Q) Why can't I drive to Moraine Lake?
A) Very limited parking near Moraine Lake has created safety concerns and a negative visitor experience in the past years. As of June 1, 2023, personal vehicle access to Moraine Lake is no longer permitted. Parks Canada shuttle service and other commercial transportation and tour operators are the only ways to visit the lake.
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.
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:
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.
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