Calgary in 1 Day for Families - Lake Louise shoreline walk — shallow, stroller-accessible sections and picnic spots
In Collaboration with Banff Journey. Updated on February 3, 2026.
Full-day small-group family-friendly tour from Calgary to Banff National Park visiting Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (June–Oct), Banff town (lunch), Bow Falls, Surprise Corner viewpoint, Vermilion Lakes and a Castle Mountain photo stop. Comfortable vehicle, infant seats available on request; easy-paced with short walks suitable for children.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Banff Journey, inspired by the tour Moraine Lake, Lake Louise,Johnston Canyon&Banff Town from Calgary. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Lake Louise shoreline walk — shallow, stroller-accessible sections and picnic spots
- Moraine Lake — vivid turquoise water and easy family photo spots (June–Oct)
- Banff town lunch and Bow Falls short walk
- Castle Mountain and Vermilion Lakes scenic photo stops
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day guided family itinerary departing Calgary in the morning and returning in the early evening (approx. 10 hours). Start: Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown pickup. Note: Moraine Lake operates June–October; if closed, Johnston Canyon is visited instead.
Morning pickup — be ready 15 minutes before departure
Meet your guide and group at the hotel pickup point. Guides will confirm seat-belts and child/infant seat requests before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 15 minutes early so guides can fit infant seats and stow strollers in the vehicle.
- Bring a small backpack with snacks and a refillable water bottle — guide will point out a short restroom stop en route.
- Sunscreen and hats are essential — mountain sun is strong even if it feels cool.
Drive toward the Rockies — scenic transfer
Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle drive from Calgary heading west toward Lake Louise with commentary from your guide and a short planned photo stop at Castle Mountain.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the guide for an estimated restroom stop — handy for kids before the lakeside walks.
- Keep motion-sickness remedies handy if your child is sensitive — the drive has mountain curves.
- Window seats are great for wildlife spotting (bighorn sheep, deer) — keep cameras ready.
Castle Mountain photo stop (short) — quick stretch & photos
Brief 15-minute stop for panoramic photos of Castle Mountain. Ideal quick leg-stretch and family photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller note: short uneven ground — foldable stroller recommended for the quick stop.
- Keep young children close near the roadside viewing areas; the guide will suggest the safest photo spot.
- Great place for a family photo with a dramatic mountain backdrop — bring a light jacket for wind.
Continue drive to Lake Louise
Final drive segment into the Lake Louise area where the group will explore the shoreline and easy nearby trails.
Tips from local experts:
- Restrooms and a short convenience stop are usually available upon arrival at Lake Louise village — use them before the shoreline walk.
- Lifejackets/canoe rentals are available seasonally at Lake Louise boathouse — great for older kids with supervision (not included).
- For stroller users: parts of the lakeshore walk are gravel; a sturdy, all-terrain stroller works best.
Lake Louise shoreline & easy family walk
Relaxed 60-minute visit to the Lake Louise shoreline. Gentle, stroller-friendly sections let children explore the lake edge and rock beaches safely while parents enjoy the view.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay on the main paths and away from steep edges — little ones love the lakeshore rocks but supervision is essential.
- Bring a light picnic blanket — there are sheltered spots for a quick snack and family photos.
- Restrooms near the Lake Louise Visitor Centre are family friendly with changing tables.
Transfer Lake Louise → Moraine Lake (seasonal)
Short scenic drive to Moraine Lake (operates June–October). If Moraine Lake is closed or inaccessible, the guide will substitute a visit to Johnston Canyon.
Tips from local experts:
- Moraine Lake road can be narrow — keep children seated; infant seats are available in the tour vehicle on request.
- If the road to Moraine is closed or parking restricted, the guide will go to Johnston Canyon — bring a light jacket either way.
- Carry small snacks — children sometimes need an energy boost after the short drive and before lake viewing.
Moraine Lake family visit — easy viewpoint & photos
Spend about 60 minutes at the Moraine Lake viewpoint and nearby short paths. Perfect for family photos, short walks, and soaking in the striking turquoise water.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths near the main viewpoint are relatively short but can be uneven — good shoes recommended for kids.
- No lifeguards — children must be supervised at all times near the water's edge.
- If canoeing is desired, note rentals are seasonal and require parental supervision and extra time (not included).
Drive Moraine Lake → Banff (transfer) — head to town for lunch
Comfortable transfer down to Banff town with rolling mountain views; guide will point out short stops if time allows.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide about restroom stops and family-friendly facilities in Banff before arrival.
- If any child needs a nap, this drive window is a good time — the vehicle is comfortable and quieter midday.
- Confirm any food allergies with the guide so they can recommend suitable family-friendly restaurants in Banff.
Lunch — family-friendly burgers and kids' options
Relaxed lunch in Banff at a kid-friendly restaurant with burgers, sandwiches and high chairs. Time allocated for a quick, casual meal.
Tips from local experts:
- High chairs and kids' menu available — ask staff for quick substitutions for younger children.
- Order something simple and familiar (burger, fries) to keep the lunch time efficient and kid-friendly.
- Keep a light jacket handy — mountain towns can be breezy even in July while you walk to the next stop.
Bow Falls short walk & Surprise Corner viewpoint
Short family walk to Bow Falls (easy path) followed by a drive to Surprise Corner for the classic view of Banff town and the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel — both are great photo ops and short on feet-time for children.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths at Bow Falls are paved and stroller-friendly for the most part — a good, accessible stroll for families and seniors.
- Surprise Corner has a small pullout for photos; keep an eye on little ones near edges and the road.
- Bring binoculars for kids — they love spotting kayaks, birds and river activity from the viewpoint.
Vermilion Lakes quick stop — wildlife & reflection photos
Short 25–30 minute stop at Vermilion Lakes for a gentle stroll, possible wildlife viewing (ducks, occasionally elk) and reflective mountain-lake photos — calming end to the Banff visits.
Tips from local experts:
- Flat paths around Vermilion Lakes are stroller-friendly and ideal for toddlers to stretch legs.
- Early evening light is lovely here; if your child naps, this is a restful stop with minimal walking required.
- Carry insect repellent (family-safe) as lakeside areas can have bugs at dusk.
Drive back to Calgary (transfer)
Return transfer to Calgary with comfort stops as needed. Guides typically estimate arrival in Calgary around 17:45–18:00 depending on traffic.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this drive for naps — the vehicle is climate-controlled and guides will pause for restroom breaks if needed.
- If you need a pharmacy or store stop on the way back, request it early — guides can usually accommodate short quick stops.
- Have a small travel kit (wet wipes, spare clothes) handy for young children after outdoor stops.
Drop-off in Calgary — tour end
Arrive back in Calgary and return to the original pickup/drop-off point. Tour concludes; guides will confirm onward directions or help with local transit/taxi arrangements if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Gather all belongings (strollers, jackets, snacks) before you step off the vehicle — it’s easy to leave kids’ items behind.
- If you need a recommendation for a family dinner in Calgary, ask the guide — they often have child-friendly suggestions.
- Tipping guide suggestion: CAD$15/head is recommended in the tour exclusions — plan accordingly for family gratuity.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 7 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal |
