Moraine Lake & Lake Louise
Starts atCA$ 133US$ 99€ 87£ 74A$ 143
Duration: 4.25 Hours
Age: All Ages
Departure: 8:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm (Banff)
Season: May-Oct
Guaranteed departure. This tour runs as scheduled with no minimum group size — book with confidence, it won’t be cancelled for low numbers.
Overview
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 the parking lot at Lake Louise filling up by sunrise and restricted vehicle access to Moraine Lake, get guaranteed access to both famous lakes on this guided tour.
Highlights
The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:
Castle Mountain
Lake Louise
Moraine Lake
Sit back in our luxurious Mini busTour Details
Tour Duration
4.25 Hours
Departure Time
8:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm (Banff)
Age Required
All Ages
Season
May-Oct
Included
- Selected pickup: Banff
- Maple cookie snack
- Hotel pick up and drop off (Banff)
- Professional certified guide
- Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
- Fresh water
- Hands on interpretive tools
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?+
The morning tour begins at 8:00am and returns at 12:15pm, the 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.
What does the tour include?+
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 30 minute stops at both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, fresh water, a maple cookie snack and hands on interpretive tools.
Where is our pick up and drop off from?+
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.
How can I join this tour if I'm not staying in Banff?+
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.
How long are the stops at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?+
We will be at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for about a half an hour visit at each location.
I want to see turquoise lakes, when do the lakes thaw?+
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.
When is the road closed to Moraine Lake?+
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 and Yoho tour operates while the access road to Moraine Lake is closed.
Can I drive to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?+
Parking is extremely limited at the Lake Louise lakeshore, parking lots are often full by sunrise and remain full throughout the day. Moraine Lake Road is restricted to access by tour companies, public buses, and taxis, and it is not accessible by public vehicles. 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.
Is there a lot of walking involved?+
There will be one stop at each of the lakes; 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.
Will I see wildlife on the tour?+
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.
What is the cancellation policy?+
We require 24 hours notice prior to departure to change/cancel or refund a tour without penalty. Group bookings of 9 or more guests, as well as custom and private bookings, have a 7 day cancellation period.
Should I tip my guide?+
Tips are not expected, but are certainly appreciated. If you think your guide did a wonderful job and would like to indicate that with a tip, it will be graciously accepted.
Which pickup location am I viewing?+
You are viewing the Banff pickup content. (Demo marker — edit or remove this per location in the CMS once real content is added.)
Booking Terms
- All children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
- Early and late season road closures will limit access to Moraine Lake (until late May and from early October). When the access road to Moraine Lake is closed, the tour will not visit Moraine Lake and will instead spend 1 hour at Lake Louise.
- Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
- By participating in a tour with Discover Banff Tours, guests are acknowledging that they understand that we may take video and photographs of them during their tour. These videos and photographs may be used in promotional materials including, but not limited to, social media.
- Please note that this tour requires a minimum of 4 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.
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