Trying to figure out how to get to Moraine Lake? You’re not alone! This is one of the most common questions I get. Since the road to Moraine Lake is now closed to personal vehicles, choosing the right shuttle or tour makes all the difference in how you experience this iconic spot. So today, we’re breaking down your options to help you pick the best one for your trip.
Today, we’re talking about how to get to Moraine Lake: what your shuttle options are, the pros and cons of each, and how to choose the one that fits your trip best.
Why You Need a Shuttle to Moraine Lake
Let’s start with the why. Moraine Lake is one of the most stunning places in the Canadian Rockies, but since 2023, you can no longer drive your personal vehicle there. The road is now only accessible by Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Transit, or private tours and shuttle companies.
So while this change has made parking and traffic less chaotic, it also means you have to plan ahead. But the good news? You have options and today I’m going to help you figure out the best one for you.
And I totally understand how confusing it can be. That’s why I’ve been running live workshops to help travellers make sense of all the options, and I’ve put together both a detailed blog post on Moraine Lake shuttles and a downloadable guide to visiting Moraine Lake.
Overview of Your Moraine Lake Shuttle Options
There are 3 main types of shuttles you can use to access Moraine Lake:
- Parks Canada Shuttles – Budget-friendly, ideal for most travellers
- Private Shuttle Operators – More flexibility and sunrise access
- Roam Transit + Connector – Great if you’re staying in Banff without a car
Parks Canada Moraine Lake Shuttle
Best for: budget-conscious travellers who want to visit during the day and want flexibility on how much time they spend at each lake
Departs from: Lake Louise Ski Resort Park & Ride (or Lake Louise lakeshore parking lot for Alpine Start shuttle)
Cost: $8 per adult; $4 per senior; kids free
Bookings open: mid-April at 8 AM Mountain Time
This is the most affordable and popular option. You’ll park at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and take a shuttle to Moraine Lake. Included in your shuttle reservation is the Lake Connector Shuttle to visit Lake Louise on the same day, which I highly recommend.
You choose your departure time (a one-hour time slot) then the rest of your day is flexible. You get in line for the Lake Connector Shuttle or the return shuttle to the Lake Louise Ski Resort at your leisure. A sunrise option is offered from the Lake Louise lakeshore parking lot with two set times 4am and 5am. This is called the Alpine Start shuttle.
You can also book the shuttle to Lake Louise first, but you only ever need to book to one of the lakes since you can take the Lake Connector Shuttle to the other lake. Both lakes have a shuttle that returns to the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
You can also book the shuttle to Lake Louise first, but you only ever need to book to one of the lakes since you can take the Lake Connector Shuttle to the other lake. Both lakes have a shuttle that returns to the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
If you miss the original booking window, they release a portion of the shuttle tickets on a 48 hour rolling basis throughout the season.
Parks Canada ReservationsPrivate Shuttle Operators
Best for: sunrise photography, early hikers, or anyone who wants to avoid any line-ups
Cost: $50–$199 per person (varies by provider and tour booked)
Departs from: Canmore hotels, Banff hotels, or Lake Louise hotels
If you’ve got Moraine Lake at the top of your bucket list, you want to catch a sunrise, have time for hiking or just don’t want to wait in any lines, this is the way to go. Companies like Moraine Lake Bus Company, Canmore Travel, Explore Banff Tours, Via Via Moraine Shuttle, and Fairview Limo offer sunrise shuttles, daytime shuttles with time for hiking and evening shuttles. Some have tours with a guide to visit both lakes in the same. There are so many different options between these Moraine Lake shuttle companies that it really depends on how you want to spend your day.
These can be more expensive, but they also have a lot of benefits. Some include round-trip service from your hotel in Canmore or Banff, or the ability to visit both lakes without rushing.
If you’re short on time or you want to guarantee that you get to visit the lakes during your visit (without the hassle of scrambling for Parks Canada shuttle tickets), then this is your answer!
Roam Transit + Parks Canada Lake Connector to Moraine Lake
Best for: visitors staying in Banff without a car
Cost: Roam Super Pass fare + Parks Canada shuttle fare
Route: Roam to Lake Louise Village, then Parks Canada shuttle to Moraine Lake
Roam Transit offers a great public bus service from Banff to Lake Louise lakeshore. From there, you can transfer to the Parks Canada shuttle using a pre-booked ticket. You must purchase the Super Pass when you make the reservation to get access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector Shuttle to Moraine Lake from the Lake Louise lakeshore.
This is a fantastic option if you’re not renting a car, but it does take a bit more time and coordination. If you go this route, give yourself plenty of buffer time. You’ll also need to return to the Lake Louise lakeshore using the Lake Connector shuttle to get back to Banff using your return ticket on Roam Route 8x.
Roam Transit ReservationsHow to Choose the Best Moraine Lake Shuttle for Your Trip
So which Moraine Lake shuttle should you take? Here’s how I help people decide:
- On a budget? → Parks Canada
- Want to visit both Moraine Lake & Lake Louise? → Parks Canada + Lake Connector, or a combo tour
- Sunrise is a must? → Private shuttle
- No rental car? → Roam Transit + Parks Canada combo
- Planning a big hike? → Pick the earliest possible departure (private or Parks Canada)
- Missed Parks Canada reservations? → Avoid the hassle of last minute departures and book with a private shuttle operator
Still feeling unsure? I’ve created both a blog post on Moraine Lake Shuttles and a downloadable guide to getting to Moraine Lake help you compare all the shuttle options at a glance. Otherwise, get more personalized help during one of my Moraine Lake Shuttle workshops where you can ask me questions!
💬 Listener Question of the Week
Alright, let’s wrap up with this week’s listener question, and it’s one I get all the time.
Someone recently asked: ‘Is it a bad idea to wait until 48 hours before and see what the weather looks like before booking our Moraine Lake shuttle? We’re going for a week in June and we’re flexible—so we’re thinking we’ll just wait and pick the best day.’
And honestly, I get it. It feels wild to book something weeks in advance when you don’t know if it’ll be raining, smoky, cloudy… or perfect.
But here’s the thing: those 48-hour advance shuttle releases? They do go fast. Parks Canada saves around 60% of the tickets for that short window, and they’re gone in minutes during peak season. So while people do get them, there’s no guarantee.
Here’s what I would personally do: Go online when booking opens (mid-April 8 AM MT – date TBA) and grab tickets for the last day of your trip that you could visit Moraine Lake. Think of it as a backup plan. Then, once you’re here in Banff, if you manage to grab tickets for a better weather day during that 48-hour window, just cancel your original tickets. You’ll lose the $3.50 processing fee, but that’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
To me, it’s a cheap insurance policy because the alternative is not getting to go at all. And truthfully, trying to chase the weather rarely works out here in the Rockies. Conditions change quickly, and some of our most beautiful moments have happened on days that didn’t look promising at first.
So plan ahead when you can, but stay flexible when you’re here.
