Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Shuttles: Routes, Fares, and How to Book
The shuttle system is the only way to reach Moraine Lake and Lake Louise by peak season — both roads close to personal vehicles, and parking fills before 7:00 AM. The good news: with the right information, visiting both lakes in a single day is straightforward and genuinely stress-free. Everything you need is on this page: booking steps, fares, schedules, departure logistics, private alternatives, and answers to the questions guests ask most.
There are three different ways to visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
Parks Canada Shuttle
Official reservation system. The most pouplar option — book early.
Private Shuttle
Guaranteed seats, hotel pick up, and smaller group sizes.
Hike or Bike
For self-sufficient visitors. Lake Louise only — Moraine Lake road is closed to bikes.
Parks Canada Shuttle Routes & Schedules
One shuttle ticket includes access to the Lake Connector bus (linking both lakes) and your return trip.
| Route | 2026 Dates | Frequency | First/Last Bus |
| Lake Louise Lakeshore | May 15 – Oct 12 | Every 30 Mins | 6:30 AM / 7:30 PM |
| Moraine Lake Shuttle | June 1 – Oct 12 | Every 30 Mins | 6:30 AM / 7:30 PM |
| Lake Connector (Inter-Lake) | June 1 – Oct 12 | Every 30 Mins | 7:00 AM / 6:00 PM |
| Alpine Start (Moraine Sunrise) | June 1 – Oct 12 | 4 AM & 5 AM | Return via Connector |
Route map: Park and Ride ➡ Lake Louise ➡ Lake Connector ➡ Moraine Lake
All shuttles depart from the Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort (1 Whitehorn Road). There are no stops in the village or at Lake Louise Lakeshore parking.
2026 Fares
There is a non-refundable $3.50 reservation fee if booking online, and $5.50 if booking by telephone.
Adult
$12.75
18 to 64 years of age
Senior
$6.00
65 years of age or over
Child + Youth
$4.00
Up to 17 years of age
Book your Parks Canada Shuttle Reservation
Instructions for Booking a Shuttle Ticket on the Parks Canada Online Portal
- - Click on 'Day Use'
- - Select 'Shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (Banff)'
- - Select your preferred date and party size
- - Choose your route and time
- - At the end of the check out process, you will be asked to edit the ages for each ticket type
- - Purchase, then take screen shots to be fully prepared for pickup
Booking Windows Explained
- Reservations Opening Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 8:00 AM MT (40% of seats).
- Rolling 48-Hour Release: 60% of seats are released at 8:00 AM MT exactly two days before your visit.
- Season Dates: May 15 to October 12, 2026.
- Walk-up seats are not available. All seats must be reserved in advance through the Parks Canada Reservation Service or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
What to Know Before You Go
1
Arrive Early
Arrive 15–30 minutes before your departure window at the Park and Ride.
2
Parks Pass Required
Every visitor needs a valid National Park Pass. Purchase before you arrive — not sold at the shuttle stop.
3
From Mountaineer Lodge
Drive 5 minutes to the Park and Ride. The Samson Mall Connector no longer operates — guests must drive or arrange a taxi.
4
Last Shuttle Back
Final departures at 7:30 PM. Missing it means arranging your own return transport.
Travelling with a pet on the Parks Canada Shuttle
- - Pets are permitted if they travel in a secure, hard-sided carrier small enough to fit on your lap
- - The carrier must stay with you at all times — there is no storage at the lake
- - Certified service animals are permitted regardless of size or carrier
Hiking or Biking to Lake Louise
Visitors who prefer to arrive under their own power can hike or cycle the Lake Louise Lakeshore trail from the village. Note: Moraine Lake Road is closed to cyclists — the shuttle or private transport is the only way to reach Moraine Lake. See the Hiking & Biking to the Lakes guide for trail details, distances, and what to expect.
Top Private Shuttle Alternatives
If you want to skip the complex Parks Canada reservation system entirely, booking a private shuttle is by far the best and most reliable way to reach the lakes. These local partners offer a guaranteed seat and a stress-free experience, allowing you to bypass the Park and Ride crowds and focus on the incredible views.
Moraine Lake Bus Company
ViaVia Moraine Lake Shutle
Expert Advice: Your Shuttle Questions Answered
This section is the definitive resource for navigating the lakes. Our knowledgable consierge team has gathered these insights from 14 years of guiding guests. Our goal is to ensure you have the most up-to-date, field-tested information available for the upcoming summer season. Whether you are arriving from Calgary for the day or traveling across the globe, these answers will help you skip the stress and focus on the scenery.
Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. While you can drive to Lake Louise, the parking lot is usually full before sunrise. A shuttle reservation is the only way to guarantee you see both iconic lakes in one day without the stress of parking.
Because Parks Canada tickets sell out quickly, we highly recommend the Moraine Lake Bus Company. They offer convenient pickups from the Lake Louise Summer Gondola and Samson Mall with a much simpler booking process.
Reservations open on April 15, 2026, at 8:00 AM MDT via the Parks Canada website. We recommend creating your account in advance so you are ready to book as soon as availability opens. Walk-up seats are not available.
Yes. All shuttle seats must be reserved in advance through the Parks Canada Reservation Service or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
40% of the season's seats are released on April 15. The remaining 60% are released on a rolling basis exactly 48 hours before departure at 8:00 AM MDT. If space is available, you can book up until 30 minutes before the bus departs.
If the Parks Canada shuttle is full, do not panic. You can:
1. Check the reservation site 48 hours before your desired date at 8:00 AM sharp.
2. Book a private shuttle through the Moraine Lake Bus Company (our top recommendation).
3. Take Roam Public Transit (Route 8X or 8S) from Banff.
4. Visit other stunning local gems like Herbert Lake or Bow Lake.
Yes. Every visitor to Banff National Park requires a valid National Park Pass (Discovery Pass or Day Pass). This is separate from your shuttle reservation and must be purchased before you arrive.
Yes. Every reservation includes a non-refundable booking fee of $3.50 if you book online, or $5.50 if you book by telephone.
Your fare includes:
1. The ride from the Park and Ride to your first lake.
2. Unlimited use of the Lake Connector bus to travel between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
3. Your return journey back to the Park and Ride lot.
No. All Parks Canada shuttles depart from the Park and Ride located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort (1 Whitehorn Rd). There are no shuttle stops in the village itself, and village parking is extremely limited.
Please arrive at the Park and Ride 15–30 minutes before your scheduled departure window.
Once you have checked in at the Park and Ride, you can use the Lake Connector shuttle to travel between the two lakes. This service is free with your shuttle proof-of-purchase.
No. To access the shuttle system, you must start your journey at the Park and Ride lot at the Ski Resort. You cannot board the Moraine Lake shuttle from the Lake Louise parking lot without a valid boarding pass from the Park and Ride.
The free "Samson Mall Connector" is no longer operating. Guests at Mountaineer Lodge must drive their own vehicle (5 minutes) or arrange a taxi to the Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
The last return shuttles usually depart at 7:30 PM. If you miss the final bus, you will need to contact a local taxi service to get back to the village or the Park and Ride.
Yes, accessible buses are available upon request at the Park and Ride. However, please note that the Alpine Start (4:00 AM/5:00 AM) shuttles are not wheelchair accessible this year.
Yes, but only if they are in a secure, hard-sided carrier small enough to fit on your lap. You must keep the carrier with you at all times as there is no storage at the lakes. Certified service animals are permitted regardless of size.
Strollers and large hiking packs are permitted on the shuttles as space allows.
No. Parks Canada shuttle buses are not equipped with bike racks. If you wish to bike to the lakes, please refer to our Hiking and Biking Guide.
Yes. Visitors with a valid parking placard for persons with disabilities are granted vehicle access to both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that while access is permitted, the accessible parking fee at Lake Louise is $8.00 (subject to change).
The best option is the Roam Transit Super Pass. This allows you to reserve a seat on the 8X Express bus from the Banff townsite to Lake Louise. This specific "Super Pass" also includes access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle so you can visit Moraine Lake during the same trip.
Visitors are responsible for their own transport if they miss the 7:30 PM return shuttle. It is important to note that Whitehorn Road (to the Park and Ride) is restricted for wildlife movement between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Entry and exit are controlled by a gate, meaning even a taxi may have limited access to get you back to your car at the Ski Resort after hours.
While shuttles require pets to be in small lap-sized crates, Fairview Limousine is a local private option that can often accommodate pets for an additional fee. This is a great alternative for guests with larger dogs that do not fit in shuttle-approved carriers.
"The location of Mountaineer Lodge is perfect for the shuttles. We drove 5 minutes to the ski resort parking and were on our way to Moraine Lake while others were still driving around looking for spots. The room was clean and the hot tub was exactly what we needed after hiking 12km. Highly recommend staying here if you want to see the lakes without the headache."
Sarah M. | August 2024 on Google
5 minutes from the Park and Ride. Hot tub, free parking, and a renovated room or suite waiting when you return.
STAY AT MOUNTAINEER LODGE. Book direct to save 10% — and skip the 5:00 AM drive from Calgary.
Questions? Call 403-522-3844 or text us at 1.825.602.5240