Lake Louise & Moraine: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Alberta's Scenic Sights

Embark on a self-guided driving tour through Alberta’s scenic sights, including Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Discover untouched wilderness, glacial lakes, and hidden gems along the way!

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola - Welcome to Lake Louise! We’re about to see miles of untouched wilderness, shimmering glacial lakes, and so much more on this tour. We’ll begin at the Lake Louise Ski Resort’s parking lot at 1 Whitehorn Rd. If you’re not there already, you should head there now.

Note: This 56+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Lake Louise & Moraine in 3-4 hours.

  • Lake Louise - In a couple minutes, we’ll see Lake Louise. Spanning 222 acres and reaching depths of 230 feet, there’s plenty of this lake to go around. Long before the Canadian Pacific Railway came through here, the Stoney Nakoda used this lake to fish. They called it “Horâ Juthin Îmne,” which meant “Lake of Little Fishes.

  • Moraine Lake - We’ve made it to Moraine Lake! The shuttle will drop us off in the parking area ahead. One of the most popular things to do here is hike onto that rockpile that Wilcox climbed all those years ago. You’ll find the entrance to this half-mile, 15-minute hiking trail near the end of this parking lot. Just follow the loop around to the top of the rocks and enjoy the views!

  • Morant’s Curve - It gets its name from Nicholas Morant, a staff photographer for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Morant took photos of this spot in the middle of the 20th century. Those photos were then reprinted on just about every promotional pamphlet and ad for Banff! After that, tourists came up here just to see what Morant saw through his lens.

  • Bow River - For a while now, we’ve been driving alongside the Bow River. You’ve probably caught glimpses of it from time to time between the lodgepole pines on our right. The Bow River isn’t named for its shape, but for the reeds that grow along its banks. For millennia, First Nations people have used these reeds to make bows for hunting. In fact the Blackfoot people called this river “Makhabn,” which means, “river where bow reeds grow.

  • Castle Lookout Trailhead - Coming up soon is the Castle Lookout Trail. This 5-mile hike takes 3-4 hours to complete, and it’s a challenging one. But hikers who make it up the side of Castle Mountain certainly don’t regret the journey! The trail boasts vistas of the Bow River and the long line of Rockies beyond. In fact, climbers say the end of Castle Lookout Trail is one of the best panoramic views in all of Banff National Park.

  • Silverton Falls - Just ahead is the trail to Silverton Falls. It’s a moderate, one-mile hike that takes half an hour. The end of the trail features an unbelievable view of Bow Valley on one side and a 160-foot waterfall on the other! To visit the falls, turn left into the parking lot ahead.

  • Moose Meadows - Another breathtaking hike is coming up in a moment! This moderately challenging trail winds through Moose Meadows and up to springs known as the Ink Pots. It takes about three hours and stretches over five miles, but it’s the 1,100 feet of elevation gain you’ll feel if you hike this trail!

  • Johnston Canyon - Johnston Canyon is up next, the most popular hike in the park. This easy one-mile trail is a must see. This canyon is named after a prospector who never found any gold, but who mapped the canyon during his search!

  • Hillsdale Meadow Viewpoint - Coming up is Hillsdale Meadow Viewpoint, offering 360-degree views of the Rockies. There’s also a meadow full of wildflowers! You’ll see Pilot Mountain off in the distance, the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks, and the Bow River. It’s an unbelievable vantage point. Pull into the turnout ahead if you’d like to visit, or continue straight.

  • Backswamp Viewpoint - Coming up soon is Backswamp Viewpoint. Don’t let the unappealing name fool you—this spot makes for a great place to stop! Backswamp Viewpoint has a spectacular view of Mount Bourgeau. The Bow River runs right up near the lookout point. And if you’re lucky, you might see a train chug down the tracks along the riverbank!

  • Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint - Vermilion Lakes viewpoint is just ahead, featuring lovely views of three little lakes right next to one another. Beyond those lakes lies the town of Banff. This is a favorite spot for watching sunsets, sunrises, and wildlife! You might see some loons, some buffleheads, and maybe even an osprey. People have reported elk, mule deer, and occasional moose sightings at Vermilion Lakes.

What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Enjoy a memorable journey through Alberta’s most scenic sites with this self-guided driving tour featuring Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Discover untouched wilderness, shimmering glacial lakes, and hidden gems like a tea house tucked alongside a remote waterfront! Featuring dazzling lookouts at places like Morant’s Curve and Vermilion Lakes, as well as sparkling waterfalls tucked amid mountainous splendor, there’s no shortage of unforgettable sights in this popular stretch of Banff National Park.

Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
  • For the tour guide app to function as intended, iPhones must be iOS 13 or above and Androids must be version 9 or above.
Location
Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola
Whitehorn Road
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(1 Rating)
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1 star
Christopher_lonewolf
Aug 14, 2024
Incredible scenery at every stop! - The tour offered stunning view one after another. The towering peaks are breathtaking, making it tough to decide where to focus your attention. There's so much natural beauty, it's almost impossible to take it all in! Also enjoyed the other drive of yoho. Highly Recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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