Calgary/Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine & Johnston Canyon Trip

The Calgary/Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine & Johnston Canyon Trip is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the Canadian Rockies. This full-day adventure takes travelers through Banff National Park, showcasing some of the region’s most iconic landscapes. From the turquoise waters of Lake Louise to the picturesque Moraine Lake and the captivating waterfalls of Johnston Canyon, this immersive experience promises unforgettable moments. With a scenic drive and ample time for exploration, the trip offers a chance to connect with the stunning natural beauty that makes this corner of the world so special.

About Your Stay

• This full-day tour from Calgary/Banff explores three iconic Banff National Park destinations: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon.
• The tour features scenic drives, photo stops, and self-guided explorations, allowing visitors to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
• Highlights include turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountain vistas, with ample time allotted for sightseeing and photography at each location.
• The tour’s itinerary spans 7.5 hours, with comfortable transportation and hotel pickup/drop-off, providing a convenient and immersive experience.
• Certain mobility limitations may require alternative arrangements, and adherence to tour guidelines is essential for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The full-day tour from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore immerses visitors in the natural wonders of Banff National Park.

It includes a scenic drive, photo stops, and self-guided explorations at iconic destinations like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon.

The itinerary spans 7.5 hours, with pickup and drop-off at select hotels. Guests can expect to see stunning turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and mountain vistas.

The tour provides the convenience of roundtrip transportation and a National Park pass, while allowing ample time for personal discovery at each stop along the way.

Trip Itinerary

This full-day tour begins with a scenic 45-minute drive through the breathtaking landscapes of Banff National Park.

At Lake Louise, you’ll have 1.5 hours to explore the iconic turquoise lake, snap photos, and enjoy a self-guided tour.

Next, you’ll visit Moraine Lake for 45 minutes of sightseeing and photography.

The tour then takes you to Johnston Canyon, where you’ll spend 105 minutes walking at your own pace and admiring the powerful waterfalls.

The return scenic drive to Banff takes 30 minutes.

Pickup and drop-off locations include select hotels in Calgary, Banff, and Canmore.

Scenic Drives in Banff National Park

Scenic drives through Banff National Park offer breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.

The 45-minute drive from the starting location to Lake Louise showcases the park’s majestic peaks, pristine lakes, and dense forests.

The 45-minute drive to Lake Louise showcases Banff’s majestic peaks, pristine lakes, and dense forests.

Travelers then enjoy a 30-minute return drive from Johnston Canyon back to Banff, taking in more stunning scenery.

These scenic drives allow visitors to experience Banff’s natural beauty from the comfort of the shuttle.

With ample time at each destination, guests can fully enjoy the park’s awe-inspiring landscapes and capture incredible photos along the way.

Exploring Lake Louise

Why is Lake Louise a must-visit destination on this Calgary/Banff tour? The jewel-toned, glacier-fed lake is renowned for its breathtaking beauty.

Visitors have 1.5 hours to explore the area, snapping photos of the iconic Fairmont Chateau and Victoria Glacier reflected in the serene waters. Guests can stroll along the lakeshore, admiring the striking mountains that surround the lake.

For the more adventurous, hiking trails offer stunning vantage points. Whether relaxing by the shore or embarking on a short hike, Lake Louise is sure to leave a lasting impression and be a highlight of the day’s itinerary.

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Discovering Moraine Lake

After exploring the serene waters of Lake Louise, the tour continues on to Moraine Lake, another jewel in the crown of Banff National Park.

Nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is renowned for its striking blue-green hue and the dramatic mountain backdrop. Visitors are allotted 45 minutes to admire the view, snap photos, and wander along the lakeshore.

The brilliant turquoise color, formed by glacial rock flour suspended in the water, creates a mesmerizing scene.

Though the crowds can be substantial, the natural beauty of Moraine Lake is undeniable and well worth the visit.

Hiking Johnston Canyon

Next, the tour takes visitors to Johnston Canyon, where they can spend over an hour exploring its captivating waterfalls at their own pace.

The self-guided hike offers three distinct highlights:

1. Lower Falls: Wooden walkways lead to a footbridge over the thundering lower falls.

2. Ink Pots: Hikers can continue to the serene Ink Pots, a series of emerald-green spring pools.

3. Upper Falls: The trail climbs to a breathtaking viewpoint of the upper falls, cascading down from limestone cliffs.

With ample time to wander and snap photos, Johnston Canyon provides an immersive nature experience within Banff National Park.

Shuttle Service and Transportation

Convenient shuttle service is available to transport visitors from their starting location in Calgary, Banff, or Canmore to the various destinations within Banff National Park.

The roundtrip transportation includes pickup from designated points and drop-off at locations like the Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown, Northwinds Hotel Canmore, and Mount Royal Hotel.

This service provides hassle-free travel, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic drives. The tour also includes a National Park pass, ensuring seamless access to the stunning natural wonders.

With the shuttle, visitors can focus on experiencing the beauty of Banff without the stress of driving.

Important Considerations

Though the tour provides a comprehensive itinerary, there are a few important considerations prospective travelers should keep in mind.

First, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so those with mobility challenges may need to seek alternative arrangements.

Plus, visitors must arrive at the designated pickup location at least 5 minutes before departure to ensure a timely start.

Finally, certain items are prohibited, including weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances.

Packing appropriately, arriving on time, and adhering to the tour’s guidelines will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour information clearly states that "Prohibited items: Weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, explosive substances." This indicates that pets are not permitted on the tour for safety and logistical reasons.

Is the Tour Suitable for Solo Travelers?

The tour is suitable for solo travelers. It offers roundtrip transportation, scenic stops, and self-guided exploration, allowing solo travelers to enjoy the sights at their own pace. However, pets are not allowed on the tour.

Is There an Audio Guide Available During the Tour?

There’s no mention of an audio guide being provided on this tour. The tour includes a local guide who likely provides commentary, but self-guided exploration is also emphasized at the various stops.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

The tour itinerary cannot be customized, but you can explore the stops at your own pace during the free time provided. The tour’s flexibility allows you to tailor your experience to your preferences within the scheduled timeframes.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also choose the reserve now & pay later option to secure their booking flexibility.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Calgary/Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine & Johnston Canyon Trip offers a magnificent full-day adventure showcasing the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park. Travelers can enjoy the breathtaking scenery, capture unforgettable photos, and connect with nature’s beauty. With scenic drives, iconic destinations, and hiking opportunities, this comprehensive tour provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

You can check availability for your dates here: