Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Banff National Park
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are very popular destinations. Planning ahead is essential.
Taking Roam Public Transit or a Parks Canada shuttle is the easiest and most dependable way to ensure you can see these iconic lakes. A reservation is required for all Parks Canada shuttles.
Use this page to plan your visit and find more info on our frequently asked questions page.
Parks Canada shuttle reservations:
Reservation launch: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 8 am MDT
- Additional seats will be made available for reservation at 8 am MDT, two days prior to departure.
Reserve through the Parks Canada Reservation Service:
- Online: View current Parks Canada shuttle availability
- By telephone: 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783).
- Prepare for launch day
Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round.
Access is only permitted for:
- Parks Canada shuttles
- Licensed commercial operators with a Moraine Lake Road Licence of Occupation
- Registered guests of Moraine Lake Lodge
There are multiple ways to access Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Parks Canada shuttles
Recommended for visitors driving to or staying in Lake Louise.
When: May to October
Roam Public Transit
Recommended for visitors staying in the Town of Banff.
When: Year-round
Hiking or biking
Recommended for visitors staying nearby or getting dropped off.
When: May to October
Personal vehicle (Lake Louise only)
For visitors with flexible plans as finding parking is unlikely. Payment required May to October.
When: Year-round
There are a lot of private commercial transport operators in the area. For a complete list of licenced transport options, visit CarFreeBanff.ca.
Parks Canada shuttles
Reserving a seat on a Parks Canada shuttle is the best way to guarantee access to both lakes in one day. A reservation is required.
Parking is available for shuttle reservation holders at the Lake Louise Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
2026 operating season:
- Lake Louise Lakeshore: May 15–October 12
- Moraine Lake: June 1–October 12 (weather permitting)
Visitors should arrive with a plan and build flexibility into their schedule. Shuttle seats are reservation-only and typically sell out well in advance. Attempting to secure a seat on the day of travel is not recommended.
Visitors should expect to wait at least 30 minutes for a shuttle. During periods of high ridership, visitors can expect to wait for 1 hour for a shuttle.
If you do not have a reservation confirmed on a shuttle, Roam Public Transit, or commercial operator reservation, you are unlikely to find parking at Lake Louise Lakeshore.
Fares
Visit our fees page for pricing. One ticket includes:
- Lake Louise access
- Moraine Lake access
- Lake Connector shuttle ticket
- Return trip to the Park and Ride
Your shuttle ticket does not include a national park entry fee. Both are required.
Reservations
You must make a reservation in advance to ride the Parks Canada shuttles. Reservations are available in 1-hour blocks of time, giving visitors the opportunity to board the shuttle at any time within that ticket’s range.
- Reservations open April 15, 2026. 40% of seats are released on launch day.
- 60% are released at 8 am MDT, two days before departure.
Choose your preferred departure window and first destination (Lake Louise or Moraine Lake). Your reservation includes:
- Return trip to the Lake Louise Park and Ride
- Access to both lakes in one day via the Lake Connector shuttle
Important: Reservation holders must check in at the Lake Louise Park and Ride kiosk during your departure window. Free parking is available for those with reservations.
Reserve through the Parks Canada Reservation Service:
- Online: View current Parks Canada shuttle availability
- By telephone: 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783).
Accessibility
An accessible shuttle service is available for visitors with mobility needs as part of the regular allotment of shuttle tickets being released. Simply present your pre-purchased shuttle ticket and let staff know you require an accessible vehicle. If one is not already on site, staff will request one via radio. Travel companions may join, space permitting.
Please note: Accessible service is not available on the Alpine Start shuttle this year. All other shuttle services operating during regular hours (6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) remain available to book and can support an accessible option if required.
Routes & frequency
| 2026 Dates | Frequency | Departure schedule (MDT) | Last return shuttle (MDT) | Route | Parking and check-in location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lake Louise Lakeshore |
May 15 to October 12 | Every 30 minutes | 6:30 am to 5 pm | 7:30 pm | Park and Ride ↔ Lake Louise Lakeshore | Free parking at the Lake Louise Park and Ride |
 Moraine Lake |
June 1 to October 12 | Every 30 minutes | 6:30 am to 5 pm | 7:30 pm | Park and Ride ↔ Moraine Lake | Free parking at the Lake Louise Park and Ride |
 Lake Connector |
June 1 to October 12 | Every 30 minutes | 7 am to 6 pm | Lake Louise Lakeshore ↔ Moraine Lake | n/a | |
 Alpine Start |
June 1 to October 12 | 2 departures, daily | 4 am and 5 am | 7 pm via the Lake Connector | Lake Louise Lakeshore ↔ Moraine Lake | Paid parking at Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot. The parking fee is not included in the Alpine Start shuttle ticket. |
Important:
- Your shuttle trip must begin and end at the Lake Louise Park and Ride, where Parks Canada staff will check you in at the kiosk.
- Vehicles may access the Lake Louise Park and Ride between 6 am and 8 pm.
- Ticket holders who attempt to park at the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot will not be permitted on the shuttle.
- Only the Alpine Start shuttle departs at the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking, payment is required. All other shuttles depart from the park and ride.
Lake Louise Lakeshore
Season: May 15 to October 12, 2026
Frequency: Every 30 minutes, daily
Departures: 6:30 am to 5 pm (8 am to 5 pm from May 15 to 31)
Last return: 7:30 pm
Location: Park and Ride ↔ Lake Louise Lakeshore
Parking: Free at Lake Louise Park and Ride (1 Whitehorn Road).
Moraine Lake
Season: June 1 to October 12, 2026
Frequency: Every 30 minutes, daily
Departures: 6:30 am to 5 pm
Last return: 7:30 pm
Location: Park and Ride ↔ Moraine Lake
Parking: Free at Lake Louise Park and Ride (1 Whitehorn Road) and Moraine Lake.
Important: Moraine Lake is a backcountry location. There is no cell service, Wi‑Fi, running water, lighting, or services. Pit toilets are available. There is cellular reception available approximately 5 km away from the lake down Moraine Lake Road.
Lake Connector
Season: June 1 to October 12, 2026
Frequency: Every 30 minutes (7 am to 6 pm), daily.
Last return: 6:00 pm (from Moraine Lake)
Location: Park and Ride ↔ Moraine Lake
Important:
- Boarding is first‑come, first‑served. No time selection is required.
- Boarding pass required for all shuttle reservation holders - received at check‑in at Park and Ride or on Alpine start departure shuttle.
- Roam Reservable Super Pass holders must show proof of purchase.
- Ticket holders without a boarding pass, who attempt to park at the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot will not be permitted on the shuttle.
Alpine Start
Season: June 1 to October 12, 2026
Departures: 4 am and 5 am, daily.
Last return: Lake Louise Lakeshore ↔ Moraine Lake
Parking: Paid parking available at the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot.
Important:
- Departs from Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot.
- Paid parking applies, proof of payment required before boarding shuttle.
- Returns via the Lake Connector (7 am to 6 pm).
- Visitors with oversized personal vehicles must park at the Fairview parking lot and walk to the lakeshore to board the shuttle.
Roam Public Transit
No driving required! Roam offers service from the Town of Banff to Lake Louise.
Visitors with a Roam Reservable Super Pass can connect on the Parks Canada Lake Connector to access Moraine Lake (June 1 to October 12, 7 am to 6 pm). Some restrictions apply, visit Roam Public Transit for details.
Routes & frequency
Roam Public Transit Route 8X: Lake Louise Express
Season:Daily, year-round
Where:Service from the town of Banff to Lake Louise Lakeshore along the Trans-Canada Highway. Reservations are available for this route throughout the summer months and are recommended.
Visit Roam Public Transit for reservations, schedules, fares and information.
Hiking or biking
Parking is very limited in the community of Lake Louise. Review trail and road conditions before traveling and choose an option suitable for everyone in your group.
Hiking to Moraine Lake (28 km round-trip) is not recommended.
Road cycling and mountain biking are options for experienced users.
Hiking
Hiking to Lake Louise
The Tramline Trail (4.3 km one way) is a safe way to connect the community of Lake Louise to the Lake Louise Lakeshore. From Samson Mall, walk along Lake Louise Drive to a bridge crossing the Bow River. Cross the bridge and then look for the Tramline trailhead on the upstream (right) side of the bridge. This route takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to hike one way to the Lake Louise Lakeshore.
Important notes:
- There is very limited all-day parking in the community of Lake Louise.
- Walking up to the lake along Lake Louise Drive is not recommended. This narrow mountain road has minimal shoulders and heavy traffic. There is no dedicated lane or sidewalk for walkers.
Hiking to Moraine Lake
This is not recommended. Hiking to Moraine Lake from the community of Lake Louise is approximately 14 km one way with 527 m elevation gain and 202 m elevation loss. There is no pathway along Moraine Lake Road. This narrow, mountain road has minimal shoulders and large commercial vehicle traffic.
Important notes:
- Moraine Lake is considered backcountry. If you choose to hike, you must be prepared to be self-sufficient. There is no cell service, Wi-Fi, running water or other services including lighting along the road. Pit toilets are available at the lake. There is cell phone reception available approximately 5 km away from the lake on Moraine Lake Road.
Road cycling
Road cycling to Lake Louise
Cycling is permitted along Lake Louise Drive (4 km one way) between the community of Lake Louise and the Lake Louise Lakeshore. This narrow mountain road has minimal shoulders and heavy traffic. It’s best to ride early or late in the day when traffic volume is lower. Bicycle security racks are provided at the Lake Louise Lakeshore, locks are not provided.
Road cycling to Moraine Lake
This narrow, mountain road has no shoulders and heavy mixed traffic. While personal vehicle traffic is restricted along the Moraine Lake Road, cyclists will encounter steady commercial vehicle traffic from June to October. Cyclists who wish to avoid traffic should consider riding early or late in the day.
The distance to Moraine Lake from the community of Lake Louise is approximately 14 km one way with 527 m elevation gain and 202 m elevation loss. From the turnoff at the 3 km mark of Lake Louise Drive, Moraine Lake Road climbs to views of Consolation Valley and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Mountain bikers can create a loop by combining with the challenging Moraine Lake Highline Trail. Bike racks are provided at Moraine Lake.
Important notes:
- Moraine Lake is considered backcountry. If you choose to bike there, you must be prepared to be self-sufficient. There is no cell service, Wi-Fi, running water or other services including lighting along the road. Pit toilets are available at the lake. There is cell phone reception available approximately 5 km away from the lake on Moraine Lake Road.
- There is very limited all day parking in the community of Lake Louise. There is no parking in the Great Divide parking lot or at the Moraine Lake junction.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking to Lake Louise
The Tramline Trail (4.3 km one way) is part of the former route of a tramway (1912 to 1930). Use this trail to access the Lake Louise Lakeshore by bike, from the community of Lake Louise. Begin the Tramline from the Bow River parking lot on Sentinel Road, cross the bridge, take a left and follow the Bow River Trail until the junction with the new Tramline route.
Mountain biking to Moraine Lake
The Highline Trail is a demanding trail for experienced mountain bikers only. This difficult single-track trail begins 2.5 km up Moraine Lake Road.
Important notes:
- There is very limited all day parking in the community of Lake Louise. There is no parking in the Great Divide parking lot or at the Moraine Lake junction.
- Moraine Lake is considered backcountry. If you choose to bike there, you must be prepared to be self-sufficient. There is no cell service, Wi-Fi, running water or other services including lighting along the road. Pit toilets are available at the lake. There is cell phone reception available approximately 5 km away from the lake down Moraine Lake Road.
Driving a personal vehicle
Attempting to take your personal vehicle to the Lake Louise Lakeshore is not recommended. Last summer approximately 75% of vehicles attempting to access Upper Lake Louise were turned away once the limited parking spots were full.
Parking is extremely limited in the community of Lake Louise and at the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot. Moraine Lake is closed to personal vehicles.
The parking lot often fills before sunrise and vehicles are turned away when full. There is no space to wait for a parking stall to become available. Paid parking is in effect at this location during the shuttle season. Visit our fees page for pricing.
Visitors travelling in RVs or other oversized personal vehicles are strongly encouraged to reserve a Parks Canada shuttle. RVs and oversized personal vehicles are not permitted to park at the Lake Louise lakeshore.
Limited oversized parking will be available at the Fairview parking lot, located approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from the lake. Visitors are encouraged to use the trail system to walk to the Lake Louise lakeshore.
For more parking information, visit parking in the Lake Louise area
For real-time traffic and parking updates, check BanffNow.