Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Golden Hour Tour
Step away from the crowds and experience the Canadian Rockies during the beautiful evening hours with our Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Golden Hour Tour. This relaxing evening adventure combines a scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway, one of Banff National Park’s most important wildlife corridors, with time at two of the Rockies’ most iconic destinations: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
As the afternoon cools and the light begins to soften, keep an eye out for elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and, if we’re lucky, bears along the Bow Valley Parkway. Your guide will share stories and interpretation about the wildlife, history, and landscapes of the Canadian Rockies along the way.
After the scenic drive, you’ll have time to explore Lake Louise before continuing to Moraine Lake, where you’ll spend 90 minutes enjoying the golden hour and evening glow over the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
What to Expect on this Golden Hour Tour
1. Drive Along the Bow Valley Parkway
Your adventure begins with a scenic journey along the Bow Valley Parkway, one of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich roads in Banff National Park. As we travel through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, your guide will share stories and interpretation about the area’s wildlife, history, mountains, and natural environment.
The cooler hours of the late afternoon can offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife that may be active along the corridor. Keep your eyes open as we travel through this important wildlife corridor, as you never know what you might spot along the way. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the Bow Valley Parkway offers one of our best opportunities to experience the park’s wild side.
2. Lake Louise
Upon arriving at Lake Louise, you’ll have approximately one hour to explore one of the most famous and breathtaking lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Take a walk along the lakeshore, capture photos of the turquoise water and Victoria Glacier, or simply take in the dramatic mountain scenery surrounding you.
Your guide will be available to share recommendations and interpretation, while you enjoy enough free time to experience Lake Louise at your own pace. This is the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the main viewpoint, find a quieter spot along the shoreline, and appreciate the beauty of this world-famous destination.
3. Moraine Lake During the Golden Hour
From Lake Louise, we’ll continue to the spectacular Moraine Lake, arriving as the afternoon transitions into the soft, warm light of the evening.
You’ll have approximately 90 minutes to experience the lake during the golden hour, one of the most beautiful times of day for photography and taking in the scenery. As the sunlight begins to change, the surrounding peaks of the Valley of the Ten Peaks are illuminated by warm evening tones, creating a completely different atmosphere from the busy daytime hours.
Your guide will lead a short interpretive walk along the lakeshore and share stories about the lake, the surrounding mountains, and the natural environment. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore at your own pace, take photos, walk up to the famous Rockpile viewpoint, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
A Closer Look at Your Golden Hour Experience
$125
6.5 hours
13 people max
June-Oct
We prioritize making your experience comfortable, hassle-free, and memorable:
Comfort & Convenience
- Complimentary Warm Beverages: Enjoy coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water refills (bring your own water bottle).
- Rain Protection: Ponchos are available in case of changing mountain weather.
- Hiking Poles: Available to provide additional support and comfort during guided walks and exploration.
Personalized Experience
- Experienced Local Guide: Gain fascinating insights into the region’s wildlife, ecology, history, mountains, and natural environment.
- Wildlife Viewing: Travel along the Bow Valley Parkway, an important wildlife corridor, with opportunities to spot elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife.
- Binoculars: Available during appropriate stops to help you get a closer look at wildlife and the surrounding landscape.
- Small Group Experience: Maximum 13 guests for a more comfortable and personalized adventure.
- Time to Explore: One hour at Lake Louise followed by 90 minutes at Moraine Lake during the beautiful evening golden hour.
Transportation
- Convenient Shuttle Service: Travel in a comfortable 15-passenger Ford Transit van with large windows, offering a smooth ride and great views along the way. Your belongings remain accessible throughout the tour.
- Scenic Bow Valley Parkway: Enjoy a beautiful journey through one of Banff National Park’s most scenic and wildlife-rich corridors.
- Canmore & Banff Pickup and Drop-off: Convenient pickup and return service from selected locations in Canmore and Banff.
To experience Moraine Lake during the beautiful evening golden hour, we adjust our departure times throughout the season according to the changing daylight hours. This allows you to enjoy time at Lake Louise before arriving at Moraine Lake for the evening glow.
3:15pm – 4:00pm: Pick-up in Canmore & Banff
4:00pm – 5:15pm: Scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway
5:15pm – 6:15pm: Explore Lake Louise
6:15pm – 6:35pm: Travel from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake
6:35pm – 8:05pm: Experience Moraine Lake during the evening glow
8:05pm – 9:05pm: Travel from Moraine Lake to Banff & Canmore
9:05pm – 9:50pm: Drop-off in Banff & Canmore
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation in a comfortable Ford Transit van, pickup and drop-off from selected locations in Canmore and Banff, an experienced local guide, interpretation throughout the tour, hot beverages, binoculars, hiking poles, and ponchos. You’ll also have approximately one hour at Lake Louise and 90 minutes at Moraine Lake.
Will we see wildlife?
The tour includes a scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway, an important wildlife corridor in Banff National Park. Guests are encouraged to keep an eye out for elk, deer, bighorn sheep, bears, and other wildlife that may be active along the route. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but your guide will point out wildlife when possible, and binoculars are available during appropriate stops.
How much time do we spend at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?
You’ll have approximately one hour at Lake Louise to explore the lakeshore and enjoy the scenery, followed by 90 minutes at Moraine Lake. The longer visit at Moraine Lake is designed to give you plenty of time to explore and experience the changing evening light.
Will we see the sunset at Moraine Lake?
The tour is designed around the golden hour and evening glow at Moraine Lake rather than staying until the exact time of sunset. Because daylight hours change throughout the season, our departure times are adjusted to make the most of the evening light. Depending on the time of year, you may experience the sunset itself or the beautiful golden light leading up to it.
Is there any hiking involved?
This is primarily a sightseeing experience rather than a hiking tour. You’ll have opportunities to walk along the lakeshores and visit the Rockpile viewpoint at Moraine Lake, but no strenuous hiking is required. Hiking poles are available for guests who would like additional support.
What should I wear?
Mountain weather can change quickly, particularly in the evening. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and layers and bringing a warm layer even during summer. Ponchos are available in case of rain.
What happens if we don’t see wildlife or the weather isn’t perfect?
Wildlife sightings and weather conditions are naturally unpredictable in the Canadian Rockies and cannot be guaranteed. The tour will generally operate in a variety of weather conditions, and your guide will adjust the experience when necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
How many people are on the tour?
Our shared tours have a maximum of 13 guests, allowing for a more comfortable and personalized experience while travelling between destinations and exploring the lakes.
What time does the tour start and finish?
The itinerary shown on our website is an example. Pickup times vary depending on your location and seasonal daylight hours, with the tour generally taking approximately 6.5 hours. Your exact pickup time will be provided with your booking confirmation.
Can children join the tour?
Yes, children are welcome on this tour. Please keep in mind that the experience includes several hours of driving and walking, including time outdoors during the evening.
Where do you pick up and drop off guests?
We offer pickup and drop-off from selected locations throughout Canmore and Banff. Available pickup locations and your exact pickup time will be provided when you book.
Why visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the evening?
Visiting later in the day allows you to experience these iconic lakes in a different atmosphere, away from the busiest part of the day. The combination of the Bow Valley Parkway wildlife experience, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake during the evening golden hour makes this a great option for guests looking for a relaxed way to experience several of Banff National Park’s highlights in one evening.
Waiver: All adults must sign a waiver prior to the tour. For children under 18, a parent or guardian must complete a waiver. Tours cannot proceed without completed waivers.
Please visit our FAQ for more information or visit Banff Lake Louise page for some ideas on what to in Banff.
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Children (4-12) CAD $115
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Adult (13+) CAD $125