Banff: Canoe Tour, Moraine Lake & Lake Louise

4.8
28 reviews · Activity provider: Horizon Tours
Banff hidden gem canoe tour
Alpine canoe paddle in Banff
Lake Louise turquoise water
Moraine Lake and Valley of the Ten Peaks
Canadian Rockies scenic drive

Paddle alpine waters and view the iconic sights of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake's Valley of the Ten Peaks: canoes included, no rental lines, no extra costs. Roundtrip transport from Banff or Canmore.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration
7 hours
Live tour guide
English
Small group
Max 12 participants

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

MJ
Mark J. – Canada
September 2025 - Verified booking
5

Incredible day. The canoe paddle on the hidden alpine lake was the highlight — no crowds, no rental lines, just us and the mountains. Our guide was knowledgeable and kept a great pace for the group. Highly recommend.

DW
Diana W. – United States
August 2025 - Verified booking
5

Best thing we did in Banff! Skipping the parking and rental lines at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake was such a relief. Moraine Lake at the Rockpile is unbelievable in person. Our guide stopped us at all the right spots. Read more

See more reviews

What you'll do

Pickup in Banff or Canmore
Bus / coach · 40 min
Pickup & scenic drive
Comfortable roundtrip pickup from Canmore or Banff Town Center (Mt Royal Hotel Bus Parking). Settle in for the drive while your local guide shares stories about the area's history, wildlife, and the landscapes you're passing through.
Hidden gem alpine canoeing
Hidden gem canoeing · 1 h 15 min
Alpine canoe paddle
Away from the crowds, your guide gets you set up with everything you need to paddle across the glassy waters of a hand-picked alpine lake, chosen daily based on the best conditions. Glide under dramatic mountain backdrops and grab some incredible photos from a perspective most visitors never get to see.
Vermilion Lakes and Castle Mountain
Bus / coach · 1 h 25 min
Vermilion Lakes & Castle Mountain (pass by)
Continue west through Banff National Park, passing by the Vermilion Lakes and the dramatic ramparts of Castle Mountain on the way to Lake Louise.
Lake Louise shoreline
Sightseeing · 1 h
Lake Louise
Walk the famous Lake Louise shoreline and take in the iconic view of the Victoria Glacier rising above the turquoise water. Parking and lake access are arranged in advance, so you can simply enjoy the scene.
Valley of the Ten Peaks
Bus / coach · 25 min
Valley of the Ten Peaks (scenic views on the way)
A short drive from Lake Louise takes you up into the Valley of the Ten Peaks, with scenic mountain views opening up along the way to Moraine Lake.
Moraine Lake and the Rockpile
Sightseeing · 1 h
Moraine Lake
Guaranteed entry and free time at Moraine Lake. Take in the Rockpile viewpoint overlooking the Valley of the Ten Peaks, walk the shoreline, and see some of the most vivid turquoise water you'll ever come across.
Drop-off in Banff or Canmore
Bus / coach · 1 h
Return & drop-off
Relax for the drive back to your drop-off in Banff Town Center (Mt Royal Hotel Bus Parking) or Canmore.

Highlights

  • Paddle a peaceful alpine lake away from massive crowds. Canoe & gear included.
  • Skip the parking stress with guaranteed sightseeing access to Moraine Lake.
  • Marvel at the iconic Lake Louise shoreline and the stunning Victoria Glacier.
  • Skip the hours-long boat rental lines and expensive fees at the crowded lakes.
  • Relax with seamless, comfortable roundtrip transport from Banff or Canmore.

Full description

Experience the Canadian Rockies from the water, not just the shore. This small group tour combines guaranteed sightseeing at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with a fully arranged alpine canoeing experience, skipping the long boathouse lines and expensive rental fees you'd find at the busy tourist hubs.

Your day starts with comfortable roundtrip transportation from Banff or Canmore. On the scenic drive through the park your local guide will share stories about the area's history, wildlife, and the landscapes you're passing through.

Away from the crowds, your guide gets you set up with everything you need to paddle across the glassy waters of a hand-picked alpine lake, chosen daily based on the best conditions that day. Glide under dramatic mountain backdrops, soak it all in, and grab some incredible photos from a perspective most visitors never get to see.

Off the water, leave the parking headaches to us. We take care of guaranteed access to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake so you can actually enjoy them. Walk the famous shorelines, take in the Rockpile viewpoint overlooking the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and see some of the most vivid turquoise water you'll ever come across.

Everything is looked after for you, transportation, lake access, canoe gear and all the arrangements, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the day.

Perfect for couples, photographers, families and first timers who want a genuinely memorable Banff experience without the stress of figuring it all out yourself.

What's included

Included
Roundtrip transportation with pickup and drop off in Banff and Canmore
Professional local guide for the full tour
All equipment provided (canoe, paddle, and life jacket) for your alpine lake paddle
Self-paced alpine canoeing experience — skip the massive rental lines and extra fees
Guided time to explore the iconic Lake Louise shoreline and surroundings
Guaranteed entry and free time at Moraine Lake to explore the Rockpile and shoreline
All National Park permits, parking, and coveted lake access arrangements handled in advance
Not included
Food and beverages (we highly recommend bringing water and snacks for the day)
Gratuities for your guide (optional but always appreciated for great service)
Travel insurance or personal coverage
Professional photography services

Meeting point

Two pickup options are available: Banff Town Center (Mt Royal Hotel Bus Parking) or Canmore. You will receive a confirmation message with your exact pickup time and location ahead of the tour. Please be ready 5 minutes before the scheduled time, as the bus departs promptly. Drop-off is at the same two locations on the way back.

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Important information

What to bring
  • Layers and a light jacket — mountain weather can change quickly
  • Comfortable walking shoes for uneven paths and lakeshore areas
  • Water and snacks for the day
  • Small daypack for personal items (large bags or luggage are not recommended due to limited vehicle storage)
Know before you go
  • Canoeing is weather dependent and may be adjusted for safety.
  • Canoe time is shared and scheduled to ensure all guests enjoy the experience.
  • Restrooms are available at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, but availability may vary by season.
  • This tour operates rain or shine, as conditions often improve throughout the day.
  • Arrival and return times are approximate and depend on traffic and weather conditions.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity starts. No refund if you cancel less than 24 hours before or fail to show up.

Frequently asked questions

The Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shorelines are largely paved and accessible. The canoeing portion involves stepping into and out of a canoe on an uneven shoreline, so it may not suit guests with limited mobility. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs and we'll work to accommodate you.
No prior canoeing experience is required. Your guide gets you set up with everything you need (canoe, paddle, life jacket) and the paddle is on calm alpine water at a self-paced pace.
This tour operates rain or shine, as conditions often improve throughout the day. The canoeing portion is weather dependent and may be adjusted for safety. If we have to cancel for unsafe conditions, you receive a full refund or free rescheduling.
There are two pickup and drop-off locations: Banff Town Center (Mt Royal Hotel Bus Parking) and Canmore. You'll receive your exact pickup time and meeting details ahead of the tour.

Customer reviews

4.8
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DW
Diana W.
August 2024

Perfect day trip. Our guide knew the best spots for photos and the small group size meant we could actually take our time. The hidden alpine lake canoe paddle was a highlight!

MJ
Mark J.
September 2024

Incredible day. The canoe on the hidden alpine lake was the highlight — no crowds, no rental lines, just us and the mountains. Our guide was knowledgeable and kept a great pace for the group. Highly recommend.

SL
Sarah L.
July 2024

Great tour overall. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake were stunning and the canoe paddle was a treat. Only reason for 4 stars is the weather, but the guide handled it well.

TC
Tom C.
August 2024

We did this as a family and it was one of the best things we did in Banff. The pickup was right on time, the guide was fantastic, and the canoe on the alpine lake was such a unique experience. Can't recommend enough.

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