Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise

We prioritize making your experience comfortable, hassle-free, and memorable:

Comfort & Convenience

• Complimentary Warm Beverages: Local coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water refills (bring your own water bottle).

• Comfort Essentials: Blankets and sit pads to keep you cozy during chilly mornings.

• Headlamps & Hiking Poles: Navigate trails and viewpoints with confidence.

• Rain Protection: Ponchos and umbrellas provided.

Personalized Experience

• Experienced Local Guide: Gain fascinating insights about the region.

• Small Group Experience: Maximum 13 guests for a more intimate, personalized adventure.

• Leisure Time: 2.5 hours at Moraine Lake and 2 hours at Lake Louise to explore at your own pace.

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.

To ensure you experience Moraine Lake at its most its most serene and breathtaking, we adjust our departure times daily to arrive at least 45 minutes before sunrise. While the itinerary may vary slightly with the changing sunrise schedule, you can relax knowing every detail is thoughtfully planned. Sit back, enjoy the journey, and trust that we’ll get you to the lake in time to witness the breathtaking first light in complete comfort and style.

4:30am – 4:45am: Pick-up in Canmore

4:45am – 5:00am: Pick-up in Banff

5:00am – 6:00am: Travel from Banff to Moraine Lake

6:00am – 8:30am: Explore Moraine Lake

8:30am – 9:00am: Travel from Moraine Lake to Lake Louise

9:00am – 11:00am: Explore Lake Louise

11:00am – 11:45am: Travel from Lake Louise to Banff

11:45am – 12:00pm: Drop-off in Banff

12:30pm – 12:45pm: Drop-off in Canmore

Pickup:

The tour begins in Canmore, with additional pickups in Banff. To ensure a smooth and timely departure, please be ready 10 minutes before your designated pickup time at your chosen location.

Pickup times vary by location — please refer to your specific pickup time for accurate details. Being ready early helps keep the tour on schedule to catch the best light at sunrise.

Drop-Off:

At the end of the 8-hour tour, you’ll be returned safely to your original pickup location.

Booking & Policies

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Last-minute cancellations follow our standard policy.

Tour Duration

How long is the sunrise tour?

The tour lasts 8 hours, including transportation, sunrise viewing, and free time at the lakes.

How long do we spend at each lake?

Moraine Lake: We guarantee 2.5 hours at Moraine Lake for sunrise, regardless of traffic or pickup delays.

Lake Louise: We spend approximately 2 hours at Lake Louise afterward, allowing plenty of time for walking, photos, and exploring the lakeshore.

Pickup & Transportation

How early is pickup for the sunrise tour?

Pickup times vary throughout the season based on sunrise. Early in the season (June), pickups can begin as early as 2:50 AM, while later in the season they shift later, typically up to 5:20 AM.

Can I park my vehicle if I’m not staying at the pickup locations?

Parking at hotels and lodges is for registered guests only. If you are not staying at a pickup location, we do not recommend parking there. Most properties actively monitor their parking areas, and vehicles without authorization are very likely to be ticketed or towed. If parking is available, it typically requires prior permission and payment arranged directly with the property.

To avoid any issues, we recommend one of the following options:

Option 1: Walk to a Nearby Pickup Location
We offer nearly 30 carefully selected pickup locations throughout Banff and Canmore. For most guests, the nearest pickup point is within a 5-minute walk from their accommodation.

Option 2: Park at a Designated Public Parking Area

• Banff Train Station: Large public parking lot with free parking for up to 9 hours

• Legacy Trail Parking (Canmore): Large public parking lot with free parking for up to 9 hours

These locations are reliable, stress-free options and help ensure a smooth start to your tour.

If you have any concerns, further questions, or are unsure which pickup location is best for you, please don’t hesitate to email or call us — we’re happy to help.

What does your van look like?

The van that will be picking you up is a white Ford Transit passenger van, marked with our company name, Into the Wild Tours, and our blue and green logo. You’ll see our branding on all sides of the vehicle, making it easy to spot.

Preparation & Safety

What should I wear and bring?

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend the following:

Clothing & Footwear

• Warm, comfortable footwear: Insulated or sturdy shoes or boots suitable for walking up the Rockpile and along the lakeshore

• Layered clothing: Early-morning temperatures at Moraine Lake can be significantly colder than Banff, even in summer. Dress in layers — a thermal base layer, fleece or wool mid-layer, and a waterproof or windproof outer layer

• Cold-weather accessories: Beanies/toques, gloves, scarves, and warm socks are strongly recommended. Exposed skin can get cold quickly while waiting for sunrise

Essentials

• Water, lunch, and snacks: Stay hydrated and energized during this half-day experience

• Camera or phone: To capture the incredible sunrise and lake views

Walking & Accessibility

Is there any hiking involved?

No strenuous hiking. Some walking is required:

Moraine Lake

• Rockpile: ~50 meters elevation gain, ~10-minute walk (one way)

• Lakeshore: Minimal elevation, ~25-minute walk (one way)

Lake Louise

• Mostly flat, well-maintained lakeshore trails

• Optional longer walks or short hikes are available during free time

Families & Accessibility

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes, especially for families with older children who enjoy walking and scenic viewpoints. Please note that this tour has a minimum age requirement of 6 years old.

Activities & Amenities

Can we rent canoes during the tour?

Moraine Lake: No. Due to the very early arrival required for sunrise access, canoe rentals are not operating at Moraine Lake at this time of day.

Lake Louise: Due to the very early start of our Moraine Lake sunrise tour—especially early to mid-season—you may arrive at Lake Louise before canoe rentals open. Canoeing is typically only possible later in the season, as sunrise times shift and arrival times become later in the morning.

Can I bring my SUP or inflatable kayak?

No. Unfortunately, due to limited space in our van, we are unable to allow SUPs or inflatable kayaks.

Is there a place to eat at the lakes?

Due to the very early sunrise start, food services at Moraine Lake are not open during your visit. We highly recommend bringing your own food and snacks, as there will be no opportunities to purchase food at the lake.

At Lake Louise, a café is available inside the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

Washrooms & Facilities

Are washrooms available at the lakes?

Moraine Lake: Yes. Public outhouse-style washrooms are available near the parking area.

Lake Louise: Yes. Public washrooms with flushed toilets are available near the main parking lot. Additional facilities, restaurants, cafés, and a gift shop are located inside the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

Connectivity & Conditions

Is there cell service at the lakes?

There is no cell service at Moraine Lake. Cell service at Lake Louise is limited and unreliable.

Can you swim in Moraine Lake or Lake Louise?

No. Both lakes remain near freezing year-round, and swimming is unsafe.

Lake Louise Return Options

Can I stay longer at Lake Louise instead of returning with the tour?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to stay longer at Lake Louise if you’d like more time for hiking or exploring.

Guests who choose to remain can return independently using ROAM Transit (Route 8X – Lake Louise to Banff Express). The bus pickup is located directly at Lake Louise. Advance seat reservations are highly recommended, as this route often sells out.

Please be sure to inform your guide in advance if you will not be returning with the tour vehicle so we can plan accordingly.

Waiver

In order to participate all adults must sign the electronic waiver form prior to the tour. A waiver must also be completed by the parent or guardian of any child under the age of 18. Failure to complete the waiver will result in the cancellation of your tour. For your reference, please see the waiver link at the bottom of the website.

Proper Clothing & Weather Preparedness

Mountain weather can change quickly, as our tours venture into the mountains from early sunrise through sunset and into the nighttime hours. Temperatures in the Rockies are often much cooler than in town, even in summer.

Guests must arrive dressed appropriately for cold, windy, and variable conditions. We strongly recommend:

• Warm layers (including a jacket or insulated outer layer)

• Long pants

• Closed-toe, sturdy footwear

• Gloves, hat, and additional layers for sunrise, sunset, and stargazing tours

Being properly dressed ensures your comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout the experience. For safety reasons, we reserve the right to refuse participation if a guest is not adequately dressed for the conditions.

Please visit our FAQs for more information or visit Banff Lake Louise page for some ideas on what to in Banff.