Exploring the majestic Canadian Rockies from Calgary is a must-do experience. This guided day trip takes you to the picturesque Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake, along with a visit to Marble Canyon during the winter months. With roundtrip transportation, national park admission, and knowledgeable local guidance, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the breathtaking natural beauty of this region. Whether you visit in the vibrant autumn or the serene winter, the stunning landscapes and ample free time for exploration promise an unforgettable adventure.
About Your Stay
- This guided day trip from Calgary includes visits to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (summer), Yoho National Park, and Emerald Lake, with an option to see Marble Canyon.
- The tour lasts 8-11 hours and costs €65.71-€99.56 per person, with roundtrip transportation, national park admission, and a local guide included.
- Highlights include 1 hour for photography at Lake Louise, 1 hour at Moraine Lake (summer), 30-minute photo stop at Emerald Lake, and a 15-minute stop at Natural Bridge.
- The tour has a maximum group size of 24 participants, and crampons are available for winter use at the participant’s responsibility.
- The tour is highly rated, with guides praised for their knowledge and safety consciousness, and the flexibility to explore at one’s own pace appreciated by participants.
Tour Overview
This guided day trip from Calgary takes visitors to see the stunning natural landscapes of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (during summer months), Yoho National Park, and Emerald Lake.
The tour lasts 8-11 hours and costs €65.71-€99.56 per person, with a free cancellation policy.
Pickup options include Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown, Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Centre, and Canalta Lodge.
Pickup options include Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown, Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Centre, and Canalta Lodge.
The itinerary features photo stops at key viewpoints and free time for exploring Banff Avenue.
Roundtrip transportation, national park admission, and a local guide are included, with crampons available for winter use at the participant’s responsibility.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with pickup options at Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown, Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Centre, or Canalta Lodge.
First, you’ll spend an hour photographing the stunning Lake Louise. Then, you’ll have 15 minutes of free time at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
From June 1 to October 13, you’ll spend an hour photographing the iconic Moraine Lake. Outside of that timeframe, you’ll visit the scenic Marble Canyon instead.
Next, you’ll have a 30-minute photo stop at Emerald Lake, followed by a 15-minute stop at the Natural Bridge.
The tour concludes with 45 minutes of free time for shopping and sightseeing on Banff Avenue.
Transportation and Logistics
Roundtrip transfer in an air-conditioned van is provided for this tour.
The group size is kept small, with a maximum of 24 participants. Admission to the national parks is included in the tour price. A local guide accompanies the group, sharing insights and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Crampons are available for winter use, though their use is at the participant’s own responsibility.
With multiple pickup locations in Calgary and Canmore, the tour offers convenience for travelers.
Customer Reviews
This tour has received an impressive 4.8 out of 5 star rating based on 56 reviews.
Customers praise the knowledgeable and safety-conscious guides who bring the scenery to life. They appreciate the flexibility to explore at their own pace and the option to visit Banff Town or Bow Falls.
Visiting in October is noted as a positive, with smaller crowds and beautiful autumn colors. Participants highlight the stunning views of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake as top highlights.
The small group size and included national park admission are also mentioned as benefits of this well-organized day trip.
More Great Tours NearbyPickup and Dropoff Locations
Depending on the booking option selected, participants can choose from three different pickup locations for the tour – the Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown, the Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Centre, or the Canalta Lodge.
This flexibility allows travelers to conveniently start their day trip from various points in the Calgary and Canmore areas. At the end of the tour, guests will be returned to their original pickup location, ensuring a seamless roundtrip experience.
The guide tailors the itinerary to account for the varying departure points, ensuring all participants have an equally enjoyable and efficient sightseeing excursion.
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Seasonal Variations
The tour’s itinerary and stops vary depending on the season. From June 1 to October 13, visitors can marvel at the stunning Moraine Lake. However, from October 14 to May 31, this stop is replaced with a visit to Marble Canyon. Plus, the Banff Avenue portion may be swapped for exploring Bow Falls at the last stop, depending on the time available.
| Season | Moraine Lake | Marble Canyon |
| — | — | — |
| Summer (June 1 – October 13) | Included | – |
| Winter (October 14 – May 31) | – | Included |
This seasonal flexibility ensures participants can experience the area’s natural beauty year-round, regardless of when they visit.
Lunch and Dining Options
As part of the tour, participants can enjoy a 45-minute lunch stop at Lake Louise Village.
This provides a chance to refuel and explore the local dining options.
Recommended choices include:
-
Lakeview Lounge: Offering stunning views of Lake Louise and diverse cuisine.
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Trailhead Café: A casual eatery serving hearty sandwiches, soups, and baked goods.
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Poppy Brasserie: Featuring seasonal Canadian fare and a cozy ambiance.
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Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House: A historic teahouse with homemade treats and panoramic vistas.
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Laggan’s Mountain Bakery & Deli: A local favorite for fresh-baked pastries and deli-style lunches.
Tips and Additional Information
What else should participants know about this tour?
Crampons are available for winter use, but it’s at the participant’s own responsibility.
Meeting points vary depending on the booking option selected.
The lunch stop may change depending on the location.
Moraine Lake is only accessible from June 1 to October 13, with Marble Canyon serving as an alternative the rest of the year.
At the last stop, participants can choose to explore Banff Town or visit the Bow Falls viewpoint.
It’s recommended to tip the guide $12 per person in cash.
Questions About Your Stay
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
The tour has no minimum age requirement. Children of all ages are welcome to join, though parents or guardians are responsible for supervising their children throughout the tour.
Are Any Meals Included Besides the Lunch Stop?
Besides the optional 45-minute lunch stop, no other meals are included on this tour. The tour provides transportation, National Park admission, a local guide, and photo stops at the scenic lakes and sites.
Is There Wheelchair/Disability Access on the Tour?
The tour offers limited wheelchair/disability access. Participants requiring special assistance should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss accessibility options. Some stops may have limited accessibility due to the natural terrain.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour does not provide lunch, so bringing your own snacks and beverages is allowed and recommended to enjoy during the stops along the way.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
There are no strict restrictions on photography during the tour. Participants are free to take photos at the designated stops, though use of drones or tripods may be limited to avoid disrupting the group.
Final Verdict On This Stay
This guided day trip from Calgary offers a chance to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies. With visits to iconic lakes like Louise, Moraine, and Emerald, as well as Marble Canyon, it’s a perfect year-round adventure. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, park admission, and insights from a knowledgeable guide, making it a hassle-free way to experience the region’s stunning landscapes.
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