Moraine Lake in Banff National Park tops most visitors must-see list when they plan a trip to the Canadian Rockies. 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. With Moraine Lake Road closed to private vehicles, you need to plan ahead. If you haven’t planned ahead, you’ll find your options on getting to Moraine Lake will be limited.
In this post, 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 (and further places like Calgary and Canmore).
This post contains compensated links.
How to get to Moraine Lake in 2024
There are only two ways that allow you to drive to Moraine Lake. The first one is if you are staying at the Moraine Lake Lodge (the only hotel close to Moraine Lake) and second is if you have a handicap tag.
For the rest of us, we have to book a shuttle, private transportation or a tour.
Local Tip
I highly recommend planning ahead. The peak summer months in Banff will be busy and you don’t want to miss out on visiting this iconic Banff lake.
Below I’ll go through the different ways of getting to Moraine Lake. These include a mix of shuttles, tours and riding a bike. I don’t recommend walking up the road. While it is an option, it will not be good use of your time in Banff.
Summary of the best ways to get to Moraine Lake
Best Sunrise Options
The Moraine Lake Bus Company offers shuttle rides from Lake Louise that will get you to Moraine Lake 45 minutes before sunrise. The cost of this is starting at $99 per adult for sunrise and starting at $49 per adult for other times of the day.
The Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle offers a sunrise shuttle with pickups from Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. The cost is $95 per person, with an optional $75 pp photography workshop add-on (perfect for photographers!).
Best Budget Option
The Parks Canada Moraine Lake shuttle operate every 30 minutes throughout the day and cost only $8 for an adult. You can visit both lakes by using the included lake connector shuttle and stay as long as you want at each one, just don’t miss the final return shuttle (there’s no cell service at Moraine Lake).
Best Flexible Option Including Both Lakes
The WowBanff double decker bus enables you to stay at each lake as long as you want, just choose your initial departure time. Shuttles between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake leave every 45 minutes. Shuttles from Moraine Lake back to the Park & Ride are also every 45 minutes.
Best Way to Get to Moraine Lake from Banff
To visit Moraine Lake from Banff without a car, the Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle and Explore Banff Tours & Transfers are the two best options. In September only, we also recommend the Roam Bus Route 10 for visitors without a car as it goes direct from Banff to Moraine Lake.
Best Way to Get to Moraine Lake from Canmore
To visit Moraine Lake from Canmore without a car, the Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle or Explore Banff Tours & Transfers are the two best options.
Best Way to Get to Moraine Lake from the Bow Valley Parkway
If you are staying along the Bow Valley Parkway, Ten Peaks Shuttle is the only Moraine Lake shuttle that picks up at Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows, Castle Mountain Chalets and Baker Creek by Basecamp.
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.
Best Hotel Option
While expensive, staying at the Moraine Lake Lodge will give you all the time you want at this spectacular Banff lake.
Here you’ll find more information about all the different ways on how to get to Moraine Lake.
We have personally taken the Parks Canada Shuttle, the Moraine Lake Bus Company and the Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle. We were impressed with the ease and service for each of them and can recommend any of these three from our own personal experiences.
Moraine Lake Shuttles
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 the cheapest way to visit Moraine Lake.
The Parks Canada Moraine Lake shuttle operates from June to mid-October (June 1 to October 14 for 2024). This is the least costly of all the ways to get to Moraine Lake and great for anyone visiting Banff on a budget.
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 2024 season start Thursday, April 18 2024 at 8:00 am MT. However, a portion (approximately 60%) of the seats are only released at 8am MT, 48 hours prior to the departure day/time.
Departs from: Lake Louise Park and Ride
Duration: 25 minutes
Cost: $8 for adults, $4 for seniors, and free for 17 years old and under. 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, but Lake Connector Shuttle operates between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Other notes: Inflatable kayaks/paddle boards are allowed.
First shuttle / Last return shuttle: 6:30 am / 7:30 pm (*Alpine Start Shuttle has two departures 4am & 5am from the Lake Louise lakeshore parking lot)
Local Tip
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 might be able to get walk-up seat sales, though they are frequently sold out. It’s best to have advanced reservations.
The Parks Canada shuttle runs every 30 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.
New This Year
Parks Canada is offering an “Alpine Start Shuttle” with two departures at 4am and 5am. This sunrise shuttle to Moraine Lake is intended for climbers, scramblers and hikers who require more time before the last return shuttle.
This shuttle leaves from the Lake Louise lakeshore parking lot, which will require paid parking of $36.75 for the day in addition to the cost of the shuttle.
The Parks Canada Lake Connector (included in 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. 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 30 minutes between 7 am and 7 pm.
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.
Local 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.
2. Moraine Lake Bus Company
The Moraine Lake Bus Company started their operation in Banff National Park last year. 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 and a separate Lake Louise Shuttle.
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: starting at $99 for sunrise / remaining daytimes starting at $49 for adults, $39 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
Take our Moraine Lake Shuttle Quiz
Based on your trip details, we will send you personalized recommendations on the best way to get to Moraine Lake. It’s short, fast and you’ll get our recommendations right to your inbox.
3. 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. This is one of the lowest priced options with a ton of flexibility and the only one that is accessible (besides Roam Transit).
The WowBanff shuttle leaves the Park & Ride for Lake Louise first. There’s a shuttle from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake every 45 minutes and then from Moraine Lake to the Park & Ride every 45 minutes.
Departs from: Lake Louise Park and Ride
Duration: 25 minutes
Cost: starting at $60 for adults.
Accessible: Yes, the lower deck is wheelchair accessible.
Pets allowed: No.
Time at Moraine Lake: No return time required, just hop on the next shuttle.
Includes other stops: Yes, stops at Lake Louise
First shuttle / Last return shuttle: 8 am / 5 pm
4. Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle
The Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle is a “sunrise only” option for Moraine Lake. Also operated by a local couple who are extremely knowledgeable about the area (and more than willing to share what they know!). Not only that, but they have a photography workshop add-on with the owner who is an incredible Banff photographer (who’s photographed over 2000 sunrises in Banff!).
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, especially if you are travelling without a car.
You’ll get to stay at Moraine Lake for 2 hours before being brought back to your pickup point.
I took the Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle in September. I loved that I was able to catch it right from Canmore, rather than driving that distance so early in the morning. Christine and Mark were both a wealth of knowledge and really know how to take care of their clients. The coffee and blankets provided were so welcome!
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: $95 per person (with $75 pp add-on for photography workshop)
Accessible: No
Pets allowed: No, with the exception of certified service dogs.
Time at Moraine Lake: 2 hours
Includes other stops: A Dual Lake Tour can be booked for $175 per person which will include Lake Louise.
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: First shuttle time is based on sunrise time.
5. Canmore Travel
Canmore Travel is a shuttle service that leaves from Canmore to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. If you want to see Moraine Lake at sunrise, then you’ll love their Moraine lake Sunrise Experience. They also offer a dual lakes tour that includes Lake Louise or a sunset experience at Moraine Lake.
Departing from 4 hotels in Canmore, you won’t have to go far before relaxing on your drive to the lakes.
Departs from: Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, The Malcolm Hotel, Northwinds Hotel Canmore, Falcon Crest Lodge by CLIQUE
Duration: 1 hour + to Moraine Lake
Cost: $179 per person
Accessible: No.
Pets allowed: No.
Time at Moraine Lake: 1.5 hours at Moraine Lake
Includes other stops: A dual lake stop can be booked.
First shuttle / Last return shuttle: Choose between a sunrise or sunset at Moraine Lake.
6. Ten Peaks Shuttle & Tours
Ten Peaks Shuttle & Tours is the only shuttle option for those staying along the Bow Valley Parkway. Whether you are staying at one of the lodges with or without a car, you can visit both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise with time to do a short hike or a canoe ride.
They also offer guests options to skip Lake Louise to have a full 5 hours at Moraine Lake, or stay at Lake Louise for 4.5 hours before visiting Moraine Lake. With 5 hours at Moraine Lake, there’s enough time to do one of the longer hikes. Similarly, with 4.5 hours at Lake Louise, it’s possible to hike to Lake Agnes.
Departs from: Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows, Castle Mountain Chalets, Baker Creek by Basecamp, Samson Mall and Paradise Loge & Bungalows
Duration: 1 hour to Lake Louise
Cost: $65 per person
Accessible: No.
Pets allowed: No.
Time at Moraine Lake: 2.5 hours at each lake. Option 1 to skip Lake Louise to have 5 hours at Moraine Lake only. Option 2 to have 4.5 hours at Lake Louise before visiting Moraine Lake.
Includes other stops: Both lakes included unless Option 1 is chosen.
First shuttle / Last return shuttle: 7:30 am is the earliest departure.
7. Fairview Limousine
Fairview Limousine is a Lake Louise based company that provides shuttles to both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. They are currently one of two shuttle operators that allows dogs (that don’t fit in a crate on your lap).
Departs from: Lake Louise Inn (parking is roadside or in the back parking lot)
Duration: 30 minutes to Moraine Lake
Cost: $75 Sunrise / $35 Moraine Lake / $25 Lake Louise / $60 Dual Lake Combo
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
First shuttle / Last return shuttle: 8 am / 10:30 pm for Moraine Lake.
8. 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 Banff to Moraine Lake.
There are three departure times leaving from Banff at 8am, 1pm & 6pm. Each departure time includes transportation to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, with a 30 minute stop at each lake. The entire trip is 4 hours long.
Departs from: Various Banff hotels (Banff Caribou Lodge, Fox Hotel & Suites, Hotel Canoe & Suites, Red Carpet Inn, Banff Train Station & Whitebark Cafe)
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Cost: $100 for adults and $60 for children.
Accessible: No
Pets allowed: Small dogs in carrier on lap for an additional $10.
Time at Moraine Lake: 30 minutes
Includes other stops: Yes, Lake Louise for 30 minutes.
Other notes: Limited spaces are available for inflatable paddle boards.
First shuttle / Last return shuttle: 8am, 1pm & 6pm departures from Banff
9. 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 shared transfer from Canmore or Banff to Moraine Lake. For the private transfers, groups can choose a starting time between 8am and 12pm. Sunrise tours are based on the time of sunrise for that particular day.
Departs from: Canmore or Banff
Duration: 1 hr + depending on departure location.
Cost: $165 per person for shared transfers ($185 for sunrise). Private transfer prices are $1590.
Accessible: No
Pets allowed: Yes, but contact directly to arrange.
Time at Moraine Lake: Up to 2 hours for shared transfers. Private tours can split their 4 hours how they wish between the two lakes.
Includes other stops: Lake Louise is an included stop.
First shuttle / Last return shuttle: Departure and return times are discussed with each transfer.
10. Via Via Moraine Lake Shuttle
Operated by Bow Valley locals, Via Via Moraine Lake Shuttle offers different shuttle options that include options to see Moraine Lake for sunrise, during the daytime or as a combo with Lake Louise. This shuttle does multiple pickups from Canmore and from the train station in Banff (where you can park for free).
Departs from: Canmore or Banff
Duration: 1 hr + depending on departure location.
Cost: $99 for sunrise, daytime shuttles start at $75 per person and the combo shuttle that includes Lake Louise starts at $119 per person.
Accessible: No
Pets allowed: No
Time at Moraine Lake: Book a return shuttle.
Includes other stops: Lake Louise is an included stop in the combo tour, which includes a 1 hour stop at Lake Louise.
First shuttle / Last return shuttle: First shuttle leaves in time for sunrise and will vary throughout the season. Last return shuttle is at 6:15pm.
11. Lake Louise Shuttle + Gondola Combo
If you planned to ride the Lake Louise Summer Gondola on the same day, you can book a shuttle through the Lake Louise Ski Resort. They operate a shuttle to each of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The first shuttle for Moraine Lake departs at 8 am and the last return shuttle is at 5:50 pm. The first shuttle to Lake Louise departs at 9:10 am and the last return shuttle is at 5:40 pm.
You can use your gondola ticket at any time during the day.
Departs from: Lake Louise Ski Resort
Duration: 20 minutes.
Cost: $94 for Lake Louise / $104 for Moraine Lake.
Accessible: No
Pets allowed: No
Time at Moraine Lake: Book a return shuttle.
Includes other stops: No
First shuttle / Last return shuttle: First shuttle leaves 8:00 am. Last return shuttle is at 5:50 pm.
12. 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.
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 8X express or 8S scenic). Either Roam routes (8X or 8S) 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.
Roam Route 8 is an option for getting to Moraine Lake from Banff. Take the Roam Route 8 to Lake Louise with the Roam System Wide Day Pass. Visitors with the System Wide Day Pass 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 System Wide Day 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.
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: Route 10 is direct. Route 8 goes to Lake Louise.
First shuttle / Last return shuttle: 6:30 am / 5:30 pm
13. 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.
Departs from: Banff Train Station or Moose Hotel
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: starting at $71.43 for adults.
Accessible: No.
Pets allowed: No.
Time at Moraine Lake: No return time required, just hop on the next shuttle.
Includes other stops: Yes, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Gondola and Lake Louise
First shuttle / Last return shuttle: 7:45 or 9:30 am / 3:05 pm
14. 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) and can accommodate up to 6 people. 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.
First shuttle / Last return shuttle: N/A
Moraine Lake Tours
1. Radventures Moraine Lake Sunrise and Lake Louise Golden Hour Adventure
If seeing Moraine Lake for sunrise was on your must-see list, the Radventures Moraine Lake Sunrise and Lake Louise Golden Hour Adventure 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 small group tour includes pickup from select Banff or Lake Louise village locations, a guide that helps you find the perfect sunrise locations, an optional hot breakfast add-on, and a stop at Lake Louise.
You’ll get to spend 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 Deluxe Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Sightseeing Tour. As part of the tour, you will drive the Bow Valley Parkway, stop at Baker Creek Resort for dinner then continue on the the stunning lakes.
You’ll have half an hour at each of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. This tour costs $165 for adults & $108 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. Banff Alpenglow Adventures
Banff Alpenglow Adventures is owned and operated by Bow Valley locals and is new in 2024. They offer two different guided tours to Moraine Lake.
You can experience Moraine Lake at Sunrise for $165 per person and get to spend 4 hours at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Their Moraine Lake at Sunset, for $135 per person, will get you 2 hours at Moraine Lake. Pickups for the Banff Alpenglow Adventures are in Canmore and Banff.
5. Brewster Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Tour
Explore the most iconic locations with the Brewster Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls tour through Banff and Yoho National Parks. Stops include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Spiral Tunnels, and Takakkaw Falls. The stops at Moraine Lake and Takakkaw Falls are subject to the end of the seasonal road closures.
As part of the tour, you also get to enjoy a lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge.
Prices start from $221 for adults and $144 for children aged 6-15.
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 Parks Canada 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.
*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.
Read More
Get all the information about the best hotels in Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. You may also enjoy our Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise review.
Ride a Bike to Moraine Lake
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.
Local Tip
None of the ways to get to Moraine Lake 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.
Find YOUR Best Moraine Lake Option
With so many options on how to get to Moraine Lake, we created a simple quiz to help you find the best option for your trip. By answering a few questions, you’ll get personalized recommendations from me on how best to plan your visit to Moraine Lake.
Take our Moraine Lake Shuttle Quiz
Based on your trip details, we will send you personalized recommendations on the best way to get to Moraine Lake. It’s short, fast and you’ll get our recommendations right to your inbox.
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 14 km.
The Moraine Lake Road is 11 km from the start to the lake.
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)
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Tips for Visiting Moraine Lake in the Fall
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.
Visiting Moraine Lake in the fall is pretty spectacular. You can combine a visit to this stunning turquoise lake with some of the best fall hikes in Banff. From mid-September to early October, the larch trees will turn a golden yellow then eventually drop their needles. Hiking amongst the golden larch trees is one of the best ways to experience the fall colours in Banff.
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, which is good news if you are visiting Banff in October.
It’s important to still plan ahead during this time as Moraine Lake can be extremely busy with visitors and locals looking to get in some of the best larch hikes!
Read More
Looking for larch hikes other than Larch Valley? Don’t miss our Best Alberta Larch Hikes post.
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?
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.
How to get to Moraine Lake from Canmore
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. Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle, Explore Banff Tours and Transfers, and Canmore Travel all operate shuttles from Canmore to Moraine Lake.
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.
Hikes at 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.
Now that I read my post…hoping to go North to LL/Moraine L without a car from Johnson Canyon bungalows without driving south down to Banff to pickup the Roam#10. Suggestions on how early to drive to LL park n ride on 9/16/24 to get parking and then hop on a Lake Connector Shuttle (provided we can snag a reservation when released 2 days before.). Any suggestions for navigating the reservation site to get a shuttle last minute reservation or just parking at Park n Ride would be appreciated. At this point I’m just frustrated. But your site is still the best!!! 🙂
Hi Paige, So if you can manage to get either Moraine Lake Shuttle or Lake Louise shuttle tickets 48 hours in advance, you can just get to the park & ride within your 1 hour time slot. It’s a pretty easy drive from Johnston Canyon. On the flip side, it’s a similar amount of driving to go to Banff to catch the Roam Route 10, so that is a good back up plan, if you don’t get the Parks Canada shuttle tickets.
For your best chance at getting the Parks Canada shuttle tickets 48 hours in advance, make sure you are logged in BEFORE 8am. You should already have your account figured out and know exactly where to go on the site.
Even if you are not finding tickets right away, you can keep refreshing that morning. I’ve heard people having good luck with that.
One other really reasonable option is Fairview Limo! You can choose your departure and return time. They leave right from the Lake Louise village (from the Lake Louise Inn).
If you are having any additional issues, please feel free to email me questions @ travelbanffcanada.com
I will tell you your site is the most concise site I have seen on travel in this area. All the other sites are pretty confusing. Thank you! Who knew life could be so complicated to go and hike in Lake Moraine area. We are staying in Johnson Canyon Lodge for 3 nights. Hoping to do Via Ferrata one day/explore town of Banff, then thought it would be nice to take the Sentinel Pass/Larch Valley hike which starts at Lake Moraine another day,……. Well getting to Moraine is like a looking for the holy grail….very complicated! Hate to buy a $69 ticket x 2 to take a bus to Moraine to hop off and hike all day. Obviously don’t have a reservation so hoping to snag a last minute one. We will be driving up from Glacier on 9/14/24 and staying at Canyon the driving back to Kalispell, MT on 9/17 and not going north of LL/Banff (that will be another trip.). So trying to find the best way to do that. figured we could go to LL one evening and hike around and see. It sounds like a tourist spot mostly.
Hi Paige, Thank you so much for your comments! I’m glad you are finding our site so helpful! I see you already know about the Roam Transit from your next comment. I’m going to give you some tips there!
Would there be time to do the Larch Valley Hike on the same day we would take the Parks Canada shuttle to Lake Louise and then the Connector shuttle to Lake Moraine (then the Larch Valley Hike) and still get back in time before the last shuttle took us back to the Park & Ride at Lake Louise?
Thank you.
This would depend on what time your shuttle is at. If it’s in the morning, then yes, there is definitely enough time. It’s only around 2.5 to 3.5 hours to hike to Larch Valley (depending on how fast you hike). The last Parks Canada shuttle is at 7:30pm. So even arriving in the afternoon should give you enough time!
Always remember to check for any trail reports/conditions before going and bring plenty of water + snacks!