How to Get to Moraine Lake: Shuttle Seats, Roam Transit and the Closed Road

The Parks Canada shuttle

You choose a one-hour departure window and a first lake, Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, then check in at the Lake Louise Park and Ride kiosk during that window. Parking there is free for reservation holders. One ticket covers Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Lake Connector between them and the return to the Park and Ride. It does not include the national park entry pass.

In 2026 the Moraine Lake shuttle ran every 30 minutes from 6:30 am to 5 pm, with the last return at 7:30 pm. The Lake Connector ran every 30 minutes from 7 am to 6 pm, first come, first served, with a boarding pass from check-in. Expect to wait at least 30 minutes, and up to an hour at busy times. Holders who park at the Lake Louise Lakeshore lot instead are not allowed on the shuttle.

For sunrise there is the Alpine Start shuttle at 4 am and 5 am from the Lake Louise Lakeshore lot, which needs paid parking there. It can be changed or cancelled only until 3 pm the day before.

How the seats are released

Parks Canada releases 40% of seats on launch day. The other 60% are held for last-minute bookings and released each day at 8 am MDT, two days before departure: at 8 am on a Wednesday, seats for that Friday open. Parks Canada says seats typically sell out well in advance and does not recommend trying on the day of travel.

Last year's launch was April 15, 2026. For 2027, booking usually opens around April 13 to 18.

You can change or cancel up to one hour before your departure window, for CA$3.50 online or CA$5.50 by phone. The reservation fee is charged once per booking and is not refundable.

Roam transit, walking and cycling

From the Town of Banff, Parks Canada points to Roam Public Transit Route 8X, the Lake Louise Express, which runs daily year round to the Lake Louise Lakeshore, with reservations recommended in summer. A Roam Reservable Super Pass includes access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector to Moraine Lake from June 1 to October 12, 7 am to 6 pm. Book it with Roam.

Parks Canada does not recommend walking to Moraine Lake: it is about 14 km (8.7 mi) one way from the community of Lake Louise, 28 km (17.4 mi) return, with 527 m of climb and no pathway. Experienced cyclists can ride the road, which carries steady commercial traffic from June to October. Moraine Lake is a backcountry location with no cell service, running water or lighting, only pit toilets.

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