Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Day Trip from Calgary or Banff — Yoho National Park and Emerald Lake Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9–12 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect short walks on uneven ground and standing time for photos
Overview
A long, scenic loop through Banff and Yoho National Parks, this full-day trip takes you to the turquoise shallows of Lake Louise, the dramatic rock amphitheatre of Moraine Lake (seasonal), and the emerald calm of Emerald Lake. Practical, scenic, and packed with photo opportunities.
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Day Trip from Calgary or Banff — Yoho National Park and Emerald Lake Tour
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The bus eases out of Calgary before dawn, the city shrinking behind a glassy row of coffee cups and window seats. Highway 1 carves toward the Rockies and, as ridge after ridge sharpens, the air seems to thin — not just physically but in the kind of attention the landscape demands. By mid-morning you are standing at the edge of Lake Louise, the water a startling turquoise that pushes you toward the lens of your camera and into silent observation.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early for photos
If you want the clearest light and fewer crowds at Lake Louise, plan to be there within the first hour of the park opening; the tour’s scheduled stops try to accommodate that.
Dress in layers
Alpine temperatures change fast — a windproof shell and midlayer will keep you comfortable during shoreline walks and short hikes.
Footwear for uneven ground
Paths at Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake are short but rocky; wear sturdy shoes with good traction rather than sandals.
Plan for seasonal swaps
Moraine Lake access is seasonal (roughly June–Oct); if you travel outside those dates expect Marble Canyon on the itinerary instead.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elk (often seen near Banff townsite)
- Mountain goat and hoary marmot in higher alpine areas
History
Banff National Park was created in 1885 after hot springs were found during railway construction; the area’s hotels and trails grew around the railway tourism boom of the late 19th century.
Conservation
Both Banff and Yoho are protected parks with strict rules on waste and wildlife interaction—stay on trails, pack out trash, and never feed animals to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
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Adventure Hotspots in Banff
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Spring mornings are chilly and a windproof layer keeps you warm on exposed shorelines.
spring specific
Sturdy trail shoes
Good traction is useful on rocky shorelines and short forest paths at each stop.
summer specific
Warm midlayer
Fall temperatures can drop quickly at elevation, especially near glacial lakes.
fall specific
Microspikes or cleats
In winter or early spring, ice on viewpoints is common; microspikes improve safety on frozen paths.
winter specific