Glaciers, Mountains & Lakes – Lunch Included

A full-day adventure from Calgary to the breathtaking landscapes of Banff National Park, this tour offers an impressive lineup of highlights at an affordable price of $108.97 per person. Lasting about 10 to 11 hours, it’s ideal for those seeking a comprehensive yet relaxed exploration of southern Alberta’s most iconic sights. The tour features pickup options, a luxury minivan, and a small-group setting limited to 10 travelers, which ensures a more personalized experience. With a rating of 5.0 based on 54 reviews and a recommended rate of 98%, this trip is celebrated for its accessible schedule, knowledgeable guides, and stunning scenery.

While it includes many highlights, potential visitors should note that Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks are only open during summer months. Still, the tour’s flexibility and the expertise of guides like Sergiy, Murray, Patrick, and Gordon make it a worthwhile choice for those eager to see glaciers, lakes, and mountains in one day. The inclusion of lunch, park fees, and bottled water adds to the overall value, making it a practical and enjoyable way to experience the Rockies.

Key Points

• Full-day trip from Calgary to Banff with a focus on glaciers, lakes, and mountains
• Price of $108.97 per person includes lunch, park entrance fees, and bottled water
• Small-group experience limited to 10 travelers for personalized attention
• Highlights include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier (season dependent)
• Summer months only: Moraine Lake and Valley of the Ten Peaks are available June to September
• Comfortable luxury minivan with optional amenities like hand warmers and crampons
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging storytelling
• Pickup offered from Calgary and other locations, with flexible times starting at 8:00 am
• Reviews consistently rate the tour 5 stars, citing beautiful scenery and excellent guides
• Not included: activities like gondola rides, ice skating, or canoeing; tips are optional

Exploring Banff’s Iconic Lakes and Glaciers

This tour is designed to maximize sightseeing in a single day, starting with a scenic drive from Calgary through the Rockies. The first stop is a 30-minute visit to downtown Calgary, where you’re introduced to the local atmosphere before heading into the mountains. From there, the journey continues to Canmore, a quick pit stop where travelers can stretch their legs and prepare for the day ahead. On Monday through Saturday, this stop includes a lunch to-go; on Sundays, the stop moves to Lake Louise Village.

Lake Louise: Year-Round Beauty and Photos

Lake Louise receives about 1 hour and 15 minutes of your time. Known for its crystal-clear waters and framed by towering glaciers and snow-capped peaks, it offers breathtaking photo opportunities. Visitors can walk along the shore or take a quick dip in the lake’s icy waters, even in winter. The lake’s stunning scenery makes it a favorite highlight, especially during summer months when the weather is warm enough for swimming and picture-perfect views.

Moraine Lake During Summer Months

Moraine Lake is available during the summer months only and is often the tour’s most eagerly anticipated stop. Set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this surreal lake features iconic blue water and dramatic mountain scenery. Visitors spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes here, enough time for photos, short walks, and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. This stop requires a short hike in winter but is more accessible in warmer weather.

Peyto Lake: A Spectacular Viewpoint

The Peyto Lake Viewpoint offers a 40-minute stop with an incredible view from above. The lookout provides a panoramic vista of the lake’s distinctive wolf-head shape and the expansive valley below. This spot is easy to access in summer, with a fun walk or short hike to reach the viewpoint. The vistas here are film-worthy, making it a favorite for photography.

Bow Lake: A Year-Round Favorite

Bow Lake is a crowd-pleaser during all seasons with a 20-minute stop. Travelers get a chance to take in views of glaciers around the area and the lake’s serene waters. From fall to spring, the tour passes by Crowfoot Glacier along the Parkway, providing views of multiple glaciers during winter drives when parking areas are snow-covered.

Glaciers Along the Parkway

During the summer months, the tour stops at Crowfoot Glacier and other glaciers visible from the Icefields Parkway. In winter, parking for Crowfoot Glacier is unavailable due to snow, so the guide leads the group past this glacier without a stop. Sightings include Bow Glacier, Victoria Glacier, Peyto Glacier, and others, offering a dynamic glacier landscape alongside the mountains and lakes.

Exploring Banff Downtown on Banff Avenue

The tour concludes with about 1 hour and 30 minutes in Banff’s downtown area, centered on Banff Avenue. This allows time for shopping, grabbing a quick bite, or simply enjoying the mountain town atmosphere. This flexible stop offers a relaxed way to reflect on the day and even pick up souvenirs before heading back to Calgary.

Logistics and Comfort Features

The tour starts at 8:00 am, with pickup options provided from different locations in Calgary. The small-group size ensures manageable travel and personalized attention. The luxury minivan offers amenities like hand warmers and crampons, enhancing comfort and safety, especially in winter. Park entrance fees and bottled water are included, making this a hassle-free experience.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour

This trip is best suited for adults 18 and older seeking a comprehensive day trip to the Rockies. It’s ideal for those who want to see multiple lakes, glaciers, and mountain vistas with knowledgeable guides. The small group structure and seasonal stops make it particularly appealing for visitors looking for an intimate, well-organized experience with plenty of photo opportunities.

Final Thoughts on the Glaciers, Mountains & Lakes Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of iconic sites and scenic drives through southern Alberta’s mountain landscape. The included lunch, park fees, and small-group setting deliver good value for the $108.97 price point. The guides’ expertise and friendly demeanor receive high praise, making the long day both informative and enjoyable.

While Moraine Lake and Valley of the Ten Peaks are season-dependent, the overall itinerary provides a full picture of the Rockies’ natural beauty. The seasonal variations are clearly communicated, so travelers can plan accordingly. This trip suits those who want a comfortable, well-organized way to explore multiple highlights in a single day without sacrificing quality or scenic richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 to 11 hours from pickup to drop-off.

What is included in the price?
The price of $108.97 covers park entrance fees, lunch, bottled water, and transport in a luxury minivan.

Are Moraine Lake and Valley of the Ten Peaks available year-round?
No, these sites are only open during summer months.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the tour is limited to 10 travelers to ensure a more personalized experience.

What amenities are provided on the van?
Features include hand warmers and crampons to enhance comfort and safety, especially in winter.

Can I customize the stops?
The guide may adjust the itinerary where possible, based on weather and season, to maximize your experience.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bringing a bathing suit is recommended to enjoy lakes even in winter, and comfortable shoes are advised for walking and short hikes.

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is only for adults 18 and older, so it’s best suited for adult travelers.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund available.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made online, with options for mobile tickets and flexible pickup arrangements.

This Glaciers, Mountains & Lakes tour offers a comprehensive and scenic exploration of southern Alberta’s most famous sights, all within a well-organized, friendly, and comfortable setting.