Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip in Calgary, Canada
Calgary, Canada

Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip

Outty Ranking 58 4.7 · 7 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $693
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Outty Ranking

58/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip worth booking?

Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip is a 10-hour experience in Calgary, Canada, from $693 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
58 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (7)
Duration
10 hours
From
$693 per person

Spend the day exploring the incredible scenery of the Canadian Rockies during this day trip from Calgary to Lake Louise, Banff and its surrounding attractions. Canada’s first national park, one of the world’s premier destination spots. Whether you only have a short amount of time in Calgary or are looking for a no-hassle way to experience the celebrated natural beauty of Alberta, this day trip is a great choice. Itinerary: • Start your trip from your Hotel (7:00 am) • Then will head to Lake Louise. (30 Mins) • Banff Town: The Biggest town of National towns, many shops and restaurants await your discovery. (Stop here for 2 Hours) • Bow Falls: A gushing waterfall near town which offers great photo opportunities. (stop for about 15 mins) • Surprise Corner: (Stops for about 15 mins) • Banff Gondola Ride: Enjoy a 360 view of Banff. (Stop for about 2 hours) • Last stop for the day will be Lake Minnewanka (30mins) • Finally, we return to Calgary and arrive around 5 pm.

What you get

    About this experience

    Spend the day exploring the incredible scenery of the Canadian Rockies during this day trip from Calgary to Lake Louise, Banff and its surrounding attractions. Canada’s first national park, one of the world’s premier destination spots. Whether you only have a short amount of time in Calgary or are looking for a no-hassle way to experience the celebrated natural beauty of Alberta, this day trip is a great choice. Itinerary: • Start your trip from your Hotel (7:00 am) • Then will head to Lake Louise. (30 Mins) • Banff Town: The Biggest town of National towns, many shops and restaurants await your discovery. (Stop here for 2 Hours) • Bow Falls: A gushing waterfall near town which offers great photo opportunities. (stop for about 15 mins) • Surprise Corner: (Stops for about 15 mins) • Banff Gondola Ride: Enjoy a 360 view of Banff. (Stop for about 2 hours) • Last stop for the day will be Lake Minnewanka (30mins) • Finally, we return to Calgary and arrive around 5 pm.

    What's included

    Included

    • And A Smile!
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Banff National Park Fee
    • Parking fees

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Lunch
    • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
    • Banff Gondola Ride Tickets
    • Child Seat

    What you'll see and do

    1. Lake Louise

      Lake Louise, known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks and overlooked by a stately chateau

      30 minutes here

    2. Banff Gondola Ride (own expense) gliding above the nearby peaks near town. Once you reach the top, enjoy the 360-degree observation deck for more panoramas of the stunning collection of peaks nearby.

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Bow Falls

      Bow Falls is a major waterfall on the Bow River, Alberta just before the junction of it and the Spray River.

      15 minutes here

    4. Surprise Corner

      Great Spot where most of the famous pictures have been taken of the Fairmont Banff Spring Hotels.

      15 minutes here

    5. Banff

      The Biggest town of National towns, many shops and restaurants wait for your discovery. Seek out lunch (own expense) in one of the many restaurants and stroll the streets lined with shops, galleries, and museums.

      120 minutes here

    6. Lake Minnewanka

      Lake Minnewanka is a glacial lake in the eastern area of Banff National Park in Canada, about five kilometres northeast of the Banff townsite. The lake is 21 km long and 142 m deep, making it the 2nd longest lake in the mountain parks of the Canadian Rockies.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 5 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Advantage Shuttles

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip in Calgary, photo 2Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip in Calgary, photo 3Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip in Calgary, photo 4

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    7 verified traveler reviews for Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    6
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Susan_H · July 2024

    Harry was great

    Our guide was a delight and so interesting to talk to you. Very accommodating and had helpful tips and information for the area.

    via Viator

    Steve M · August 2023

    Great tour, amazing experience!

    Traveled to Banff and Lake Louise in Aug 2023 with my wife and kids (14 & 8). Our driver, Amtul, was very friendly and helped us customize our itinerary for the day. The drive to Banff was beautiful and Amtul stopped along the way so we could take some family photos. We visited Bow Falls, the Gondola up to Sulphur Mountain (which alone, was worth the trip), Lake Louise (which even in the rain was gorgeous). We also had ample time to walk around the Town and explore the shops. We kept in contact with Amtul throughout the day via text, to communicate our meet points. At the end of the day, Amtul asked if the kids were hungry and she stopped at a McDonald's in Canmore so we could grab a bite before heading back to our hotel in Calgary. Funny enough, the McDonald's was actually a cool scene with the mountains in the background. Overall, my family had an amazing day. Something they won't soon forget.

    via Tripadvisor

    Laurene_K · August 2023

    Cool experience but think before u book it

    You should tell every detail to the company before your trip!!!! We book it because it says Lake Louise and Lake moraine is included. But in the end we need to book a shuttle bus to get there (extra cost). Think about it if u want a quality private tour🤣

    via Viator

    sbtimbercreek · June 2023

    Exceptional

    Our driver, Searle, was wonderful. He arrived at our hotel early. We only had 2 places where we wanted to go and he filled in all the rest with his experiences. We stopped to grab a quick breakfast and he assisted us with recommending amount of time at each stop to fit in everything for the day. He was knowledgeable of the area and was quick to point out things throughout the day. We would highly recommend this trip and especially our driver!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words. Our team is proud to be experts on the best areas in Banff, Lake Louise, and its surroundings. Searle had a fantastic time with your group, and we are confident that we can provide exceptional transportation services for any of your future needs.

    via Tripadvisor

    DrJJohn · August 2022

    Fantastic tour

    Picked up by a charming chap Searle who was knowledgeable about Banf and the major sites . Was driven at our leisure to see all the the beautiful scenery . We throughly enjoyed the day and was able to have a lunch at the top of sulphur mountain ! Got back in time - would happily recommend

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words. Our team is proud to be experts on the best areas in Banff, Lake Louise, and its surroundings. Searle had a fantastic time with your group, and we are confident that we can provide exceptional transportation services for any of your future needs.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    10 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $693 to $949
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Advantage Shuttles, who run 5 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.3.

    See everything Advantage Shuttles runs

    Why this scores 58

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)76
    Review evidence (18% weight)38
    Booking momentum (14% weight)25
    Value for money (12% weight)32
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Calgary.

    How much does Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip cost?

    +

    Prices start at $693 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Calgary usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip take?

    +

    Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Calgary is not rushed.

    Is Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Calgary, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Calgary can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Calgary and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Calgary within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Calgary?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Calgary experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Discover Banff National Park - Premium Day Trip, Day of Dinosaurs & Hoodoos from Calgary to Drumheller Badlands, Drumheller & Hoodoos Day Trip from Calgary, Explore the Badlands. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Calgary?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Calgary?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip?

    +

    Included: And A Smile!; In-vehicle air conditioning; Banff National Park Fee; and Parking fees. Not included: Gratuities; Lunch; GST (Goods and Services Tax); and Banff Gondola Ride Tickets. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 109 listed pickup locations in and around Calgary. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip?

    +

    Across 7 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip.

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