Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine, Emerald & Johnston Canyon Tour

This tour promises a full day of breathtaking scenery and memorable moments in one of Canada’s most iconic national parks. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a well-loved choice for travelers eager to see Banff’s highlights without the hassle of planning individual visits.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines comfort and convenience—roundtrip transport, a knowledgeable guide, and a carefully curated route—making it accessible for those with limited time or mobility constraints. The inclusion of stops at Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake ensures you’ll see some of the most photographed spots in the Rockies, all with manageable walking distances.

However, one thing to consider is that the tour is quite packed, which means you’ll see many sights but may not have extensive time to hike or linger at each stop. If you’re after a more relaxed or immersive experience, this might not be your ideal choice. Still, for those wanting a rundown of Banff’s top attractions in a single day, this tour offers excellent value.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a guided day trip that covers the major highlights—especially if they’re short on time or prefer not to drive themselves. It’s also ideal for first-timers eager to get a broad sense of the park’s stunning landscapes without the stress of navigating or parking.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Covers Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, and Johnston Canyon in a single day.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable local guides enhance the trip with commentary and help you capture perfect photos.
• Value for money: At $69, it offers a lot of sightseeing and convenience for the price.
• Comfortable transportation: Roundtrip transport from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore in a van or private car simplifies logistics.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve now and pay later.
• Limited hiking time: The schedule is busy, so expect some short walks rather than extended hikes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: A Closer Look at What You’ll Experience

Starting Point and Timing
Depending on where you’re staying—Calgary, Banff, or Canmore—the tour’s pickup times vary. For Calgary, pickup is at the Delta Hotel Downtown at 8:00 AM, which is early but necessary to make the most of the day. If you’re in Banff or Canmore, the morning pickups are at 9:50 AM and 9:30 AM respectively. This early start is typical for full-day excursions, and it’s worth waking up a bit earlier to see the Rockies at their best.

Scenic Drive and First Stop: Lake Louise
The drive itself is part of the pleasure, offering glimpses of the landscape that make this region famous. Once at Lake Louise, you’ll have time to appreciate its serene beauty—its glacier-fed waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. This is one of those iconic views you see in postcards, so don’t forget your camera. Expect to spend enough time here for some quick photos and perhaps a short walk along the shore if time allows.

The Jewel: Moraine Lake
Next, the tour heads to Moraine Lake, which many consider even more stunning than Lake Louise, thanks to its intense turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. From October 15 to May 31, the tour swaps out Moraine Lake for Lake Minnewanka, Johnson Lake, or two Jack Lakes, due to seasonal access restrictions. Whether you visit Moraine or one of these alternative lakes, the scenery remains spectacular.

Johnston Canyon Icewalk
One of the highlights is the visit to Johnston Canyon, where you’ll hike along a trail flanked by waterfalls and cliffs. During winter months (October 15 to May 31), the tour offers an Icewalk with free crampon rentals, turning the hike into a fun and adventurous experience. Even in warmer months, the canyon’s waterfalls and rock formations captivate visitors. Multiple reviews mention the guides’ friendliness and knowledge—Gurry, for example, is praised for taking multiple photos and making sure everyone gets the shot.

Vermilion Lakes and Banff Town
As the day progresses, pass by Vermilion Lakes, a peaceful area with great photo opportunities of Mount Rundle reflected in the water. Finally, you’ll explore Banff itself—its streets lined with shops, cafes, and historic landmarks. This gives travelers a chance to stretch their legs, browse, or grab a quick snack before heading back.

Return Journey
The trip concludes with a scenic drive back to your original pick-up point, arriving around 7:00 PM. Even with a full schedule, the long day is well-paced with stops and commentary from your guide, who ensures everyone stays comfortable and informed.

The Value of the Tour

At $69 per person, this tour packs in a significant amount of sightseeing for a reasonable price. The inclusion of roundtrip transportation, a national park pass, and a local guide makes it a stress-free way to see major attractions. The reviews confirm that guides like Ross, Sharan, and Guru are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to make the experience enjoyable, often going above and beyond—like taking multiple photos or sharing wildlife sightings.

While it doesn’t include meals, the tour provides ample time to eat in Banff town, allowing flexibility. The overall experience is geared toward travelers seeking convenience and a broad overview of Banff’s most famous sights rather than a deeply immersive hike or secluded experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive introduction to Banff’s highlights in a single day. It’s also a good choice for travelers who prefer guided tours—especially if they’re not comfortable navigating the park themselves. If your goal is quick, impactful sightseeing with plenty of photo opportunities, this tour delivers.

However, if you’re after longer hikes or more solitude at each location, you might find the schedule too tight. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a structured day with a guide but don’t mind a busy itinerary.

The Sum Up: Why This Tour Stands Out

For travelers looking to see the best of Banff without the hassle of planning every detail, this tour from Banff Tour and Travels Limited offers a compelling package. The combination of stunning lakes, waterfalls, and mountain vistas, paired with knowledgeable guides, makes for an enjoyable and scenic day. The value is hard to beat, especially considering transportation, park fees, and expert commentary are included in the price.

This trip suits those who want a Instagram-worthy collection of photos and a comfortable way to experience Banff’s iconic scenery in just one day. It’s especially fitting for first-timers, busy travelers, or those with limited time but big love for the outdoors.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, scenic adventure that captures the essence of the Canadian Rockies, this tour is a very solid choice.

FAQ

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pickup times vary by location, with Calgary at 8:00 AM, Banff at 9:50 AM, and Canmore at 9:30 AM, so plan to be ready a few minutes early.

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation is included if you choose the van or private car options, making the day hassle-free.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a jacket are recommended, especially if you plan to walk or hike a bit.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You’ll have time in Banff town to grab food on your own.

Is this tour suitable for elderly travelers?
It’s not recommended for people over 95 years old, likely due to the walking distances and full schedule.

What will I see at Johnston Canyon?
You’ll see waterfalls and rock formations along a scenic trail, with options for a winter icewalk during colder months.

Will I get enough time at each stop?
The schedule is quite packed, so expect brief visits rather than extended hikes or explorations.

Is the tour guided in English?
Yes, the guides speak English and provide informative commentary throughout the day.

What is the overall length of the tour?
It lasts about 11 hours, including pickup, travel, sightseeing, and return.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone eager to tick off the key sights of Banff, this tour offers a practical and beautiful way to experience the Rockies. The combination of scenic lakes, waterfalls, friendly guides, and good value make it a strong contender for your bucket list.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby