/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22637/4f20ce20-9c1f-4f2d-b60f-813f385e4fc2.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22637/760c1323-f0d8-4581-b580-c20a2dded53a.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22637/4916ad77-fdce-437f-8630-8c88367d485e.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22637/286441dd-8e4e-46d4-943a-b24b7eed7f9c.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22637/f4c9729d-2e19-45db-ba07-527684f0c90b.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22637/2329a424-0621-4dce-9eaf-0cd4469da546.jpg)
From Banff/Canmore | Legendary Lakes of the Canadian Rockies: Moraine, Louise & Emerald
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/95932/709a8e43-c809-41ee-a759-d17b53a7186f.png)
Joined 2026
Experience the pinnacle of the Rockies with an active, full-day journey to the three most iconic alpine lakes in Canada – Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Emerald Lake. All from the comfort of your own private van.
We'll combine a feast for the eyes with active immersion, moving past the crowds to enjoy the changing colours and mountain vistas along the shoreline trails of each basin – including a full loop of Emerald Lake. Enjoy guaranteed access to Moraine Lake and skip the public shuttle queues.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Pickup from the location of your choosing in Banff or Canmore
Stop 1: Emerald Lake (Yoho, BC)
The Activity: A 5.2km shoreline loop (mostly flat) around Emerald Lake – the "Jewel of Yoho." We head here first to experience the lake's vivid colours through active discovery, completing the day's longest trail before the midday rush arrives.
Duration: 1.5–2 hours.
Stop 2: Natural Bridge (Yoho, BC)
The Activity: A brief stop along Emerald Lake Road to observe the Kicking Horse River as it carves its way through solid rock.
Duration: 15 mins.
Stop 3: Lake Louise (Banff, AB)
The Activity: A visit to the most iconic basin in the range. We’ll move along the shoreline to reach the quieter vantage points of the lake and surrounding peaks, offering a better perspective of the Victoria Glacier and castle-like Fairmont Chateau. The in-and-out lakeshore trail is up to 4.6km in length, with nominal elevation gain.
Duration: 1–1.5 hours.
Stop 4: Moraine Lake (Banff, AB)
The Activity: At Moraine Lake, we combine a stroll along the forest-fringed lakeshore (up to 2.5km return) with a short climb up the "Rockpile" trail (350m each way). This provides a dual perspective: close-up views from the water’s edge, and the iconic, elevated vista of the stunning Ten Peaks and turquoise waters from the Rockpile perch. On our return toward Banff, we have the option for a quick pitstop at Lake Louise Village.
Duration: 1–1.5 hours.
Note: Because Moraine Lake Road is closed to all vehicles during the winter season (and to private, non-commercial vehicles year-round), this stop is only available between June and mid-October. Our van has the necessary permits for direct access during this window, so there is no need to change vehicles or worry about shuttle queues.
The Return – via the Bow Valley Parkway
The Activity: Time permitting, we transition to the Bow Valley Parkway for part of the leg back toward Banff. A quieter and more relaxed alternative to the Trans-Canada Highway, this route offers a different perspective of the valley and more frequent wildlife sightings. Note: certain sections are subject to seasonal closures for wildlife and to create a vehicle free experience for cyclists; during these times, we utilize the most scenic accessible portions of the route.
Ending Point
Drop-off at the location of your choosing in Banff or Canmore
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Lunch and refreshments including drinking water refills
- Local, certified guide
- National/Provincial Park passes and permits
- Private, door-to-door transport in an air-conditioned vehicle (van)
- Hiking poles and microspikes/ice cleats (if winter conditions)
- Gasoline fee
- Toll fee
- Participant travel insurance
- Personal expenses (such as souvenirs or gifts), and any additional snacks, meals, or beverages beyond those provided
- Any applicable pet fees
- Child seats: required by law for under 6yrs (≤18kg)
Tour Important Information
- Activity Level: Easy to Moderate.
- Itinerary Note: This tour is only available between June 1st and mid-October each year (exact dates depend on when Parks Canada closes access to Moraine Lake). Routes and destinations may vary based on participant preferences, fitness levels, real-time mountain conditions, and safety.
- Wheelchair Access: Our transport vehicle is not wheelchair accessible.
- Suitability & Health: Not recommended for those with medical conditions that prevent or restrict active hiking/walking.
- Pets: Service animals are welcome. Pets considered case-by-case and are subject to approval and an additional pet fee.
- Child Seats: required by law for under 6yrs (≤18kg). Not provided; please bring your own if needed.
- Lunch is a grazing spread consisting of local meats, cheeses, and accompaniments or a deli-style lunch, depending on availability. We are unable to cater for specific dietary requirements or severe allergies; guests with specific nutritional needs are welcome to bring their own lunch.
- Personal Gear: Please bring a small daypack, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle (refills provided).
- Technical Gear: We provide hiking poles and microspikes/ice cleats if needed. USB-A charging ports are available in the van—please bring your own cable.
- Clothing & Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (insulated for winter) and adaptable layers (avoid cotton). Check weather conditions before departure.
Important message from the supplier
Please note: Because of the active and immersive nature of our tours, all guests (or their parent/guardian, if under 18) are required to sign a Waiver & Liability Release and Medical Form prior to the start of all tours.
Tour length and inclusions: all tours include private door-to-door transport from your accommodation, lunch, hiking gear, and all national/provincial park passes and permits. Tours last 6-10 hours depending on itinerary and pickup location.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2026
About Tour Guide Russell B.
Hi! My name is Russell and I lead private hiking, sightseeing, and snowshoeing day tours in the Canadian Rockies, focusing on Kananaskis and the national parks of Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay. My tours operate year-round and include door-to-door transportation and a picnic lunch for all guests, up to a maximum of 11.
Tours are customizable according to group preferences and pace, and my itineraries suit a wide range of visitors from couples and families, to groups of friends or corporate outings.
Having spent time living in Europe, the US, South America, and the Far East, I feel so lucky to now call Calgary home and am immensely passionate about sharing the beauty of the Canadian Rockies with visitors from all over the world.
I prioritize a safe, ethical, and immersive approach to showcasing the Rockies, and am an IGA-certified four-season hiking guide with wilderness first aid training and a class 4 commercial driving license. My goal is simple: to exceed expectations and deliver a highlight-of-the-trip experience, every time.
$1,089/ per group