In summer 2024, visiting Moraine Lake takes a little planning. Private vehicles are not permitted to drive to the lake, and planned roadworks on Lake Louise Drive are likely to slow things down a bit. But you can still make this a memorable stop on your Banff National Park itinerary.
Moraine Lake opens on June 1st, 2024 and the road will close after October 14th, 2024.
Your first step is choosing the right transportation option. There are shuttle services for every kind of traveller and budget, including:
Parks Canada Shuttles from Lake Louise – Every 30 Minutes, 6.30AM – 6PM (Last Return 7.30PM)
- You’ll first need to reserve your ticket online at https://reservation.pc.gc.ca . Find the shuttle in the Day Use tab. If there is no availability for your preferred dates, Parks Canada releases another block of tickets 48 hours ahead, so you can check back two days before you want to visit.
- Then, drive to the Lake Louise Park & Ride at Lake Louise Ski Resort to meet your shuttle. From The Juniper, it’s easy to get straight on the highway for a journey time of around 50 minutes.
Roam Transit Route 8X from Banff to Lake Louise with Super Pass, scheduled times 6AM – 7PM Until September 15th
Roam Transit 8X buses depart from the Banff High School stop in downtown Banff, and stop in Lake Louise Village before continuing to Lake Louise Lake Shore.
8X Schedule – please note departures after 5PM will not give you time to reach Moraine Lake.
If you’re travelling to Moraine Lake, your best option is to purchase a Reservable Super Pass for $25/adult from Roam Transit.
This ticket includes a reservation for the 8X bus to Lake Louise and the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. You must book a round-trip on the same day. Regular 8X tickets, even with reservations, cannot be upgraded to a super pass.
Independent Shuttles and Guided Tours
Explore the list of local operators who run daily shuttle services to Moraine Lake, or guided tours that include Moraine Lake as a stop. Almost all of these services will also include a stop at Lake Louise.
See All Moraine Lake Shuttle and Tour Services
Our concierge team would be happy to guide you on their top recommendations and help you book an option you’ll love! Email us at info@thejuniper.com, or give us a call any time on +1 403 762 2281.
The Juniper Insider Guide to Visiting Moraine Lake
These are our locals’ tips for the best experience at this iconic spot.
1. Go early in the year
Moraine Lake opens on June 1st, 2024 until October 14th, 2024. July and August are the most popular months, when the lake shore is likely to be most crowded. In September and October, larch colours and hiking opportunities also draw the crowds. So, if you’re able to visit in June, you have the best chance of catching a quieter moment. Mountain weather can be variable at any time of year, so don’t let slightly cooler temperatures put you off – grab a rain jacket and a warm layer, and get out there exploring!
2. Go early in the day
A Moraine Lake sunrise is an experience you’ll never forget – definitely worth getting out of bed for! Parks Canada run a special Alpine Start shuttle that leaves Lake Louise Lakeshore (not the Park & Ride) at 4am and 5am daily. You will need to reserve in advance AND pay for parking at the lakeshore – they won’t let you on the bus without proof of your parking purchase.
Reserve the Alpine Start shuttle through Parks Canada: https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
Alternatively, contact our concierge team for advice on private sunrise tours with pick-ups in Banff, or independent sunrise shuttles from Lake Louise Village. Email us at info@thejuniper.com, or give us a call any time on +1 403 762 2281.
3. Leave time to hike
It takes a little effort to get there, so why not take some time to explore? The Rockpile and Lakeshore trails are quick and easy (allow 1 hour for the Lakeshore), so can still be crowded during peak times – but you’ll be surprised by how many visitors snap a pic and jump straight back on the bus.
If you can make room in your itinerary and time your shuttle trips, Consolation Lakes (2 hours) offers beautiful views with minimal elevation gain. More challenging but with stunning views, the Larch Valley trail (4 hours) or the fork to Eiffel Lake (4.5 hours) can be accessed just beyond Moraine Lake Lodge.
Explore Trail Details and Current Conditions
4. Combine with a Gondola and Grizzly Bears
From June 7th 2024, you can combine a trip to Moraine Lake with the Summer Gondola at Lake Louise Ski Resort from $104/pp. You’ll need to reserve your pass in advance, then drive and park at the Lake Louise Park & Ride – shuttles leave from in front of the day lodge.
Before or after your shuttle to Moraine, take a ride up the mountain in a gondola cabin or open chair and enjoy spectacular views towards Lake Louise from the observation deck. Of all the gondola experiences in Banff National Park, this is the best one for wildlife spotting – the terrain below is prime habitat for grizzly bears, plus plenty of other species including the elusive lynx. There’s a complimentary wildlife interpretive centre to visit at the top, plus tasty casual dining options at the base area.
Check schedules and book at skilouise.com
5. Prepare to be patient
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are iconic destinations, and on most people’s Banff bucket list! Even with excellent planning ahead, lineups and traffic jams can happen. Make sure you’re comfortably dressed for the weather conditions, pack water and snacks, and plan to be at pick-up points at least 30 minutes before your shuttle departure, just in case.
If you’re really not a fan of busy spots, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover in Banff National Park. Get in touch with our concierge team and let us help plan the perfect adventure for you. Reach us on info@thejuniper.com or +1 403 762 2281.