Calgary to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake & Johnston Canyon Day Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; should be able to walk 1–3 km on uneven surfaces and climb short stair sections.
Overview
See the Canadian Rockies’ biggest hits in a single, coach-led day: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge and Johnston Canyon. This guided loop balances short walks and sweeping photo stops—ideal for travelers who want maximum alpine impact with minimal driving.
Calgary to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake & Johnston Canyon Day Tour
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Morning light slices between the peaks as the coach climbs toward the spine of the Canadian Rockies. By the time the guide pulls over at Lake Louise, the turquoise water is already stealing the scene—glacial minerals catching the sun and turning a quiet valley into something that looks almost engineered for postcards. Over the next nine hours the tour threads together five very different acts: the cathedral cliffs at Lake Louise, the razor-edged peaks framing Moraine Lake, the jewel-toned calm of Emerald Lake, the carved limestone of Natural Bridge, and the suspended catwalks at Johnston Canyon.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start with an empty memory card
Mornings at Lake Louise and Emerald Lake are the clearest and least crowded—plan to shoot early light and bring extra storage or battery power.
Dress in layers
Conditions change rapidly in the mountains—windproof outer layers and a warm mid-layer will keep you comfortable across stops.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Bottled water may be provided, but on a 9-hour day a liter or two per person is advisable, plus snacks for energy between stops.
Respect wildlife and closures
Keep distance from animals and stay on designated paths—park staff enforce closures seasonally for safety and habitat protection.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elk
- Bighorn sheep
History
Railways and early mountaineering in the late 19th and early 20th centuries opened these valleys to tourism; Banff and Yoho were among Canada’s first protected parklands.
Conservation
Visitor limits at Moraine Lake and seasonal substitutions reflect efforts to reduce traffic and protect fragile alpine ecosystems; follow Leave No Trace principles while visiting.
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Adventure Hotspots in Banff
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell or windbreaker
Protects against sudden rain and cold mountain winds during photo stops and canyon walks.
Sturdy walking shoes
Grippy footwear is useful on wet catwalks at Johnston Canyon and rocky viewpoints at Moraine Lake.
Insulated water bottle
Keeps drinks cold or hot for the duration of a long, mostly unplugged day in the parks.
Mid-range zoom or wide-angle lens
A 16–70mm or 24–105mm helps capture sweeping lake vistas and closer landscape details.