Lake Louise Shuttle FAQ
Do you have questions about Lake Louise Summer Shuttles?
2024 SUMMER SHUTTLE INFORMATION COMING MID-APRIL
There's a lot to know before you go! Get your answers here.
1. WHY SHOULD I CATCH A SHUTTLE TO LAKE LOUISE AND MORAINE LAKE?
Parking lots at Moraine Lake and the Lake Louise lakeshore typically fill by sunrise.
Moraine Lake road is closed to private vehicles. Only Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, and commercial buses are permitted to access Moraine Lake Road between June 1 to mid-October. Exact dates may vary depending on snow conditions.
A reservation on the Parks Canada shuttle provides visitors certainty in visiting both these iconic destinations.
2. WHEN CAN I MAKE MY RESERVATION?
Reservations are available online starting April 18 at 8 am via Parks Canada.
Book Here
Tip: Create a Parks Canada account prior to booking your reservation so when availability opens, you are ready.
Walk-up seats are not permitted.
3. DO I NEED TO MAKE A RESERVATION?
Yes, all shuttle reservations must be made in advance through the reservation service.
Reservations can be booked online or through the call centre at 1-877-737-3783.
4. HOW LATE CAN I MAKE A RESERVATION?
Limited ticket sales will be available at 8 a.m. MDT two days before your departure. If seats are available, reservations can be made up to 30 minutes before departure.
5. DO I NEED TO HAVE A PARK PASS IN ADDITION TO MY SHUTTLE BOOKING?
Yes, you will need the Parks Canada Pass on top of your shuttle reservation.
Purchase a Parks Canada Pass HERE.
6. THE SHUTTLES TO MORAINE LAKE AND LAKE LOUISE ARE FULLY BOOKED. WHAT DO I DO?
As reservations may fluctuate throughout the day as people cancel and free up their spots, Parks Canada recommends visitors keep checking the reservation system in advance of their visit.
Additionally:
- Take Roam Route 8X or 8S to Lake Louise from Banff.
- Plan for an alternate day (48 hours out to secure a reservation).
- Drive a personal vehicle to the lake and try and find a parking stall (fees apply to Lake Louise Lakeshore). Please note, if you do want to take your private car, have patience and know that parking can fill quickly (before sunrise) and remain full throughout the day. Vehicles will be turned away if parking lots are full and there is nowhere to wait for an available stall.
- Visit BanffNow for real-time information including availability of parking, major traffic events, and more.
- Plan to visit a different location that day. Check out our blog post: 23 Enchanting Lakes That Showcase Natural Beauty of Banff. These are spectacular gems which provide a vastly different experience from Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
- Private shuttles and sightseeing tours are also available - rates apply. The one we recommend is Moraine Lake Bus Company. You can book through their website here.
7. WHAT'S THE EASIEST AND MOST CONVENIENT WAY TO GET TO MORAINE LAKE?
Parks Canada shuttles are in high demand and can often be tricky to get a seat. We highly recommend booking a ticket through Moraine Lake Bus Company.
Ticket Price: $35 + tax/adult or $25 + tax/child
Stops:
- Lake Louise Summer Gondola
- Samson Mall
- Moraine Lake
- Samson Mall
- Lake Louise Summer Gondola
8. CAN I PARK MY CAR AT LAKE LOUISE VILLAGE AND CATCH THE SHUTTLE?
Parking is limited at Lake Louise Village. All shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake leave from the Park & Ride, located at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Parks Canada shuttles transporting guests directly to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise do not stop in the village.
9. WHAT TIME DO I NEED TO BE AT THE SHUTTLE?
Arrive 15 – 30 minutes before shuttle departure.
10. ARE PARKS CANADA BUSES ACCESSIBLE?
Parks Canada shuttle busses are not wheelchair accessible. They do allow access for those with limited abilities.
11. HOW DO I GET BETWEEN LAKE LOUISE AND MORAINE LAKE?
A connector shuttle is available, free of charge, for those who have reserved a seat on the Parks Canada shuttle.
Departures will be every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
*NEW in 2024: the Alpine Start Shuttle departs at 4 am and 5 am. This shuttle is designed for visitors who want to arrive early to beat the crowds and catch the sunrise (limited spaces available).
12. I AM PARKED AT THE LAKE LOUISE LAKESHORE. CAN I HOP ON THE SHUTTLE TO MORAINE LAKE FROM HERE?
No, this is not an option, unlike in previous years. The best way to access Moraine Lake is by reserving a shuttle ahead of time and hopping on from the Lake Louise Park and Ride (located at the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola).
13. WHAT IF I MISS THE LAST DEPARTURE FROM THE LAKES?
Taxi services are available from the lakes. Click here for more information on taxi services.
14. ARE PETS ALLOWED?
Animals are allowed on Parks Canada shuttles, but only if in a carrying case that is small enough to fit on a lap. There is no storage for carriers at the lakes so you must be prepared to carry it for the entirety of your visit. Certified assistance animals of any size are permitted. Owners of assistance animals should be prepared to show the animal's verification of training.
15. CAN I BRING STROLLERS AND BACKPACKS?
Strollers are allowed on Parks Canada Shuttles if space permits.
16. CAN I BRING BIKES ON THE SHUTTLE?
No, the Lake Louise shuttle buses are not equipped to carry bikes at this time.
Refer to Hiking and Biking to Lake Louise to plan and know what to expect.
Important Lake Louise Shuttle Information
photography credit to Nick Fitzhardinge
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