
Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff worth booking?
Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff is a 7-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $146 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $146 per person
Pick-up/drop-off directly at your Banff or Lake Louise hotel. Guaranteed entry to Moraine Lake with our shuttle service. An experienced, local hiking guide, trained in wilderness first aid, as well as knowledgeable about the park’s flora, fauna, natural and human history.
What you get
About this experience
Pick-up/drop-off directly at your Banff or Lake Louise hotel. Guaranteed entry to Moraine Lake with our shuttle service. An experienced, local hiking guide, trained in wilderness first aid, as well as knowledgeable about the park’s flora, fauna, natural and human history.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Banff
Driving from Banff to Lake Louise on the TCH, the TransCanada Highway, you will see Vermillion lakes, innumerable mountain peaks, endless conifer forests, the Bow River, catch a glance of the Lake Louise Ski resort in the distance and last but not least, see our wildlife overpasses and underpasses, a marvel of technology that saves uncountable animal lives each day. Please note we will not be going to the shoreline of Lake Louise, just the namesake village to pick-up guests at nearby hotels.
Pass by without stopping
Castle Junction
For the travelers joining us in Banff, see this beautiful and emblematic mountain that towers majestically over the crystal-clear waters of the Bow River, on our way to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Pass by without stopping
Valley of the Ten Peaks
During a small window in September and October- before the road to Moraine is closed due to avalanche risk- hikers from all over flock to Larch Valley, cameras in hand, to witness this unmissable event. With us, you can avoid the stress of pre-dawn driving and trying to find a parking space at crowded Lake Louise village, and instead let our experienced and knowledgeable guides take you on a 5-6 hour day hike through the unforgettable Larch Valley, all the way up to the lofty heights of Sentinel Pass – a 2600m elevation viewpoint at the foot of Mt Temple, offering sweeping vistas of the Valley of the Ten Peaks on one side, and Paradise Valley on the other. This bucket-list hike will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip to the national park, and with our guides you can rest assured that you’ll get the best possible experience – safe, fun and informative, without any of the stress of planning the trip.
180 minutes here
Temple Mountain
Overlooking the whole surrounding mountain range, at 3544m, over 11000ft, Mt Temple is the highest summit in the Lake Louise area. Views include: Moraine lake, Fay glacier, the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Larch Valley, Minnestimma Lakes, Sentinel Pass and Paradise Valley Possible wildlife sightings: marmots, pikas, ground squirrels, mountain goats, grizzly bears. Hike details: 11.6km round trip, 817m elevation gain Participants need to be at a moderate level of fitness for this hike. Participants need to bring warm layers, sturdy hiking boots and a waterproof jacket. A toque/beanie and gloves are also recommended. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the valley, and it’s not uncommon for it to snow in September. The guide has the right to refuse any guests that are not dressed appropriately for the conditions, without refund.
180 minutes here
Moraine Lake
Spend a day hiking above this world-class glacial blue lake. One of the most iconic destinations in Banff National Park- Moraine Lake- becomes even more enchanting in the Autumn, as the Alpine larch changes colour. The alpine larch is unique amongst its conifer cousins, such as pine and spruce trees. Whilst other conifers stay green year-round, the larch begins a stunning transformation come the Fall, as its needles turn autumnal shades of orange and gold. Frame an entire valley of these extraordinary trees against the rugged, glacial capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies and you have the world-renowned Larch Valley of Banff National Park.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 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 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Alpine Air Adventures
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Bring your own car seat please.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
I like this hike a lot!
Jeff is such a great guide! He did great job
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful larch trees
Very scenic hike. You start high elevation and end 7200 feet so breathing tough going up. We stopped many times restaurant and for lunch took 2 1\2 hours up. 40 min down easy. Larch trees beautiful. Snow top
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Hike, Beautiful Views, Wonderful Guides
We had a fabulous day doing this hike. Make no mistake, it is not easy, but our guides made sure the pace was comfortable and doable for all, even split into two groups to accommodate skill level and interest in doing an additional final ascent to a higher pass. We are a group of three in our early 60s in pretty decent shape and found the payoff of the experience to be well worth the effort. Great day, thank you Laura and Nobu!
via Tripadvisor
AMAZING!!
This was a birthday present and it definitely delivered. Amazing views, excellent guide and really fun day. Thank you.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $146 to $210
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Alpine Air Adventures, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.0.
See everything Alpine Air Adventures runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Banff.
How much does Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff cost?
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Prices start at $146 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Banff usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Banff is not rushed.
Is Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Banff, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff?
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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 Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff?
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Around 1 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 Banff 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?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Banff and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Banff 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 Banff?
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On Outty we rank every Banff experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour, Lake Louise Emerald Lake Natural Bridge Half Day Tour. 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 Banff?
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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 Banff?
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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?
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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 Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; and Guide. Not included: Lunch; Bottled water; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 41 listed pickup locations in and around Banff. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff offered in?
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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 Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff?
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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.
What happens to Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff if the weather is bad?
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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 Moraine Lake: Larch Valley Hike, Departure from Banff?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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