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What To Expect On Lake Louise Tours
Lake Louise tours bring guests closer to the wonders of nature, taking in the scenic mountain landscapes, the incredible turquoise waters, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Learn more about this destination and use this information to avoid common mistakes, while also helping you have the best possible experience!
What to Pack When Visiting Lake Louise
Here is your packing checklist for your next tour of Lake Louise:
- Layers of clothing suitable for both rainy and sunny weather.
- Should you be visiting during the winter months, bring along winter clothing, including jackets, mitts, and boots.
- A camera, because you will want to take photos of the sights you see.
- Sunscreen, at any time of year, including winter.
- Comfortable shoes for hiking or walking for extended periods of time.
- Sunglasses, at all times of the year.
- Sunscreen, even during the winter months.
- Smartphone and portable power bank.
- Waterproof gear and clothing if you plan on hiking, camping, or canoeing.
- Bear-proof food storage, if you plan on hiking or camping.
Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Lake Louise
Learn more about visiting Lake Louise and use this information to ensure you have the best possible travel experience.
Is there an entrance fee for Lake Louise?
Yes. The entrance fee from Parks Canada for entering Lake Louise is as follows:
Adults: $12.25
Seniors: $10.75
Family or group of seven people: $24.50
Children 17 and under: Free
Prices are subject to change. Entrance fees can be paid for online before arriving. These prices do not include parking.
What is the best way to visit Lake Louise?
The best way to visit Lake Louise is likely by shuttle bus from the Lake Louise village. Shuttle buses are also available directly from Banff.
Is 1 hour at Lake Louise enough?
One hour would allow you to take in a great photo opportunity of the lake and Victoria Glacier.
What month is best to see Lake Louise?
The best month to visit Lake Louise depends on your travel preferences. This destination remains very different depending on the season.
Winter, including the months of December to February are the best time for winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding. Further, a frozen Lake Louise remains a truly special travel experience.
Fall, including the months of September and October are a great option as the fall colors are truly beautiful, while the park sees reduced crowds.
Summer(July and August) is especially beautiful, but it is known as the peak travel season. There is plenty to do during the summer months, including canoeing, hiking, and camping.
Spring (February and March) is great for experiencing nature and seeing the area come to life after winter.
Are there grizzly bears in Lake Louise?
Yes. Guests must stay a far distance away from any bears they encounter in the park.
Is it better to visit Lake Louise in the morning or afternoon?
Both the sunrises and sunsets in and around Lake Louise are truly beautiful. The best time to visit is usually the morning, as you may be able to spot wildlife, but also avoid tourist traffic.
How to spend a day in Lake Louise?
Consider visiting and snapping photos alongside the Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier, just across from the major hotel that is at the entrance of the park. Next, consider:
- Canoeing Lake Louise
- Hiking the Lake Agnes Tea House trail.
- Finish the evening camping at one of the park’s many campsites.
How early should I get to Lake Louise?
Some guests look to arrive by 6:00 AM to avoid crowds and catch the morning sunrise.
How far apart are Banff and Lake Louise?
Banff is about a 45-minute drive from Lake Louise.
What months is Lake Louise frozen?
Lake Louise is fully frozen in January and February.
What’s the best way to see Lake Louise?
The best way to see Lake Louise is by shuttle bus from Lake Louise Village, or by renting a car and parking directly at the Lake Louise parking lot.
How much is a day ticket at Lake Louise?
Day tickets are as follows:
Adults: $12.25
Seniors: $10.75
Family or group of seven people: $24.50
Children 17 and under: Free
Should you visit by car, you will need to pay for parking. Prices are subject to change.
Can you walk to Lake Louise from the village?
Yes. Guests can hike from the Lake Louise Village via two different hiking trails. The Tramline Trail and The Louise Creek Trail can take guests from the village all the way to the park entrance. These trails can take around an hour and a half to complete.
Is it better to drive or shuttle to Lake Louise?
It is better to shuttle to Lake Louise as you will be able to avoid the complications of parking, which can be difficult at times. During peak travel season, the parking lot can fill up quickly, with some guests being turned away.
Is there much to do at Lake Louise?
Yes, of course. Lake Louise offers world-class nature hikes, options for canoeing, and, during the winter months, skiing and snowboarding. Thrill seekers can explore backcountry camping, mountain hiking, and even cross-country skiing. The entire destination remains a hub for outdoor adventure, allowing guests to hike and camp throughout some of the most beautiful portions of the Canadian Rockies.
Can you go to Lake Louise on your own?
Yes. You do not need to travel as a group, and you can travel with a car or hike in entirely on your own.
What do I need to enter Lake Louise?
You will need to pay the Parks Canada entrance fee before entering Lake Louise. Guests can rent equipment for ice skating or canoeing, depending on the season.
Is there a walk around Lake Louise?
Yes. The Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail remains at the entrance of the park, allowing guests to stroll along the lake and appreciate the beautiful waters.
Is there a shuttle between Banff and Lake Louise?
Yes. There are several shuttle options that allow guests to take a day trip from Banff to Lake Louise. There are private shuttle offerings as well as Parks Canada shuttle buses.
What is the cheapest way to visit Lake Louise?
Likely the cheapest way to experience and visit Lake Louise is by hiking in from the village and paying the Parks Canada entrance fee. This way, you can avoid the costs of parking.
How to see Lake Louise without a shuttle?
Guests do not need to take a shuttle bus to Lake Louise, and can park at the available parking lot or hike in directly from the village.
Is it better to drive or shuttle to Lake Louise?
Taking a shuttle bus can help guests avoid some of the stress that comes with attempting to park at Lake Louise.
Do you need a reservation for Lake Louise?
Lake Louise welcomes guests at the gate, and you do not need to make a reservation. However, purchasing a ticket online is an easy way to save time when you arrive.
Can you just show up to Lake Louise?
Yes. Shuttle services, however, must be booked in advance.
Is it okay to drive to Lake Louise?
Yes, it is okay to drive to Lake Louise, but guests will need to pay for parking.
Can I go to Lake Louise with my own car?
Yes, you can. Parking remains limited, and guests arriving by car will need to arrive early before the lot fills up.
Is there a free shuttle from Banff to Lake Louise?
The shuttle from Banff to Lake Louise is not free.
Is Lake Louise walkable?
Yes. Lake Louise remains highly walkable, especially on the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail.
Is the Lake Louise Gondola worth it?
Yes! The Lake Louise Gondola is an incredibly beautiful experience, allowing guests to take in stunning views of the area, including the many mountains and glaciers. Some lucky visitors will be able to spot wildlife during the Gondola ride. This is a simple and easy way to experience all the beauty of the park.
Look To Caravan To Lead The Way
One option for guests looking to enjoy Lake Louise is to partner up with a group travel company that offers fully-booked ground transportation and accommodations. The tours of the Canadian Rockiesoffered by Caravan take guests deep into the Canadian Rockies on a multi-day adventure that includes Lake Louise, Banff, and so much more.
Caravan allows you to never worry about the details of ground transportation, shuttle buses, or parking, and instead handles every detail of travel and accommodations so you don’t have to! Caravan has been a trusted adventure partner for decades, offering multi-day excursions to some of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Sit back and relax, and allow the team at Caravan to help you experience this destination and so much more without complication.
Explore Tours From Caravan
Scroll through the many offerings from Caravan and see why so many guests choose our tour company for exploring the world. Click the links below to view our offerings:
- Tours of Costa Rica
- Copper Canyon Mexico Tours
- Tours of The Grand Canyon
- Tours of Nova Scotia
- Tours of Panama
- Tours of Peru
- Tours of New England
- Tours of Colombia
- Tours of Yellowstone
Book today and explore the world with confidence.
Ready To Get Started?
Book now and take on the trip of a lifetime with Caravan. Our tours are booking up quickly, and we are expecting an incredibly busy travel season.
Book today by calling us directly at 800-CARAVANto speak with one of our agents. Learn more about this trip and so many others. We remain as excited as you are to experience this great destination. Don’t delay, call us now.
2026 Hotels
2026 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Days 1, 8 • Calgary
Hilton Garden Inn Airport
Calgary is the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. The Hilton Garden Inn Airport is a five floor mid-rise hotel located in northeast Calgary near the airport. Each of the rooms has all the modern amenities – high speed internet, two phone lines, television, iron & ironing board and hairdryer. The Hilton Garden Inn Airport has room service, a fitness center, a self-service laundry, a restaurant and the Pavilion Lounge.
Please note: The tour that starts on May 30th will stay at the Courtyard Calgary Airport, for both May 30th and the ending night on June 6th.
For the night of May 30th, only rooms with one King bed are available at this hotel. If you need an additional bed, please note that it will be a pullout couch.
Days 2, 3 • Pincher Creek
Heritage Inn
Formerly an outpost for the Canadian Mounted Police and their horses, the town of Pincher Creek is nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. The Heritage Inn provides complimentary wi-fi access in your room and throughout the property. Enjoy the indoor pool, in-room coffee and tea, hair dryer, iron & ironing board, tv, microwave & mini-fridge, and onsite restaurant and lounge. 100% smoke-free property.
Days 4, 5 • Canmore
Coast Canmore Hotel
The Coast Canmore Hotel is located in downtown Canmore by the pedestrian walking street lined with cafes and art galleries. Nature hikes and bike rides are accessible from your hotel. This popular mountain town overlooks the Three Sisters mountain peaks, with the Bow River and wildlife corridors running through the town. Hotel amenities include an indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center. Room amenities include free wi-fi, mini-fridge, iron & ironing board, in-room coffee and tea, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.
Please note: The tour starting on September 7 will stay at the Canmore Inn & Suites.
Days 6, 7 • Banff
Banff Park Lodge
Banff is surrounded by the spectacular grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. The Banff Park Lodge is a full service hotel ideally located in the heart of Banff. You are one block from the Bow River and just two blocks from Banff Avenue shopping, dining and museums. The hotel has two restaurants, a bar, indoor swimming pool and hot tub, fitness room, hot plunge pool and eucalyptus steam room. Walking trails along the Bow River are a short stroll from your hotel. All guest rooms have balconies or patios. Internet access is available for a fee.
Movies
Movies
Living Mountains02:15- Banff and Jasper03:28
- Columbia Icefield02:21
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Airport, provides arrival transfers from the Calgary Airport (YYC). Upon arrival, please collect your luggage and then call the hotel directly at 1-403-717-1999 to request a pick-up. If you do not have a working phone, please go to one of the Information Desks located at the airport. You can ask them to make the call for you. Please allow 30-60 minutes for the shuttle to arrive. The drive to your hotel takes 20 minutes. For International Arrivals, pick-up is located at Bus Bay #37, outside of door #16. For Domestic Arrivals, please go to Bus Bay #17, outside of door #4. Taxis cost approximately $30-35 (Canadian Dollars).
The May 30th tour only will stay at the Courtyard Calgary Airport. Upon arrival, please collect your luggage and then call the hotel at 403-238-1000 (press “0” for the Operator) to request a pick-up. The hotel will instruct you on your pick-up location. Please allow 30-60 minutes for your shuttle to arrive. The drive to your hotel takes 15 minutes.
Departure Transfers
Caravan's hotel in Calgary, Canada, the Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Airport, provides departure transfers to the Calgary Airport (YYC) every hour. Please allow up to 20 minutes for the drive. Taxis cost approximately $30-$35 (Canadian Dollars).
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Canada must carry a passport, valid for at least six months past your entry date into Canada. Non-U.S. citizens, please check your passport and visa requirements. Canada requires non-US citizens and Visa exempt foreign visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to travel to Canada. The most up-to-date information can be found at www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html. Children under 18 years old, traveling internationally without both parents or legal guardians, should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s) See Travel Tips for more details.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Calgary | Banff | Pincher Creek | Jasper Park | Columbia Icefields | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 27/16 | 0.5 | 22/14 | 1.2 | 31/16 | 0.2 | 28/17 | 5.4 | 14/-10 | 0.0 |
| Feb | 32/21 | 0.6 | 32/22 | 0.9 | 35/18 | 0.2 | 35/22 | 3.6 | 21/-8 | 0.0 |
| Mar | 39/29 | 0.8 | 38/28 | 0.9 | 41/24 | 0.3 | 49/29 | 2.6 | 29/0 | 0.0 |
| Apr | 52/40 | 1.0 | 48/38 | 1.3 | 52/32 | 0.7 | 59/35 | 1.6 | 37/13 | 0.1 |
| May | 62/50 | 2.1 | 57/46 | 2.3 | 61/39 | 1.9 | 68/41 | 1.4 | 47/21 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 68/57 | 3.2 | 65/54 | 2.4 | 68/46 | 2.8 | 74/48 | 1.3 | 53/28 | 2.3 |
| Jul | 73/61 | 2.6 | 71/59 | 2.0 | 76/50 | 1.4 | 80/50 | 1.0 | 59/31 | 1.9 |
| Aug | 73/60 | 2.2 | 70/58 | 2.0 | 75/49 | 1.2 | 77/48 | 1.3 | 58/29 | 2.2 |
| Sep | 64/51 | 1.6 | 61/49 | 1.7 | 66/42 | 1.2 | 68/43 | 2.4 | 49/22 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 54/42 | 0.7 | 50/40 | 1.2 | 53/34 | 0.7 | 54/38 | 5.1 | 37/14 | 0.7 |
| Nov | 37/26 | 0.6 | 32/25 | 1.2 | 39/24 | 0.4 | 39/31 | 5.4 | 21/0 | 0.0 |
| Dec | 30/19 | 0.6 | 22/15 | 1.4 | 30/16 | 0.3 | 30/23 | 6.6 | 12/-10 | 0.1 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary | ||||||||||||
| temp | 27/16 | 32/21 | 39/29 | 52/40 | 62/50 | 68/57 | 73/61 | 73/60 | 64/51 | 54/42 | 37/26 | 30/19 |
| rainfall | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 2.1 | 3.2 | 2.6 | 2.2 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.6 |
| Banff | ||||||||||||
| temp | 22/14 | 32/22 | 38/28 | 48/38 | 57/46 | 65/54 | 71/59 | 70/58 | 61/49 | 50/40 | 32/25 | 22/15 |
| rainfall | 1.2 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.4 |
| Pincher Creek | ||||||||||||
| temp | 31/16 | 35/18 | 41/24 | 52/32 | 61/39 | 68/46 | 76/50 | 75/49 | 66/42 | 53/34 | 39/24 | 30/16 |
| rainfall | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 1.9 | 2.8 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.3 |
| Jasper Park | ||||||||||||
| temp | 28/17 | 35/22 | 49/29 | 59/35 | 68/41 | 74/48 | 80/50 | 77/48 | 68/43 | 54/38 | 39/31 | 30/23 |
| rainfall | 5.4 | 3.6 | 2.6 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 2.4 | 5.1 | 5.4 | 6.6 |
| Columbia Icefields | ||||||||||||
| temp | 14/-10 | 21/-8 | 29/0 | 37/13 | 47/21 | 53/28 | 59/31 | 58/29 | 49/22 | 37/14 | 21/0 | 12/-10 |
| rainfall | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 2.3 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required. See Travel Tips for more details.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel Tips & FAQs
These are only the first 15 Travel Tips. Read all 54 Travel Tips Meals included in the land price are indicated at the beginning of each day by B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner). Dinner, when included, is served at your hotel except when, as indicated in the itinerary, it is at a special restaurant outside the hotel. Coffee or tea is provided at all included meals. Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified. Virtually everything! Hotels, many meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers in select cities, gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides. Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and older are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation. A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation. Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers. Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available. Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old. Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129. Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks. Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day (3rd Monday in May), Canada Day (July 1), Labour Day (1st Monday in September), and Thanksgiving (2nd Monday in October). Most provinces celebrate a civic holiday on the first Monday in August. If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.Meals
Are meals included?
My Tour Price Includes
My Tour Price Does Not Include
Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour
A Well-Paced Itinerary
Size of Tour Group
Fully Guided Tours Since 1952
Many Tours Sell Out Each Year
Family Trips
Forms of Payment
Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection
Children on Tour
Canada’s National Holidays
International Travel with Minors
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews
These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 222 Customer Reviews "Glorious views of mountains and lakes, exactly what your brochure promised but SO SPECTACULAR in person." "All hotels were clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed. Tastefully decorated and up to date." "Some days were busy, but some days were relaxed with free time. It was the perfect mix!" "The float trip on the Bow River was so peaceful and beautiful scenery." "Breakfast at hotels was plentiful with variety for all, including gluten free options." "The tour was exceptional, having traveled with other tour companies, Caravan was top shelf." "We especially enjoyed Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump...the guide there was so passionate about his culture."
Read All 222 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 222 Customer Reviews
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
