Viator Rating : 5 (156 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.6/10 (Solid Experience)
Calgary
Lake Louise & Banff Tour: Top Sights & Hot Springs!
Overview
Experience the best of the Canadian Rockies with the Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Gondola, Hot Springs & Bow Falls tour. This full-day adventure is perfect for anyone who loves nature and wants to see amazing mountain views. Explore iconic spots like Moraine Lake (in season) or its off-season alternative, and Lake Louise, where you can take photos and enjoy the scenery.
What to expect: The tour takes you to the charming town of Banff, where you'll have free time to walk around, eat lunch, and enjoy the alpine atmosphere. The tour also includes views of Lake Minnewanka, a stop at Bow Falls to see the powerful waterfall, and a visit to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Viewpoint for a great photo opportunity. You can also choose to ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain (extra cost) for stunning views or relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs (extra cost).
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation and pickup from designated points in Calgary, Canmore, or Banff. In the winter, crampons are provided for walking on ice. Admission to Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka is included from October 14 to May 31, and admission to Moraine Lake is included from June 1 to October 13. Not included are the Banff Gondola or Hot Springs ticket, meals, and suggested tips of CAD12 per person. This bus tour ensures a comfortable and memorable experience exploring the highlights of Banff National Park. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (8 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (5 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (7 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Highlights
See Lake Louise and Moraine Lake: Witness the crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views of these iconic lakes. (Moraine Lake in season)
Explore Banff Town: Enjoy free time to stroll through the charming alpine town, grab lunch, and soak in the atmosphere.
Visit Bow Falls: See the powerful and scenic Bow Falls, a natural wonder of Banff National Park.
Ride the Banff Gondola or Relax in the Hot Springs: Choose to take a ride up the Banff Gondola (extra cost) for panoramic views or relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs (extra cost).
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved seeing the beautiful lakes and mountains.
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Many enjoyed having enough time to explore Banff town.
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People liked that the bus was comfy and the tour guides were friendly.
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Visitors appreciated the amazing views from the Banff Gondola (extra cost).
Some people felt that the time at each stop was too short.
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A few customers didn't like that the Gondola and Hot Springs cost extra.
The Journey
Moraine Lake Alternative (Off-Season)
During the off-season (Oct 14 - May 31), Moraine Lake's road closes to personal vehicles. While access to Moraine Lake itself is restricted, nearby alternatives offer equally stunning experiences. Consider exploring the scenic trails around Lake Louise or visiting the charming town of Banff. These options capture the essence of the region's beauty while accommodating seasonal limitations.
Lake Minnewanka
Discover Lake Minnewanka, a glacial lake just a short drive from Banff, steeped in history and natural splendor. Known as the 'Lake of the Spirits' by the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, its serene waters are framed by towering mountains. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the shoreline, boat trips offering panoramic vistas, or in winter, witness the mesmerizing ice bubbles formed by trapped methane. The lake also holds the submerged remnants of a former resort village, adding to its mystique.
Moraine Lake (In Season)
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Moraine Lake (June 1 - Oct 13), a jewel of Banff National Park. Fed by glaciers, the lake boasts an intense turquoise hue that captivates all who visit. Hike the short Rockpile Trail for iconic panoramic views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, perfect for memorable photos. This glacially-fed lake is a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Lake Louise
Begin your adventure at the iconic Lake Louise, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding glaciers and mountain peaks. Stroll along the picturesque lakeshore trail, breathing in the crisp mountain air and capturing unforgettable photos. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise adds a touch of elegance to this already breathtaking scene, making it a truly unforgettable destination.
Banff Town
Explore the charming streets of Banff Town, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Discover local shops brimming with unique souvenirs, indulge in delicious cuisine at diverse restaurants and cafes, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this mountain community. Banff offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, making it an ideal base for your Rocky Mountain adventure.
Bow Falls
Escape to the tranquil beauty of Bow Falls, located near the historic Banff Springs Hotel. Take a relaxing walk along the Bow River and admire the cascading waterfalls as they plunge into the turquoise waters below. This scenic spot provides a serene escape from the bustling town and offers a perfect opportunity to connect with nature.
Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain)
Ascend to the summit of Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola for unparalleled panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. Spend time exploring the boardwalk, visiting the interpretive center, and capturing stunning photos of the surrounding peaks and valleys. From this vantage point, witness the vastness and grandeur of Banff National Park.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Relax and rejuvenate in the naturally heated mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, these historic springs offer a soothing and therapeutic experience. Immerse yourself in the warm waters, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and let your worries melt away.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Viewpoint
Capture the grandeur of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel from a stunning viewpoint. Overlooking the iconic castle-like hotel, this scenic spot provides the perfect photo opportunity to commemorate your visit. Marvel at the hotel's architectural splendor and its dramatic backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes air-conditioned transportation and pickup from designated spots in Calgary, Canmore, or Banff. In winter, crampons are provided for walking on ice. Admission to Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka is included from October 14 to May 31, and admission to Moraine Lake is included from June 1 to October 13. The tour does not include the Banff Gondola or Hot Springs tickets, meals, or suggested tips of CAD12 per person. Remember that Banff Gondola requires reservation.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring layers of clothing, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly. Also, consider bringing snacks and water, especially if you have dietary restrictions, as meal options may be limited at some stops.
Review Summary
People usually say the tour offers breathtaking views of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with knowledgeable guides like Christie, Wee, Roger, Barry, and Ben who share engaging stories and ensure ample photo time, praising the convenience of pickups from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff and special Moraine Lake access. Some note minor negatives like extra fees for the Banff Gondola and seasonal road closures affecting Moraine Lake access before late May or after early October.
Frequently Asked Questions
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