Banff & Lake Louise trips
Turquoise lakes and Canadian Rockies scenery, with the shuttles, timing and stays worked out ahead of time.
- Great forFamilies, couples, hikers and winter getaways
- Best timeJune to September for lakes and hiking; November to March for snow
- Getting thereCalgary International Airport is about 90 minutes from Banff
- PricingCustom pricing, ask for a quote
Lakes this blue need a plan
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are among the most visited places in Canada. In summer, parking lots fill before sunrise, Moraine Lake is reachable only by shuttle or tour, and shuttle seats need reservations.
An itsTripEasy Banff trip sorts out the timing, the stays and the tours, so the lakes, trails and mountain towns feel easy instead of rushed.
- Lake Louise, open to visitors all year
- Moraine Lake, from early June to mid-October
- The Icefields Parkway, a 232 km drive north to Jasper
- Winter in the Rockies, with skiing, skating and snowy lodges
Lake Louise to Jasper232 km of glaciers, waterfalls and turquoise lakes along the Icefields Parkway.
Summer lakes or winter snow
Banff is a year-round destination. Here’s how the seasons usually look, based on Parks Canada and Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.
Summer
Peak season for hiking and lakes. The lakes usually thaw by late May, alpine hiking starts in late June, and Moraine Lake shuttles start in June.
Fall
Golden larch weekends in September are busy. Moraine Lake shuttles and the Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers teahouses close in mid-October.
Winter
Snowy peaks, frozen lakes and ski season, which starts in mid-November. Moraine Lake is closed for the winter due to avalanche hazard.
Spring
A quieter shoulder season. Lakes usually thaw by late May, and high trails still have snow.
Ways to see Banff
A few ways itsTripEasy trips can come together. Each one is customized to your dates and group.
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
The two famous lakes, with shuttle or tour timing planned so you’re not stuck circling for parking.
- A stay in Banff or Lake Louise
- Guided or shuttle access to Moraine Lake
- Lakeshore walks and teahouse hikes in season
Icefields Parkway scenic drive
Glaciers, waterfalls and viewpoints between Lake Louise and Jasper.
- Planned stops at the best viewpoints
- Optional guided tour instead of driving
- Overnight options in season
Winter in the Rockies
Cozy lodges, snowy scenery and as much or as little skiing as you like, with ski season starting in mid-November.
- Mountain lodging in Banff or Lake Louise
- Skiing and snowy-day activities
- Slower days with mountain views
Every itsTripEasy trip is built around your dates, pace and group. These ideas are starting points, not fixed packages.
What’s handled, and what stays with you
itsTripEasy plans and books the on-the-ground parts of the trip. You book your flights, plus a rental car if it isn't part of your trip. We sometimes book rental cars; your trip page says when one is included.
Planned and booked by itsTripEasy
- Hotels and mountain lodges
- Tours, including lake and Icefields Parkway tours
- Experiences and activities
- Airport and between-town transfers where available
- Private guides
- A day-by-day plan with timing tips
Booked by travelers
- Flights
- Rental car, if it isn't part of your trip
- Parks Canada park pass
- Passports and travel documents for crossing into Canada
Share your arrival and departure times, and the plan is built around them.
Lake access and park rules
Access rules around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are strict and change by season. Always check Parks Canada before you go.
- Moraine Lake Road
Closed to personal vehicles all year. From June to mid-October, Moraine Lake is reached by Parks Canada shuttle or a licensed tour operator. In winter it’s closed due to avalanche hazard.
Parks Canada: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake - Shuttle reservations
Reservations are required for all Parks Canada shuttles. In 2026, booking opened April 15, with more seats released at 8 am MDT two days before each departure. Dates for 2027 haven’t been announced.
Parks Canada shuttles - Park pass required
Everyone visiting Banff and Lake Louise needs a national park pass, including on the Icefields Parkway. A shuttle ticket does not include park entry.
Parks Canada passes and fees - Parking fills early
In the busy season, parking at Lake Louise fills before sunrise. A shuttle or transit is the only way to be sure of seeing both lakes. Lakeshore parking is paid in season.
Parks Canada visitor tips - Icefields Parkway
No cell coverage for most of the drive. Services run from early May to mid-October, and winter tires or chains are required from November 1 to March 31.
Parks Canada: Icefields Parkway - No cell service at Moraine Lake
There’s no cell service at Moraine Lake, so download tickets and maps before you go.
Parks Canada safety info
Sources: Parks Canada and Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, checked October 26, 2026. Dates and rules can change.
What travelers are saying
Real words from real trips.
“Mary made this feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience thoughtfully designed just for our family.”
Read the full review
I cannot say enough amazing things about Mary and the incredible trip she planned for our huge family out west to Glacier National Park and Lake Louise in Canada. From the very beginning, Mary made this feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience thoughtfully designed just for our family.
Every detail was handled with such care, from the breathtaking views and perfectly timed stops to the little moments that ended up meaning the most—like eating homemade huckleberry ice and realizing I was exactly where I was meant to be with those I love.
Simple, flexible and clear
Custom quote
Pricing depends on your dates, group and plans. Ask for a quote and get the full picture before anything is booked.
Trip credit
Cancellations are handled as trip credit, not cash refunds. Read the FAQ
Ready for Banff?
Share your dates and who’s coming. A custom Banff & Lake Louise plan, with a clear quote, comes next.