Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour
Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle & Tours moves with the sunrise. Pickups from Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.
$149 CAD
per adult • 2.25 hours at Moraine Lake
Experience Moraine Lake at Sunrise
Witness stunning golden hour and arrive 1 hour before sunrise—set up, find your spot, and be ready when alpenglow hits the Valley of Ten Peaks. Our sunrise tour gets you to Moraine Lake one hour before sunrise, giving you the best possible conditions for photography and peaceful enjoyment of this iconic destination.
With small groups of just 12 people maximum, you'll enjoy an intimate experience with knowledgeable local guides who share insider tips on the best viewpoints and the fascinating history of the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Want to plan your own sunrise photos? Explore our Photography Hub for self-guided planning, or visit the dedicated Landscape Photography Workshop page for workshop details.
Max 12 People
No Minimums
No Hidden Fees
2+ Hours at Lake
New longer-stay option
Stay longer with Moraine Lake Sunrise & Explore
After sunrise and your guided Rockpile viewpoint, the standard tour heads back. Sunrise & Explore gives you extra time at Moraine Lake for the lakeshore, photos, and, when trail and weather conditions allow, time to set out on the self-guided Larch Valley trail. You return later on an Explore return van.
What you get
Extra time at Moraine Lake after the sunrise tour, plus a later Explore return van.
Larch Valley option
Self-guided time for Larch Valley when trail, timing, and weather conditions allow.
Later return
A later Explore return van gives you extra time at Moraine Lake. Return details will be available when online booking opens.
Not included
No guided hike, guaranteed trail completion, canoe, food, drinks, or weather outcome.
Moraine Lake Sunrise & Explore is being prepared for online booking. Online booking opens soon.
Moraine Lake Sunrise & Explore questions
Sunrise & Explore is the longer-stay version of the Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour: the same first-light start and guided Rockpile viewpoint, then more self-guided time at Moraine Lake before a later return.
Can I hike Larch Valley on Sunrise & Explore?
When trail, timing, and weather conditions allow, Sunrise & Explore gives self-guided time to set out on the Larch Valley trail. The hike is not guided and completion is not guaranteed.
Is Sentinel Pass included?
No. Sentinel Pass is a longer and more demanding extension beyond Larch Valley. Guests may research their own plans, but Sunrise & Explore does not include or guarantee Sentinel Pass.
Is the Larch Valley hike guided?
No. The guided part of the experience is the existing Rockpile viewpoint portion of the sunrise tour. Any Larch Valley time is self-guided only.
What is not included?
Canoe rentals, food, drinks, hiking guide service, guaranteed trail access, guaranteed hike completion, and weather outcomes are not included.
How does the later return work?
Sunrise & Explore uses a later Explore return van. Return details will be available when online booking opens.
Which option should I choose?
Choose the standard Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour if you want sunrise, the Rockpile viewpoint, lakeshore time, and an earlier return. Choose Sunrise & Explore if you want more self-guided time at Moraine Lake for the lakeshore, photos, or a Larch Valley attempt when conditions allow.
Larch Valley is seasonal and condition-dependent. Treat it as a self-guided option, not a guaranteed itinerary item.
Why Our Sunrise Timing and Viewpoint Guidance Matter
Our Moraine Lake sunrise experience is shaped by more than 20 years of photographing the lake. We use that local knowledge to plan the arrival, guide guests to the Rockpile, and help the group settle into established viewing areas before first light.
Timing Shaped by Local Experience
Mark Unrau's more than 20 years of experience photographing Moraine Lake informs our arrival timing and viewpoint planning. Our guides use that experience to help the group be in place before first light.
Pre-Dawn Arrival (Not Just Sunrise)
We arrive approximately 60 minutes before sunrise, giving guests time to experience blue hour and the first alpenglow on the Ten Peaks before direct sunlight reaches the valley.
Guided Rockpile Experience
Your guide walks with the group to the Rockpile, points out established viewing areas, and remains nearby as the light changes.
Pre-Scouted Viewing Areas
Early arrival gives the group time to settle into established viewing areas before first light, with space to enjoy the sunrise and set up personal camera equipment if desired.
"Our goal is simple: arrive early, guide guests to the Rockpile, and stay with them through sunrise."
— Mark Unrau, Founder & Lead PhotographerBring Any Camera—or None at All
The sunrise experience is designed for everyone, whether you use a phone, a camera, or simply watch the light.
- Photography is welcome
- Phones and cameras are both welcome
- Tripods are welcome when space and conditions allow
- No special equipment is required
- Your guide stays with the group through first light
Guests are welcome to photograph the sunrise, but this sightseeing tour does not include photography instruction.
What's Included
Everything you need for a comfortable sunrise experience
Round-Trip Transport
15-passenger Ford Transit van with 6.5-foot ceiling
Hotel Pickup
Concierge-style pickup from 60+ hotels
Hot Beverages
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or mocha
Cozy Blankets
Canadian-made polar fleece blankets
Headlamps
For safe navigation in pre-dawn darkness
Umbrellas
Available in case of light rain
Guided Rockpile Hike
Expert-led walk to best viewpoints
Child Safety Seats
Ages 2-6 at no extra charge
Your Sunrise Journey
Hotel Pickup
Your driver arrives at your hotel for a comfortable, concierge-style pickup. Settle into our spacious Ford Transit van and enjoy the scenic drive to Moraine Lake.
En Route to Moraine Lake
Enjoy the peaceful early morning drive through Banff National Park. Keep an eye out for wildlife - elk, deer, and bears are often spotted along the route. Hot drinks are served on board.
Arrival at Moraine Lake
We arrive at the Moraine Lake parking lot approximately one hour before sunrise, giving you the best light for photography and time to explore in complete tranquility.
Guided Rockpile Experience
Your knowledgeable guide leads you on the short hike to the iconic Rockpile viewpoint - the famous location featured on the Canadian $20 bill. Learn about the lake's history and geology.
Sunrise & Free Time
Watch the sun paint the Valley of the Ten Peaks in golden light. Enjoy approximately 2 hours at the lake to photograph, explore the shoreline, or simply soak in the tranquility.
Return Journey
After your magical sunrise experience, we depart for the comfortable ride back to your hotel. Share photos and memories with fellow travelers on the way.
Tour Duration by Pickup Location
Total time from pickup to drop-off
Canmore
~6 hours
Longest drive, earliest pickup
Banff
~5 hours
Most popular pickup area
Lake Louise
~3.25 hours
Shortest drive, latest pickup
Book Your Moraine Lake Sunrise
Join us for an unforgettable morning at one of the world's most beautiful lakes. Tours operate rain or shine - every sunrise is unique!
$149 CAD
per adult • Children ages 2-12 welcome
Book Your SeatsPark pass not included - guests must obtain their own Banff National Park pass
Pickup Locations
Concierge-style hotel pickup from 60+ locations across Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.
Canmore
2+ hours at Moraine Lake
Earliest pickup, perfect for those staying in the Bow Valley corridor
Banff
2+ hours at Moraine Lake
Most popular pickup zone, right in the heart of Banff National Park
Lake Louise
2+ hours at Moraine Lake
Closest to Moraine Lake—ideal for maximizing sleep before sunrise
Don't see your hotel? No problem! We offer custom pickup points and can accommodate most locations. Contact us to arrange your pickup.
What Our Guests Say
Real reviews from guests who've experienced the magic of sunrise in the Canadian Rockies.
Ready to create your own sunrise memories?
Private tour · regular sunrise itinerary
Make the Regular Tour Private
This private option follows the regular Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour itinerary and return time, with the van reserved exclusively for your group. Moraine Lake Sunrise & Explore is a separate longer-stay product and is not included in this private-tour price.
When an eligible date has no other bookings or active holds, select your date and guests, then choose "Make This Tour Private" in the booking flow.
What You Get
- The regular tour itinerary and return time
- Exclusive use of the entire van for up to 14 guests
- No strangers on your tour
- Personalized attention from your guide
Need a custom itinerary instead? Request a Custom Charter.