Getting to Lake Louise & Getting Around Without a Car
You can reach us by shuttle, rental car, or personal vehicle. Once you arrive, you can leave the keys behind. We make it easy to reach the lakes and the slopes.
How Do I Get To Mountaineer Lodge?
Distance from Calgary: 172 km / 1 hour and 48 minutes
Distance from Edmonton: 450 km / 4 hours and 34 minutes
Distance from Vancouver: 791 km / 8 hours and 23 minutes
Getting Here is Part of the Adventure
You will drive through some of the most famous mountain scenery on earth. Most guests fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC) and head west into the Rockies. The drive is a straight shot on the Trans-Canada Highway.
You can choose the travel style that fits your trip. Many visitors book a shuttle so they can look at the peaks instead of the road. Others rent a car to have total freedom. Once you arrive at 101 Village Road, you are in the heart of the village. You can park your car in our free lot and walk to local shops and cafes.
Arriving in Lake Louise
Trade the boarding pass for a parking pass and let us take it from here.
Shuttle from Calgary (YYC)
Brewster Express
This is the most reliable door-to-door service. It picks you up at Calgary International Airport and drops you off directly at our front door at 101 Village Road.
Private Transfers & Charters
Mountain Park Transportation, Banff on Demand & Airport Shuttle Express
Best for families or groups of 4+. Airport Shuttle Express can handle groups from 1 to 30 people. Why book this: You set the schedule. No waiting for other passengers. It is a direct shot from the airport terminal to your room.
Rental Cars (Calgary & Local)
Enterprise, Hertz, National, Avis
You can pick up a car at YYC airport for the drive up.
Pro Tip: In winter (Nov–Apr), ensure your rental has winter tires. It is not only a legal requirement, but also an important safety precaution.
Exploring Lake Louise and the Surrounding Area
Keep your eyes on the glaciers and leave the steering to the locals.
The Free Ski Shuttle (Winter)
Mountaineer Lodge ↔ Lake Louise Ski Resort.
This is a complimentary service for our guests. You can skip the struggle of finding a parking spot at the ski hill. Distance: 3km (5-minute ride). Leave your car in our free parking lot. The shuttle picks you up right outside our lobby.
ROAM Public Transit (Route 8X)
Lake Louise ↔ Banff.
This is the "Express" bus. It is the best way to visit the town of Banff without worrying about parking.
Pro Tip: Use the Token Transit app to buy tickets on your phone. You should reserve your seat for the 8X online during peak summer months to guarantee a spot.
Summer Lake Shuttles
Destinations: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Lakeshore.
Personal cars are not allowed at Moraine Lake. You must use the Parks Canada Shuttle. Insider Tip: Park for free at Mountaineer Lodge. Walk to the village connector to catch the shuttle. You will save the $30+ daily parking fee charged at the lake lots.
Local Rental Cars for Day Trips
Hertz, National, and Enterprise.
You can rent a car right here in Lake Louise for a day of exploring. This is perfect if you want to drive the Icefields Parkway or visit one of these 23 other amazing lakes.
Pro Tip: Availability is very limited in the village. You must book these weeks in advance during the summer and winter seasons.
Getting Here & Around: Common Questions
No. You can take a shuttle from Calgary Airport and use the ROAM bus or our free ski shuttle once you arrive. Many guests find it easier to use transit because parking at the major lakes is very limited and expensive.
Yes. Parks Canada runs a Lake Connector shuttle for people who have a valid shuttle reservation. You cannot drive your personal car to Moraine Lake, so booking this shuttle is the only way to see the sunrise there.
Uber does not operate in Lake Louise. Taxis are very limited and usually need to be booked hours in advance. We recommend using the scheduled shuttles or ROAM transit for the most reliable travel.
Parking at the Lake Louise lakeshore costs $36.75 per vehicle per day during the summer. You can avoid this fee by staying at Mountaineer Lodge, where guest parking is free, and using the local connector shuttles.
Your Adventure Starts Here
The journey is long, but the reward is worth it. Once you pull into our parking lot at 101 Village Road, your work is done. You can check in, drop your bags, and let the mountain air take over.
We handle the details so you can focus on the view. Whether you need a shuttle to the lake or a warm place to rest after the drive from Vancouver, we are ready for you. You have found your basecamp. Now it is time to explore.