Lake Louise & Moraine Tour with optional free time in Banff (Canmore Departure)
Starts atCA$ 152US$ 114€ 100£ 86A$ 165
Duration: 11.5 Hours
Age: All Ages
Departure: 7:10 am or 12:15pm
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
Discover the Canadian Rockies your way with a flexible tour designed to match your perfect day. Whether you’re an early riser chasing alpine light or someone who prefers a slower morning in Banff, this experience weaves together two of the region’s most iconic lakes with the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Travel from Canmore into the heart of Banff National Park to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake , where turquoise waters, towering peaks, and glacier-fed beauty create those “is this even real?” moments. Depending on your chosen departure, you’ll enjoy a guided journey to both lakes, with time to take in the views, snap photos, and breathe in that crisp mountain air.
What makes this tour special is its flexibility:
- Morning Adventure + Banff Free Time : Start early and visit the lakes first, then spend a relaxed afternoon in Banff to explore shops, cafés, and scenic streets at your own pace.
- Banff First + Afternoon Lakes : Ease into your day with free time in Banff before heading out in the afternoon to experience the lakes.
- Afternoon Lakes Only : Prefer a straight-to-the-highlights experience? Skip Banff free time and enjoy a focused afternoon visit to both lakes.
Whichever option you choose, the journey is seamless, scenic, and thoughtfully paced, with round-trip transportation from Canmore and expert guidance along the way.
Three ways to experience it. One unforgettable Rockies day.
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 bus
Optinal Free time in BanffTour Details
Tour Duration
11.5 Hours
Departure Time
7:10 am or 12:15pm
Age Required
All Ages
Season
May-Oct
Included
- Maple cookie snack
- Hotel pick up and drop off (Canmore)
- Professional certified guide
- Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
- Fresh water
- Hands on interpretive tools
- Optional free time in Banff (approx. 5h)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?+
The tour begins at 7:10 am or 12:15 pm and returns around 7:00 pm.
What does the tour include?+
The full-day tour includes transportation from selected hotels in Canmore on a guided bus tour to see two of the area’s most famous lakes. The tour includes a 30-minute stop at both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. The tour includes transfer transportation between Canmore and Banff and then a guided tour with connecting pickup in Banff. Light refreshments, including a maple cookie snack and hot chocolate or fresh water (depending on the time of year), and hands-on interpretive tools. There are 3 options for this tour with optional free time in the morning or afternoon in Banff, or a direct tour and transfer to the Lakes.
Where is our pick up and drop off from?+
We pick up and drop off at selected hotels in Canmore. You can select your preferred Canmore location during the booking process.
How long are the stops at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?+
We will be at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for about half an hour 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.
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.
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.
What Our Guests Are Saying
Real, verified reviews from guests who explored the Canadian Rockies with us.