Turquoise Peaks: A Day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise from Canmore

CANMORE ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE

Turquoise Peaks: A Day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise from Canmore

A 7–8 hour shared daytime excursion from Banff, Canmore and Harvie Heights that delivers up to two hours of free time at both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, plus a guide-selected surprise stop on the return.

Turquoise Peaks: A Day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise from Canmore.

Duration
7-8 hours
Location
Canmore
Operator
Explore Banff Tours and Transfers Inc.
Category
Attraction
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Embark on a single-day exploration of two of the Canadian Rockies’ most photographed basins: Moraine Lake’s mesmerizing turquoise water set beneath the Valley of the Ten Peaks and the postcard shorelines of Lake Louise. This shared daytime experience lets you set the pace — hike a short viewpoint, stroll the lakeshore, rent a canoe or simply sit and take in the peaks — before a handpicked surprise stop on the drive back.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Moraine Lake’s turquoise bowl and the Ten Peaks

Moraine Lake presents vivid, glacier-fed turquoise waters framed by the iconic Valley of the Ten Peaks and the towering presence of Mount Temple — a compact, unforgettable mountain setting.

THE EXPERIENCE

Choose your day: hike, canoe or relax

At both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise you have free time to tailor the visit: hike to a scenic lookout or the Rockpile at Moraine, rent a canoe and glide on still water, stroll the shoreline, or simply photograph and absorb the views.

THE ROUTE

Two lakes and a guide-selected bonus

The itinerary allocates up to two hours of leisure at each lake and finishes with a surprise bonus stop handpicked by your guide on the return to Banff, Canmore and Harvie Heights.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

Pickup from hotels in Banff, Canmore and Harvie Heights precedes a scenic drive to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake where you’ll have roughly two hours at each spot to move at your own pace — from lakeshore photography and short hikes to canoeing or quiet shoreline time — before departing for a final, surprise stop and return drop-offs.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this daytime shared experience suits — and where to check before you book.

1
Daytrippers & First-time VisitorsAn ideal one-day option for visitors who want both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in a single outing with flexible, self-directed time at each lake.
2
PhotographersA strong match for photographers seeking classic mountain-lake compositions and windows of free time to frame shots from lakeshores and short viewpoints.
3
Active SightseersWell suited to people who plan short hikes or a canoe rental during the allotted leisure periods; you’ll be able to move at your own pace at each lake.
4
Families & Mixed GroupsAppropriate for mixed-ability groups looking for a shared, flexible day in the mountains — no specific participant limits or age restrictions are provided in the supplied information, so check with the operator if you have concerns about mobility or special requirements.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

You’ll have options to hike, stroll, rent a canoe, or relax at the shoreline; bring layered clothing and footwear suitable for short hikes and lakeside terrain, plus a camera and any personal items you need for a 7–8 hour day.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The experience is approximately 7–8 hours long.

Where and when are pickups and drop-offs?

Pickups and drop-offs are available across Banff, Canmore and Harvie Heights; select your date and pickup location on the booking calendar to see your specific pickup time.

How much time will I have at each lake?

The itinerary provides up to two hours of leisure time at each lake.

When does the afternoon tour operate?

The afternoon tour operates from June 1 to August 31 only.

Is the order of visits guaranteed?

No — the times and order of sights listed are indicative and may vary on the day of your experience.

What is the surprise bonus stop?

On the return journey the guide will make a surprise bonus stop handpicked for the group; the specific location varies by departure.