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Banff Tours
Banff National Park Tour with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
4.5

Banff National Park Tour with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

By Discover Banff Tours
Recommended by 93% of travellers
93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Without a guided tour, you’re likely to miss the stunning views that set Banff National Park apart as one of Canada’s most-visited outdoor attractions. This tour lets you relax and listen to commentary about the region while someone else handles the mountainous roads and crowded parking lots en route to top Banff sights, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Bow Valley Parkway.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 24 per group
Duration: 4h 15m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
  • Guided tour of top Banff National Park sights
  • Visit Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and more
  • Snap plenty of photos, including a stop at the Valley of Ten Peaks vista
  • Guide provides commentary about the region’s history and culture
  • Bus tour lets you admire the views while someone else does the driving
  • Seasonal tour available April through November

  • 30 minute stops at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
  • Professional guide
  • Maple cookie snack, fresh water
  • Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
  • Return transport from Banff
  • Default pick up is from the public bus parking located behind the Mount Royal Hotel.
  • Hotel pick up and drop off is available on request, please contact us directly.
What's not included
  • Gratuities

From your central Banff hotel, board a comfortable bus that provides views mountain scenery, including highlights like Bow Valley Parkway and Castle Mountain. Hear guide commentary about the area’s history and culture en route. Upon arrival at Lake Louise, bypass the crowded parking lots and head straight for the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies.” Snap a photo of the lake’s striking turquoise waters and admire the view. Then, continue to Moraine Lake, an equally beautiful glacial lake situated 6,185 feet (1,885 meters) above sea level in the Rocky Mountains. Finally, walk to a vista point in the Valley of Ten Peaks for an unbeatable view over Moraine Lake and the surrounding mountains and valleys. Your tour concludes at the original departure point. Please note: Road closures limit access to Moraine Lake until late May. Inquire at time of booking for up-to-date information about alternative stops.

Start:
  • Mount Royal Hotel, 138 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A7, Canada
    All guests must wait at the public bus parking located behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 138 Banff Ave. You must be ready 5 minutes prior to your departure time. 6:42am departure time for the 7:00am tour. 7:42am departure time for the 8:00am tour. 2:42pm departure time for the 3:00pm tour.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3827LL_M

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Scheduled stops at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are 30 minutes each in length.
    • The access road to Moraine Lake is closed until late May each year and from early October onwards. Early season and late season bookings will not include Moraine Lake, but will instead spend 1 hour at Lake Louise.
    • Group bookings of 9 or more guests have a 7 day cancellation period.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3827LL_M

    From
    C$118.46
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

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    Itinerary
    • 138 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A7, Canada
      All guests must wait at the public bus parking located behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 138 Banff Ave. You must be ready 5 minutes prior to your departure time. 6:42am departure time for the 7:00am tour. 7:42am departure time for the 8:00am tour. 2:42pm departure time for the 3:00pm tour.
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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Discover Banff Tours
      4,210
      Banff, Alberta, Canada
      Joined in November 2007
    • mku4440
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Don’t pass on this experience
      This was a great excursion. I was a bit skeptical but we are so glad we went. We had a clear sky and full moon. Beautiful! And our guide Tina was fantastic. Would highly recommend this experience.
      Written January 14, 2025
    • B3677BTroxannes
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Awesome activity!
      A great hike with beautiful views, easy enough for everyone. Jake was our guide and he was very nice, definitely recommend!
      Written January 10, 2025
    • beezee2010
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great fun, fabulous for older kids and teens. Does require a level of fitness.
      We chose this as an "easy" activity to do on Christmas Day. Note to all that snowshoeing is NOT necessarily an "easy" activity even for those of us who are generally very fit. Our teenagers absolutely had a ball on this tour. They loved whizzing down the slopes on the "crazy carpet slide" and making taffy in the snow. They voted this to be one of the most fun tours of the ten or so that we did while in Canada. I will say that it does probably require a higher fitness level than the website would have you believe though. Our whole family are long distance runners, cyclists etc but snowshoeing in deep powder for 3km isn't necessarily as easy as one would think when you aren't used to snowshoes or the thinner air. We were absolutely fine but I personally found this far more taxing than hiking Johnston Canyon etc and may not have eaten quite so much on Christmas morning if I'd realised. After reading the blurb on the website I think I was gearing up for a pleasant stroll rather than something that required that much effort! Fun - 100% yes. An "easy" stroll after a heavy Christmas brunch, not quite!
      Written January 9, 2025
    • beezee2010
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great tour to book when you first arrive in Banff
      I was a bit dubious about booking this tour but we ended up thoroughly enjoying ourselves. Great way to get your bearings in Banff when you first arrive and we went to some really lovely spots for photos. Wildlife wise it was a bit sparse - we saw a coyote, red squirrels, deer and some elk. I imagine that in Summer you'd see a lot more if that was your focus. I have to admit that part of the reason we loved this tour so much was due to our guide. We had Jake and he was fabulous. We did around ten different tours during our month in Canada and he was probably the best tour guide we had. He kept the entire group entertained with stories and history about the area. We ended up doing a couple of tours through this company and were really happy with them. If you book direct on their website there are multi tour discounts that make the pricing really competitive. We did this particular tour in the morning and then stayed on with the same tour company to do the Gondola in the afternoon. We could have visited the Gondola reasonably easily using the ROAM bus but we had a packed schedule during our week in Banff so this helped us to squeeze as much as we could into the time we had.
      Written January 9, 2025
    • Stanthorpe
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great way to start your Banff experience
      After a busy time getting into Banff we were keen to make the most of our time. We did this tour and finished at the Gondola. What a great morning. Annik our guide was a font of information on the history and nature of Banff. We saw the hot springs at sunrise and stumbled onto some playful otters in the lake. The grazing elk were also amazing as was the birdie. Annik was great fun as well as helpful with our plans. We enjoyed the gondola and Annik arranged our pick up by another helpful guide Buck. Highly recommend this as a great informative tour
      Written January 7, 2025
    • artm2025
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      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best experience - pay extra for interactive!
      The interactive tour was an incredible experience. It is great to see how well these beautiful animals are cared for. Most are rescued from well-intentioned cross-breeders who were not prepared to raise a wild animal. HIGHLY recommend if you are ever in the Calgary-Banff area.
      Written January 5, 2025
    • Foodieforallnations
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Guides make the difference
      Our guide Jake was fantastic! He made this hike so interesting with all of his historical knowledge, but also lots of stories and jokes. He was a blast and we appreciated his extra effort to make the most of our time. Ask for Jake in your tours and you will be so happy!
      Written January 4, 2025
    • EddieVTC
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great views and outdoor experience!
      We did the Icewalk in late December around noon. The scenery was beautiful with partly frozen streams, frozen waterfalls and lots of snow. We walked to the upper falls, which is about a 3km (a little less than 2 miles) hike each way. With pics stops and everything, it took us around 2 hours. There is a longer hike to Ink Pots but it was twice as long and we didn’t carry anything to hydrate so we decided to skip it. Make sure to get the ice cleats for your boots/shoes. They are a must to avoid slips and they’ll make the walk much easier. Make sure your boots are comfortable. Also, it’s a good workout. I needed to loose a layer on the way up.
      Written January 2, 2025
    • Culture03066765216
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great staff!
      Its an amazing and beautiful place! Tour guide Rose was full of great information. I was travelling by myself so was good company to have other fellow travellers but this walk can be easily done without a guide! Being your snow shoes warm clothes and walk it at your own pace! There is a track you can follow! and you can take your time to enjoy a cave we dodnt have access to view cause we didnt have enough time! Overall discovery banff tours offered a great service! Specially Josh at the desk who not only gave me all the information I needed but went over an beyond to explain best ways of getting to the gondola too and where to park! Thanks Josh!! :)
      Written January 1, 2025
    • devraw2022
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Not worth it if you can drive yourself
      This hike is incredibly beautiful, but there was no value-add in going as a "tour." If you don't have a car to get there, then it could be a good way to get there. Our guide was nice, but it felt like he was in a hurry to get done. The trail was packed with other hikers not on tours, so it wasn't as if this tour was showing us anything we couldn't have seen on our own. And we would have enjoyed going at our own pace more. So, my advice if you have a rental car: rent and bring your own ice cleats and enjoy the walk at your own pace.
      Written December 30, 2024
    • verenaz2511
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highly recommended
      Incredible snow shoeing tour 🥰 our tour guide girls took us in the wilderness where we had so much snow. The tour was absolutely awesome. Including hot chocolate, maple taffy treat, sleigh riding and of course a lot of information and especially fun. Thank you Girls for this unique experience with you. Highly recommended
      Written December 29, 2024
    • Tim S
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great afternoon activity
      Our guide Neal knowledgeable, patient, and had a great sense of humor. The hot chocolate and cookies at the top of the falls was a great touch!
      Written December 29, 2024
    • IanM2890
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Smooth walk. Smooth guide.
      Jake is the most handsome worker at discover Banff. Amazing guide, great stories, and excellent personality. We were the first ones on the trails and got to see everything without any lines at all.
      Written December 28, 2024
    • Southwickeater
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      Rob was a great guide!
      Our guide Rob was fantastic. The trail was super crowded with people who were not wearing properly footwear. We were very glad ice grips came with the tour as it was a much safer experience for our group.
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    • N3UH
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    See all 4,210 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles349 reviews
    Excellent
    287
    Very good
    40
    Average
    9
    Poor
    2
    Terrible
    11

    Heather C
    Toronto, Canada21 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2021
    We had booked the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake tour as we saw that parking was an issue. Both spots were amazing and some good pit stops along the way, Pickup was 30min late, to the point where I had to call a couple of times because I thought we were in the wrong spot/they forgot about us. Then the A/C in the bus was not working and it was sweltering in there. Difficult to hear the guide in the bus as the speakers weren’t loud enough too. A good afternoon still and great views. Happy we booked it regardless. I suspect this was growing pains just getting back into the tour routine.
    Written July 25, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Houda Ag
    Montreal, Canada5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2021 • Friends
    We spent 2 amazing guided tours with Jeff for the whole day. He was very friendly, we learned so much about Banff, lake louise, and Moraine lake as well as the wildlife the history of mountain climbers ans rescuers and so much more. I strongly recommend taking a tour with Jeff, he also took amazing pictures of us while hiking.
    Written August 29, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Suzanne L
    Ontario, Canada1,225 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow! What can I say? I took my daughter to Banff for her 25th birthday. We only had 2 days and I wanted to get in as much as we could. I booked the afternoon tour. We learned all sorts of interesting tidbits along the way. We also stopped at 4 locations including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Just absolutely breathtaking! The tour went a little late being about 5 hours. The bus that normally holds 24 passengers, had only 8 of us. Easy to socially distance. Our guide Andrew was knowledgeable, friendly, funny and made the tour worth every penny! I highly recommend this attraction!
    Written June 27, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    SarahParker3103
    Burton upon Trent, UK21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Couples
    We did this tour yesterday with Discover Banff Tours and our tour guide Nicole was fantastic, very informative and friendly.
    The tour lasted four hours, however there is quite a lot of travelling so the lake times is limited, particularly as they are so busy this time of year. We did get forty five minutes at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which was sufficient time to get some pictures and wander the shores. There are toilets and cafes/restaurants at both lakes and a lovely gift shop at Moraine Lake that is worth checking out.
    The tour is good value for money, especially as it is practically impossible to park at Lake Louise this time of year and the road to Moraine Lake is closed for private travel, so tours and Park and Ride is the only way to access it now.
    Written July 4, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello Sarah, Thank you for choosing Discover Banff Tours for your recent trip to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. We're delighted to hear that you had a fantastic tour with Nicole as your guide. We're also pleased that you found the tour to be good value for money, considering the challenges of parking at Lake Louise and the restricted access to Moraine Lake. Our aim is to provide a hassle-free and memorable experience for our guests.
    Written July 19, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    kirsty c
    Kitchener, Canada172 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2021
    We took the lake Louise and Moraine tour on July 20th. Our guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. The bus was clean and the stress of finding parking was gone!
    It was a super hot day and the AC on the bus was not working properly so that made the journey very uncomfortable. The sound system on the bus was also very quiet so despite the guides best efforts it was very hard to hear her commentary at the back of the bus.
    30 minutes was allocated for each lake and for us that was just not enough for lake Louise. An all day tour to lake Louise would be a wonderful addition to the tours this company offers.
    Written July 27, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Ken L
    58 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022
    This tour bus enables a day visit during peak season bypassing the long line of cars, many of which were turned away. Sitting for 50 minutes in the parking lot in Banff without air conditioning was both a waste of time and unprofessional. These large vans lack proper cooling systems as none of the windows can open. The driver kept apologizing for the heat but did not seem to understand the basic controls in the van. I almost passed out and several just went to sleep in the hot stuffy van. The limited time we had to self-tour the lakes made arranging other options to get there a better choice.
    Written July 5, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Ken. We are terribly sorry about the air conditioning. We have since retrained the guide on how to operate it correctly. As to the windows it would be very rare to have a commercial bus for which they could open. Hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Banff.
    Written July 6, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Cynthia B
    20 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2024 • Family
    Views were beautiful. The village of Jasper and all of Jasper National park was evacuated overnight due to forest fires north of us so the sky was smoky and views were a little hazy the whole week we were here.
    Our guide gave us interesting info on the climbing history of the area. Once we were dropped off at Lake Louise and Lake Moraine we were not guided but had about an hour to spend at each place. Lake Moraine (brighter turquoise color in pics) was the most amazing of the two in my opinion. Definitely make the stair climb to the left and up if you are able. The view is awesome.
    This time of year there were tons of tourists so I would recommend booking your tour early in the morning. It was cooler and less people overall. It still felt like Disney because of all the tourists but what can you expect really. Everyone wants to enjoy the beauty! As we were heading back to the bus the crowds were crazy. Everyone was nice and took turns to get great pictures. Just know that you will not be there by yourself for a peaceful mountain lake trip.
    Be sure to tip your guide if you have a great experience!
    Written July 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Clive186314
    Ramsgate, UK28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Couples
    Excellent trip. Piper, our driver and guide for this excellent excursion, great value for money tour, was so knowledgeable about the area, the time on the coach admiring the scenery and listening to her commentary just flew by. Plenty of time given to explore at each lake. Helpful where to go tips given on return to Banff.
    Written September 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    It's wonderful to hear that you had an excellent trip with Piper as your driver and guide. Her knowledge and commentary made the time on the coach enjoyable, and it's great to know you had ample time to explore each lake. Thank you for sharing your positive feedback about the tour! 🚌🏞️😊
    Written October 11, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Wynand B
    Toronto, Canada5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My father and I embarked on a half-day tour to Lake Louise and Lake Moraine in Banff, Alberta, and we were fortunate enough to have Neil from 'Discover Banff' as our guide. With the day offering breathtaking views and Neil's unparalleled knowledge, our expectations weren’t just met, they were exceeded.

    From the start, Neil's warmth, wit, and welcoming demeanor set the tone for a memorable day. As we journeyed through the pristine landscapes of Banff, it became clear that Neil wasn't just any tour guide. His 24-year residence in the area, combined with his degree in History, turned our excursion into a rich tapestry of delightful stories, facts, and anecdotes about Banff and its surroundings.

    The beauty of Lake Louise and Lake Moraine is universally acknowledged, but experiencing them through Neil's narratives brought a depth of appreciation I hadn't anticipated. My father and I hung onto every word, soaking in the tales of historic events, early explorers, and the natural evolution of these iconic landmarks.

    Especially accommodating to my father's age, the half-day format of the tour was perfect, offering a comprehensive yet comfortable experience. With Neil guiding us, every moment was tailored to ensure our comfort, satisfaction, and enrichment.

    In essence, 'Discover Banff' with Neil was more than just a tour; it was an unforgettable journey through time and nature, stitched together by the passionate storytelling of a true local. My father and I will treasure these memories for life. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply looking to experience Banff's grandeur in a condensed format, I wholeheartedly recommend Neil and 'Discover Banff'. It's a tour not to be missed.
    Written October 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We're deeply touched by your glowing review! Neil, with his warmth and extensive knowledge, truly made your tour exceptional. The combination of breathtaking landscapes and his narratives created a memorable and enriching experience. We're thrilled to have been a part of your unforgettable journey through time and nature in Banff. Thank you for your heartfelt recommendation; it means the world to us! 🏞️📚😊
    Written October 11, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Gman558
    Cleobury Mortimer, UK192 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2024 • Couples
    In advance we spent a lot of time looking at buses and logistics to visit both Lake Louise and Moriane Lake. Many public buses were fully booked and the bus links on Canada National Park pass bus to Moriane were not available.

    We then looked at tour options and booked on-line with Discover Banff Tours. On-line booking experience was very easy and clear and charged directly in GBP. Also an option to get a hotel pick-up was easy to organise via e-mail.

    Our guide Jake was very flexible and gave huge amounts of information. The huge plus of the tour is you avoid the parking/access chaos at both lakes access points. The small 24 seat bus parks and Jake directs you to exactly where to go for best views. Time at both locations was enough to really "soak up" the bautiful scenario and views.

    A great half day tour seeing both iconic locations without any stress.

    10 our of 10 !
    Written September 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Banff National Park Tour with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake provided by Discover Banff Tours

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