Moraine Lake Shuttle
Plan your visit to Moraine Lake this summer! Access to Moraine Lake opens June 1, 2024, with shuttles operating daily until October 14, 2024 (weather dependent). During this period, the road is closed to personal vehicles, making shuttles and guided tours the only way to access this iconic destination. See shuttle options below and start booking your summer 2024 visit.
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Options for Getting to Moraine Lake in Summer 2024
Shuttle reservations will open April 18, 2024 at 8 am MT, check the Parks Canada website for updates. Reservations must be made in advance through the Parks Canada reservation website.
Shuttle Dates & Times:
- Operation dates: Daily from June 1 - Oct 14, 2024
- Shuttle frequency: 6:30 am - 6 pm
- Last return shuttle: 7:30 pm
Alpine Start Shuttle:
- Operation dates: Daily from June 1 - Oct 14, 2024
- Shuttle frequency: 4 am and 5 am
- More info
Reservations
- Reservations are required online at https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
- 60% of the shuttle tickets are released at 8 am MT two days before, so check back two days in advance for more availability.
- TIP: Visitors need to create an account on the Parks Canada reservation site either using their Canadian mobile banking login or by creating a GC Key if they are from outside of Canada.
- KNOW: Visitors staying in Lake Louise can take the free Village and Campground connector from the Lake Louise Campground and the Roam bus stop to the Park & Ride, located at the bus stop just outside the Samson Mall. It will depart every 30 minutes between 7 am - 7:30 pm
- Sunrise Shuttles: Enjoy early access to Moraine Lake and take in a breathtaking sunrise at this iconic location. Moraine Lake Bus Company, Fairview Limousine and Parks Canada are offering shuttles to Moraine Lake for sunrise and Radventures are offering a guided tour to Moraine Lake for sunrise followed by a stop at Lake Louise.
- Daily Shuttles:
- Fairview Limousine and Moraine Lake Bus Company operate shuttles multiple times daily from June to October with various pick-up points available in Lake Louise.
- Mountain Park Transportation offers shuttles from Banff town with a stop at Lake Louise and Moraine lake.
- Ten Peaks Shuttles & Tours offer shuttles from Banff, the Bow Valley Parkway and Lake Louise accommodations.
- Double your adventure with the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola's gondola and shuttle package.
- Pet Friendly Shuttles: Fairview Limousine is able to accommodate well behaved furry friends, an extra fee may apply. The Parks Canada Shuttles and Moraine Lake Bus Company can accommodate service animals and pets in a small crate that can fit on your lap. Please reach out to companies directly to fully understand their pet policies.
Book a spot on a guided tour and enjoy a hassle free visit to Moraine Lake from June to October and other iconic Banff National Park locations. The below providers all offer tours that include a stop at Moraine Lake:
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are located in close proximity to each other. If you're looking to visit, take photos and go for a short hike, it's very easy to do both of these iconic locations in the same day. See your options below.
- Parks Canada:
- When booking with Parks Canada your shuttle reservation includes access to the Lake Connector shuttle at no added cost. This shuttle is first come first served and will take you between both lakes. It also includes your return trip to the Park and Ride, from either lake.
- Roam Public Transit:
- Book a Reservable Super Pass and reserve your seats on Roam Route 8X to Lake Louise. This pass offers unlimited travel on all Roam Transit services and is the only pass that includes a round-trip on Parks Canada's Lake Connector Shuttle from Lake Louise Lakeshore to Moraine Lake. Online purchase only.
- Guided Tours or Shuttles:
Travel from Calgary to Moraine Lake with On-It Regional Transit. Operating Fridays through Sundays and statutory holidays from early September to mid October.
Roam Public Transit operate a fall service from Banff to Moraine Lake. Reserving your seat in advance is recommended.
Q) Why can't I drive to Moraine Lake?
A) Very limited parking near Moraine Lake has created safety concerns and a negative visitor experience in the past years. As of June 1, 2023, personal vehicle access to Moraine Lake is no longer permitted. Parks Canada shuttle service and other commercial transportation and tour operators are the only ways to visit the lake.
Q) How do I use the Parks Canada shuttle system?
A) The shuttles take you to both lakes, departing from the Park & Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Sightseeing Gondola.
- Reservations are required online at https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
- 60% of the shuttle tickets are released at 8 am MT two days before, so check back two days in advance for more availability.
- TIP: Visitors need to create an account on the Parks Canada reservation site either using their Canadian mobile banking login or by creating a GC Key if they are from outside of Canada.
- KNOW: Visitors staying in Lake Louise can take the free Village and Campground connector from the Lake Louise Campground and the Roam bus stop to the Park & Ride, located at the bus stop just outside the Samson Mall. It will depart every 30 minutes between 7 am - 7:30 pm
Q) What if I do not have a vehicle?
A) Reserve the Roam Transit Super Pass for access from Banff to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. This pass allows you to make a return reservation on Route 8X to the Lake Louise Lakeshore departing from the Banff High School and gives you access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector Shuttle between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
- KNOW: The last Connector Shuttle between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is at 6 pm
Q) Can I bring my pet to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?
A) Fairview Limousine is able to accommodate pets, an extra fee may apply. The Parks Canada Shuttles and Moraine Lake Bus Company can accommodate service animals and pets in a small crate that can fit on your lap. Please reach out to companies directly to fully understand their pet policies.
Q) Is accessible parking available at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?
A) Yes, visitors in possession of a parking placard for persons with disabilities will be granted vehicle access to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on a first-come first-served basis.
Q) How do I visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake when all Parks Canada shuttles are booked?
A) If your desired time slot appears to be sold out, remember that just 40% of tickets were released in April for pre-purchase. The remaining 60% are released on a rolling window two days (48 hours) before the departure date at 8 am MT, providing ample opportunity for you to visit this summer.
Can’t get a reservation to Moraine Lake or Lake Louise on your specified date? Roam Public Transit route 8X offers daily direct service between Banff and Lake Louise. Other suggested options:
- View the commercial transportation and tour options above and visit their websites to check availability.
- Rent a bike at Wilson Mountain Sports or the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Sightseeing Gondola
Q) Where can I park my car if I am going to take transit/sightseeing tours around Banff National Park?
A) In and around the Banff townsite, visitors can park at the Banff Train Station for free. Walk 10 minutes to the Roam Transit hub and access most key attractions in and around town and Banff National Park such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka, the Banff Gondola, Banff Upper Hot Springs and many campgrounds.
- TIP: Please note that paid parking is in effect and limited in the downtown core; park for the day at a designated long-term parking lot and use transit and shuttles to get around. See options here.
Q) What if I miss the last shuttle back from Moraine Lake?
A) Parks Canada takes great care to ensure that shuttle riders are aware of the last return shuttle times and do not get stranded at the lakes. Visitors who miss their return transportation, are responsible for securing their own transport back to their vehicles or accommodations (including any costs incurred). Visitors are strongly encouraged to be mindful of the time for their return travel.
Visitors returning after the last Parks Canada shuttle has departed to the Park and Ride should note: Access to Whitehorn Road is restricted for wildlife movement between 8 pm and 6 am from May to October, entry and exit is controlled by a gate and there is limited public access.
Moraine Lake Day-use Area does not have cell phone reception or Wi-Fi capabilities. Taxi services are not permitted on Moraine Lake Road, however approved on-call transportation services are offered from 8 pm-7 am. A public phone is located on the path leading up to Moraine Lake Lodge.
Rates:
- Moraine Lake to Lake Louise (Lakeshore or community) = $225 + gst for up to 4 people (each additional person = $50 + gst).
- Moraine Lake to the Town of Banff and surrounding area $450 + gst for up to 4 people (each additional person = $50 + gst).
- Please note: rates have been set by the service provider and Parks Canada does not receive any revenue from the fares paid by visitors who use the after hours transportation service.
Cell service is available approximately 5km from the lake, down Moraine Lake Road. Visitors should prepare to be self-sufficient and not rely on the Moraine Lake Lodge for phone use, or shelter. Visitors planning trips that may not be completed during shuttle operational hours can also pre-arrange transportation to and from the lake via licensed commercial transportation services. Access to the lake for these operators will be allowed 24 hours a day.
Don’t forget to buy your Park Pass
In addition to transit, shuttle and parking fees, everyone visiting Banff or Lake Louise needs to purchase a Park Pass for entry into the National Park. Buy yours online and save time and hassle when arriving at the park entrance.