Contact Us
The Banff and Lake Louise Visitor Services Team are here to help with all your questions. We are available virtually and in person seven day a week.
Virtual Visitor Information
Available 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.
SMS: 587-905-0848
Email: info@banfflakelouise.com
Telephone: 403-762-8421 or toll free 877-762-8421
Lake Louise Visitor Centre
Open daily: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Samson Mall, 201 Village Rd, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0
Banff Visitor Centre
Open daily: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
224 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB T1L 1B3
Banff Mobile Visitor Information
Look for the purple tent!
Connect with us on social media
Facebook: @Banfflakelouise
Instagram: @Banff_LakeLouise
Twitter: @BanffLakeLouise
*Hours are subject to change without notice. UTC - 7 Mountain Time.
Meet our local experts
FEATURED FAQ'S FOR THE MONTH OF MAY
How can I visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise with the Parks Canada shuttle?
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are very popular sightseeing spots throughout the summer, and for good reason! Both parking lots are usually full by sunrise. The best way to get to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is by taking the Parks Canada Shuttle. The shuttle will be available to Lake Louise from May 13th and to Moraine Lake from June 1st. The shuttles depart from the new Park & Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, just a five minute drive from the village of Lake Louise. Reservations are required and will open for the season on May 4th, 2022. Learn how to make a reservation here.
Which turquoise lakes are thawed out in May?
Many of the lakes in Banff National Park will begin to thaw around the end of May. Each year the thaw cycle is a little different based on temperatures and the amount of snowfall we received. Lakes at lower elevation tend to thaw first such as Vermillion Lake, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake and Emerald Lake. The higher alpine turquoise lakes such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake all take longer to thaw and the ice is usually gone by the end of June. Keep an eye on the webcams available at some of the lakes to watch them change to that famous turquoise colour throughout the summer!
Where can I spot wildlife?
Banff National Park is famous for its diverse wildlife and May is a great time to spot a few. Some of the animals you will find here include deer, elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, black bears, grizzly bears and moose. These animals love to venture out around dawn or dusk. Take a drive up Mt Norquay and you may see some bighorn sheep; or journey along the Minnewanka Loop to spot some deer, elk or even a bear. The Banff golf course loop is also famous for elk sightseeing, the large herds love to hang out here and the best way to explore this area is by bike! To increase your chances of seeing wildlife, join Discover Banff Tours for a guided Evening Wildlife Safari.
*When viewing wild animals please keep your distance, do not feed them and don’t provoke them. This is for your safety as well as the animals
What happens along the Bow Valley Parkway during the month of May?
Parks Canada is launching a pilot program for cycling on the Bow Valley Parkway by limiting vehicles along the eastern 17 km of the road for seven days a week from May 1 to June 25, and from September 1 to September 30. During this time, vehicle access to Johnston Canyon’s day-use area, trail, and campground will be maintained via the Castle Junction interchange on the Trans-Canada Highway. Cyclists are encouraged to start and end their journey in the Town of Banff by parking at the Train Station Public Parking Lot.