Moraine Lake Shuttle Gear List
Moraine Lake is a backcountry location with no cell service, running water or services, only pit toilets. For the hikes from both lakes, Banff's packing list starts with a trail map, water, food, bear spray, a first aid kit and a rain jacket.
Banff's recommended packing list
Parks Canada prints this list for hiking in Banff. The hikes to Lake Agnes, the Plain of Six Glaciers and Larch Valley start at the two lakes.
Trail guide and map
First on the list.
Full water bottle or thermos, and high energy food
Surface water may be unsafe to drink, so bring your own water or a water filter.
Bear spray
Carry it and know how to use it.
First aid kit and emergency blanket
On the list, with a headlamp and spare batteries.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and gloves
All on the list.
Proper footwear and hiking poles
Poles and ice cleats are recommended when trails are snowy or icy.
Rain or wind jacket and extra warm clothing
Extra warm clothing is for an emergency. Dress in layers.
Charged cell phone and a satellite device
Cell coverage is not reliable throughout the park.
At the lakes
No services at Moraine Lake
No cell service, Wi-Fi, running water or lighting. Pit toilets are available.
From Parks Canada: Banff, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttles
Park entry is separate
Your shuttle ticket does not include a national park entry fee. Both are required.
From Parks Canada: Banff, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttles
Pack out your garbage
The Lake Agnes trail entry says so.
Stay off the Rockpile rocks
Parks Canada asks visitors not to climb on them.
Snow, avalanches and bears
Teahouse hikes close in winter
The hikes to the teahouses are not safe from November through mid-May because of avalanche hazard.
Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass
Route-finding is needed on the steep rocky slopes below Sentinel Pass, and travel is not recommended from mid-October to mid-June.
Group restrictions
Restrictions are often in place in summer on the Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass trails. When they are, you hike in a tight group of four or more. Check with the Lake Louise Visitor Centre.
Gear questions for Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
Is there water at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise trailheads?
Parks Canada says Moraine Lake has no running water or services, only pit toilets. Bring your own water or a filter, since surface water may be unsafe.
Do you need bear spray at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise?
Bear spray is on Banff's recommended packing list for hiking, and Parks Canada says to carry it and know how to use it.
Does the Moraine Lake and Lake Louise shuttle include park entry?
No. Parks Canada says the shuttle ticket does not include a national park entry fee, and both are required.
Sources
- Parks Canada: Banff hiking
- Parks Canada: Banff, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttles
- Parks Canada: Banff, Lake Louise
- Parks Canada: Banff, Mount Temple scrambling
Checked against the agency pages above on November 9, 2026. This page names no products, and it lists what the agency says, in our words. Check the agency page for rules that changed since.
In an emergency in Canada, call 911.