Banff 
Reservations for Parks Canada shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake’s shores open Wednesday at 8 a.m. MDT.
If you are planning to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Alberta this year, two of the most popular and picturesque lakes in Canada, it is important to plan ahead, as parking is limited at Lake Louise and private vehicles are prohibited on Moraine Lake Road.
Only Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, hop-on-hop-off buses, taxis, commercial buses, and vehicles with a government-issued disabled pass will have access to Moraine Lake Road.
While you can drive to Lake Louise and park there ( parking fees apply), finding an empty spot is extremely challenging during the summer months. The parking area typically reaches capacity before sunrise, and once full, additional vehicles are not permitted to enter. There is no provision for waiting for spots to open up. To ensure access to Lake Louise, visitors should consider reserving a shuttle ticket in advance.
40% of the season’s total seats can be booked when the reservations open today, with the remaining 60% offered on a rolling basis two days prior to the departure date at 8 am. For instance, tickets for June 3 will be released on June 1. While reservations can be made until just before departure, Parks Canada says they sold out quickly within 45 minutes in the 2023 season.
Parking at Lake Louise Lakeshore costs $42.
- Car-Free Sightseeing Guide: How to Visit the Best Attractions in Banff and Lake Louise
- How to Get to Moraine Lake – Shuttles, Public Transit and Tours
The Parks Canada Shuttle to Moraine Lake originates from the Lake Louise Park and Ride lot, situated at the Lake Louise Summer Gondola (Ski Resort).
Lake Louise Lakeshore shuttle operates daily from May 15–October 12, 2026, with service every 30 minutes between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Moraine Lake shuttle runs daily from June 1 to October 12, with service every 30 minutes between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., and the Lake Connector shuttle runs on a 30-minute frequency between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from 7 am to 7 pm.
The last shuttle back to the park-and-ride is at 7:30 p.m.
Lake Connector shuttle is for reservation holders only (boarding pass required) or those with a Roam Transit (public transport in Banff) Superpass. It’s free of charge, first-come, first-served, and no specific booking time is needed.
The Park and Ride Connector runs daily from May 15 to October 12, 2026, between the Lake Louise Campground, Samson Mall, and Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Alpine Start:
Parks Canada also offers an early-morning shuttle service to Moraine Lake for those interested in capturing the famous sunrise photos, with limited Alpine Start shuttle tickets available for departures at 4 am and 5 am, requiring advanced reservations. This service is available daily from June 1 to October 12, 2026, and operates from Lake Louise Lakeshore directly to Moraine Lake.
It is important to note that Alpine Start shuttles depart from Lake Louise Lakeshore, not from the Park and Ride. Visitors parking at Lake Louise Lakeshore must pay a daily parking rate and show proof of purchase before boarding. Return trips are via the Lake Connector shuttle, starting at 7 am from Moraine Lake.
Reservations for the Alpine Start Shuttle must be secured by 5 pm the day before the intended departure.
Parks Canada Summer Shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Credit: Parks Canada
What: Reservations are mandatory for all Parks Canada shuttles travelling from Lake Louise Park and Ride to either lake, including the Alpine Start shuttles. Visitors can stay at the lakes for an unlimited time and use the Lake Connector shuttle to travel between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on a first-come, first-served basis, provided they have a Parks Canada Shuttle reservation or a Roam Public Transit Superpass. The ticket also covers the return shuttle service to the Park and Ride.
When: Reservations for shuttles are available April 15, 2026. 40% of the seats for the entire shuttle season will be available for reservation at this time. The remaining 60 percent will be released on a rolling window at 8 am, 2 days before departure, throughout the season.
- Park and Ride Connector— loop between the Lake Louise Campground, Samson Mall and the Lake Louise Park and Ride (1 Whitehorn Road) — May 15–October 12, 2026.
- Lake Louise Lakeshore — between Lake Louise Park and Ride & Lake Louise — Daily from May 15–October 12, 2026.
- Moraine Lake — between Lake Louise Park and Ride & Moraine Lake — Daily from June 1–October 12, 2026
- Alpine Start — between Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake. — Daily from June 1 to October 12, 2026, 2 departure times daily (4 am and 5 am)
- Lake Connector — between Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake — Daily from June 1 to October 12, 2026
How Much: $12.75 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for youth. There is a non-refundable $3.50 reservation fee for online bookings and $5.50 for telephone bookings.
