Lake Louise Shuttle
Roam Public Transit Route 8X operates a daily service from Banff to Lake Louise year-round. All other shuttle services have now ended for the season. See shuttle options below to start planning for your summer 2024 visit. Note that opening dates to book shuttles will vary by providers.
Options for Getting to Lake Louise in Summer 2024
Parks Canada Shuttles
Shuttle reservations will open in the spring of 2024, check the Parks Canada website for updates. Reservations must be made in advance through the Parks Canada reservation website.
Shuttle Dates & Times:
- Operation dates: Daily from May 18 - Oct 14, 2024
- Shuttle frequency: 6:30am - 6pm
- Last return shuttle: 7:30pm
Fee Information:
- Adults (18-64): $8
- Senior (65+): $4
- Youth (17 & under): Free
- Visit the Parks Canada website for more information on fees
The Parks Canada Shuttles, Moraine Lake Bus Company and Mountain Park Transportation can accommodate service animals and pets in a small crate that they can fit on their lap. WowBanff and Fairview Limousine are able to accommodate well behaved larger dogs, an extra fee may apply. Please reach out to companies directly to fully understand their pet policies.
Fairview Limousine, Mountain Park Transportation, and Moraine Lake Bus Company all operate shuttles multiple times daily from June to October with various pick-up points available in Lake Louise. Or double your adventure with the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola's gondola and shuttle package.
Book a spot on a guided tour and enjoy a hassle free visit to Lake Louise and other iconic Banff National Park locations. Brewster Sightseeing, Discover Banff Tours, HopOnBanff, Mountain Park Transportation, Radventures, White Mountain Adventures ABest Transport and Tour Services, Banff Sedan, WowBanff and Yamnuska all offer tours that include a stop at Lake Louise.
Route 8X - Lake Louise Express: Departing year-round, daily from downtown Banff, this service travels directly to the Lake Louise Lakeshore. We strongly recommend reserving your seat in advance. See schedule & reserve now.
Route 8S - Lake Louise Scenic: Departing in July and August, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from downtown Banff, this service travels to the Lake Louise Lakeshore via the Bow Valley Parkway with stops at Johnston Canyon, Castle Junction, Protection Mountain and Baker Creek. We strongly recommend reserving your seat in advance. See schedule & reserve now.
Q) How do I use the Parks Canada shuttle system?
A) The shuttles take you to both lakes, departing from the Park & Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Sightseeing Gondola.
- Reservations are required online at https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
- 60% of the shuttle tickets are released at 8 a.m. MST two days before, so check back two days in advance for more availability.
- TIP: Visitors need to create an account on the Parks Canada reservation site either using their Canadian mobile banking login or by creating a GC Key if they are from outside of Canada.
- KNOW: Visitors staying in Lake Louise can take the free Village and Campground connector from the Lake Louise Campground and the Roam bus stop to the Park & Ride, located at the bus stop just outside the Samson Mall. It will depart every 30 minutes between 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Q) What if I do not have a vehicle?
A) Reserve the Roam Transit Super Pass for access from Banff to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. This pass allows you to make a return reservation on Routes 8X and 8S to the Lake Louise Lakeshore departing from the Banff High School and gives you access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector Shuttle between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
- KNOW: The last Connector Shuttle between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is at 6 p.m.
Q) Can I bring my pet to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?
A) Certified assistance animals are allowed on the Parks Canada shuttle. Passenger pets are allowed but must be crated in a clean carrier and small enough to fit on a persons’ lap.
- TIP: See more pet friendly shuttle options above
Q) Is accessible parking available at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?
A) Yes, visitors in possession of a parking placard for persons with disabilities will be granted vehicle access to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on a first-come first-served basis.
- The accessible parking fee at Lake Louise is $8 and $21 for all other vehicles.
Q) How do I visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake when all Parks Canada shuttles are booked?
A) If your desired time slot appears to be sold out, remember that just 40% of tickets were released in May for pre-purchase. The remaining 60% are released on a rolling window two days (48 hours) before the departure date at 8 a.m. MST, providing ample opportunity for you to visit this summer.
Can’t get a reservation to Moraine Lake or Lake Louise on your specified date? Roam Public Transit route 8X offers daily direct service between Banff and Lake Louise and route 8S offers an indirect service to Lake Louise via the Bow Valley Parkway, with optional stops at popular attractions including Lake Minnewanka, the Banff Gondola, and Johnston Canyon. Other suggested options:
- View the commercial transportation and tour options above and visit their websites to check availability.
- Rent a bike at Wilson Mountain Sports or the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Sightseeing Gondola
- Visit Lake Louise in the evening as days are long in the summer.
Q) Where can I park my car if I am going to take transit/sightseeing tours around Banff National Park?
A) In and around the Banff townsite, visitors can park at the Banff Train Station for free. Walk 10 minutes to the Roam Transit hub and access most key attractions in and around town and Banff National Park such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka, the Banff Gondola, Banff Upper Hot Springs and many campgrounds.
- TIP: Please note that paid parking is in effect and limited in the downtown core; park for the day at a designated long-term parking lot and use transit and shuttles to get around. See options here.
Don’t forget to buy your Park Pass
In addition to transit and shuttle fees, everyone visiting Banff or Lake Louise needs to purchase a Park Pass for entry into the National Park. Buy yours online and save time and hassle when arriving at the park entrance.