Lake Louise & Moraine - Parking & Shuttle Access

The simplest way to visit both lakes & what to know before you go. ㅤ

Dev Thomson

Dev Thomson

Canadian Rockies, Canada

🚗 Parking & Self-Access

Lake Louise Self Access:

  • Paid parking for personal vehicles is available at the Lake Louise lakeshore for a flat rate of $42 CAD per day, but parking is limited and often fills very early morning (as early as 6.30-7 am) during peak season.

  • If you are only visiting Lake Louise, then driving and parking here works great so long as you are early enough - but it is not the best option if your main goal is Moraine Lake.

Moraine Lake Self Access:

  • Unfortunately, self access to Moraine Lake road is closed to personal vehicles year-round, so you cannot drive your personal vehicle there. The easiest option to get to Moraine, is to use the Parks Canada shuttle or a licensed commercial shuttle (see details below).

🚌 Public Transportation (3 options)

1⃣ - Parks Canada Shuttle:

  • This is the easiest option for most visitors. Shuttles run from the Lake Louise Park and Ride, to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Your reservation can include access to both lakes in one day. This is your best option if visiting both lakes.

  • Reservations are required in advance.

  • Parking at the Park and Ride is free for reservation holders.

  • ✅ TIP FROM DEV:
    As a last minute ticket hack... If your dates look sold out, don't panic! Parks Canada only releases 40% of the shuttle tickets in advance. The remaining 60% are released on a rolling basis at exactly 8.00 am MDT - two days before the departure date. Set an alarm and be logged into the reservation site at 7.45 am to be sure you can snag these.

  1. Book the Parks Canada shuttles months in advance if possible, via the link below. The shuttles sell out insanely fast.

  2. Park at the 'Lake Louise Park and Ride' located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and be sure you are there at least 15 minutes prior to your shuttle departure time. This first shuttle will take you directly to the Lake Louise lakeshore.

  3. The Parks Canada shuttle has an option to include the 'Lake Connector' shuttle when booking. This connector shuttle takes you from the Lake Louise lakeshore to Moraine Lake.

  • 🌅 The 'Alpine Start' Sunrise Shuttle:
    If you want to catch sunrise at Moraine Lake, Parks Canada runs a special early morning shuttle departing at 4.00 am and 5.00 am daily. Note that these specific shuttles depart from the Lake Louise lakeshore parking lot (not the Park and Ride), meaning you will have to pay the daily $42 CAD lakeshore parking fee before boarding. Reservations are mandatory and close at 3.00 pm the day before departure.

2⃣ - Roam Transit:

  • Route 8X is a bus service that runs between Banff, Lake Louise Village, and the Lake Louise lakeshore.

  • However, if you book the Roam Transit 'SUPER PASS'. It includes access to the Parks Canada 'Lake Connector' shuttle from Lake Louise lakeshore into Moraine Lake.

  • It is a good option if you’re coming from the Banff Townsite and dont have a personal vehicle.

  • Note: The regular reservation for Roam Transit only takes you as far as Lake Louise. If you want to use this option to get to Moraine Lake, you need to reserve the 'super pass' option for access to the Lake Connector shuttle.

3⃣ - Private Shuttles:

  • There are also tonnes of private shuttles and tour guide options, but they are usually more expensive. Parks Canada allows licensed commercial operators on Moraine Lake Road during the operating season.

  • If you would prefer a private shuttle or guide - I would suggest to do a quick google search on the many that are out there, and go with one that suits your needs best.

🌐 Direct Links:

✅ TIPS FROM DEV & SAFETY

🐾 Shuttle Pet Policy:

Pets are permitted on Parks Canada shuttles, but they must be secured in a small, clean carrier that is small enough to fit comfortably on your lap for the duration of the ride.

🎟️ Parks Pass Reminder:

Your Parks Canada shuttle ticket or Roam Transit pass does NOT include your National Park entry fee. You must purchase a separate Parks Canada Discovery Pass or Daily Pass and have it displayed before arriving.

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