Welcome to the Kamloops to Lake Louise Tour
Set out on a scenic drive from Kamloops to Lake Louise with this self-guided tour through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The journey unfolds at The Last Spike, where Canada’s transcontinental railway was completed. The Spiral Tunnels showcase a marvel of engineering deep in the mountains. Rogers Pass offers rugged peaks and rich history, once a vital route through the Rockies. Lake Louise awaits with its turquoise waters and stunning alpine backdrop. Experience history, nature, and breathtaking views all in one drive.
This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.
About the Tour
Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one.
Travel from Kamloops to Lake Louise through the stunning landscapes of British Columbia and Alberta with this self-guided driving tour. Follow the Thompson River as it winds through Kamloops, passing Monte Creek and Pritchard Bridge before reaching Chase and the shimmering waters of Little Shuswap. Learn about conservationist Roderick Haig Brown and explore the beauty of Shuswap Lake.
Sorrento and Salmon Arm offer incredible lake views before the road leads to Sicamous, the houseboating capital of Canada. Continue through Yard Creek toward a key piece of Canadian history—The Last Spike—where the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed. Then, take in the dramatic cascades of Crazy Creek Falls and explore the fairy-tale setting of the Enchanted Forest.
Griffin Lake and Three Valley Lake introduce you to the mountainous terrain ahead, leading to Three Valley Gap, where sheer cliffs meet crystal-clear waters. Eagle Pass marks the gateway to the Monashee Mountains before reaching Revelstoke, a town rich in railway history and adventure. Cross the Columbia River, then head toward the breathtaking scenery of Glacier National Park.
Rogers Pass, one of the most challenging and scenic mountain crossings, brings you face-to-face with towering peaks and vast glaciers. As the road descends, Kinbasket Lake glistens in the distance, and the Columbia River Bridge leads to Golden, a charming town nestled in the Rocky Mountain Trench.
Continue along the Kicking Horse Highway, stopping at Wapta Falls for a short hike to a spectacular waterfall. Field and Mt. Burgess provide more incredible scenery before ascending Kicking Horse Pass. The Spiral Tunnels showcase a fascinating feat of engineering as trains navigate steep mountain terrain.
Wapta Lake’s serene waters signal the approach to the grand finale—Lake Louise. Surrounded by towering peaks and famous for its turquoise waters, this alpine gem is the perfect end to your journey. Cross the BC-Alberta border and continue onto the Icefields Parkway, where even more adventures await!
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Tour Map
Starting Point
You can begin the tour at any one of the suggested starting locations provided below.
MPF3+579, Kamloops, BC, Canada
Begin from MPF3+579, Kamloops, BC, Canada.
CRHF+GHV, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
You can also begin the tour from CRHF+GHV, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The driving distance is approximately 350-400 kilometers (220-250 miles), primarily via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) east.
The drive from Kamloops to Lake Louise typically takes around 4 to 5 hours without major stops. With our Self-Guided Driving Tour, you’ll want to allow extra time to enjoy the scenic viewpoints, mountain towns, and national park stops along the way — all with GPS-triggered narration that brings the journey to life.
The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) offers one of the most scenic drives in western Canada, and our self-guided tour follows this exact route. You’ll experience the dramatic beauty of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park, plus the transition from BC’s interior plateau into the heart of the Canadian Rockies — all enhanced by engaging audio commentary.
With our Self-Guided Driving Tour, you’ll discover hidden stories and must-see spots like Revelstoke, Rogers Pass, and the mountain town of Golden. Optional detours take you to Yoho National Park’s gems like Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge — all at your own pace, with the tour guiding you turn by turn.
Yes, you’ll gain significant elevation as you travel from Kamloops into the Canadian Rockies, especially as you approach Rogers Pass and then descend towards Lake Louise. This elevation change contributes to the cooler temperatures and potential for snow in the mountains.
In late April, activities might be somewhat limited due to lingering snow and ice. However, you can typically enjoy:
- Walking around the frozen or partially frozen lake.
- Admiring the views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
- Short, lower elevation hikes (check trail conditions for snow and ice).
- Potentially snowshoeing on some trails.
- Visiting the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Your tour is available for unlimited use, anytime and any day.Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions:Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission:Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
