As of 2023, it’s no longer possible to drive the road to Moraine Lake in your own vehicle. (Unless you have a parking pass for people with disabilities, or book a night at the Moraine Lake Lodge.)
Parks Canada closed the road to private vehicles because visitors were arriving as early as 4 a.m. just to get a spot at this famous lake! Parking was always at a premium there and the lake side only has so much space to accommodate vehicles.
Happily, you can still visit this once-in-a-lifetime bucket list location by shuttle. There are lots of options to choose from – read on to find the best shuttle for you.
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Moraine Lake Shuttles
These are all of the shuttle options available for the 2024 season. (The road to Moraine Lake is only open between June 1st and October 14th, as it becomes an avalanche hazard in the winter.)
| Shuttle Company | Schedule | Reservation Required | Pick-up Location(s) | Fee (Round Trip) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parks Canada | June 1 to Oct 9, every 20 minutes from 6:30am to 6:00pm. The last return shuttle from the Lake leaves at 7:30pm. | Yes, through their online booking system starting April 18th. Comes with a free connection to Lake Louise. | Lake Louise Ski Resort parking lot (free parking) | Adults: $8 Seniors: $4 Children: Free Booking fee (online): $3 Booking fee (phone): $6 |
| Parks Canada Alpine Start Shuttle (Sunrise option) | June 1 to Oct 9, leaves at 4am and 5am | Yes, through their online booking system. | Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot ($36.75 daily parking fee) | TBA |
| Moraine Lake Bus Company | June 3rd to October 14th from 4am – 5:25pm. The last return shuttle leaves from the Lake at 6:20pm. | Yes, through their online booking system. The bus stops for 1 hour at Lake Louise as well. | Samson Mall (no parking after 6am) OR Lake Louise Ski Resort (free parking all day) | Adults: $35 Children: $25 |
| Mountain Park Transportation | Multiple times daily from June 1st to October 14th | Yes, through their online booking system. | TBA | TBA |
| Lake Louise Connector Shuttle | Runs every 15 minutes starting at 8am. | No – included in Parks Canada shuttle fee. NOTE to take this bus from Lake Louise, you have to park your vehicle at the Lake Louise Ski Resort – not the lakeside parking lot. | Runs in both directions between Moraine Lake and Lake Louise | Free with Moraine Lake pass |
| Canmore Travel Shuttle | Sunrise: based on sunrise time on the date you book Morning: 10am or 11am Evening: 5pm | Yes, through their website. | Canmore Hotels (The Malcolm, Falcon Crest Lodge, Coast Canmore, Northwinds) Banff Park Lodge | Sunrise trip: Adults: $145 Kids: $125 Day trip: Adults (13+): $125 Kids: $110 |
| Sunrise Shuttle | From June 1st to October 14th. The earliest bus leaves at 4 AM | Yes, through their website. | Many hotels in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. See this page for complete list. | Moraine Lake only: $95 Moraine Lake and Lake Louise: $175 (includes breakfast) |
| Roam Public Transit | Fall service for larch season only (Sept 19 – Oct 10) | Reserving a seat in advance is recommended | Banff | TBA |
| Ten Peaks Shuttle and Tours Inc. | Departure time varies by pick-up location, starting at 7:30am. (See website for more details.) Return trips start at 2pm. | Yes, on their website. | – Samson Mall (no vehicle parking) – Baker Creek Mountain Resort – Johnston Canyon Lodge – Castle Mountain Chalet – Paradise Lodge & Bungalows | Adults: $65 |
The Parks Canada shuttle is the least expensive and most flexible option. It lets you spend as long as you like at both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise before taking the return shuttle back. You don’t have to worry as much about missing this bus as they’ll give you seats on the next one.
Other companies run on a stricter time schedule and may only give you 1-2 hours at each location. If you’d like to spend the day at Moraine Lake (or a half day there and half day at Lake Louise) the Parks Canada shuttle is probably your best option.
The Ten Peaks Shuttle also gives you enough time at the Lakes for longer day trips. If you’d like to go on a hike, like the Lake Agnes Tea House at Lake Louise or the Larch Valley-Sentinel Pass at Moraine Lake, check their website.
The Parks Canada shuttle just added a new ride in 2024 that leaves at 4a.m. and 5a.m. This option is great for photographers who want to catch the sunrise, hikers, climbers, and others who need to arrive at Moraine Lake early in the morning.
How long does the shuttle take?
It takes about 20-30 minutes to get from Lake Louise (the town) to Moraine Lake by shuttle bus.
What if I miss the shuttle?
Many shuttle companies will let you use your ticket on the next available ride, but some only take a couple of trips to the Lake each day. Make sure to check their website just in case.
The main Parks Canada shuttle that leaves from the Lake Louise Ski Resort parking lot is generally pretty understanding about missing the bus and will let you get on the next available seat. Their buses leave for the Lake every 20 minutes.
Do I need a Parks Pass to take the Moraine Lake shuttle?
Yes – regardless of how you get to Moraine Lake, you will need a valid Parks Pass as the lake is located inside Banff National Park.
Are pets allowed on the shuttles?
Most shuttle buses allow service dogs as well as smaller, crated pets that can fit on your lap.
If you’re bringing an animal, it’s a good idea to call ahead and let them know to make sure they can accommodate. You may be asked to provide proof that your animal is indeed a service animal.
If you’d like to bring a larger dog to the lake (that isn’t a service dog) you may have to book a private taxi as none of the shuttle companies allow large dogs.
Can you bring a canoe or kayak on the shuttles?
Yes – you can still bring your own watercraft to the Lake. The shuttles allow you to take your own canoes, kayaks etc. as long as space allows. We recommend calling ahead to make sure they can accommodate you on the day you plan to visit.
Should I tip the shuttle driver?
Drivers always appreciate tips, but they aren’t required or expected (the way they might be at a restaurant.)
Other Ways to Get to Moraine Lake
- Walk or bike the road – it’s 14.4km long and uphill! The road is also still very busy with tour and shuttle buses, so this isn’t the best option.
- Hike – this is a 28km round trip so not recommended for most visitors. You are also traveling through bear country! Make sure to bring bear spray if you decide to take this option.
- Book a tour that stops at the Lake. This is a good option if you want to see lots of places in one go. But your time to see each location can be more limited.
- Take a private limousine or taxi.
Can you Drive to Moraine Lake?
No, you can no longer drive your own vehicle to Moraine Lake. Instead you’ll have to take a shuttle.
There are two exceptions to the rule: having a parking pass for people with disabilities, or reserving a night at the Moraine Lake Lodge, which has its own private parking lot for guests. Just be aware that rooms at the Moraine Lake Lodge run upwards of $1000 per night!
It’s also possible to walk, hike or bike the road up to Moraine Lake (see above). We don’t recommend this option for most visitors as it’s a 28km round trip through bear country!
Best Moraine Lake Shuttle
For most visitors
We recommend taking the Parks Canada (Park and Ride) shuttle. It’s the least expensive, runs every 20 minutes, and gives you access to the Connector Bus between Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. You can easily see both lakes in one day.
For photographers
Photographers especially will appreciate the Sunrise Shuttle. They calculate the departure times through the seasons to make sure you arrive 45 minutes before sunrise to get your location scouted and tripod set up.
They even offer an optional guided photography workshop for an extra $75 per person (group sizes up to 4.) Breakfast is also included with their Moraine Lake and Lake Louise trip.
Sunrise trips are also offered by the Canmore Travel Shuttle.
If you’re staying in Canmore
If you’re staying in Canmore (about 20 minutes from Banff), there’s a convenient option that will take you straight to Moraine Lake as well as Lake Louise: the Canmore Travel Shuttle. They even pick up from four of the major hotels in Canmore.
Enjoy your visit!
We hope this article helped clear up what can be a confusing subject! Enjoy your visit to Moraine Lake.
