From Banff: Louise & Moraine Lake Guided Hiking Day Trip

If you’re heading to Banff and craving a day immersed in Canada’s breathtaking mountain scenery, this guided hike to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake might just be what you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the reviews and details available paint a pretty appealing picture. It’s a well-rounded way to see some of the most iconic spots without the hassle of planning logistics yourself.

Two things we really like about this tour are its expert guides who seem to make the experience smooth and engaging, and the delicious picnic lunch right by the lakes—nothing beats refueling with a view. A potential consideration is that the tour involves about 2 hours of hiking on a moderate trail. While manageable for most, it’s worth noting if you’re traveling with less mobile friends or family.

This trip is best suited for those who want a guided experience with some walking involved, enjoy stunning scenery, and prefer an organized, small-group setting. It’s not ideal for children under 8 or anyone with mobility challenges, but for most outdoor enthusiasts, it hits the mark nicely.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: Visit Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Consolation Lakes, with breathtaking mountain views.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides who tailor the stops for optimal viewing and less crowded moments.
• Comfortable transport: Roundtrip van transportation from Banff makes logistics easy.
• A balanced hike: About 6 km with gentle elevation gain, suited for moderate fitness levels.
• Small group setting: Limited to 12 participants, ensuring personal attention.
• Value for price: At $100 per person, it includes transport, guide, and a picnic lunch, which many find worthwhile.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Canadian Rockies: What You Can Expect

This tour offers a well-organized way to experience some of the most stunning spots in the Banff area. You’ll start your day with a convenient pickup at one of three meeting points in Banff, making it easy to join without too much fuss. The vehicle is a spacious, climate-controlled van, so you can relax during the roughly 45-minute transfer to Lake Louise.

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake: The Icons

Once you arrive at Lake Louise, you’ll have some time for a lakeshore stroll. While the crowds can be heavy at peak times, the guide’s experience usually helps you find quieter moments for photos and soaking in the scenery. The lake’s turquoise waters framed by snow-capped peaks are truly as spectacular as they look in photos.

Moving on, you’ll head to Moraine Lake, often called the “Jewel of the Rockies.” The drive up offers views of rugged cliffs and towering rock formations, making it clear why this location is so beloved. Here, you’ll follow your guide through lush pine forests and mountain streams—a gentle introduction to the area’s natural beauty.

The Hike and Picnic

From the Moraine Lake parking area, the group sets out on a moderate 6-kilometer hike that gains about 200 meters in elevation. As the reviews highlight, this is a manageable walk for most, but it does involve some uphill sections. Expect to enjoy around 2 hours of hiking, with plenty of opportunities to stop, chat, and photograph.

The highlight of the hike is reaching the Consolation Lakes, situated beneath the impressive Quadra Glacier. Here, you’ll settle in for a picnic lunch beside the lakes, with the towering glaciers and mountain vistas as your backdrop. Many reviews praise the quality of the packed lunch and the serenity of this spot—some even say it’s the perfect setting for a peaceful break.

Return and Reflection

After lunch, you’ll retrace your steps, heading back to Moraine Lake to catch some final photos or enjoy a brief walk around the shore. Then, the van takes you back to Banff, often leaving plenty of time for the rest of your day.

More Great Tours Nearby

Why This Tour Works Well

What makes this trip stand out is its balanced mix of guided expertise, scenic stops, and outdoor activity. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, with reviews mentioning how they time stops to avoid the busiest periods, giving you a more peaceful experience.

The small group size—limited to 12—adds a level of intimacy that many travelers appreciate. You’ll likely find it easier to ask questions and enjoy a more personalized experience compared to large bus tours.

The price point of $100 is generally seen as reasonable considering it covers transportation, a professional guide, and the picnic lunch. For those who want to avoid the hassle of renting a car or navigating on their own, this organized tour offers a solid value.

What Could Be Better?

While most reviews are glowing, the hike’s moderate difficulty might be a challenge for some. If you’re not comfortable with 2 hours of walking or have difficulty with elevation gain, it’s worth considering your fitness level. Also, since the tour visits popular spots, you might still encounter some crowds, especially at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake during peak season.

The tour works best for those aged 8 and above, as it’s not suitable for children under 8 or people with mobility issues. Finally, weather can be unpredictable in the Rockies, so dressing in layers and bringing rain gear is essential.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This day trip is a fantastic choice for outdoor lovers who want a guided experience that combines scenic beauty and moderate hiking. It’s perfect if you prefer the comfort and convenience of included transport and a small group setting.

If you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a solo adventurer, you’ll appreciate the personal touch guides bring. However, if you’re looking for a more intense or longer hike, or traveling with very young children or mobility challenges, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

This guided hiking day trip from Banff to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Consolation Lakes offers a thoughtfully curated way to see some of Canada’s most iconic scenery without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. The combination of expert guiding, stunning views, and a relaxing picnic makes it a satisfying option for many travelers.

While it’s not a hardcore adventure, it strikes a good balance between scenery and gentle activity, especially for those who want a guided, small-group experience. The consistent praise for knowledgeable guides and breathtaking vistas suggests this tour delivers on its promise—making it a dependable choice for a memorable Rockies day.

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic outing with friendly guides and manageable hiking, this trip fits the bill nicely. Just remember to pack layers, wear good shoes, and bring plenty of water to stay comfortable along the way.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 8 years old due to the 2-hour moderate hike involved.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, hiking shoes, water, rain gear, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, weather-appropriate clothing, and closed-toe shoes. Also, pack at least 1 liter of water and some snacks.

What is included in the price?
Your tour cost covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide/driver, van shuttle to the lakes, and a boxed lunch with bottled water.

How long is the hike?
Expect about 2 hours of hiking over approximately 6 kilometers, with an elevation gain of around 200 meters.

Can I join the tour with less notice?
Bookings require at least 24 hours’ notice. Same-day bookings need to be confirmed by phone.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet in the bus parking area behind Mount Royal Hotel at 8:20am, a few minutes early.

What if the weather isn’t good?
It’s wise to check the forecast beforehand and dress in layers. Rain gear is recommended since mountain weather can change quickly.

Is the tour active or leisurely?
It’s a moderate hike, suitable for most fit travelers, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

Will I have enough time at each location?
The guides are known for timing stops to optimize sightseeing and avoid crowds, so you’ll get a good balance of exploration and relaxation.

What’s the benefit of choosing this tour over a self-guided visit?
You get expert commentary, easier logistics, and a more intimate experience, often with better timing for avoiding crowds and capturing photos.

If you’re after a day of stunning scenery combined with some light trekking and expert guidance, this trip from Banff offers a memorable way to connect with the natural beauty of the Rockies.

You can check availability for your dates here: