Banff Town, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake/Minnewanka Day Tour From Calgary
A private, full-day mountain excursion from Calgary, this itinerary bridges the gap between Banff’s famous glacial lakes and the local culture of the townsite. It’s designed as a balanced introduction to the National Park, pairing active exploration with a relaxed afternoon in Banff town to explore at your own pace.
This itinerary is a great choice for first-time visitors to Calgary, or those who only have limited time but want to sample some of the best of the what the Rockies has to offer.
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 Calgary
Stop 1: Lake Louise
The Activity: A visit to the most iconic basin in the range. We’ll move along the flat lakeshore trail 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.
Duration: 45–60 mins.
Stop 2: Moraine Lake (Seasonal) OR Lake Minnewanka
The Activity: From June to mid-October, we visit Moraine Lake for a short stroll up the famous 'Rockpile', for the best views of the stunning turquoise-blue lake below and surrounding Ten Peaks – one of the most prized sights in all of Canada. In the winter season, we pivot to Lake Minnewanka, walking the wind-swept shoreline of Banff’s largest glacial lake before passing by Two Jack Lake to complete the Minnewanka Scenic Drive on our way to the next stop.
Duration: 45–60 mins.
Note: Access to Moraine Lake is seasonal due to the annual closure of Moraine Lake Road during winter (lasting mid-October through the end of May).
Stop 3: Marble Canyon
The Activity: We cross the Continental Divide into British Columbia for a change of pace on the way back to Banff town. This short, weaving trail features canyon-straddling footbridges where you can peer through limestone slot-canyon walls to the rushing turquoise waterfalls below. A rugged, high-impact stop that adds a second province – and a second National Park – to your day.
Duration: 30–45 mins.
Stop 4: Banff Town
The Activity: To cap off the day, enjoy a 'free time' stop in the heart of Banff town. We drop you off centrally, allowing you to explore local boutiques, artisan galleries, or the scenic Bow River pathways at your own pace. A great opportunity to grab a mountain-town souvenir or a local treat before the return leg to Calgary.
Duration: 90 mins.
Ending Point
Drop-off at the location of your choosing in Calgary
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 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.
- Itinerary Note: Routes and destinations may vary based on participant preferences, fitness levels, real-time mountain conditions, and safety. Moraine Lake is subject to seasonal road/access closures; Lake Minnewanka is swapped in during this period.
- 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.
Note: Moraine Lake is only accessible between 1st June and mid-October every year; Lake Minnewanka will be subbed in for this stop during the rest of the year.
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
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.
$1,129/ per group
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