Banff 
You will not be able to drive to Moraine Lake as Parks Canada will prohibit private vehicles from accessing Moraine Lake Road in the summer of 2023.
Photo Credit: Max Muench/Canadian Tourism Commission
Parks Canada says the surging popularity of Moraine Lake saw vehicles at the lake parking lot nearly 24 hours a day leading to degradation in visitor experience.
The federal agency also wants to reduce stress on animals who use the area by eliminating personal vehicles and reducing carbon emissions. According to Parks Canada, preventing private vehicles from accessing Moraine Lake will lead to a reduction of approximately 900 cars per day and 20,000 kilometres per day of driving, thereby eliminating 4 tonnes of CO2 per day.
During winter, Moraine Lake road is closed from Mid October (around Thanksgiving Tuesday) to early June.
Parks Canada will continue to allow private vehicles to the Lake Louise parking lot in 2023.
How Can You Visit Moraine Lake in 2023:
Parks Canada says when Moraine Lake road reopens for the summer season, only Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, taxis and commercial buses will be permitted on the road.
Those with disabled parking hang tags will also be allowed to drive to Moraine Lake.
Parks Canada Shuttle: You will need to reserve a seat on the Parks Canada Shuttle to Moraine Lake which originates from Lake Louise Park and Ride lot. Last year, the park and ride lot was located at Lake Louise Summer Gondola (Ski Resort).
Parks Canada shuttle costs $8 for adults (18 – 64 years) and $4 for seniors (65+ years). The shuttles will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This includes the return and the use of the Lake Connector to Lake Louise.
Parks Canada Shuttle reservations usually open in early spring (May 4th in 2022). Dates will be announced later this month with the annual camping reservation opening dates.
Credit: Parks Canada
Banff Roam Transit: Parks Canada says you can use public transport Roam to reach Moraine Lake.
The 2023 summer transit schedule are not yet announced.
Last year, there was a direct transit to Park and Ride and Lake Louise (Roam Transit 8X: Lake Louise Express or Roam Transit 8S: Lake Louise Scenic), and visitors had to take the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle to reach Moraine Lake.
Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle tickets are included in the Roam Super Pass tickets. Roam Super Pass is a 1-day pass which allows you to travel on all Roam routes – from Canmore to Banff to Lake Louise for ~$25 (adults).
In 2022, direct transit to Moraine Lake (Roam Transit Route 10: Moraine Lake Express) operated only during the Fall colour season from September to Thanksgiving.
Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus, Other Commercial Operators and Taxis: You can take Hop-on and hop-off Bus (Banff Townsite, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Gondola, Samson Mall, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise), guided tours, and other commercially registered vehicles that can transport 11 or more persons, including the driver to reach Moraine Lake.
Taxis with a business license to operate in Banff National Park will also be allowed to travel Moraine Lake Road.
Bike to the Lake: Parks Canada says e-bikes and bicycles will be allowed on Moraine Lake Road. But those who decide to do so will have to bike around 15 km (one way) from the town or Lake Louise.
Other Changes:
Unfortunately, Parks Canada will not be running the sunrise shuttles. Those who want to visit Lake Moraine to capture the famous sunrise view or want to get a head start on hiking the trails before the crowds arrive will have to use commercial vehicles.
Parks Canada says guides and photographers who wish to take clients to Moraine Lake will also have to take Parks Canada Shuttle or arrange transportation with a commercial transportation provider, such as a private shuttle.
Commercial operators will not be allowed to turn left when entering or exiting Moraine Lake Road due to high traffic volumes on Lake Louise Drive.
