The Glaciers & Lakes | Icefields Parkway, Moraine & Louise
From the brilliant blues of Moraine Lake & Lake Louise to the glacial flows of Peyto & Bow along the Icefields Parkway.
A blockbuster day from start to finish, including a 40km stretch along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. This journey covers a lot of ground, but with a flexible itinerary, delicious picnic lunch, and door-to-door transport, we make it more than comfortable. Let us take care of the logistics and the driving, while you simply enjoy the best of Banff.
Available Jun-Oct only.
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: Peyto Lake (Icefields Parkway)
Walk a short wooded path (150m) from the commercial parking lot to the viewing platform for sweeping, elevated views of one of the Rockies' most strikingly vivid sights.
Duration: 20 mins.
Stop 2: Bow Lake (Icefields Parkway)
Explore the shoreline and dip a hand in the crystal clear waters of Bow Lake beneath an awesome backdrop of peaks, glaciers and falls.
Duration: 30 mins.
Stop 3: Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint (Icefields Parkway)
Before heading back towards Lake Louise, we pass the Crowfoot Glacier with two of its three original claw-like "talons" of ice still clearly visible today.
Duration: 5-10 mins.
Stop 4: Lake Louise
Experience the range's most famous alpine basin. We'll go beyond the busy central shoreline to quieter vantage points along the lakeshore trail, offering uninterrupted views of the Victoria Glacier, Mount Fairview, and historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Duration: 1 hour.
Stop 5: Moraine Lake
Revel in the scale and magic of Moraine Lake and the Ten Peaks from the top of the Rockpile trail (350m each way). Time permitting, this can be combined with a stroll along the tree-lined lakeshore trail (up to 2.5km return), to give a dual perspective of the lake's beauty.
Note: My van has the necessary permits for direct access to Moraine Lake while the road is open between June and mid-October, so there is no need to change vehicles or worry about shuttle queues.
Duration: 75 mins.
The Return – via the Bow Valley Parkway
Time permitting, we'll take the Bow Valley Parkway for part of the day's driving between Banff and Lake Louise. A quieter and more relaxed alternative to the Trans-Canada Highway, this scenic route offers a different perspective of the valley and more frequent wildlife sightings. (Subject to seasonal conservation/cycling closures).
Ending Point
Drop-off at the location of your choosing in Banff or Canmore
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Lunch, snacks, and drinking water refills
- Local, certified guide
- National Park passes and permits, including direct Moraine Lake access
- 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
Tour Important Information
- Calgary pickup/drop-off also available: overall tour duration ~10 hours, with pickup between 6.30am and 7.30am.
- Activity Level: Easy to Moderate (Customizable).
- Itinerary Note: Routes, timings, 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). We have one that we can provide for the day if needed.
- Lunch is a grazing spread consisting of local meats, cheeses & 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 & a reusable water bottle (refills provided). The van has USB-A charging ports if you want to bring your own cable.
- Clothing & Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (insulated for winter) and adaptable layers (avoid cotton). An extra base layer to change into for the return journey is recommended. Check weather conditions before departure.
- Waiver: Required for all guests before departure.
- Giving back: A portion of every journey is donated to a hand-picked charity supporting either environmental protection, Indigenous education, or animal welfare. You’ll have the opportunity to choose which cause your booking supports.
- Peak Season Logistics: While I aim to accompany you at every location, during peak season I may not always be able to park immediately. In these instances, I take advantage of express drop-off zones before linking up with the group again once I've managed to park.
Important message from the supplier
Waivers: Because of the active and immersive nature of my 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.
All tours are customizable and include private door-to-door transport from your accommodation, lunch, hiking pole use, and all national/provincial park passes and permits for the day.
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
About Tour Guide Russell B.
Hi! My name is Russell and I lead private hiking, sightseeing, and snowshoeing 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.
Giving back: A portion of every journey is donated to a hand-picked charity supporting either environmental protection, Indigenous education, or animal welfare. You’ll have the opportunity to choose which cause your booking supports.
Reviews
Ann C.
“Russel was the best!”
We would highly recommend Russel as a guide. He was extremely knowledgeable and made each of our destinations more enjoyable. He was able to give us background and history at every location and ensured that we saw all of the highlights. He provided us with a wonderful charcuterie lunch as well. We had an excellent experience and will certainly call on him next time we visit Banff.
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Russell B.
A huge thank you, Ann, for trusting me with your big lakes day in Banff & Yoho! It was a joy meeting the four of you, and I really appreciate you sharing such positive feedback in your review. I'm thrilled you all enjoyed the lunch so much as well! Thanks again, and till next time :)
Vercilia F.
“Highly recommended guide”
We had an amazing day with Russell. Prior to the tour he kept us fully informed, I was able to customize the itinerary for a specific stop, on the day he was on time and throughout the day he shared his knowledge of the Rockies, the wildlife & history. I would not hesitate to recommend Russell for your trip.
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Russell B.
Thank you so much for sharing these kind words about your experience, Vercilia! I really appreciate you taking the time to write such a positive review. It was a pleasure meeting you and your family a couple weeks ago, and thanks again for trusting me with your day exploring the Icefields Parkway!
$1,599/ per group
More tours by Russell B.
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The Legendary Lakes: Moraine, Louise & Emerald
The Crown Jewels: Experience the pinnacle of the Canadian Rockies with an immersive, full-day journey to the three most iconic alpine lakes in Canada – 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 lake. Enjoy guaranteed, hassle-free access to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise and skip the shuttle queues. Available Jun–Oct only.
The Legendary Lakes: Moraine, Louise & Emerald
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Off the Beaten Path: Kananaskis Guided Hiking or Sightseeing
Hiking or sightseeing: We'll build an itinerary around your preference in an area of the Rockies overlooked by the masses. Whether you're looking for one longer hike, two shorter trails, or a series of sights with minimal walking, there are no wrong answers! Kananaskis offers breathtaking mountain scenery and is home to a vast array of natural landmarks, wildlife, and outdoor activities. Chosen to host the 2025 G7 Summit, the region is known for its dramatic landscapes and quieter trails.
Off the Beaten Path: Kananaskis Guided Hiking or Sightseeing
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