Lake Louise Moraine Lake Shuttle: Stress-Free Access

Two alpine lakes in one afternoon, no parking hassle

A shuttle tour from Banff or Canmore to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, with 90 minutes of free time at each lake. The vehicle handles the drive and the road access that private cars no longer have. You spend the afternoon walking the shorelines, taking photographs or simply sitting with the views. The tour runs year-round, switching to Johnston Canyon when Moraine Lake closes in winter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

• Depart from Banff/Canmore
• Explore Lake Louise for 90 minutes
• Visit Moraine Lake for 90 minutes
• Return to Banff/Canmore

The experience

Private vehicles are no longer permitted on Moraine Lake Road, which means driving yourself is not an option, but the shuttle solves that. You depart from Banff or Canmore in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the operator handles both the national park entry fees and the access fee for Moraine Lake Road, so nothing stops you at the gate. The drive to Lake Louise takes you into the heart of Banff National Park, where the lake's emerald waters sit ringed by peaks. You get 90 minutes to walk the shoreline, frame photographs or simply stand and look.

From Lake Louise, the shuttle continues to Moraine Lake, where the turquoise water and towering rock faces are the reason the road filled up in the first place. You have another 90 minutes here: enough time for a lakeside stroll, a longer hike if you want one, or to sit on the rocks and let the scale of it sink in. The return journey is a relaxed drive back to your starting point in Banff or Canmore.

The tour runs June through October with access to Moraine Lake. From October through May, when the road closes, the shuttle visits Johnston Canyon instead, a different but equally dramatic stop in the park. A live guide travels with the group and speaks English or Chinese, depending on the departure.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• national park entry fees and Moraine Lake Road access.
• 90 minutes of free time at Lake Louise and 90 minutes at Moraine Lake (or Johnston Canyon in winter).
• round-trip transportation from your chosen pickup point in Banff or Canmore.
• live guide in English or Chinese.

Options for this experience

2 options

Pickup from BanffGuide in English or Chinese · Available from 1 Jun 2027Meeting point: the parking lot behind Mount Royal Hotel. Starting point: Mount Royal Hotel, Box 1140, 138 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J3, Canada

Pickup from CanmoreGuide in English or Chinese · Available from 1 Jun 2027The meeting point is the Canmore Visitor Information Centre, located at 2801 Bow Valley Trl, Canmore, AB T1W 3A2, Canada.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 23

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cool Banff Tours & Transportation

Is this one for you?Pick Banff departure if you're staying there, Canmore if that's your base. The shuttle handles parking at Moraine Lake (or Johnston Canyon in winter) so you can focus on photography or leisurely walking rather than logistics.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I hike at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake on this tour?

Yes. You have 90 minutes of free time at each lake, which is enough for a short walk along the shoreline or, if you prefer, a longer trail. The guide does not lead a structured hike. The time is yours to use as you wish.

What happens to Moraine Lake in winter?

Moraine Lake Road closes from October 13 through May 31 due to snow. During those months, the shuttle visits Johnston Canyon instead, another scenic canyon and waterfall in Banff National Park.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the meeting point?

The tour includes round-trip transportation from either Banff or Canmore, depending on which pickup option you choose at checkout. If you pick Banff, meet the shuttle at the public bus parking lot behind the Mount Royal Hotel.

Is there time to eat lunch during the tour?

The tour does not include a meal stop. You have 90 minutes at each lake, which gives you time to bring and eat your own food by the water, but no restaurant visit is part of the itinerary.

What is the difference between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?

Lake Louise has emerald-colored water and sits in a wide valley with gentle shoreline access. Moraine Lake has turquoise water and is surrounded by much steeper, towering peaks, creating a more dramatic landscape. Both are in Banff National Park and both offer photography and walking opportunities.