Moraine Lake Sunrise
Departing from Canmore or Banff, your adventure kicks off with a convenient pickup, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. As you travel toward the tranquil waters of Moraine Lake, your tour guide will bring the region to life, sharing captivating stories about the wildlife, ecology, and history that shape these awe-inspiring landscapes. With each passing mile, you’ll feel more connected to this stunning corner of the world, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and the timeless beauty of nature.
Arriving at least 45 minutes before the first light, you’ll have the rare opportunity to experience Moraine Lake Sunrise in peaceful solitude, long before the crowds arrive. As you step off the vehicle, you’ll be welcomed with the warmth of a hot beverage in your hands and a thoughtfully prepared bag that includes a headlamp, blanket, and sit pad, ensuring you’re comfortable and cozy as you settle in to watch the first light break over the lake.
What to Expect on this Sunrise Tour
Once everyone is ready, your guide will lead the way to the Rockpile, offering local insights into the best spots for photography or simply taking in the stunning surroundings. Wrapped in your blanket, with the crisp morning air around you, you’ll feel the magic of the moment as the tranquil beauty of the lake unfolds before your eyes. For the next three hours, you’re free to wander, unwind, or capture the beauty around you at your own pace. Feel free to leave your belongings securely in the vehicle—your driver will be there, waiting at the van, ready to continue the next chapter of your adventure when it’s time to move on.
After your Moraine Lake Sunrise experience, your guide will drive you on the scenic journey back to Banff, sharing personalized recommendations for the best activities, unforgettable experiences, and hidden gems in the surrounding National Parks. Whether you’re craving an adrenaline-filled adventure or a peaceful spot to unwind, your guide will offer suggestions to help you make the most of your time in this stunning region. As the day draws to a close, you’ll be safely returned to your original pickup location, with all the insights you need to continue your journey, ready to embrace whatever comes next with ease and excitement.
Closer Look at Your Sunrise Experience
$125
7 Hours
13 people max
June-Oct
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: Three hours at Moraine Lake 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
5:15am – 5:30am: Pick-up in Banff
5:30am – 6:30am: Travel from Banff to Moraine Lake
6:30am – 9:30am: Explore Moraine Lake
9:30am – 10:30am: Travel from Moraine Lake to Banff
10:30am – 10:45am: Drop-off in Banff
11:15am – 11:30am: 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 7-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 7 hours, including transportation, sunrise viewing, and free time at the lake.
How long do we spend at Moraine Lake?
We guarantee 3 hours at Moraine Lake, regardless of traffic or pickup delays.
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 (up to 7 hours).
Camera or phone: To capture the incredible sunrise and lake views.
Is there any hiking involved?
No strenuous hiking. Some walking is required:
Moraine Lake Rockpile: ~50 meters elevation gain, ~10-minute walk (one way)
Moraine Lake Lakeshore: Minimal elevation, ~25-minute walk (one way)
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 at Moraine Lake during the sunrise tour?
No. Due to the very early arrival required for sunrise access, canoe rentals are not operating at Moraine Lake at this time of day.
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.
Connectivity & Conditions
Is there cell service at the lakes?
There is no cell service at Moraine Lake.
Can you swim in Moraine Lake?
No. The lake remains near freezing year-round, and swimming is unsafe.
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.
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Children (6-12) CAD $125
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Adult (13+) CAD $135