A visit to spectacular Moraine Lake rewards a little forward planning – but the payoff is nothing short of breathtaking. One of the most recognisable icons of Canada and the Rocky Mountains, Moraine Lake is a magical destination.
Private vehicles are not permitted to drive to the lake and there is no Moraine Lake parking – but you can still make this a memorable stop on your Banff National Park itinerary.
Moraine Lake opens on June 1st, 2025 and the road will close Mid-October, weather dependent.
Many visitors wonder about Moraine Lake in winter – but the road is closed seasonally due to high elevation and snowfall, and the lake is inaccessible from October to May.
While Moraine Lake Lodge sits lakeside, it’s one of the most expensive stays in the area. There are hotels including the famous Fairmont in Lake Louise, or, if visiting Moraine Lake from Banff, the Juniper is the nearest hotel with the easiest access.
Moraine Lake Shuttle
Your first step is choosing the right Moraine Lake Shuttle option for you. There are shuttle services for every kind of traveller and budget:
Parks Canada Shuttles from Lake Louise –
- 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.
- Parks Canada Shuttles depart from the Lake Louise Park & Ride at Lake Louise Ski Resort
- 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 –
- Reserve your ticket online at Roam Transit.
- Roam Transit 8X Super Pass buses depart from the Banff High School Transit Hub in downtown Banff, and stop in Lake Louise Village before continuing to Lake Louise Lake Shore and then onto Moraine Lake.
- From the Juniper, we recommend inquiring at the Front Desk to arrange a Premium -Hybrid Shuttle to the Banff High School Transit Hub as it is a short 5-min drive from the hotel and saves you trying to find parking in Downtown Banff.
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.
- Some local operators will also offer Moraine Lake Sunrise shuttles and tours.
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, 2025 until Mid-October. 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 the mountain chill hold you back – a good jacket is all you need to enjoy the views without the crowds!
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 offer the 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 Moraine Lake Sunrise private tours – 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) Bring snacks and drinks with you
Services are limited at Moraine Lake, with only one small café at the lodge – and lines can get long during peak times. To make the most of your day, plan ahead and bring snacks and drinks with you.
You’ll want a few tasty supplies to keep you fuelled – we recommend a quick stop at Wild Flour Artisan Bakery for croissants, cookies, or picnic-perfect sandwiches. Whether you’re hiking or just soaking up the views, staying fuelled and hydrated is key to enjoying the experience.
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, 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.