont Chateau on the eastern shore.
Searches like Lake Louise tickets or Lake Louise entry fee often confuse visitors: the lake itself has no separate ticket, and park entry is covered by the Banff National Park pass included here. The lake sits at about 1,600 metres, so bring a warm layer even on sunny days.
Moraine Lake in season
From about 1 June to 11 October, the tour continues to Moraine Lake and gives you around an hour and a half. Moraine Lake is set beneath the Valley of the Ten Peaks at roughly 1,885 metres and is famous for its deep blue colour. Because vehicle access is restricted, a Moraine Lake shuttle tour from Banff is one of the simplest ways to get there.
Walk to the rock pile beside the water for the classic view or follow the shoreline path. The best time to visit Moraine Lake is early in the day, when the water is calm and reflections are strongest, and the morning departure suits that.
Johnston Canyon outside Moraine season
From 12 October to 31 May, when Moraine Lake road is closed, the second stop is Johnston Canyon, again for about an hour and a half. A path with catwalks follows the canyon wall to the Lower Falls and beyond, over clear mountain water with limestone walls rising on both sides.
In winter, frozen waterfalls make this a striking alternative, and traction spikes for your shoes are included so you can walk safely on icy sections. Check the date you choose in the booking panel to see which combination applies.
Scenic drive from Banff and Canmore
Part of the value of a Banff shuttle tour is the drive itself. The route passes Cascade Mountain, the Vermilion Lakes wetlands and Castle Mountain, and your driver-guide slows for viewpoints and shares local tips. Wildlife such as elk or bears is sometimes seen from the road.
The total time of about five and a half hours includes travel. Pickup times are fixed at designated points, so read the details carefully when you choose your departure. Minimum numbers may apply to some departures, and we contact you before travel if anything changes.
Itinerary
- Pickup in Canmore or BanffDepartures from Canmore at 7:40 AM or 2:00 PM, and from Banff at 8:00 AM or 2:20 PM.
- Scenic drivePass Cascade Mountain, Vermilion Lakes and Castle Mountain with commentary from your driver-guide.
- Lake LouiseAbout 75 minutes for the lakeshore walk and photos.
- Moraine Lake (1 June to 11 October)About 90 minutes at the lake under the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
- Johnston Canyon (12 October to 31 May)About 90 minutes on the canyon path toward the waterfalls.
- Return and drop-offBack to the designated drop-off point in Banff, with a total tour time of about five and a half hours.
What's included
- Banff National Park pass
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Designated pickup and drop-off in Canmore and Banff
- Professional driver-guide
- Taxes (GST)
- Winter traction spikes for shoes (in winter)
Not included
- Meals
- Personal expenses and activities
- Tips for the guide
- Extra luggage, wheelchair or pushchair space (please tell us in advance)
Not suitable for
- Travellers who need a private, custom itinerary
- People who cannot walk on uneven paths or in cold, wet weather
Meeting point
Pickup is included at designated points in Canmore and Banff; there are two pickup points. Canmore departures are at 7:40 AM and 2:00 PM, and Banff departures at 8:00 AM and 2:20 PM. Pickup times and locations are fixed, so choose the one that suits you and arrive a few minutes early.
Important information
- Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, water, a camera and some cash for snacks or extras
- Meals and personal expenses are not included, and neither are tips for the guide
- Moraine Lake is visited from about 1 June to 11 October; outside those dates the second stop is Johnston Canyon
- Tell us in advance if you need space for luggage, a wheelchair or a pushchair; extra vehicle space may need arranging
- Infant seats are available on request, so please tell us before travelling
- If a departure does not reach its minimum number of guests, we may change the date and will contact you before travel
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttle tour cost?
The price depends on the option and the age of the traveller. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup is included at designated points in Canmore and Banff, not at every hotel door. Choose the pickup point that suits you in the booking panel.
How long is the tour?
About five and a half hours including the drive, with roughly 75 minutes at Lake Louise and about 90 minutes at the second stop.
Is the Banff National Park pass included?
Yes. The pass, taxes and the vehicle are included in the default option, so there is nothing extra to buy for entry.
When does the tour go to Moraine Lake?
From about 1 June to 11 October. Outside those dates the second stop is Johnston Canyon.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, age categories are shown in the booking panel. Infant seats are available on request, and we ask you to tell us in advance.
What should I wear and bring?
Layers, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and a camera. In winter, dress warmly; traction spikes for your shoes are provided.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Sometimes, depending on availability. The booking panel shows open dates and the four departure times.
Is Lake Louise worth visiting in a half-day?
Yes. Seventy-five minutes is enough for the shoreline walk and good photographs, and the shuttle removes parking stress.
What is the difference between the morning and afternoon departures?
Both visit the same places. Morning departures often give calmer water and softer light, while afternoon departures suit a later start in Banff.
