How to Visit Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a stunning alpine lake nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, known for its turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain backdrop. It is free to go to, but you do need to do a bit of planning in high season.

Parking at Lake Louise

You have to pay for parking in the summer months and it is expensive. It is $36.75 for all general parking for any duration of time.

Between June to September parking at Lake Louise is crazy, as over 1 million people visit the lake. You’ll want to arrive well before 6:00 a.m. to secure a parking spot at Lake Louise. Otherwise, you will find yourself doing an endless driving loop as the parking lot is controlled by parking staff and they don't let you wait for a spot. It is super frustrating and can take hours so go early. If you do not plan on getting here early you should take the bus or shuttle.

Note: Parking is free after 7pm and in the off season! In the summer, the parking lot really dies down in the evening, so going later is an option! you will not have an issue with parking in shoulder seasons or the off season.

Shuttle

There is a shuttle service from Lake Louise that you can book. Reserving a seat on a Parks Canada shuttle is the best way to make the most of your time in the Lake Louise area and guarantees the ability to see both lakes in one day! Reserve your shuttle ticket and park your vehicle at the Lake Louise Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. You can also get here with a tour.

Parks Canada shuttles service the Lake Louise Lakeshore from May 16 to October 13, 2025

What to do at the Lake

Lake Louise is so pretty, and if you are there in summer it will be busy right at the start of the lake where the boat house is where the canoe rentals are. However, just keep walking along the path towards the Fairmont Lake Louise and you can find quieter spots. At the lake, you can walk the path around the lake or even go up to Lake Agnes Tea House or the Beehive hikes. I have linked the hikes, so you can choose what is best for you. You can of course canoe on the lake in the summer but it is so expensive at about $140. Additionally, if you really want to ball out you can stay at the Fairmont Lake Louise or go to one of their restaurants.

NOTE: you can bring your own paddle board or canoe on Lake Louise for free. But you do need to get it inspected at the lake by personnel before putting it in the water. They check for things that could disturb the lake like water borne illnesses and stuff like that