Moraine Lake in Banff tops most visitors must-see list when they plan a trip to Banff National Park. And for good reason! Moraine Lake might just be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Even us locals don’t tire of seeing Moraine Lake.
The only issue is how to guarantee you get to see it. Saying Moraine Lake is popular is a huge understatement. If you haven’t planned ahead, you’ll find your options will be limited on how to get to Moraine Lake. Even worse, you might just leave Banff never having seen it.
Here you’ll find everything you need to know on how to get to Moraine Lake and we’ve made special note of the best ways to see Moraine Lake at sunrise. We want to take the stress out of getting from Banff to Moraine Lake (or further places like Calgary and Canmore).
Parks Canada has closed the Moraine Lake Road to private vehicles in 2023. Plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss seeing Moraine Lake during your visit to Banff National Park.
How to Get to Moraine Lake – Table of Contents
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How to get to Moraine Lake in 2023
Since there are no options to drive to Moraine Lake in 2023, you’ll have to book a shuttle, private transportation or a tour. We recommend planning ahead for your visit to Moraine Lake. The peak summer months in Banff will be busy and you don’t want to miss out on visiting this iconic Banff lake.
Since you’ll be visiting Moraine Lake without a car, you should also know that it’s easy to get to Banff National Park without a car. Once here, it’s also easy to get around Banff without a car and to enjoy these Banff hikes without a car.
If you aren’t visiting in the peak summer season, you will still want to plan ahead for getting to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. While many think that September will bring some relief to crowds at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, in our experience this just isn’t the case. Summer is most definitely high season in Banff National Park, but Banff in September can be quite busy too. Around the third week of September will bring the beginning of larch season and along with it, hoards of hikers.
One of the best places to experience hiking amongst the golden larches is the Larch Valley hike, which is one of the best hikes at from Moraine Lake.
Moraine Lake retains its popularity through September and into October. Larch hiking season is typically from the third week of September until early October.
Looking for larch hikes other than Larch Valley? Don’t miss our Best Alberta Larch Hikes post.
Below we’ll go through the 15 different ways of getting to Moraine Lake. These include a mix of shuttles, tours and riding a bike. We don’t recommend walking up the road. While it is an option, it won’t be good use of your time in Banff.
Short on time? Here’s a summary of the best options for getting to Moraine Lake:
Best Budget Option – The Parks Canada Moraine Lake shuttles operate every 20 minutes throughout the day and cost only $8 for an adult.
Best Sunrise Option – The Moraine Lake Bus company offers shuttle rides that will get you to Moraine Lake 45 minutes before sunrise. The cost of this is only $35 per adult.
Best Option to Get to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise – While the Moraine Lake Bus company offers sunrise shuttles to Moraine Lake, they also offer the shuttle throughout the day and have some time slots that make a stop at Lake Louise. All their shuttles leave from either the Lake Louise Village (sunrise) or the Lake Louise Ski Resort Park and Ride.
Best Hotel Option – While expensive, staying at the Moraine Lake Lodge will give you all the time you want at this spectacular Banff lake.
Best Option to Get to Moraine Lake from Banff – With access to a car, the Parks Canada shuttle is still one of the best options. Without a car, the Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle and Explore Banff Tours & Transfers are the two best options. In September only, we recommend the Roam Bus Route 10 for visitors without a car as it goes direct from Banff to Moraine Lake.
Best Option to Get to Moraine Lake from Canmore – With access to a car, the Parks Canada shuttle is still one of the best options to see Moraine Lake. Without a car, getting to Moraine Lake from Canmore is easiest with the Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle or Explore Banff Tours & Transfers.
Best Tour to Moraine Lake – Radventures offers a tour with stops at both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Visits to Moraine Lake will be at sunrise and you’ll still see Lake Louise before the crowds. It’s a 7 hour tour that also includes time for breakfast.
None of these options mentioned in this post will include your Banff Park Pass. That must be purchased separately at the Banff park gates, a visitor centre or online.
1. Stay at a Hotel Near Moraine Lake
The Moraine Lake Lodge is the only hotel located right at Moraine Lake. No shuttle booking, just walk right out the door. It’s one of the best places to rent a cabin in Banff National Park.
Hotels close to Lake Louise may have the option of getting on the Parks Canada Lake Connector* Shuttle from Lake Louise and bypassing the Park and Ride. Visitors should confirm this with their hotel and have proof of their hotel accommodations PLUS their reservation for the Moraine Lake shuttle.
These hotels would include:
Hotels within easy walking distance of the Park and Ride Connector** (leaving from Lake Louise Village) are:
- Post Hotel and Spa: One of the best hotels in Banff National Park!
- Lake Louise Inn: An affordable family-friendly Lake Louise hotel
- HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre: A hostel for those traveling to Lake Louise on a budget
- Mountaineer Lodge: The closest hotel to the Lake Louise Village.
Get all the information about the best hotels in Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. You may also enjoy our Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise review.
*Lake Connector is a Parks Canada shuttle that operates between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for visitors who have booked a shuttle to either lake. This lake connector shuttle is included with your reservation and is first-come-first-serve.
**Park and Ride Connector is a Parks Canada shuttle that takes visitors from the village of Lake Louise and the Lake Louise Campground to the Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. This is a free shuttle that does not require reservations and allows visitors to leave their car at their hotel or campground. Visitors will require a Parks Canada shuttle reservation to either Lake Louise or Moraine Lake.
2. Moraine Lake Shuttles
Several of these Moraine Lake shuttles are new for the 2023 year, especially in light of the changes to the Moraine Lake parking lot. We haven’t seen a lot of reviews for these shuttles yet, but we have taken the Parks Canada shuttle and it was simple yet cost effective.
1. Parks Canada Moraine Lake Shuttle
Parks Canada operates a shuttle to Moraine Lake from the Lake Louise Park and Ride. The Park and Ride is found at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. This is our preferred method for visiting Moraine Lake, if not looking for a sunrise option.
- Departs from: Lake Louise Park and Ride
- Duration: 25 minutes
- Cost: $8 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for youth. Children under 6 ride free. There is also a $3 surcharge on all reservations.
- Accessible: No
- Pets allowed: Small dogs in carrier on lap.
- Time at Moraine Lake: No return time required, just be sure to catch the last return shuttle at 7:30 pm.
- Includes other stops: No
- Other notes: Inflatable kayas/paddle boards are allowed.
- First shuttle / Last return shuttle: 6:30 am / 7:30 pm
Read our full post on the Moraine Lake Shuttle for all the details on this option.
Taking the Parks Canada Moraine Lake shuttle requires that you make a reservation through the Parks Canada Reservation System. Reservations for the Moraine Lake shuttle for the 2023 season can be made starting Thursday, April 13th, 2023 at 8 am MT. However, a portion (approximately 60%) of the seats are only released at 8am MST, 48 hours prior to the departure day/time.
You might be able to get walk-up seat sales, though Parks Canada originally said this would not be possible. It’s best to have a reservation.
The Parks Canada Moraine Lake shuttle operates from June to mid-October (October 10th in 2023). This is the least costly of all the ways to get to Moraine Lake and great for anyone visiting Banff on a budget.
The Parks Canada shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 6:30 am until 6 pm from the Park and Ride. The last shuttle from Moraine Lake back is at 7:30 pm.
Note: Make sure you print your confirmation or take a screenshot of your Moraine Lake shuttle reservation. There’s no guarantee to have cell service around Banff National Park.
You don’t need to make a reservation for each of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake if you plan to visit them in the same day. There’s a lake connector shuttle included in your ticket to take you between the lakes, which does not require a reservation time.
You don’t need to book a specific time to take the Lake Connector shuttle bus from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake. It runs every 15 minutes between 8 am and 6 pm.
The Parks Canada Lake Connector (as part of your shuttle reservations to either Lake Louise or Moraine Lake) is the best way to visit both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the same day.
Tip: If the Moraine Lake shuttles aren’t available for the day you want to visit, you can make a reservation for the Lake Louise shuttle then take the Lake Connector shuttle to Moraine Lake.
You can only take the lake connector shuttle if you had already checked in at the Park and Ride. So don’t plan on driving to Lake Louise and just hopping on this shuttle.
2. Moraine Lake Bus Company
The Moraine Lake Bus Company is a new operation in Banff National Park. It’s operated by a local Banff couple who saw a need to offer a sunrise option to Moraine Lake. Not only do they offer a sunrise shuttle to Moraine Lake, but they also offer shuttle service throughout the day with select time slots stopping at Lake Louise.
We took the Moraine Lake Bus Company in early June to visit Moraine Lake at sunrise. It was a fantastic, stress-free experience. The shuttles left exactly on time and the drivers were extremely knowledgeable about the area and more than willing to help any of the passengers with any questions. If you are looking for a sunrise shuttle to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise, we highly recommend the Moraine Lake Bus Company!
- Departs from: Lake Louise Village for sunrise shuttles only / Lake Louise Park and Ride for all other departures.
- Duration: 55 minutes to Moraine Lake / 25 minutes return
- Cost: $35 for adults, $25 for children
- Accessible: No
- Pets allowed: Small dogs in carrier on lap.
- Time at Moraine Lake: Select your return time when booking.
- Includes other stops: Select shuttle times include a 1 hr stop at Lake Louise.
- Other: Sunrise options available. Inflatable paddle boards and climbing equipment can be accommodated.
- First shuttle / Last return shuttle: 4:00 am / 6:20 pm
3. Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle
The Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle is a “sunrise only” option for Moraine Lake. This shuttle will get you to Moraine Lake 45 minutes before sunrise, so the departure times vary. This is one of the best ways to get from Canmore to Moraine Lake.
You’ll get to stay at Moraine Lake for 2 hours before being brought back to your pickup point.
- Departs from: Canmore, Banff or Lake Louise
- Duration: Times vary based on pickup location. Expect to be on the shuttle for at least an hour (add extra time for Canmore)
- Cost: $75 per person
- Accessible: No
- Pets allowed: No, with the exception of certified service dogs.
- Time at Moraine Lake: 2 hours
- Includes other stops: No
- Other notes: If you have a large group, you can book a private shuttle. There is room on the shuttle for inflatable kayaks and paddle boards.
- First shuttle / Last return shuttle: n/a
4. Fairview Limousine
Fairview Limousine is a Lake Louise based company that provides shuttles to both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
- Departs from: Lake Louise Inn (parking is roadside or in the back parking lot)
- Duration: 30 minutes to Moraine Lake
- Cost: $25 for adults and $15 for children to Moraine Lake
- Accessible: No
- Pets allowed: Yes, you will need to reserve for large dogs who need a seat.
- Time at Moraine Lake: Choose return time when booking.
- Includes other stops: No
- Other notes: If you are looking for a sunrise shuttle for Moraine Lake, you should contact them directly.
- First shuttle / Last return shuttle: 8 am / 10:30 pm for Moraine Lake.
5. Mountain Park Transportation
Mountain Park Transportation has been providing transportation to Lake Louise and within Banff National Park for over two decades. They not only provide a shuttle from Calgary airport to Banff or Lake Louise, but they also provide a shuttle from Lake Louise Village to Moraine Lake.
- Departs from: Various Lake Louise hotels (Mountaineer Lodge, HI Hostel, Post Hotel & Samson Mall)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Cost: $25 for adults and $15 for children.
- Accessible: No
- Pets allowed: Small dogs in carrier on lap for an additional $10.
- Time at Moraine Lake: Request return time at booking
- Includes other stops: No
- Other notes: Limited spaces are available for inflatable paddle boards.
- First shuttle / Last return shuttle: 8 am / 4:30 pm
6. Explore Banff Tours & Transfers Inc.
Operated by another Bow Valley Local, Explore Banff Tours & Transfers offers visitors a choice of a private transfer or a share transfer from Canmore or Banff to Moraine Lake. The owner works with the visitors to ensure they have the best possible experience by finding departure and return times that work. For the private transfers, groups can choose when they depart and their return time.
- Departs from: Canmore or Banff
- Duration: 1 hr + depending on departure location.
- Cost: $125 per person for shared transfers. Private transfer prices are based on the number of people.
- Accessible: No
- Pets allowed: Yes, but contact directly to arrange.
- Time at Moraine Lake: 1.5 to 2 hours for shared transfers. There are no restrictions on time for private transfers.
- Includes other stops: No
- First shuttle / Last return shuttle: Departure and return times are discussed with each transfer.
7. Wow Banff Shuttle
The WowBanff open-top double decker shuttle has an option to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from the Lake Louise Ski Resort. It operates from June 1 to October 10th.
- Departs from: Lake Louise Park and Ride
- Duration: 25 minutes
- Cost: $35 for adults and $25 for children.
- Accessible: Yes, the lower deck is wheelchair accessible.
- Pets allowed: Yes, all dogs must sit outside on the upper deck.
- Time at Moraine Lake: No return time required.
- Includes other stops: Yes, stops at Lake Louise
- First shuttle / Last return shuttle: 8 am / 5 pm
8. Three Sister’s Taxi
Three Sister’s Taxi is a taxi company that operates in Canmore. They are now offering rides to Moraine Lake (and Lake Louise upon request). You must request pricing for the ride, which will include transportation from any location in Canmore or Banff and 1 hour at Moraine Lake. Each additional hour is $100.
- Departs from: Anywhere in Canmore or Banff
- Duration: 1+ hr depending on pickup location
- Cost: Call for pricing.
- Accessible: No
- Pets allowed: No.
- Time at Moraine Lake: 1 hour at Moraine Lake
- Includes other stops: Can request Lake Louise to be included in tour.
- Other notes: Can transport up to 6 people.
- First shuttle / Last return shuttle: n/a
9. Roam Bus to Moraine Lake (September Only)
The Roam Bus operates a route that will take visitors from Banff to Moraine Lake. The Moraine Lake Route 10 will offer 7 trips per day from Banff High School to Moraine Lake. These are express trips with only the two stops.
The first departure starts in Banff at 6:30AM and the last departure back from Moraine Lake to Banff is at 5:30PM. Each trip takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
NOTE: Moraine Lake Route 10 will operate from mid-September to mid-October. Reservations CAN be made and are recommended.
- Departs from: Banff Transit Hub at Banff High School
- Duration: Banff to Moraine Lake is 1 hr 15 minutes.
- Cost: The return trip price from Banff to Moraine Lake is $20 for adults, $10 for seniors & youth for a day pass. Children 12 and under are free.
- Accessible: Yes
- Pets allowed: Small dogs in carrier on lap.
- Time at Moraine Lake: No departure time required.
- Includes other stops: No
- Other notes:
- First shuttle / Last return shuttle: 6:30 am / 5:30 pm
Check current fares here and see Moraine Lake Route 10 info here.
There is also a regional bus that operates from Banff to Lake Louise (either express or scenic). Either Roam routes will take visitors to the village or right to the Lake Louise lakeshore, but the scenic Route 8S only operates from June 30th until mid-September.
Another Roam Bus option for getting to Moraine Lake is to take the Roam Route 8 to Lake Louise with the Roam Super Pass, visitors will have access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle.
This means you can take the Roam Bus right from the town of Banff to Lake Louise lakeshore, then use your Roam Super Pass to hop on the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle to Moraine Lake. This option is reservable (recommended) and costs $25 for adults, $12.50 for youth and seniors.
You will need to take the Lake Connector Shuttle back to Lake Louise at the end of the day to return to Banff by Roam Bus 8x.
3. Moraine Lake Tours
1. Radventures Early Bird Explorer
If seeing Moraine Lake for sunrise was on your must-see list, the Radventures Early Bird Explorer offers a multi-hour sunrise tour of Moraine Lake that includes an early morning visit to Lake Louise. You get to visit both iconic Banff lakes in one tour. This tour includes pickup from select Banff or Lake Louise village locations, a guide that helps you find the perfect sunrise locations, time for a hot breakfast (purchasing breakfast is an optional add-on), and a stop at Lake Louise.
You’ll get to spend 1.5 to 2 hours at each of these incredible Banff lakes before the crowds arrive. This tour costs $250 per person.
2. Discover Banff Tours Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tour
Discover Banff Tours offers a Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Sightseeing Tour. As part of the tour, you will drive the Bow Valley Parkway to get from Banff to the stunning lakes. There are two departure times a day (8am & 1pm) for this 4.5 hour tour.
You’ll have half an hour at each of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. This tour costs $97 for adults & $49 for children.
3. Calgary to Banff & Yoho National Parks Day Tour
The Banff and Yoho National Parks Private Day Tour takes visitors to all the best locations in Yoho and Banff National Park including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Canada. Enjoy lunch at the historic Emerald Lake Lodge.
4. Hop On Banff
The Hop On Banff bus offers a hop-on hop-off service in Banff. It makes stops at Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Gondola, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. You don’t need to specify the time you want to leave, you just need a ticket for a specific day.
You can leave Banff on one of the three departure times and spend as much or as little time at each of the stops along the way. This option even allows you to fit in a hike at Johnston Canyon or hiking to Lake Agnes Teahouse at Lake Louise.
Tickets cost $71.43 for adults and $61.90 for children.
4. Ride a Bike
While you’ll need to contend with all the shuttle buses on the Moraine Lake Road, it’s possible to ride a bike up to Moraine Lake. This is a popular activity in the spring after the road is cleared but it’s not open for vehicles yet.
We only recommend doing this if you are very comfortable on a bike if you plan to do this while the road is open to tour and shuttle buses, as the road doesn’t have a lot of room for passing.
Another alternative is to rent an e-bike in the village from Wilson Mountain Sports.
How Far is Moraine Lake from Banff
Now that you know the best ways to get from Banff to Moraine Lake, here are a few more things to know about Moraine Lake:
Moraine Lake is located just outside of the village of Lake Louise in Banff National Park. The distance from the village of Lake Louise to Moraine Lake is approximately 13 km.
Distances to Moraine Lake
These distances will give you an approximate time on how long a shuttle to Moraine Lake will be from each Banff, Canmore or even Calgary.
Banff to Moraine Lake Distance: 70 km or 58 minutes
Canmore to Moraine Lake Distance: 94 km or 1 hour 10 minutes
Calgary to Moraine Lake Distance: 200 km or 2 hours 15 minutes (will vary depending on actual location)
Moraine Lake Parking
Parks Canada has closed the Moraine Lake Road to private vehicles in 2023. Plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss seeing Moraine Lake during your visit to Banff National Park.
Prior to 2023, there were some major difficulties for visitors to find Moraine Lake parking.
Unfortunately, due to its popularity and small parking lot, the parking lot filled up fast and once full, there was a barrier put up and cars were no longer able to access Moraine Lake Road.
There wasn’t anywhere to park and wait for cars to leave, nor was it really possible to circle as you had to drive up to Lake Louise then all the way back down to the village before circling back.
This was a terrible experience for visitors who had hoped to visit Moraine Lake. Prior to 2023, the parking lot was often filling up in the early morning hours (as early as 3:00 am during the peak summer season).
FAQs about Getting to Moraine Lake
Is there a free shuttle to Moraine Lake?
No, there is not a free shuttle to Moraine Lake. Parks Canada operates the most cost effective shuttle to Moraine Lake and there are several other commercial operators with shuttle options that give visitors more time at the lake.
Can you still drive to Moraine Lake?
In 2023, Parks Canada has closed the Moraine Lake Road to private vehicles. Visitors with a handicap tag can still park at Moraine Lake. Moraine Lake Lodge guests can also drive up Moraine Lake Road and park at the hotel.
How to get from Lake Louise to Lake Moraine?
The easiest way to get from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake is by using the Lake Connector shuttle. This requires a shuttle reservation to Lake Louise and having checked in at the Park and Ride. For visitors staying at hotels near Lake Louise, check with your hotel for the best option.
How do I get from Banff to Moraine Lake without a car?
The easiest way to get from Banff to Moraine Lake without a car, is to book a shuttle that operates from Banff to Moraine Lake. Alternatively, the Roam bus route to Lake Louise with a super pass allows visitors on the Lake Connector shuttle to Moraine Lake. In September, Roam transit operates a bus directly from Banff to Moraine Lake.
Can you do Moraine Lake and Lake Louise same day?
Yes, with the Parks Canada shuttle and the Lake Connector shuttle, it’s easy to visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in the same day.
Is there a bus from Canmore to Moraine Lake?
Roam transit operates a regional bus from Canmore to Banff, but there is no bus from Canmore to Moraine Lake. In order to get to Moraine Lake from Canmore without a car, book a tour or shuttle through one of the many commercial tour and shuttle operators.
Is Moraine Lake open?
If you are visiting between the end of May and early October, then yes there is a good chance that Moraine Lake is open.
In the winter, the Moraine Lake Road is closed (typically in October after Canadian Thanksgiving) due to avalanche risk. The Moraine Lake road closure is in place for the duration of the winter.
The road to Moraine Lake is opened back up between the third week of May and the first week of June.
More Posts on Moraine Lake
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Celine Brewer, a local Canmore resident, is the co-owner of Travel Banff Canada. She has a passion for being out in the mountains any time of year. In the summer, you'll often find her hiking or mountain biking. In the winter, she enjoys cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking the most.
As much as she loves the mountains, she also loves travel! When she's not playing outdoors at home, she's either traveling the world with her husband and two kids or working on their other two travel sites: Family Can Travel and Baby Can Travel.