One-Day Double Lakes Tour in Canada｜Rowing on Lake Louise + Unexpected Bear Encounter! Tips on Tipping & Bear Watching Included

The journey to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in Banff National Park not only unlocked the healing power of rowing but also featured an adorable bear encounter on the way down! This guide with a "surprise bonus" helps you avoid tipping traps and get bear-watching tips～ 🚌 First Stop: Moraine Lake, Shuttle Bus to See the "Milky Blue" • Transportation: Drive from Banff town to the "Lake Louise Park and Ride" shuttle boarding point (free parking). Arrive before 7 AM to easily find a parking spot; shuttles run every 20 minutes (25 CAD per adult). During the 30-minute ride, the driver occasionally stops at viewpoints for snow mountain photos, so you can enjoy the scenery without driving. • Must-See: Moraine Lake in the early morning is stunning! The sunlight turns the glacier meltwater into a translucent "milky blue," with the Ten Peaks reflected in the lake like a spilled palette. The lakeside viewing platform offers amazing panoramic shots. Wearing light-colored clothes makes you look even better in photos. 1.5 hours is enough to enjoy the view, so don’t delay your afternoon rowing. 🚣 Highlight: Rowing on Lake Louise, Don’t Forget Small Change for Tips • Transportation Connection: The Moraine Lake shuttle goes directly to Lake Louise (20-minute ride). From the stop, it’s a 5-minute walk to the rowing spot—super convenient. • Rowing Experience: 1. Buy boat tickets on-site (90 CAD per hour for adults, 2-3 people per boat). Row to the center of the lake to capture the snow-capped mountains and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the frame. The water is so clear you can see the pebbles, and the breeze carries glacier coolness. Every snap is wallpaper-worthy. 2. Important Tip: When docking, staff help pull the boat and collect life jackets, then pass around a tip jar. Though tipping isn’t mandatory, most people give 5-10 CAD. Exchange small Canadian bills in advance to avoid scrambling for cash like I did! • Photography: The light is softest between 3-4 PM. Have your companion take photos of you rowing with the castle in the background by the lake. Use portrait mode against the light for maximum atmosphere. 🐻 Surprise Bonus: Adorable Bear Encounter on the Way Down • Encounter Scene: On the shuttle ride down (around 5 PM), just past the coniferous forest section, the driver suddenly slowed and said, “Look to the left”—on the roadside grass, a half-grown black bear was munching on wild berries. Its round, chubby body moved cutely with every bite. No mama bear in sight, so it was likely foraging alone. • Bear Watching Tips: 1. Never get off the bus! Stay quiet inside the shuttle and take photos without flash to avoid disturbing the bear; 2. The driver said bears are often seen on this route in late summer and early fall. If you want to try your luck, take the evening shuttle, but don’t wait around intentionally—safety first. 💡 Double Lakes One-Day Tour Pitfalls & Practical Tips 1. Shuttle Times: The earliest shuttle departs at 6:30 AM; avoid peak times by choosing before 7 AM. The last shuttle is at 6 PM. Mountain evenings cool down quickly, so don’t miss your return trip. 2. Gear: Even in summer, bring a windbreaker (daytime temps 15-20°C), sunscreen (SPF 50+), and sunglasses. The UV rays can cause peeling. 3. Bear Safety: If driving yourself (outside the Moraine Lake section) and you encounter a bear, don’t honk. Slowly back away, keeping at least 100 meters distance. Originally, I only expected lake views but was unexpectedly "hit" by the bear’s cuteness! Surprises in Banff are always on the road. If you plan to go, remember to bring small change and proper gear—you might just have your own wild and adorable encounter～