Reach Moraine Lake before dawn with pickup from Banff, Canmore, Harvie Heights or Lake Louise. Choose a dedicated sunrise visit or continue to Lake Louise during golden hour, with hot drinks and cozy blankets included. Prefer a later start? Compare our daytime Moraine Lake shuttles or browse all Banff tours.
Choose your experience
Via Via has 2 experiences including Moraine Lake sunrise available:
Inside the experience
Moraine Lake Sunrise Experience
Start your day at Moraine Lake, one of the most breathtaking places in the Canadian Rockies. This small-group sunrise tour is designed to get you there before the sun rises and before the crowds arrive, so you can experience the lake at its quietest and most beautiful.
We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise, so you can sit back and relax while our local guides handle the early morning drive. Arriving before sunrise gives you time to take in the stillness of the lake and the surrounding mountains as the sky slowly begins to change.
From the Rockpile, watch the alpenglow and first light illuminate the Valley of the Ten Peaks and reflect across Moraine Lake’s turquoise water. To keep you comfortable in the cool mountain air, we provide warm drinks and cozy blankets while you enjoy the view. Our guides will be nearby for drink refills and are always happy to help take photos so you can capture the moment.
After sunrise, you’ll have time to walk along the lakeshore, take photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere before the area becomes busy. With comfortable transportation and experienced local guides, this tour offers a relaxed and memorable way to see one of the most iconic sunrises in the Canadian Rockies.
What an incredible experience watching the sunrise at Moraine Lake. The Via Via team were so helpful and the early morning was worth it - especially with the complimentary coffee!
— Jack P.
• Convenient pickup directly at your door in Canmore, Harvie Heights, Banff and Lake Louise 🏨
• Experienced local guides with tips and knowledge on the best photo spots, hikes, and view spots 🏔️
• Brand new comfortable & luxury shuttles 🚐
• Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee & tea ☕️
• Cozy blankets to keep you warm 🧣
• Headlamps for early mornings 🔦
• Phone chargers 🔋
• Moraine Lake Access Fee 🏞️
• The most magical sunrise you'll ever witness at Moraine Lake!
• Enjoy this breathtaking sunrise with a hot drink under a cozy blanket!
• Smaller groups for a more intimate & personalized experience.
• Our sunrise shuttle arrives before sunrise - ensuring you get the best spots!
• Learn interesting insights, local tips, and stories from our expert guides.
• Optional: extend your stay and book our extended tour for a later return from Lake Louise.
What to bring:
Even in the summer, temperatures and weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains and can be below freezing temperatures around sunrise.
✅ Make sure to bring enough layers, sunrise in the mountains can still be pretty chilly!
✅ Bring a beanie and gloves to keep you cozy and comfortable
✅ Bring water and snacks to stay energized throughout the day
✅ Be prepared for quick weather changes in the mountains
✅ Check the current weather conditions via the link in your booking confirmation email before departure!
Special requirements:
Children's safety seats are available for children aged 2 and up or weighing 40lbs (18kg) or more.
If your child is younger than 2 or weighs less than 40lbs, a rear-facing safety seat is required, and customers must bring their own.
Please inform us in advance if you need a children's safety seat or if you will be bringing your own. The children's safety seat can stay in the shuttle during your lake visit.
Restrictions:
Small pets are welcome if they can fit in a carry-on cage on your lap.
Service animals of all sizes are allowed - please contact us beforehand if you're bringing a service animal.
Cancellations:
We offer standard, flexible, and premium cancellation policies.
Standard Cancellation: Guests can cancel their booking up to 7 days prior to their trip for a full refund, cancel up to 72 hours before departure for a 50% refund.
Flexible Cancellation: Guests can cancel their booking up to 7 days prior to their trip for a full refund, cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a 75% refund.
Premium Cancellation: Guests can cancel their booking up to 12 hours before departure for a full refund.
Additionally, all guests may make changes to their booking date and time up to 72 hours in advance of their trip (subject to availability). To cancel your booking, please contact us directly.
Inside the experience
Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise Golden Hour Experience
Start your day with an unforgettable sunrise in the Canadian Rockies on our #1-rated small-group tour to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Thoughtfully timed to beat the crowds, this experience lets you enjoy two of Banff’s most iconic lakes in their most peaceful moments.
We’ll pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise so you can relax while our experienced guides take care of the driving and planning. At Moraine Lake, enjoy locally roasted Eclipse coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and cozy blankets as you watch the sunrise from the Rockpile, where the first light hits the Valley of the Ten Peaks and perfectly mirrors in Moraine Lake’s vibrant turquoise waters.
Next, visit the quiet Lake Louise during the so-called golden hour, before the bigger daytime crowds roll in. Stroll along the lakeshore, capture stunning photos, or hike to Fairview Lookout for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
With exceptional local guides, comfortable transportation, and seamless planning, this tour offers a fun, relaxed, and unforgettable way to experience one of the most beautiful mornings in the Canadian Rockies.
The trip was amazing! So easy to plan & book with lots of details about the day which was really useful! They offer blankets and hot drinks which is a really nice touch!
— Megan
• Convenient pickup directly at your door in Canmore, Harvie Heights, Banff and Lake Louise 🏨
• Experienced local guides with tips and knowledge on the best photo spots, hikes, and view spots 🏔️
• Brand new comfortable & luxury shuttles 🚐
• Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee & tea ☕️
• Cozy blankets to keep you warm 🧣
• Headlamps for early mornings 🔦
• Phone chargers 🔋
• Moraine Lake Access Fee 🏞️
• The most magical sunrise you'll ever witness at Moraine Lake!
• Quiet Golden Hour at the iconic Lake Louise.
• Enjoy this breathtaking sunrise with a hot drink under a cozy blanket!
• Smaller groups for a more intimate & personalized experience.
• Our sunrise shuttle arrives before sunrise - ensuring you get the best spots!
• Learn interesting insights, local tips, and stories from our expert guides.
• Optional: extend your stay and book our extended tour for a later return from Lake Louise.
What to bring:
Even in the summer, temperatures and weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains and can be below freezing temperatures around sunrise.
✅ Make sure to bring enough layers, sunrise in the mountains can still be pretty chilly!
✅ Bring a beanie and gloves to keep you cozy and comfortable
✅ Bring water and snacks to stay energized throughout the day
✅ Be prepared for quick weather changes in the mountains
✅ Check the current weather conditions via the link in your booking confirmation email before departure!
Special requirements:
Children's safety seats are available for children aged 2 and up or weighing 40lbs (18kg) or more.
If your child is younger than 2 or weighs less than 40lbs, a rear-facing safety seat is required, and customers must bring their own.
Please inform us in advance if you need a children's safety seat or if you will be bringing your own. The children's safety seat can stay in the shuttle during your lake visit.
Restrictions:
Small pets are welcome if they can fit in a carry-on cage on your lap.
Service animals of all sizes are allowed - please contact us beforehand if you're bringing a service animal.
Cancellations:
We offer standard, flexible, and premium cancellation policies.
Standard Cancellation: Guests can cancel their booking up to 7 days prior to their trip for a full refund, cancel up to 72 hours before departure for a 50% refund.
Flexible Cancellation: Guests can cancel their booking up to 7 days prior to their trip for a full refund, cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a 75% refund.
Premium Cancellation: Guests can cancel their booking up to 12 hours before departure for a full refund.
Additionally, all guests may make changes to their booking date and time up to 72 hours in advance of their trip (subject to availability). To cancel your booking, please contact us directly.
2026 timing guide
What time is sunrise at Moraine Lake?
Sunrise changes quickly through the season. Use these ranges to plan your morning; your exact pickup time is shown before checkout and in your booking confirmation.
Scroll sideways to view all columns.
Approximate 2026 Moraine Lake sunrise times and scheduled Via Via pickup times from Banff and Canmore
Travel dates
Typical sunrise
Canmore pickup
Banff pickup
June
Approximately 5:27–5:34 a.m.
3:00–3:15 a.m.
3:30–3:45 a.m.
July
Approximately 5:32–6:07 a.m.
3:00 a.m.
3:30 a.m.
August
Approximately 6:08–6:55 a.m.
3:15–4:00 a.m.
3:45–4:30 a.m.
September
Approximately 6:57–7:43 a.m.
4:00–4:45 a.m.
4:30–5:15 a.m.
October 1–12
Approximately 7:44–8:02 a.m.
5:00 a.m.
5:30 a.m.
Times use Mountain Daylight Time. Pickup ranges reflect the 2026 schedule for standard Banff and Canmore townsite pickup points, last updated August 17, 2026; other locations vary. Weather, smoke and the surrounding peaks can affect when the sun becomes visible, and Moraine Lake Road access remains weather-dependent.
Did you know that we offer extended stays at both Moraine Lake & Lake Louise? All of our tours have an extended tour option to give you the possibility to spend more time in the area or embark on a longer day hike. We're the only company that accommodates longer stays with convenient doorstep pickups and drop offs from Canmore & Banff.
Cozy Blankets
Admire the sunrise of a lifetime wrapped in a cozy blanket - included on all early-morning departures.
Hot Drinks
Follow your sunrise shuttle to Moraine Lake with a complimentary coffee, tea, or hot chocolate as the sun lights up the peaks.
Convenient Pickup
Convenient doorstep pickup and drop-off at your hotel, Airbnb, or Vrbo in Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise for a hassle-free experience.
Just a few reviews about these tours
Zuker
An unforgettable sunrise experience — thank you, Tess!
We booked the Via Via Moraine Lake Shuttle for Sunday, July 12th, and it exceeded every expectation. We left Dead Man's Flats around 2am to make it to Lake Louise by 4am, and the early wake-up was more than worth it. The hot cocoa and warm blankets provided on the drive were an absolute lifesaver at that hour — such a thoughtful touch that made the early start so much more comfortable.Watching the sunrise over Moraine Lake was surreal — the stillness, the crisp mountain air, the quiet before the crowds arrived. It's the kind of moment that stays with you.
Our guide Tess made the whole trip. Her knowledge of the area, genuine enthusiasm, and the extra "secret spot" she took us to added a layer to the experience we never could have found on our own. She was warm, informative, and clearly loves what she does — it showed in every part of the tour.
If you're debating whether the early start is worth it, it absolutely is. And if you're lucky enough to have Tess as your guide, you're in for something special. Highly recommend this shuttle to anyone wanting to experience Moraine Lake and Lake Louise at their most magical.
Lindsey Jurica
We had the BEST day! Even though it was an early start for sunrise at Moraine Lake, our 8yr old was a trooper and LOVED it! Highly recommend extending time at Lake Louise. We had time to hike to Mirror Lake, Lake Agnes Tea House, Little Beehive, the Lake Louise loop and have lunch on the patio at the Fairmont. Lake Louise is magical and this tour with extended stay was perfect for us. I ended up booking this travel company because I was confused as to how to get a parks pass and parking and whatnot - Via Via made our trip so much easier. Highly recommend - Simmi and Martin were great!
胖丁
I I booked the Lake Moraine Sunrise Tour, and it was so good! Our driver, Jake, was very friendly and thoughtful. They provided blankets, hot drinks, and snacks for everyone, which kept us warm while we waited for sunrise. It made the whole experience much more comfortable. Highly recommend!
And the lake moraine is so beautiful, I went twice during my 6 days trips here!
Shannon Hart
Highly recommend a sunrise trip to Lake Moraine and Lake Louise with Via Via! Bec, our guide, met us with hot drinks and fresh baked croissants, then made sure we got great views, helped us get group photos, and gave highpoints of what we were seeing. Spectacular scenery with our own private transport and guide. A definite high point of my week's adventure in Canada. Thanks, Bec!
Laura Ripple
Amazing experience! We did the Sunrise Moraine Lake/Lake Louise tour. All the details were setup and it was a wonderful experience. From blankets and hot drinks, to knowledgeable guides who checked in on us throughout the experience to be sure we did not need anything, to pointing out the best spots to be for our goals! Even a little wildlife sighting and lots of information. Thanks for a wonderful experience!
Arielle Gilley
Kieran took us out to Moraine Lake and Kale brought us back. Both were absolutely amazing bringing great vibes for such an early pickup. They were the perfect guides! The tour itself is 100% worth it. Seeing the lake at sunrise is breathtaking. Even on a foggy day like we had I would do it all over again. It gives you the best chance to see the beauty of the lake before the crowds arrive. The coffee and blankets Via Via provided were such a nice added touch. And for those who like to hike having the option for a later departure time was perfect! After sunrise we were able to take a hike out to Constellation Lakes. And be on the trails before they got too crowded. Would recommend Via Via 10/10!
Debbie Tassone
The sunrise tour with Via Via at Moraine lake was my favorite experience in Banfff! I love that It was a small van with only 12 people, the ride was so comfortable and smooth. The pick up was on time and the driver was so friendly. I thought it was a nice touch that they provide blankets and warm drinks as well. Extremely happy with the experience and the price was great!
Derek “Derekbreathes” Gutierrez
If you are going to use a transit service, Via Via is the only one you should ever use!
This ride helped me and my son experience one of the most magical days of our lives. The Moraine Lake Sunrise Experience created memories beyond what words can express. We ended up exploring Sentinel Pass while the snow was still thick. It is a difficult trek, but highly recommended if you are physically fit enough to take on the challenge. The view are exquisite at the top, and at every stop you take to catch your breath.
The Via Via team was so invaluable to helping create this magical experience. From the phone operator to the van driver, every single person I interacted with were so enjoyable, kind, compassionate, and helpful.
Satwinder Singh
We used Via Via Shuttle for two trips Moraine Lake Sunrise and Lake Louise all day from Canmore. Our driver Carrie is amazing and she has lots of knowledge about area . She recommended us few hikes and they were amazing . She reached both days on time to pick us up. She is very friendly. I highly recommend this company to everyone.
Yvonne385
I had this tour recommended to me and can now wholeheartedly pass on that recommendation. We were picked up bright and early to catch the sunrise at beautiful Lake Moraine. Grace, our driver, was absolutely fantastic – warm, friendly, and full of great tips and interesting information. Upon arrival at the lake, we were greeted with hot drinks and cozy blankets. There was plenty of time to find the perfect spot on the Rockpile for the sunrise, with Grace offering insider advice on the best vantage points. We then continued to stunning Lake Louise, where we had ample time to soak in the views and enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake. An unforgettable experience from start to finish! 10/10.
Laura W.
We did the sunrise tour with extended stay at Lake Louise. Everything was super well organized. Sure, it costs more than the Parks Canada shuttle, but you don’t have to worry about a thing – totally worth it. You get plenty of time at Moraine Lake to catch the sunrise, and the blankets and hot drinks are great for the cold. With the extended tour, we had more than enough time to do the Beehive hike. We'd book with Via Via again in a heartbeat – everything went smoothly and everyone was really friendly.
Danielle Zovak
We actually had booked a sunrise shuttle with a different company the day before and we ended up missing our shuttle by 8 minutes. We decided to try and catch the sunrise again but instead of having to drive from Harvie Heights all the way to Lake Louise at 3:00 AM, they picked us up from our Airbnb, so no excuses to miss this time. That alone sold me on going with ViaVia. Our tour guide Jake was awesome, so friendly and personable. He remembered things about all the other people we were traveling with. Very insightful about Banff and all the local phenomena. I would highly recommend booking with ViaVia. The whole experience was great. The allotted time was perfect: not too long, not too short.
Lori S.
Pickup at our hotel in Lake Louise was on time for sunrise. Jess was a great guide and made sure we were taken care of. Hot chocolate and blankets were a nice addition, especially when it was 36 degrees F. She checked on us at each location and made sure we had the perfect pictures taken at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. She answered all our questions and we were able to get a picture of a bear on the side of the road.
Jack P.
What an incredible experience watching the sunrise at Moraine Lake and a stop off at Lake Louise! The Via Via team were all so helpful; from the smooth process of booking on, to our informative guide Peter. The early morning was worth it, and made a little easier thanks to a complimentary coffee! With there being so many options for a Moraine Lake shuttle, I couldn’t recommend Via Via enough.
Sadie W.
Moraine lake sunrise shuttle was awesome! We had so much fun. It was raining but Carrie had us covered. Hot chocolate, coffee, blankets and umbrellas! She was so nice in telling us where to go and how to get around. Then we went to Lake Louise, and saw people jumping in the water and enjoying the views. We left at 3:30AM from Canmore and got back around 10:00AM.
Aubry G.
Had such a great experience with Grace and Via Via. I highly recommend using them and their sunrise tour to Lake Moraine.
Rishabh Agrawal
My family and I had an amazing time with Via Via. Alex, our guide picked us up directly from our Airbnb in harvie heights, answered all our questions, made suggestions towards other activities in the area and entertained us throughout the drive. The lakes were amazingly beautiful especially lake moraine during sunrise. During our drive from lake moraine to lake Louise we saw a black bear cub which was amazing to see. And the drive after sunset was stunning.
