Best of Banff Day Tour: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon from Calgary
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness for short walks and standing; able to handle multiple short walks and stairs.
Overview
See Banff’s iconic highlights in a single day: turquoise Lake Louise, Moraine Lake’s moraine viewpoints, the cliffside catwalks of Johnston Canyon, and time in Banff town. This guided full-day tour includes pickup from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff and shifts seasonally for road closures.
Best of Banff Day Tour: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon from Calgary
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The bus eases out of Calgary at dawn and the prairie gives way to serrated peaks that seem to lean toward the highway. Within two hours the air sharpens and water takes on impossible color: Lake Louise’s turquoise basin glows like a cut gem, while Moraine Lake sits higher, its scree shoulders reflecting blue-greens under the pointed Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for light and space
Arrive at the first lake stop early—parking and viewpoints fill quickly and morning light brings the best color on the water.
Wear grippy footwear
Johnston Canyon’s catwalks and some shoreline scrambles are wet and slick; sturdy shoes with good tread reduce slips.
Layer for alpine weather
Temperatures can drop with elevation; pack a windproof layer and a warm mid-layer even in summer.
Respect wildlife distances
Keep several hundred metres from any large mammals and follow guide instructions; do not feed animals.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- elk
- bighorn sheep
History
Railway development and early mountaineers opened Banff National Park to visitors in the late 19th century; the park remains one of Canada’s oldest national reserves.
Conservation
Banff National Park limits access and enforces strict wildlife and waste rules—stay on trails, pack out trash, and respect closures to protect fragile alpine habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Banff
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provide traction for wet catwalks, shorelines, and short scrambles.
Layered clothing (base, insulation, shell)
Keeps you comfortable through wind, sun, and sudden temperature swings.
Reusable water bottle
Hydration is important at higher elevation; refill where available.
Crampons or microspikes
Useful for icy sections in Johnston Canyon and frozen paths during the shoulder seasons.
winter specific