What to Expect on Our Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Morning Tour
If you’d love to experience two of the most iconic lakes in the Canadian Rockies without an extreme early alarm, this tour is for you. The Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Morning Tour offers a comfortable early start, stunning turquoise lake colors in full daylight, and the chance to enjoy canoeing at either lake — all while still returning early enough to enjoy the rest of your day.
With early-morning departures at either 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM, this tour strikes the perfect balance between peaceful morning conditions and daytime access to the full park experience. Guests departing at 7:00 AM will arrive at Moraine Lake before peak crowds build, while the 8:00 AM option offers a slightly later, relaxed start without sacrificing the highlights. Both departures continue on to vibrant, lively Lake Louise later in the day when all services and activities are operating.
Why Guests Choose the Morning Tour
- Comfortable 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM start — early, but not painfully early
- 7:00 AM departure arrives at Moraine Lake before the main bus crowds
- 8:00 AM option allows more time in the morning or a relaxed breakfast
- Scenic Bow Valley Parkway drive with a peaceful stop at Morant’s Curve
- Best chance to canoe at either lake during active rental hours
- Bright daylight for peak turquoise lake color
- Back by mid-afternoon with time to enjoy your evening
- Small-group experience (max 13 guests)
Your Morning Tour Experience
Your day begins with convenient pickup in Canmore, followed by Banff pickups approximately 30 minutes later. Once everyone is on board, you’ll travel along the Bow Valley Parkway, a quieter scenic road that winds through forested landscapes and is known for its beautiful views and potential wildlife sightings.
Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about the area’s wildlife, history, and ecology before making a brief stop at Morant’s Curve — a perfect place to stretch your legs, take in sweeping mountain scenery, and enjoy a coffee or tea before continuing on.
Unlike sunrise tours that require pre-dawn wake-ups, this experience allows you to enjoy your morning at a comfortable pace, watch the mountains wake up naturally, and still reach Moraine Lake during an ideal early-day window.
Your first stop is Moraine Lake, where early-morning timing sets the tone for the day. Guests departing at 7:00 AM arrive before peak daytime crowds begin to build, offering a quieter, more peaceful first experience. The 8:00 AM departure reaches Moraine Lake during its busiest daytime period, when the area is lively and active, but also when full daylight brings out the lake’s most vibrant turquoise color.
You’ll have two hours at Moraine Lake to explore at your own pace. Popular activities include:
- Walking the lakeshore trail
- Experiencing the iconic Rockpile viewpoint
- Canoeing on the turquoise water (first-come, first-served)
- Sitting lakeside to enjoy the Valley of the Ten Peaks
Your guide will point out the best photo locations and remain nearby to assist while you explore freely.
Next, you’ll continue to Lake Louise, where you’ll enjoy another two hours of free time. By late morning and early afternoon, Lake Louise is lively and energetic, offering a vibrant mountain atmosphere.
Guests may choose to:
- Stroll the scenic lakeshore path
- Capture classic Fairmont Chateau reflections
- Take the Fairview Lookout hike for elevated panoramic views
- Relax lakeside and enjoy the bustling alpine setting
Your guide will provide clear directions, time reminders, and personalized recommendations based on your interests.
Canoeing During the Morning Tour
One of the greatest advantages of this tour is daytime canoe access. Canoe rentals are available at both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise during the summer season when lodge operations are active.
- Rentals are first-come, first-served
- Operated independently by the lake lodges
- Not included in the tour price
- Typical rate: approximately $160 CAD + tax per canoe (1 hour)
This tour provides your best opportunity for canoeing compared to sunrise departures.
Tour Length & Return Time
The Morning Tour lasts approximately 7.5–8 hours. Guests departing at 7:00 AM typically return to Banff and Canmore around 3:00 PM, while the 8:00 AM departure returns approximately one hour later, around 4:00 PM. You’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy your evening — book a gondola, dine in Banff, walk along Bow Falls, or simply relax after a full day in the mountains.
What to Bring
To stay comfortable and enjoy your day at both lakes, we recommend bringing:
- Warm layers for the morning (it can be chilly early on)
- Light layers for later in the day (temperatures warm up by late morning, especially at Lake Louise)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A small backpack
- Water and snacks or a packed lunch
- Camera or phone for photos
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Even in midsummer, mornings in the mountains can feel cool—while afternoons are often warm and sunny. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable all day.
If seeing both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in one smooth, stress-free morning sounds like your kind of travel, this tour was built for you.
Reserve your Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Morning Tour with Into the Wild Tours today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Guests departing at 7:00 AM arrive at Moraine Lake before peak daytime crowds begin to build, offering a quieter and more peaceful first experience.
The 8:00 AM departure arrives during Moraine Lake’s busiest daytime period. Expect a lively, high-traffic environment with heavy visitor volume. While the lake will be busy, this timing also offers full daylight, vibrant turquoise water, and access to all services and activities.
Lake Louise will be busier later in the day for both departures, which is expected during peak operating hours.
Yes. Canoeing is available at both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise during this tour, subject to weather and availability. Rentals operate during daytime hours and are first-come, first-served.
This tour is not designed for long or strenuous hikes, as time at each lake is limited to ensure a smooth and relaxed schedule. However, many guests do enjoy short, scenic walks such as:
• Fairview Lookout at Lake Louise
• Lakeshore walking trails at both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
These walks are optional and can be done comfortably within the time provided. If your main goal is longer backcountry or half-day hikes, we recommend planning a separate hiking-focused day.
Yes. Guests who wish to stay at Lake Louise for extended hiking or exploration may return independently using ROAM Transit Route 8X (Lake Louise–Banff Express). The bus pickup is located directly at Lake Louise. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
Please notify your guide in advance if you will not be returning with the tour vehicle.
This tour offers two start time options: 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM.
- Start Time: The tour begins with pickups starting in Canmore, followed by Banff pickups approximately 30 minutes later. Your exact pickup time depends on the location you select.
- End Time: Approximately 3:00 PM for the 7:00 AM departure and around 4:00 PM for the 8:00 AM departure, with drop-offs in Banff first and Canmore shortly after.
Guests who book directly with Into the Wild Tours will see their confirmed pickup time at checkout.
Guests who book through third-party platforms (Viator, GetYourGuide, Klook, etc.) will receive their confirmed pickup time by email 2–3 days before the tour. Please be sure to carefully read this email, as it contains important pickup details.
Food is available at both lakes, but options are limited, pricey, and often come with long lines, especially later in the morning.
- Moraine Lake: The Moraine Lake Lodge has a small café that is open to the public, offering very limited food and beverage options.
- Lake Louise: Inside the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, there is a public café with more variety, including to-go sandwiches, salads, pastries, and drinks.
While food is available if needed, we highly recommend bringing your own snacks or meals. This helps you save time, avoid lines, and maximize your time at the lakes rather than waiting for food service.
Morant’s Curve is a scenic viewpoint along the Bow Valley Parkway, known for its sweeping mountain scenery and iconic railway curve below. It’s a popular photography spot and a peaceful place to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Morant’s Curve is located along the Bow Valley Parkway, between Banff and Lake Louise, within Banff National Park.
Trains occasionally pass through Morant’s Curve, but sightings are not guaranteed. Train schedules vary, and views depend on timing and conditions.
Morning is a great time to visit Morant’s Curve, as lighting is often softer and the area tends to be quieter. Conditions can vary depending on weather and season.
This experience is ideal for:
- Guests who don’t want a sunrise wake-up
- Travelers who want the best canoeing opportunity
- Families with children
- Guests who prefer a relaxed but full morning schedule
- Visitors who want their afternoons free