Tours/Banff/Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Small Group Day Tour from Banff
Viator · group up to 12 pax

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Small Group Day Tour from Banff

4.9(543)Banff1 hour
VIATOR4.8(169)TRIPADVISOR4.9(374)

Description

Two lakes that don't look real, seen the way they're meant to be. This is the best of Banff National Park with one of Canada's top-rated tour operators: an active, small-group day built around the turquoise icons everyone chases, plus the stops most visitors drive right past. Choose your pace: 4 hours or a full 8-hour day with lunch, both capped at 12 guests. No conveyor belt, no checkboxes. Just your guide, who loves these mountains like their hometown, slowing the day down so the wonder lands. - Guaranteed, expedited lakeshore access to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, now closed to public vehicles - A true small-group experience, max 12 guests, never a crowded coach - Expert local guiding and a tailor-made itinerary shaped around your group - On the 8-hour adventure, a fresh picnic lunch from a local favourite - A surprise finish picked on the day around recent wildlife sightings - 1% for the Planet member, your booking helps protect these places

Tour Options

Iconic Lakes - 4hr
  • Duration: 4 hours Pickup included
Iconic Lakes + Lunch - 8hr
  • Duration: 8 hours Picnic Lunch: A fresh picnic lunch from one of our local favourites. Pickup included

Itinerary

5 min

We'll meet you right in Banff, no early scrambling required. Step into a spacious, upscale van with a local guide who knows these mountains inside out, and let the day take it from there.

120 min

Your day unfolds in the heart of Banff National Park, with guaranteed stops at two of Canada's most sought-after locations: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Choose the pace that fits your day: a focused 4-hour adventure with up to 2 hours at the lakes, or a full 8-hour experience with up to 4 hours at the lakes and lunch included. But that's just the beginning. This isn't a scripted, cookie-cutter tour. This is where the Radventures difference shows up. We skip the script and build the day around you. Your local guide draws on deep insider knowledge to choose the best route and secret stops, factoring in: - Recent wildlife sightings - Your group's interests, vibe, and energy - Timing and conditions on the day That means no two tours are ever the same. Whether it's a secluded canyon, a quiet lookout, or a backroad where wildlife linger but most visitors miss, we'll take you where the day comes alive, not just where the guidebooks point.

120 min

Lake Louise has been drawing visitors to the Canadian Rockies for over a century, and for good reason. This alpine lake in Banff National Park is a stunning turquoise blue, fed by glacier melt, set against Mount Victoria and hanging glaciers. As our guest on this small group tour, you'll get guaranteed, expedited entry to Lake Louise, no worrying over parking or bus lines. You'll also get a tailored itinerary from your expert local guide, shaped around what you want out of the day. Time at the lakes depends on your tour: 4 hours gives you up to 2 hours across Lake Louise and Moraine Lake combined, enough to wander the lakeside trails, explore the Chateau Lake Louise, or sit under a tree and watch the world go by. 8 hours gives you up to 4 hours at the lakes, plus lunch, with time to add a canoe ride if you'd like. Your expert local guide will be on hand with everything you need to know, and they'll show you our local secret spots, perfect for photos and away from the crowds.

Admission included120 min

This glacier-fed lake becomes the most intense, vivid shade of turquoise in the summer months, the kind of blue that has you pinching yourself to check you're not dreaming. Now closed to public vehicle access, Moraine Lake sits rightfully at the top of everyone's Banff bucket list, having become the number one destination in the Canadian Rockies in recent years. With strict visitation restrictions in place since 2023, joining this small group tour is the best way to guarantee a stress-free visit. On our 4-hour adventure, your time here is part of a shared 2 hours across Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, enough to walk the shoreline trail or find a quiet spot for photos. On the 8-hour adventure, that combined time stretches to 4 hours, with lunch included and room to paddle out on the water. Your expert local guide will be on hand to help you make the most of your time here, and they'll show you our local secret spots at the lake, perfect for photos and away from the crowds.

15 min

Included only on the 8-hour adventure: if time allows, we'll drive the scenic Bow Valley Parkway instead of the Trans-Canada Highway. This quieter route winds through forested valleys and wildlife corridors, with uninterrupted views of Castle Mountain and Storm Mountain, and some of the best odds of spotting wildlife along the way. Not a guaranteed route or stop.

15 min

Included only on the 8-hour adventure: if time allows, we'll stop at the famous Morant's Curve, a classic Canadian Rockies scene straight from a postcard. The spot offers a stunning bend in the Bow River backed by towering peaks, and if we're lucky, a train rolling through for the ultimate shot. Not a guaranteed stop.

15 min

Included only on the 8-hour adventure: if time allows, we'll pause at Castle Cliff Viewpoint or Moose Meadows, peaceful and scenic spots nestled along the Bow Valley Parkway. Castle Cliff Viewpoint offers a short walk to a small viewing platform with breathtaking views of Castle Mountain's rugged cliffs, a quiet roadside stop with a tranquil forest setting, ideal for soaking in the scenery and spotting wildlife.

Highlights

Access to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
Polaroid souvenir
Comfortable, upscale transportation with panoramic windows
Small group experience (max 12 guests)
Expert local guide trained in photography and storytelling
Hotel pick-up in Banff and Lake Louise
Fresh croissant Turkey sandwich by default. Preference or dietary need? Reach out for an alternative. Included on the 8 hour option for bookings on or after June 26. Booked earlier? Call to add lunch.
Fresh water refills (BYO water bottle)

What's included

Included
Access to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
Polaroid souvenir
Comfortable, upscale transportation with panoramic windows
Small group experience (max 12 guests)
Expert local guide trained in photography and storytelling
Hotel pick-up in Banff and Lake Louise
Fresh croissant Turkey sandwich by default. Preference or dietary need? Reach out for an alternative. Included on the 8 hour option for bookings on or after June 26. Booked earlier? Call to add lunch.
Fresh water refills (BYO water bottle)
Not included
Guide gratuities (optional)
National Park Pass

Pickup Locations & Times

Pickup times may shift by 5 to 10 minutes depending on group size, so please be ready a little early. To keep your day running smoothly, be sure to select your pickup location before the tour. We can only collect guests from a confirmed pickup point.

Traveller Ratings

4.9
543 reviews
5
498
4
25
3
12
2
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1
5

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children 8 and under are unable to join our small group adventures
  • Not recommended for travellers with mobility issues
  • Lunch is included on the 8 hour tour option for all bookings made on or after June 26, 2026. A fresh picnic lunch from one of our local favourites, with a turkey sandwich by default. Have a preference or dietary restriction? Reach out and we'll sort you out with an alternative. Booked before June 26? You can still add lunch by calling us ahead of your tour.

Reviews(543)

C
chrisvW9186FZ
July 20, 2026
Incredible sunrise

The sunrise at Lake Moraine was amazing and well worth the early wake up time. The breakfast provided was delicious . Had some beautiful hikes around Lake Louise and even saw a Black Bear on the journey home. Liam our guide was factual and funny.

F
F8341TYsteves
July 13, 2026
Great Value and Guide

Fantastic value for the price. Small group. An outstanding guide, Kirsty, who was very knowledgeable without being overbearing as well as a very good driver. A very enjoyable day.

Operator response

Fantastic value, small group, knowledgeable without being overbearing and a very good driver. Kirsty ticks every box and we're really glad it came through as a very enjoyable day. Hope to have you back out here again sometime.

O
O6724UOmarkw
July 13, 2026
Outstanding day

Great experience. Gabi was an excellent guide. Knowledgeable, friendly, and just a delight.

Operator response

Knowledgeable, friendly and a delight, that's Gabi. Really glad the day was a great experience and hope to have you back out here again sometime.

L
Laurie L
July 11, 2026
Gareth, the best tour guide in Banff!

Our tour with Gareth was fabulous! His knowledge and enthusiasm along with the natural beauty of national park made it an incredible experience!

Operator response

Gareth's knowledge and enthusiasm for the national park is genuinely infectious and we love that it came through so clearly. Really glad it made for such a fabulous and incredible day. Hope to have you back out here again sometime.

G
GRhodesy
July 11, 2026
Fun and facts and fantastic views.

We really enjoyed the tour. The sights were beautiful and the guides were great. George and Liam did an awesome job during the drive and while we walked at the lakes. We are locals from Canmore and I was surprised how much were learned. Liam is a wealth of information and a great story teller mixing facts and humour with equal aplomb.

Operator response

Locals from Canmore coming away having learned something new is honestly one of our favourite things to hear. George and Liam is a brilliant pairing for that route and we love that Liam's mix of facts, stories and humour landed even for guests who know the area well. A wealth of information with aplomb, we'll make sure he sees that one.

1
134mindyr
July 9, 2026
Lake Louise and Lake Morain

This was a great day! Easy going with great instruction - great communication and Bee was the BEST tour guide ! We had a blast hiking and talking and visiting the epic sites

Operator response

Easy going, great communication, a blast hiking and talking and visiting epic sites with Bee as the BEST tour guide, that's a brilliant day out by any measure. Really glad it all came together and hope to have you back out here again sometime.

J
Jennifer_T
July 7, 2026
Excellent tour. Gabi was...

Excellent tour. Gabi was amazing and knowledgeable. She was a great guide and offered many picture opportunities for us.

Operator response

Gabi and great photo opportunities is a combination that keeps coming up and there's a reason for it. She has a genuine eye for the right moment and makes sure nobody leaves without the shots to go with the memories. Really glad it was an excellent tour and hope to have you back sometime.

C
carverb2019
July 1, 2026
Beautiful Banff & Lakes

We loved our tour guide Gareth! He was so knowledgeable about all things Banff, Lake Louise, color of the river and lakes, mountains, skiing and snowboarding and so much more! Our day flew by and we were sorry to see it end. The gourmet lunch provided for us by Radadventures was delicious too. We highly recommend this tour company! Ask for Gareth and you will not be disappointed!

Operator response

Ask for Gareth and you will not be disappointed is a great thing to say publicly and we couldn't agree more. He has that broad curiosity about everything Banff, the water colour, the mountains, the ski history, all of it, and it means the day covers a lot of ground without ever feeling like a checklist. Really glad the gourmet lunch landed too. Come back anytime and he'll find you even more to love about the place.

S
Safari04840521316
July 1, 2026
Best in Banff - Tremendously Terrific Tour with Epic Ellie!

Remarkable! A can’t miss for any visitor to Banff!! Our guide Ellie was the best tour guide we’ve ever had! So knowledgeable, fun, engaging - the embodiment of Banff’s passion for nature and the outdoors! Whether it was spotting big horn sheep to explaining the stunning crystal blue waters of Lakes Louise and Moraine, she exemplified the true spirit of the Canadian Rockies, keeping us always engaged and inspired and definitely hoping for a return to Banff soon! And the tour logistics were flawless and superlative - from on time pickups, small group charm (opposed to the big bus chaos) and delicious picnic lunch! Put a stamp on this tour and send it!

Operator response

Put a stamp on this tour and send it is one of our all time favourite review lines and we're keeping it. Ellie truly does embody what makes the Rockies special, the knowledge, the passion, the instinct for finding the right moment at the right spot. Really glad the logistics held up too, small group, on time, a proper picnic in a stunning setting. Come back soon and we'll do it all again.

D
davidwD2209FC
June 30, 2026
Highly recommend this tour and Max as a tour guide.

The views were spectacular, we saw numerous wildlife sightings, delicious lunch provided, and Max did an outstanding job as our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and made the tour so much fun.

Operator response

Delicious lunch, spectacular views, numerous wildlife sightings and Max making the whole thing fun while knowing everything worth knowing. Really glad the day delivered across the board. Thanks for this and hope to have you back out here soon.

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