Lake Louise Moraine Emerald Lake and Johnston Canyon Tour Banff
Overview
This full-day shared tour takes you from Calgary, Canmore or Banff to the most famous lakes and canyon walks of the Canadian Rockies: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, the Natural Bridge and Johnston Canyon. Pickup and drop-off, the Banff National Park pass, an English-speaking guide and bottled water are included in the default option. It suits couples, families and friends who want the big sights in one day without driving, parking or planning a route.
Highlights
- Lake Louise and its glacier backdrop, with time to walk the lakeshore
- Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, in its open season
- Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park and the Natural Bridge on the Kicking Horse River
- Johnston Canyon catwalks and waterfalls
- Pickup and drop-off at three pickup points in Calgary, Canmore or Banff
- Banff National Park pass, English-speaking guide and bottled water included
- No driving or parking stress at the busiest lakes
Full Description
Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier
Lake Louise is the best-known lake in the Canadian Rockies, a milky turquoise basin at the foot of the Victoria Glacier, with the historic Fairmont Chateau at its eastern end. Our guide gives you about 50 minutes here for the shoreline walk and photographs. Visitors often search for a Lake Louise day trip from Banff because the lake is hard to reach independently in peak season, when parking fills early.
The colour comes from fine rock flour carried in by glacial melt, so it looks brightest in summer and can be frozen and snow-covered in winter. The lake is about 1,600 metres above sea level, and you may see canoes on the water in summer. Paddling is optional, paid on site and not part of the tour.
Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks
Moraine Lake sits at roughly 1,885 metres, ringed by the jagged Valley of the Ten Peaks. It is often called the most photographed lake in the Rockies, and a Moraine Lake tour is the simplest way to see it because private vehicle access is restricted in the season. The road is normally open from June to mid-October, and you get about an hour at the lake.
A short walk to the rock pile at the lakeshore gives the classic view. Is Moraine Lake worth visiting? Yes, on a clear morning the deep blue water and steep peaks are unforgettable. Outside the open season we replace Moraine Lake with time in Banff town, so the day still runs in full.
Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park
Emerald Lake lies in Yoho National Park across the provincial border in British Columbia. Its deep green water, framed by forest and snow-capped peaks, is a quieter counterpart to Lake Louise. Our stop here lasts about 45 minutes, enough for a stroll along the lakeside trail and a look at the lodge and boathouse.
On the way we pause at the Natural Bridge, where the Kicking Horse River has carved a narrow channel through solid rock. The water thunders through the gap, and in high flow the spray is impressive. It is a short 20-minute stop with viewing platforms, and an easy add-on to any Yoho National Park day trip.
Johnston Canyon and Banff town
Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular short hikes in Banff National Park. Catwalks bolted to the limestone walls lead over rushing water to the Lower Falls, with the Upper Falls further along the trail. Our guide plans about 30 minutes at the Lower Falls and up to an hour to continue toward the Upper Falls, depending on the day.
Wear proper shoes, as the paths can be wet or icy at the edges of the seasons. The tour finishes with drop-off at your pickup area in Banff, Canmore or Calgary. Outside the summer season, running conditions on the mountain roads decide how much time we spend at each stop, and your guide will explain the plan.
Itinerary
- Pickup in Calgary, Canmore or BanffWe collect you from your chosen pickup point around 8:00 AM, with the exact time confirmed after booking.
- Lake LouiseA stop of about 50 minutes for the shoreline walk, photos and views of the Victoria Glacier.
- Moraine LakeAbout one hour at the lake in its open season, from roughly June to mid-October.
- Lake Louise VillageA break of about 45 minutes for lunch, which is not included.
- Emerald LakeAbout 45 minutes in Yoho National Park to walk part of the lakeside trail.
- Natural BridgeA stop of about 20 minutes to see the river cut through the rock.
- Johnston CanyonAbout 30 minutes to one hour on the catwalks toward the Lower and Upper Falls.
- Drop-offReturn to Banff, Canmore or Calgary at the end of the day, about 11 hours after departure.
What's included
- Pickup and drop-off in Calgary, Canmore or Banff
- Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Banff National Park pass
- Local English-speaking guide
- Access to Moraine Lake, Lake Louise and Emerald Lake
- Bottled drinking water
- Sightseeing and photo stops
Not included
- Meals
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Not suitable for
- People who are sensitive to altitude
- Travellers who cannot manage walking on uneven paths and catwalks
- Guests who need a private, fully flexible itinerary
Meeting point
Hotel pickup is included in the default option. Choose one of three pickup points in Calgary, Canmore or Banff when you book; departure is around 8:00 AM and the exact pickup time is confirmed after booking. The tour returns you to the same area at the end of the day.
Important information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and layers, as mountain weather changes quickly
- Meals are not included; lunch is taken at Lake Louise Village where cafes and restaurants are available
- Moraine Lake is visited when the road is open, roughly June to mid-October; outside that period we spend the time in Banff town
- Smoking and pets are not allowed in the vehicle
- The itinerary may change with weather, road conditions and park restrictions
- Tips for the guide, personal expenses and travel insurance are not included
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 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?
Yes. The default option includes pickup and drop-off at a chosen pickup point in Calgary, Canmore or Banff.
How long is the tour?
About 11 hours, starting around 8:00 AM. Driving time is part of the total, and stops range from 20 minutes to about an hour.
Is Moraine Lake included every day of the year?
No. Moraine Lake is visited when the road is open, roughly June to mid-October. Outside that time we replace it with Banff town, so check the date you choose.
Is the Banff National Park pass included?
Yes, the park pass is included in the default option, so you do not need to buy it separately for the sights on this tour.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, age categories are shown in the booking panel. The day is long, with several short walks, so bring snacks and entertainment for young children.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, layers, a hat, sunscreen, a camera and cash for lunch or paddling. Waterproofs help in wet weather.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Sometimes, depending on availability. Select your date in the booking panel and it will show whether the tour is open and the departure time.
Is Johnston Canyon hard to walk?
The lower section is an easy, well-built path with catwalks. The Upper Falls are further up and steeper, so allow extra time and wear grippy shoes.
Is lunch included?
No. Meals are not included. We stop at Lake Louise Village for about 45 minutes where you can buy food or bring your own.
