How to visit Lake Louise: 6 tips for max enjoyment

It's not just any lake, it's Lake Louise! It's world-famous for its iconic glacier-fed blue waters backdropped by the towering Mount Victoria. It's why people from around the world gather on the shores to capture the most sought-after photos in a camera reel.

When it comes to visiting Lake Louise, it's not as simple as driving up to Chateau Lake Louise, parking, and walking out to the shoreline. We all wish! The parking is limited and the shoreline area can quickly become quite busy with everyone vying for the best photo opp. You left the city and its parking issues for a reason!

Here are 6 tips on how to visit Lake Louise for maximum enjoyment.

#1 - Leave your car parked at the Mountaineer Lodge
Parks Canada offers shuttle service to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. You will have to make a reservation but this is the easiest and cheapest way to explore the lakes. You like easy don't you? There are even shuttles that go to Banff daily so you can tour the town without a parking hassle there too!

#2 - Book your seat on the shuttle to Lake Louise
Skip the driving, the parking, the hassle. Make your reservation(s) for the Parks Canada Park & Ride shuttle (click on the 'Day Use' tab). It's the surest way to experience Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to book your seats (How to Book Your Reservation). Screenshot your booking and save it to your phone or print out your confirmation.

Where do get the shuttle? Great question! Guests of the Mountaineer Lodge can walk over (only a few steps) to the intersection bus stop to catch the Park & Ride Connector which takes you to the Lake Louise Ski Resort. It's free, it goes every 30 minutes, and it's a great way to also see the ski resort in the summertime.

#4 - Skip the connections and go with a Guide
Discover Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Tour with Discover Banff Tours. They offer door-to-door service from the Mountaineer Lodge and serve up local knowledge and incredible sightseeing at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

#5 - Book a private or semi-private shuttle
Mountain Park Transportation offers pick-up at the Mountaineer Lodge and direct service to Moraine Lake.

Our Favourite! #6 - Take the shuttle to Lake Louise and hike back to the hotel
What's a visit to Lake Louise without a woodland walk? Take the Louise Creek Trail by the bridge near the Lake Louise shoreline. You will walk through a thick subalpine forest following the entire length of the Creek as it rushes from Lake Louise to the Bow River.

However you choose to explore Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, it's a memory to last a lifetime.
Please remember that your shuttle reservation does not include a Parks park pass. Get your park pass here.

GOT QUESTIONS? Here are some hotlinks for more information

Lake Louise Summer Shuttle Ticket Fares

Shuttle Routes

Departure Details

Frequently Asked Questions