Private: Banff's Glacial Lakes & Hidden History - Banff/Canmore

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  The Activity: We begin with a gentle 1.1km loop through what remains of the early 20th-century town of Bankhead, taking an oft-overlooked step back in time to explore a different side of Banff’s past. Walking past the concrete foundations and old railway beds provides a stark historical contrast to the raw, protected mountain landscapes that dominate the rest of our day. Duration: 30 mins.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 2
  Lake Minnewanka

  The Activity: At Minnewanka, we'll move past the parking lot adjacent crowds and walk along the lakeshore to the Stewart Canyon bridge – a flat, 3.2km in-and-out trail. This gives us an open, wind-swept perspective of Banff National Park's largest glacial lake before the midday heat. We then pass by Two Jack Lake to complete the Minnewanka Scenic Drive on our way to Lake Louise.

  1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 3
  Lake Louise

  The Activity: A visit to the most iconic basin in the range. We’ll move along the shoreline to reach the quieter vantage points of the lake and surrounding peaks, offering a better perspective of the Victoria Glacier and castle-like Fairmont Chateau. The in-and-out lakeshore trail is up to 4.6km in length, with nominal elevation gain.

  1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4
  Moraine Lake

  The Activity: At Moraine Lake, we combine a 2.5km in-and-out lakeshore walk with a short climb (350m each way) up "the Rockpile" for the best views of the stunning turquoise-blue lake and surrounding Ten Peaks – one of the most prized sights in all of Canada. We then have an optional brief pitstop at Lake Louise Village on our way back towards Banff town. Note: Because Moraine Lake Road is closed to all vehicles during the winter season (and to private, non-commercial vehicles year-round), this stop is only available between June and mid-October. Our van has the necessary permits for direct access during this window, so there is no need to change to a different shuttle.

  1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket included
• Bow Valley Parkway (Pass by)

  The Activity: Time permitting, we transition to the Bow Valley Parkway for part of the leg back toward Banff. A quieter and more relaxed alternative to the Trans-Canada Highway, this route offers a different perspective of the valley and more frequent wildlife sightings. Note: certain sections are subject to seasonal closures for wildlife and to create a vehicle free experience for cyclists; during these times, we utilize the most scenic accessible portions of the route.

  Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Clothing & Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (insulated for winter) and adaptable layers (avoid cotton). Bring an extra base layer to change into for the return journey (especially in summer). Check weather conditions before departure.

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