Lake Louise Shuttle
Lake Louise is open year-round and offers spectacular scenery in every season, from emerald waters in summer to snow-covered peaks and ice skating in winter. While the summer shuttle service has now ended, there are still several ways to reach this iconic destination. Roam Transit Route 8X operates daily, select guided tours continue to run, and limited parking is available for those driving themselves. Visitors should be aware that parking fills quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so planning ahead is key.
Summer shuttles will resume in mid-May, 2026. Most providers open for reservations in early 2026, making this a great time to start planning your visit. Below, you’ll find a list of shuttle, bus, and tour options to help you experience Lake Louise.
Options for Getting to Lake Louise in Summer 2026
Parks Canada Shuttles
Shuttle reservations will open in the spring in 2026, 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 - Oct
- Shuttle frequency: 6:30am - 6pm
- Last return shuttle: 7:30pm
Reservations
- 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 am MT 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, this can be done using a Canadian mobile banking login, Facebook login, Google login or by creating a GC Key.
- Daily Shuttles:
- Fairview Limousine and Moraine Lake Bus Company operate shuttles multiple times daily from June to October with various pick-up points available in Lake Louise.
- Mountain Park Transportation offers shuttles from Banff town with a stop at Lake Louise and Moraine lake.
- Ten Peaks Shuttles & Tours offer shuttles from Banff, the Bow Valley Parkway and Lake Louise accommodations.
- Double your adventure with the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola's gondola and shuttle package.
- Pet Friendly Shuttles: Fairview Limousine is able to accommodate well behaved furry friends, an extra fee may apply. The Parks Canada Shuttles and Moraine Lake Bus Company can accommodate service animals and pets in a small crate that can fit on your lap. Please reach out to companies directly to fully understand their pet policies.
Book a spot on a guided tour and enjoy a hassle free visit to Moraine Lake from June to October and other iconic Banff National Park locations. The below providers 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. Bookings essential. See schedule & reserve now.
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are located in close proximity to each other. If you're looking to visit, take photos and go for a short hike, it's very easy to do both of these iconic locations in the same day. See your options below.
- Parks Canada:
- When booking with Parks Canada your shuttle reservation includes access to the Lake Connector shuttle at no added cost. This shuttle is first come first served and will take you between both lakes. It also includes your return trip to the Park and Ride, from either lake.
- Roam Public Transit:
- Book a Reservable Super Pass and reserve your seats on Roam Route 8X to Lake Louise. This pass offers unlimited travel on all Roam Transit services and is the only pass that includes a round-trip on Parks Canada's Lake Connector Shuttle from Lake Louise Lakeshore to Moraine Lake. Online purchase only.
- Guided Tours or Shuttles:
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 and will open in the spring. You can reserve online at https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
- 60% of the shuttle tickets are released at 8 am MT 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, this can be done using a Canadian mobile banking login, Facebook login, Google login or by creating a GC Key.
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 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 7 pm.
Q) Can I bring my pet to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?
A) Fairview Limousine is able to accommodate pets, an extra fee may apply. The Parks Canada Shuttles and Moraine Lake Bus Company can accommodate service animals and pets in a small crate that can fit on your lap. Please reach out to companies directly to fully understand their pet policies.
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 $36.75 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 am MT, 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. 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
- 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.
Q) What if I miss the last shuttle back from Lake Louise?
A) Parks Canada takes great care to ensure that shuttle riders are aware of the last return shuttle times and do not get stranded at the lakes. Visitors who miss their return transportation, are responsible for securing their own transport back to their vehicles or accommodations (including any costs incurred). Visitors are strongly encouraged to be mindful of the time for their return travel.
Visitors returning after the last Parks Canada shuttle has departed to the Park and Ride should note: Access to Whitehorn Road is restricted for wildlife movement between 8 pm and 6 am from May to October, entry and exit is controlled by a gate and there is limited public access.
Cell service and Wi-Fi capabilities are available in many areas around Lake Louise and the Lake Louise Lakeshore. See Daily Shuttles section for a current list of commercial operators offering taxi and transportation services.
Don’t forget to buy your Park Pass
In addition to transit, shuttle and parking 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.