It's all about how you get to the sights/sites: ROAM public transport (cheap, app), hop on hop off bus (more limited schedule but helpful guides and they take the 1A wildlife route), car (contend with parking deficit and shuttles but most freedom) or a "tour" with Discover Banff. Basically this Discover Banff afternoon tour drops you off for 45 min at Lake Moraine and at Lake Louise, with interesting insights by the driver. So convenient for drop off and pick up with short, pre determined visit times. I am rooting for Giselle who started in April. She has the stories and personality, She will flourish as a guide as she gains confidence in driving and talking while driving.

Our trip was in May so the tour only went to Lake Louise as the road to Moraine Lake remains closed until later in May. This allowed an hour and a half stop at Lake Louise which was enough time to walk up the side of the lake and back. Conditions under foot on the lakeside path were slushy and muddy which made walking a bit slow but perfectly safe with care. Our guide, Giselle was absolutely lovely- welcoming, fun and informative. We had good photo stops on the way to Lake Louise and then a timely return to Banff. As a ‘taster’ trip this is ideal.

If you’re fortunate to have Heidi as your tour guide, then you will have the BEST time. All the laughs (she’s hilarious), so much new and interesting info, and of course the views were amazing. If you’re coming to Banff you have to take this tour, you won’t regret it (unless you don’t have Heidi)!