If you are visiting Alberta, there is no better way to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies than by exploring both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in a single day. These two iconic destinations are famous for their turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain backdrops and are must-sees for travellers who want a taste of Banff National Park’s natural wonder. Although it will be challenging to accomplish both in one day, having a planned itinerary or booking a Moraine Lake private tour will make it convenient, and well worth the trouble of one day.
Here is a detailed guide to help you plan your perfect day trip from Calgary.
Why Visit Both Lakes in One Day?
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are only 14 kilometers apart, so it is certainly not impossible that one might be able to accomplish both in a day. The two lakes are distinct from one another:
Moraine Lake sits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and is famous for its bright blue hue at dawn.
Lake Louise is surrounded by the breathtaking Victoria Glacier and a serene mountain village with accommodations for shopping, dining, and hiking.
It is very easy to catch an early morning flight from Calgary and have a decent pre-booked agenda ,so it is not hard to watch the spots of both the lakes and be able to return in the evening to Calgary.
How to get from Calgary to Banff National Park
The drive from Calgary to Moraine Lake or Lake Louise takes about two to two and a half hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. You will begin on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), which offers scenic mountain views along the way.
If you are driving on your own, keep in mind:
Parks Canada Access: One needs an active Parks Canada pass to access Banff National Park.
Parking Restrictions: Private vehicle off-the-grid access to Moraine Lake is a relic of the past, and parking space along Lake Louise is being consumed at an alarming rate.
Because of these issues, the majority resort to booking guided Lake Louise tours or Moraine Lake private tours, which take care of logistics, park passes, and scheduling so you just need to focus on the experience and not logistics.
Arrive Early to Moraine Lake
To make sure you leave early enough to make your day as wonderful as possible, plan on leaving Calgary at 3:30–4:00 AM if you want to see the sunrise over Moraine Lake. The sun is best between 5:00 and 6:30 AM in the summer when the peaks are fully lit and reflected by the like-surfaced lake.
Because Moraine Lake private tours are permitted to arrive early in the morning and book space in advance on shuttles, they are one of the few sure means of getting to the lake early in the mornings. Private tours will take you from your Calgary or Banff hotel and drop you off at the lake hours before the rest of the tourists have yet to arrive.
Short Rockpile Trail trek upon arrival for a familiar view of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Short but strenuous trek with one of Canada’s most photographed photos as a reward.
Late Morning: Break at Lake Louise
Following Moraine Lake, your next destination is Lake Louise, only 20 minutes’ drive away. As part of a guided tour, the trip is effortless, and the guide can provide interesting information about the geography and history of the area.
You spend your time as you arrive at Lake Louise walking along the lakeshore boardwalk, 2 km long. Boardwalk takes in front of your eyes a glimpse of Victoria Glacier, and during summer you can canoe around in the emerald-blue colored lake with a canoe.
There are also other Lake Louise tours that have other optional stops at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where you can opt to take a coffee break or breakfast with a view.
Lunch and Afternoon Activities
After a stop at Lake Louise, tack on one or two light activities in the area:
Hiking: Hike the Lake Agnes Tea House trail (3.4 km one way) for scenery and hot tea at the old tea house.
Photography: View the lake from the upper elevation of the Fairview Lookout Trail.
Shopping and dining: Stop by the little Lake Louise Village for shopping or a lunch break.
If you are on a Moraine Lake private tour, your itinerary might include a scenic picnic or stop in Banff town for a gourmet lunch before returning to Calgary.
Add a Stop in Banff Town (Optional)
If time allows for a circuit of both lakes, an overnight stop in Banff rounds out the day. Banff Avenue has charming shops, restaurants, and cafes, just the place to relax on the return trip. Some Lake Louise tours have some built-in, such as Banff excursions or excursions to such views as Bow Valley Parkway or Vermilion Lakes.
A Smooth Experience Tip
To make your day laid-back and fun, remember the following:
Book Ahead: Private Moraine Lake tours and Lake Louise tours during June and September are popular.
Layer Up: Mountain weather is always iffy. It is chilly mornings even in summer and scorching afternoons.
Pack the Basics: The basics are sunglasses, sun protection, snacks, and a refillable water bottle.
Plan Delays: Photo stops for scenery and wildlife viewing will be delays—but that’s the plan.
If alone, be sure to review the Parks Canada website in advance to learn about road conditions and shuttle schedules.
Back to Calgary
Then stop, and then off to go and see both lakes and maybe break in Banff along the way, back in Calgary late afternoon or early evening. The Rockies and rolling foothills countryside views on the way back are a fine finale to an active day.
If you go for a guided tour of Moraine Lake, you will be dropped back at your own hotel, so driving and parking post-tour day is not your concern.
Final thoughts
Visiting both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in one day from Calgary is entirely possible—and incredibly rewarding—with the right planning or guided assistance. Private Moraine lake tour or guided Lake Louise tours ensure that you are able to see both these wonders of nature in luxury and ease. While you watch the dawn rise over the glacial lake at Moraine Lake or the glacial scenery at Lake Louise, this day trip offers a true taste of the Rockies’ unmatched beauty—one you’ll remember long after you’ve left the mountains behind.
