Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Banff National Park

Visitors can expect significant traffic disruptions throughout the summer due to construction in the Lake Louise area. More information and project updates can be found here. The website will be updated as the project progresses, and impacts are known.

Due to high demand, visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake requires planning. Parking lots fill up before sunrise and remain full until sunset. Taking transit or booking a Parks Canada shuttle is easy, stress-free and the only way to ensure you see these iconic lakes. Booking your shuttle in advance is required.

Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year round.

Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, and commercial operators are permitted from June to mid-October. Exceptions will be made for visitors with valid parking placards, for people with disabilities, and guests of Moraine Lake Lodge.

There are multiple ways to access Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Easy. A bus icon on a green background.

Parks Canada shuttles

Recommended for visitors driving to Lake Louise or staying in the community of Lake Louise.

When: May to October

Learn more

Reserve now!

 

Easy. A bus icon on a green background.

Roam Public Transit

Recommended for visitors staying in the town of Banff.

When: Year-round

Learn more

Reserve now!

 

Moderate. Hiking and bike icons on an orange background

Hiking or biking

Recommended to visitors staying nearby or getting dropped off in the community of Lake Louise.

When: May to October

Learn more

 

Difficult. A car icon on a red background.

Driving a personal vehicle

Suitable for visitors with flexible plans to visit Lake Louise Lakeshore as finding parking is unlikely. Payment required May to October.

When: Year-round

Learn more

 

Booking with commercial transportation operators is also an option. Visit Banff Lake Louise Tourism for a list of tour providers.


Easy. A bus icon on a green background. Parks Canada shuttles

Booking a seat on a Parks Canada shuttle is the best way to make the most of your time in Banff National Park and guarantees the ability to see both iconic destinations in one day! Reserve your shuttle ticket online and park your vehicle at the Lake Louise Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Reservations for shuttles are available April 18, 2024. Additional seats will be released in a rolling window, at 8 am MDT two days prior to departure day.

Reserve now!

If you do not have a reservation on the Parks Canada shuttle, Roam Public Transit, or other transportation provider, you should consider returning when you have secured reservations in advance. Visitors without reservations are not likely to find parking at Lake Louise.

Fares

Visit our fees page for pricing. One ticket includes access to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (via the Lake Connector), as well as your return trip to your vehicle.

Your shuttle ticket does not include a national park entry fee and your national park entry fee does not serve as a shuttle ticket. Both are required.

Reservations

Reservations for shuttles are available April 18, 2024. Additional seats will be released in a rolling window, at 8 am MDT two days prior to departure day.

Reservations are required for all Parks Canada shuttles departing the Lake Louise Park and Ride to either lake as well as the Alpine Start shuttles. Once at the lakes you may stay as long as you choose and connect between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on a first-come, first-served basis, via the Lake Connector shuttle (available to Parks Canada Shuttle reservation or Roam Public Transit Reservable Super Pass holders only). Your ticket includes return shuttle service from either lake back to the Park and Ride when you are ready.

One ticket gives you the flexibility to see both iconic lakes in the same day or spend the day exploring one lake - the choice is yours!

Reserve now!

Routes & frequency

Five routes provide easy access to the Lake Louise Lakeshore, Moraine Lake and offer travel between the Lake Louise Campground and the Park and Ride.

Dates Frequency Departure schedule (MDT) Last return shuttle (MDT) Route Connects to Reservation required
a purple square Lake Louise Lakeshore May 17 to October 14 Every 30 minutes 6:30 am to 6 pm 7:30 pm Park and Ride ↔ Lake Louise Lakeshore Lake Connector route Park and Ride Connector route Reserve
a purple triangle Moraine Lake June 1 to October 14 Every 30 minutes 6:30 am to 6 pm 7:30 pm Park and Ride ↔ Moraine Lake Lake Connector route Park and Ride Connector route Reserve
New!
a purple star Alpine Start
June 1 to October 14  2 departures daily 4 am and 5 am 7 pm via the Lake Connector Lake Louise Lakeshore ↔ Moraine Lake Lake Connector route Reserve
Reservations do not include paid parking fees for the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking
a pink rectangle Lake Connector June 1 to October 14  Every 30 minutes 7 am to 7 pm Lake Louise Lakeshore ↔ Moraine Lake Roam Public Transit Reservable Super Pass Lake Louise Lakeshore routeMoraine Lake route No. Free for reservation holders.
Park and Ride Connector May 17 to October 14 Every 30 minutes 7 am to 7:30 pm Lake Louise Campground to community of Lake Louise and the Park and Ride Lake Louise Lakeshore routeMoraine Lake route No. Free for reservation holders.

Note: Your shuttle trip must begin and end at the Park and Ride where Parks Canada staff will check you in. Ticket holders who attempt to park at the Lake Louise Lakeshore paid lot will not be permitted on the shuttle. Parking at the Park and Ride is free. Only Alpine Start reservation holders must board their shuttle at the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking. Shuttle riders leaving a vehicle at the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot will be required to pay for parking.

 Lake Louise Lakeshore

When: Daily from May 17 to October 14, 2024
Where:This service runs between the Lake Louise Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort (1 Whitehorn Road) and the Lake Louise Lakeshore.
Service Frequency: Every 30 minutes between 6:30 am and 6 pm. (8 am to 6 pm May 17-31). The final return bus from Lake Louise Lakeshore to the Park and Ride is at 7:30 pm.

Advance reservations required.

Reserve now!

a purple triangle Moraine Lake

When: Daily from June 1 to October 14, 2024
Where:This service runs between the Lake Louise Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort (1 Whitehorn Road) and Moraine Lake.
Service Frequency: Every 30 minutes between 6:30 am and 6 pm. The final return bus from Moraine Lake to the Park and Ride is at 7:30 pm.

Advance reservations required.

Reserve now!

Important information: Moraine Lake is considered backcountry. There is no cell service, Wi-Fi, running water or other services including lighting along the road. Pit toilets are available at the lake. There is Cell phone reception available approximately 5km away from the lake down Moraine Lake Road.

New! a purple star Alpine Start

When: Daily from June 1 to October 14, 2024
Where:This service runs between Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake.
Service Frequency: 2 departure times daily (4 am and 5 am)

Visitors looking for an earlier start to Moraine Lake can now reserve two early morning departures daily. Parks Canada is offering a limited number of Alpine Start shuttle tickets with departures at 4 am and 5 am. Advanced reservations are required.

Important information: Alpine Start shuttle riders should note that Alpine Start departures leave from the Lake Louise Lakeshore (not the Lake Louise Park and Ride). Shuttle riders leaving a vehicle at the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot to use the shuttle will be required to pay a daily parking rate and must show proof of purchase for paid parking before boarding. Alpine Start riders will return to their vehicles via the Lake Connector shuttle. The first Lake Connector shuttle departure from Moraine Lake will be at 7 am.

Learn more about parking at Lake Louise.

Reserve now!

a pink rectangle Lake Connector

When: Daily from June 1 to October 14, 2024
Where:This service runs between Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake
Service Frequency:

  • Lake Louise to Moraine Lake: Every 30 minutes between 7 am and 7 pm
  • Moraine Lake to Lake Louise: Every 30 minutes between 7 am and 7 pm

The Lake Connecter shuttle is for reservation holders only after they have checked in at the Park and Ride (boarding pass required), Alpine Start shuttle reservations holders looking to return to their vehicle (boarding pass required) or those riders who have purchased a Roam Public Transit Reservable Super Pass. The shuttle is free of charge with your reservation and is first come first served. You do not need to book a specific time for the Lake Connector shuttle.

Note about parking: Your shuttle trip must begin and end at the Park and Ride where Parks Canada staff will check you in. Ticket holders who attempt to park at the Lake Louise Lakeshore paid lot will not be permitted on the shuttle. Parking at the Park and Ride is free. Only Alpine Start reservation holders must board their shuttle at the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking. Shuttle riders leaving a vehicle at the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot will be required to pay for parking.

Learn more about parking at Lake Louise.

Free access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle with a Roam Public Transit Reservable Super Pass! With the purchase of a Roam Public Transit Reservable Super Pass, visitors will receive free access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle from the Lake Louise Lakeshore or Moraine Lake. Show a valid Roam Public Transit Reservable Super Pass to Parks Canada staff at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake to receive your Parks Canada boarding pass. Restrictions apply, for more information, visit Roam Public Transit.

 

 Park and Ride Connector

When: Daily from May 17 to October 14, 2024
Where:This service runs on a loop between the Lake Louise Campground, the community of Lake Louise (Samson Mall) and the Lake Louise Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort (1 Whitehorn Road).
Service Frequency: Every 30 minutes between 7 am and 7:30 pm.

Insider tip: Staying in the community of Lake Louise or at the Lake Louise campground? Leave your vehicle at your accommodation and take the Park and Ride Connector route to the Park and Ride, to connect with the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttles.

This route does not require reservations. This service is free of charge Visitors looking to connect to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake via the Lake Louise Park and Ride must book a reservation in advance.

Frequently asked questions
Are walk-up tickets available for the Parks Canada shuttle?

Pending availability, reservations can be made up until the minute before the departure window. However, in 2023, shuttle reservations typically sold out 45 minutes after being made available 48-hours in advance. If you do not have a reservation on the Parks Canada Shuttle, Roam Public Transit, or other transportation provider, you should consider visiting alternative areas of the park, or returning when you have secured reservations in advance.

Alpine Start shuttle tickets are not available on a walk-up basis and must be reserved no later than 5 pm MDT the day before your intended departure.

When can I make my reservation?

Reservations for the shuttles are available beginning at 8 am MDT April 18, 2024. Forty percent of the seats for the entire shuttle operation season will be available for reservation at this time. The remaining 60 percent will be released on a rolling window at 8 am, 2 days before the day of departure, throughout the entire season. For example, the second release of tickets for Saturday, June 3 will be available at 8 am on Thursday, June 1.

Visitors must have a reservation in order to access Lake Louise Lakeshore or Moraine Lake by Parks Canada shuttle. All shuttles, except for the Alpine Start Shuttle, originate at the Lake Louise Park and Ride located in the parking lot of the Lake Louise Ski Area at the end of Whitehorn Drive.

Reservations for the regular daytime shuttle service can be made up until the minute before the departure window, however, in 2023 shuttle reservations typically sold out 45 minutes after being made available in the 2-day rolling window.

Reservations for the Alpine Start Shuttle must be made by 5 pm the day before departure.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive with a shuttle reservation. If you do not have a reservation on the Parks Canada Shuttle, Roam Public Transit, or other transportation provider, you should consider returning when you have secured reservations in advance.

How do I book my shuttle reservation?

Reservations must be made through the Parks Canada Reservation Service, or by phoning 1-877-737-3783. An account is required to use the Parks Canada Reservation Service. If you don’t already have an account, Parks Canada recommends creating your account well in advance of purchasing your ticket to ensure a smooth checkout process when booking!

After logging into your account, visitors will be asked to choose their primary destination (either Lake Louise Lakeshore or Moraine Lake). Upon reaching either the Lake Louise Lakeshore or Moraine Lake, reservation holders can ride the Lake Connector route at no extra cost to see both lakes. A proof of purchase will be required for the Lake Connector. The return trip to the Park and Ride is included with the reservation.

Where do I catch the shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?

Most shuttle trips must begin and end at the Lake Louise Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort (1 Whitehorn Road). Click here for directions. Parks Canada staff will check you in. Ticket holders who attempt to park at the Lake Louise Lakeshore paid lot will not be permitted on the shuttle. Parking at the Park and Ride is free.

The Alpine Start shuttle originates and returns to the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot. Parking at this location is subject to a daily rate which must be paid before boarding your shuttle.

If you are staying in the community of Lake Louise or in the Lake Louise Campground, you are encouraged to leave your vehicle at your accommodation and use the free Park and Ride Connector shuttle. Visitors looking to connect to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake via the Lake connector shuttle and the Lake Louise Park and Ride must book a reservation in advance.

Does my reservation give me access to both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in the same day?

Yes, from June 1 to October 14, 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.

Do I need to pay for parking at the Park and Ride?

No, parking at this site is free.

Visitors taking the Alpine Start Shuttle and parking at the Lake Louise Lakeshore are required to pay the daily parking fee.

Why do I need to reserve the shuttle?

As visitation to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake increases, so do the public safety risks. Visitor safety is of the utmost importance for Parks Canada. The shuttle reservation system helps to better manage traffic congestion, allows visitors to plan their trip in advance by guaranteeing access to the lakes, and maintains emergency services access.

Shuttle reservations help to spread visitation out throughout the day, and manages congestion. This improves the overall visitor experience, while also enhancing the protection and preservation of the surrounding area.

Are the shuttles accessible?

At this time, Parks Canada shuttle buses have limited accessibility.

Roam Public Transit is wheelchair accessible and offers service between Town of Banff and Lake Louise.

Vehicles with a disabled parking hang tag will always be granted access to the parking lots and parking is permitted whenever accessible stalls are available. Visitors are advised to clearly display their disabled parking hang tag for traffic control personnel to see. Visitors with a disabled parking hang tag will also be able to travel to Moraine Lake in their personal vehicle between 6:30 am and 8:00 pm when accessible stalls are available, if they are unable to take the shuttle bus.

Can I bring my pet?

Certified assistance animals are allowed on board at no charge. Owners of assistance animals should be prepared to show the animal's verification of training.

Only small passenger pets who can fit on the owner’s lap are permitted. These animals must be crated in a secure and clean carrier, designed and intended for the carrying of animals which is small enough to fit on the owner’s lap.

Passengers must hold onto the carrier at all times and are responsible for the safety of their pet.

Can I bring my watercraft?

The Parks Canada shuttles can accommodate many different types of non-motorized watercraft including inflatable paddleboards, packrafts, inflatable kayaks, and even small hard-sided kayaks provided space permits. If you are unsure about whether your watercraft can be accommodated, please speak to the Parks Canada staff at the park and ride. If the shuttle is unable to accommodate your watercraft, canoe rentals are available at Moraine Lake.

Remember to Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft and water-related gear before entering any river, lake or stream! Anyone launching non-motorized watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, inflatables, and water-related gear are required to complete a self-certification permit every time you enter a new lake, river or stream in Banff National Park. Learn more.

Can I bring a stroller and other equipment?

The Parks Canada shuttles can accommodate strollers and other equipment, such as large backpacks and climbing gear.

How do I get to the Paradise Valley Trailhead?

Camping at the Paradise Valley Backcountry Campground? Simply show up at the Lake Louise Park and Ride kiosk to obtain and pay for your ticket and then board the next available shuttle. All reservations for this campground must be made 24 hours in advance through the Banff or Lake Louise visitor centres. This campground is closed when group access restrictions are in effect due to bear activity.

Day hiking in the Paradise Valley? All passes for Paradise valley access (either multi day or day-use) must be obtained from the Parks Canada kiosk at the Lake Louise Park and Ride. 50 day-use passes will be available each day on a first-come, first served, basis. Simply show up at the Lake Louise Park and Ride kiosk to obtain and pay for your ticket and then board the next available shuttle

To return to the Park and Ride, visitors can hike through to Moraine Lake and catch the shuttle from the lakeshore or return the way they came, and catch the next available shuttle to the Park and Ride from the Paradise Valley Trailhead. Two seats on every return shuttle are reserved for Paradise Valley users.

I am a climber or mountaineer, what should I do?

This year Parks Canada will be offering an Alpine Start shuttle service aimed at climbers, scramblers and hikers who need earlier start times to complete their planned trips. There will be two daily departures – one at 4 am and one at 5 am.

The Alpine Start shuttle is reserved through the Parks Canada Reservation Service and will have the same fares as the daytime shuttles, however there are several key differences in how this service will operate that riders of the Alpine Start shuttle should be aware of:

  • Due to overnight closures on Whitehorn Drive preventing early morning access to the Park and Ride lot at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, visitors taking the Alpine Start shuttle will park at the Lake Louise Lakeshore.
  • The Alpine Start Shuttle will depart from the lakeshore lot and visitors will return to their vehicles using the Lake Connector shuttle. The first Lake Connector shuttle departure from Moraine Lake will be at 7 am.
  • Visitors taking the Alpine Start shuttle and leaving their cars in the Lake Louise Lakeshore lot will be required to show proof of purchase for paid parking in the lot before boarding. Visit our fees page for pricing.
  • Reservations for the Alpine Start Shuttle must be made by 5 pm the day before departure. Parks Canada strongly recommends booking well in advance as reservations sell out quickly.
I have a reservation to the ACC Neil Colgan Hut. Can I drive to Moraine Lake?

No. Climbers and mountaineers are unable to drive private vehicles to Moraine Lake and will need to take the Parks Canada shuttle or a commercial operator that allows for after-hour access.

Multi-day tickets for back country permit holders or ACC groups departing from the Lake Louise Park and Ride are always guaranteed to be available. With either of these groups, no advance reservation is required. Simply show up at the Lake Louise Park and Ride kiosk on the day of your trip to obtain and pay for your ticket and then board the next available shuttle.

If you require an earlier start, you will need to book the Alpine Start Shuttle departures in advance and will be required to pay for parking at the Lake Louise Lakeshore lot.

What is Parks Canada doing to promote of the use of transit?

Parks Canada strongly encourages all visitors to Lake Louise to take transit and avoid the hassle of finding parking in this very busy place. All of Parks Canada’s trip planning materials encourage the use of transit, and we partner with local organizations including the Town of Banff, Roam Public Transit, and Banff Lake Louise Tourism to help ensure prospective visitors and residents are aware of the transit options available to them. Parks Canada is constantly working hard to promote transit at every stage of the trip planning cycle.

What happens if I miss the last shuttle?

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. Visit Banff Lake Louise Tourism for a current list of commercial operators offering taxi and transportation services.

From Moraine Lake:
Moraine Lake Day-use Area does not have cell phone reception or Wi-Fi capabilities. Taxi services are not permitted on Moraine Lake Road, however approved on-call transportation services are offered from 8 pm-7 am.

Visitors returning back to the Moraine Lake Day-use Area between 8 pm and 7 am who require after hours transportation must contact approved operators only. A public phone is located on the path leading up to Moraine Lake Lodge. This phone will allow visitors to contact licensed transportation providers who are permitted to operate after hours on Moraine Lake Road for the current season.

2024 on-call after hours transportation provider (8 pm and 7 am):
Fairview Limousine, (403) 522-3736

  • Moraine Lake to Lake Louise (Lakeshore or community) = $225 + gst for up to 4 people (each additional person = $50 + gst).
  • Moraine Lake to the Town of Banff and surrounding area $450 + gst for up to 4 people (each additional person = $50 + gst).

Please note: rates have been set by the service provider and Parks Canada does not receive any revenue from the fares paid by visitors who use the after hours transportation service.

Cell service is available approximately 5km from the lake, down Moraine Lake Road. Visitors should prepare to be self-sufficient and not rely on the Moraine Lake Lodge for phone use, or shelter. Visitors planning trips that may not be completed during shuttle operational hours can also pre-arrange transportation to and from the lake via licensed commercial transportation services. Access to the lake for these operators will be allowed 24 hours a day.


Easy. A bus icon on a green background. Roam Public Transit

Roam map

No driving required! Leave your vehicle where it is and take Roam Public Transit from the Town of Banff to Lake Louise. Riders who upgrade to the Roam Public Transit Reservable Super Pass can access the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle to Moraine Lake that operates daily from June 1 to October 14, 2024 (7 am to 7 pm). Simple and reservable, leave the driving to us and enjoy the scenery as you travel between these two world class destinations! Restrictions apply, for more information, visit Roam Public Transit.

Routes & frequency
Roam Public Transit Route 8X: Lake Louise Express

Roam Public Transit Route 8X: Lake Louise Express

When: Daily, year-round
Where:Service from the town of Banff to Lake Louise Lakeshore along the Trans-Canada Highway. Reservations are available for this route throughout the summer months and are recommended.

Visit Roam Public Transit for reservations, schedules, fares and information.

Roam Public Transit Route 10: Moraine Lake Express

Roam Public Transit Route 10: Moraine Lake Express

When: Fall service only. Daily between mid-September to mid-October.
Where:Service from the town of Banff to Moraine Lake along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Visit Roam Public Transit for reservations, schedules, fares and information.


Moderate. Hiking and bike icons on an orange background Hiking or biking

All day parking is very limited in the community of Lake Louise. Review trail and road descriptions before heading out. Choose an option suitable for everyone in your group. Hiking to Moraine Lake (28-km round trip) is not recommended.

Trail work occurring in Lake Louise

Work on the Tramline trail is occurring along Lake Louise Drive and will last until winter. Adjustments to the Tramline trail will support better wildlife connectivity and movement in the area.

  • Motorists - slow down, drive carefully, obey signage and respect traffic control measures.
  • Hikers and bikers - follow signage and any temporary reroutes that may be put in place to complete the work.
Hiking

Hiking to Lake Louise

The Louise Creek Trail (2.8 km one way) is a safe way to connect the community of Lake Louise to the Lake Louise Lakeshore. From Samson Mall, walk along Lake Louise Drive to a bridge crossing the Bow River. Cross the bridge and then look for the Louise Creek trailhead on the downstream (left) side of the bridge. This route takes approximately 45 minutes to hike one way.

Important notes:

  • There is very limited all-day parking in the community of Lake Louise.
  • Walking up to the lake along Lake Louise Drive is not recommended. This narrow mountain road has minimal shoulders and heavy traffic. There is no dedicated lane or sidewalk for walkers.

Hiking to Moraine Lake

This is not recommended. Hiking to Moraine Lake from the community of Lake Louise is approximately 14 km one way with 527m elevation gain and 202m elevation loss. There is no pathway along Moraine Lake Road. This narrow, mountain road has minimal shoulders and large commercial vehicle traffic.

Important notes:

  • Moraine Lake is considered backcountry. If you choose to hike, you must be prepared to be self-sufficient. There is no cell service, Wi-Fi, running water or other services including lighting along the road. Pit toilets are available at the lake. There is cell phone reception available approximately 5km away from the lake on Moraine Lake Road.
  • Explore other hikes in the Lake Louise area
Road cycling

Road cycling to Lake Louise

Cycling is permitted along Lake Louise Drive (4 km one way) between the community of Lake Louise and the Lake Louise Lakeshore. This narrow mountain road has minimal shoulders and heavy traffic. It’s best to ride early or late in the day when traffic volume is lower. Bicycle security racks are provided at the Lake Louise Lakeshore, locks are not provided.


Road cycling to Moraine Lake

While personal vehicle traffic is restricted along the Moraine Lake Road, cyclists will encounter steady commercial vehicle traffic. The road is narrow and has no shoulders. The distance to Moraine Lake from the community of Lake Louise is approximately 14km one way with 527 m elevation gain and 202 m elevation loss. Cyclists who wish to avoid traffic should consider riding early or late in the day. From the turnoff at the 3 km mark of Lake Louise Drive, Moraine Lake Road climbs to views of Consolation Valley and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Bike racks are provided at Moraine Lake.

Important notes:

  • Construction on Lake Louise Drive will begin as early as April 2024. There will be no change in road-use restrictions during construction on Lake Louise Drive, however cyclists are encouraged to access Lake Louise lakeshore using the Tramline trail during summer 2024. More information and project updates can be found here.
  • Moraine Lake is considered backcountry. If you choose to bike there, you must be prepared to be self-sufficient. There is no cell service, Wi-Fi, running water or other services including lighting along the road. Pit toilets are available at the lake. There is cell phone reception available approximately 5km away from the lake on Moraine Lake Road.
  • There is very limited all day parking in the community of Lake Louise. There is no parking in the Great Divide parking lot or at the Moraine Lake junction.
  • Explore other road cycling routes in the Lake Louise area
Mountain biking

Mountain biking to Lake Louise

The Tramline Trail (4.5 km one way) is the former route of a tramway (1912 to 1930). At a 3% railway grade, It is a way to connect the community of Lake Louise to the Lake Louise Lakeshore by bike. The trail begins opposite the Lake Louise train station (Railway Station Restaurant) beside the Bow River bridge.


Mountain biking to Moraine Lake

The Highline Trail is a demanding trail for experienced mountain bikers only. This difficult single-track trail begins 2.5 km up Moraine Lake Road.

Important notes:

  • There is very limited all day parking in the community of Lake Louise. There is no parking in the Great Divide parking lot or at the Moraine Lake junction.
  • Moraine Lake is considered backcountry. If you choose to bike there, you must be prepared to be self-sufficient. There is no cell service, Wi-Fi, running water or other services including lighting along the road. Pit toilets are available at the lake. There is cell phone reception available approximately 5km away from the lake down Moraine Lake Road.
  • More information about mountain biking in the Lake Louise area

Difficult. A car icon on a red background. Driving a personal vehicle

Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year round.

Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, and commercial operators are permitted from June to mid-October. Exceptions will be made for visitors with valid parking placards, for people with disabilities, and guests of Moraine Lake Lodge.

Attempting to take your personal vehicle to the Lake Louise Lakeshore is not recommended.

Parking at the Lake Louise Lakeshore is extremely limited and finding a parking spot is challenging throughout the summer months. The lot is full before sunrise and vehicles are turned away when parking lot is full. There is no space to wait for a parking stall to become free. Booking a shuttle ticket in advance ensures you can access this popular destination without disappointment.

  • Paid parking is in effect at this location during the shuttle season. Visit our fees page for pricing.
  • Due to high demand, visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park requires planning. Learn more about parking at Lake Louise.
  • BanffNow provides up to date real time information to visitors including availability of parking, major traffic events, suggestions on places to visit and more. Plan ahead, stay informed and get the most out of your next trip to Banff National Park.

   

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