Lake Louise Parking: Everything You NEED to Know
While parking at Lake Louise is still possible, unlike Moraine Lake, it is no fun between June and mid-September. Scoring a parking spot at Lake Louise in the summer can be nearly impossible. Fortunately, Parks Canada operates a shuttle in the summer months, making access to the lake more manageable.
Millions visit the park yearly, and most have Lake Louise at the top of their list. This creates a massive demand for a little parking lot. Due to this, we recommend most visitors take advantage of the Park & Ride shuttle system, book a private tour, or utilize Roam Transit to get to Lake Louise.
Thankfully, it is not like this year-round, and outside of the summer, parking at Lake Louise is not so stressful. We know you have questions about parking at Lake Louise, so let’s dig in!
Lake Louise Parking Info
Between June to October, parking at Lake Louise is a huge struggle. Over one million people visit Lake Louise annually, with most visiting in the summer, keep that in mind when planning. You’ll want to arrive well before 6:00 a.m. to secure a parking spot at Lake Louise, which means an early rise unless you stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
We’ve never had a problem parking at Lake Louise during the shoulder season or winter. Granted, the wintertime does involve winter driving conditions, and there is often ice or snow in the parking lot. The holidays around Christmas and the New Year can be a busy period, but it’s nothing like the summer months.
Lake Louise parking congestion has been a big problem in the past. There is only one two-lane road leading up to Lake Louise, with a dead-end at Lake Louise itself. In 2024, there will also be construction on Lake Louise Drive, which brings its own set of congestion issues.
If you attempt to drive to Lake Louise and there is no parking available, parking attendants will turn you around. There is nowhere to sit and wait for a spot to become available. By the end of this ordeal, you just wasted 30 minutes or more if you didn’t secure a parking spot.
Thankfully, Parks Canada has introduced a helpful shuttle to assist visitors in getting to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Shuttles can be boarded at the Lake Louise Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Hill/Summer Gondola. We’ll discuss that in this article, but first, a few popular questions.
Is it Free to Park at Lake Louise?
Paid parking will be in effect for Lake Louise from 3 a.m. to 7 p.m. between May 17th and October 14th, 2024. You will also need a valid Parks Canada Pass for all National Parks in Canada. Look for pay stations when you arrive at Lake Louise; the fee is $36.75 per vehicle per day. Accessible parking is $8. You’ll need to input your license plate number into the pay kiosk. You cannot park overnight at Lake Louise Lakeshore.
Is There Free Parking in Lake Louise?
There is no free parking at Lake Louise Lakeshore in the summer months. The Great Divide parking lot was a popular free option, but the lot is now closed to relieve pressure on the grizzly bear population.
Can I Park Overnight in Lake Louise?
You cannot park overnight at Lake Louise.
Are there Places to Park an Oversized Vehicle at Lake Louise
There are designated spots for RVs and campervans to park at Lake Louise. However, parking spots are limited, so the Park & Ride shuttle leaving from the Lake Louise Summer Gondola is best.
Is there an Entrance Fee for Lake Louise?
Lake Louise is free to enjoy. You need a valid Parks Canada pass to recreate in any National Parks of Canada. If you park at the Lake Louise Lakeshore you will have to pay for parking.
What Time Should I Get to Lake Louise?
The shuttle bus is the best option for visiting Lake Louise. The limited parking lot fills up during the summer by 7:00 a.m. – usually earlier. I recommend getting there well before 7:00 a.m. to ensure a parking spot if you still intend to drive yourself. We often visit Lake Louise in the evening (after 7 p.m.) when many have left for the day. During this time, you can typically score a spot.
In the winter, parking at Lake Louise is much easier, and you should not have an issue parking anywhere at the Lake Louise Lakeshore outside of the holiday season.
How Do I Get from Banff to Lake Louise Without a Car?
Your best option is to take the Roam Transit bus. Route 8x is the Lake Louise Express and runs daily between Banff and Lake Louise. Or join an organized tour like this Moraine Lake/Lake Louise combined tour or the Hop On Hop Off Bus.
Is Lake Louise Worth Visiting?
Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful sights in Banff and the world. It is a magnificent site and incredibly popular, so it attracts a big crowd. There are minor inconveniences around Lake Louise parking, but the shuttle system makes it easy. We recommend every visitor to Banff National Park to spend some time at Lake Louise.
Should I Stay in Lake Louise?
There are a few hotel options around Lake Louise, and the only one actually at the lake is the Fairmont. They are often even higher priced than the hotels in Banff because you are paying for a location at Lake Louise. Staying at Lake Louise means you’ll have better access to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway.
However, this is at the expense of some Banff town amenities like great restaurants and more things to do. If you are considering staying at Banff or Lake Louise, we compare the pros and cons of each here.
Is Lake Louise Parking Free in Winter?
Parking at Lake Louise is free in the winter, from mid-October until May 17th, 2024.
Tips For Easier Parking At Lake Louise
Visit Lake Louise at Sunrise or Sunset
Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit Lake Louise for beauty and crowd management. It’s during these times you’ll find the fewest people. Though sunrise can now still draw a crowd and parking does fill up before 7 am. The good news is you have plenty of time to complete a Lake Louise hike if you arrive around sunrise. Though this sunrise secret is nothing new, plenty of other people in the park are willing to get up early to score a parking spot at Lake Louise for sunrise.
Visit Lake Louise in the “Off Season”
The busiest months to visit Lake Louise are June through the end of September. Lake Louise is relatively quiet for the rest of the year. Except around Christmas.
Stay in a Lake Louise Hotel
Those staying at Fairmont Château Lake Louise, Paradise Bungalow, and Deer Lodge will not need to fight for parking at Lake Louise as the hotels are close enough to Lake Louise that guests can walk. The Fairmont charges guests an additional $30 per day fee for parking, and they get direct access to Lake Louise at all times of the day.
There is a difference between Lake Louise Village and Lake Louise Lakeshore, and the Lake Louise Park & Ride, so please look at the map below. The village lies about 4km away from the Lakeshore. Visitors staying at hotels near the Lake Louise Village must either arrange a private tour, take the Lake Louise shuttle, or walk/bike. Several Lake Louise village hotels offer free shuttles to Lake Louise and possibly Moraine Lake, but it’s best to call and verify with the hotel.
Guests staying in the Lake Louise Village or Campground can take advantage of the Parks Canada Park and Ride Connector for free. This loops between the Lake Louise Campground, the Village of Lake Louise (Samson Mall), and the Lake Louise Park and Ride. This service runs from May 17th to October 14, 2024. This route does not require reservations and is free of charge, but you will still need reservations to hop on the Parks Canada shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Note that guests staying at a Lake Louise hotel still have to make arrangements to get to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. They do not get special access to the Parks Canada Park and Ride or the Lake Connector Shuttle.
Book an Organized Tour
If all this sounds like a bit too much for you, a surefire and hassle-free way to get to Lake Louise is to book an organized tour like this one.
Other Easy Ways to Get to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
All of these tours mentioned include Moraine Lake & Lake Louise in their schedule.
- Radventures Earlybird is one of our favorites as they offer guided tours for small groups (max 14 guests), starting and ending with hotel pick up in Banff, with local interpretation and an amazing guide on hand to answer questions and take photos. Enjoy hot drinks, see the best spots to view the sunrise. After guests can get an optional hot cafe breakfast at Trailhead Cafe, before heading to Lake Louise where you can opt to canoe.
- Hop On Hop Off Bus: Explore the most popular spots in Banff (like the lakes AND Johnston Canyon) at your own pace. Hop on and off when you please!
- Moraine Lake Bus Company: An alternative option to the Parks Canada shuttle, they provide early access to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise with shuttles starting as early as 4am and run all day. They have routes going to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, so make sure to pick the one you want.
- Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway Tour: This is a full day tour with many stops.
- Wow Banff Open-Top Shuttle: Drive to the lakes with the wind in your face!
- Fairview Limo: A great option for those staying in Lake Louise as their shuttles leave from Lake Louise Inn and include a 4 hour tour to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise (pet friendly!).
Bike to Lake Louise
Those looking for a fantastic uphill bike ride can park their car at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and bike up to Lake Louise.
The bike ride is roughly 7 km from the Lake Louise Ski Resort, but it has 200+ meters of elevation gain, which is relatively steep in such a short period. Cyclists are advised to travel along the shoulder of Lake Louise Drive or take the Tramline Trail, which is gravel. Keep in mind there is ongoing construction on Lake Louise Drive in 2024.
Roam Transit to Lake Louise
The Roam Transit Route 8x (Lake Louise Express) runs to Lake Louise from Banff in the summer. The cost is $10 per adult. Reservations are highly recommended; however, you can walk- up to the fare boxes. Roam buses accept U.S. and Canadian currency as small as a nickel and up to $20. Children 12 and under are free but still require a reservation.
**Roam Transit routes and dates are subject to change, we aim to keep this page as updated as possible, but it’s always best to check the Roam website.
Roam Super Pass
During the 2024 summer season, the Roam Transit Reservable Super Pass provides all route access for one day. For $25, this One Day Reservable Super Pass allows unlimited travel on all Roam routes, including Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise. Additionally, it is the sole fare option granting access to the Parks Canada – Lake Connector Shuttle between Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake.
The Reservable Super Pass must be pre-purchased exclusively online at Roam Transit. Show your valid Roam Reservable Super Pass to Parks Canada staff at the Lake Louise Lakeshore or Moraine Lake to receive your Parks Canada boarding pass.
The Parks Canada Park and Ride
The parking concerns at Lake Louise have worsened each year. The best option for most visitors to see the lake is the Park & Ride shuttle. This guarantees seeing Lake Louise and nearby Moraine Lake. This new system reduces the harmful impacts of crowds and ensures visitors do not have to deal with the stresses around parking at the lake. It cuts back on congestion and emissions too!
All shuttle passengers must leave their vehicle at the Park and Ride. Visitors cannot park at Lake Louise Lakeshore or Moraine Lake and board the shuttle service. Parking at the Park and Ride is free, and there is ample parking for visitors.
The Park and Ride parking lot is located at Lake Louise Ski Resort with direct buses to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. It is recommended that you make a shuttle reservation in advance.
Shuttle reservations will be made available in the spring of 2024. Parks Canada will release 40% of the operating season. The remaining 60% will be released on a rolling window at 8 am, 48 hours before departure day, throughout the entire season.
The Park and Ride shuttle to the lakes runs every 30 minutes between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. (8 a.m. to 6 p.m between May 17-31, 2024). The final return bus from Lake Louise Lakeshore to the Park and Ride is at 7:30 p.m.
Shuttle reservations are for one specific bus route. Once at Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, you can connect between the lakes on a first-come-first-serve basis via the Lake Connector Shuttle. **The shuttles to Moraine Lake do not begin operation until the road opens on June 1st.
The Lake Connector bus is free of charge for those with a shuttle ticket, making it easy to see both lakes in one day. The Lake Connector shuttle is for reservation holders only. You can not park at Lake Louise and hop on the Lake Connector.
Certified service animals are allowed on the shuttle buses. All other pets must be crated and kept on their owner’s lap while riding the shuttle. No large pets are permitted on the shuttles.
Park And Ride Shuttle Fairs (Return Trip)
(prices listed in CAD)
- Adults: $8
- Seniors (65+): $4
- Youth Under 17: Free
- *There is a $3 non-refundable transaction fee per reservation when purchasing shuttle tickets on the Parks Canada Reservation System.
- It’s important to note that these fees are in addition to your National Parks entry fee.
All You NEED to Know About The Lake Louise Shuttle
**The 2024 reservation launch date for shuttle reservations is April 18, 2024 at 08:00 a.m. MDT. You can reserve your shuttle on the Parks Canada website. The Lake Louise Shuttle will run from May 17th to October 14th, 2024, every 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The last return shuttle from Lake Louise to the Park and Ride Lot will be at 7:30 p.m. Keep in mind this is different from the Moraine Lake Shuttle, which begins operations on June 1st. It’s not possible to access Moraine Lake by vehicle before June 1st.
Lake Connector Shuttle Frequency
**Daily from June 1 to October 14, 2024**
- Lake Louise to Moraine Lake: Every 30 minutes between 7 am and 7 pm
- Moraine Lake to Lake Louise: Every 30 minutes between 7 am and 7 pm
Check out the map to better understand the layout and where to park. If you’d like more info, such as schedule and up-to-date fairs, check out the Parks Canada Website.
Where Is The Parks Canada Park and Ride?
Please study the map above. The Park and Ride shuttle is at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola – here is the GPS Point. This is where you will park to catch the shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Parking here is free, and there is plenty of it.
How Do I Book My Lake Louise Shuttle Reservation?
To make a reservation for the Lake Louise shuttle, you can use the Parks Canada Reservation Service or call 1-877-737-3783. To proceed with the booking, you need an account with Parks Canada Reservation Service. It is recommended that you create your account beforehand to avoid any inconvenience during the checkout process. Book Your Lake Louise Shuttle Tickets on Parks Canada.
What Are Facilities Like At Lake Louise?
Lake Louise has quite a few facilities for visitors. There is a large public restroom in the Lake Louise parking lot with flush toilets. The only facility at actually Lake Louise itself is the Fairmont, which is open to non-guests to walk into. There are a few Lake Louise restaurants inside the Chateau (reservations recommended) and a deli, coffee shop, gift shop, and restrooms.
If you would like to rent a canoe at Lake Louise, you can do so at the Lake Louise Boathouse operated by the Fairmont.
Where to Stay Near Lake Louise?
The only place to stay at Lake Louise herself is Chateau Lake Louise. It’s an iconic place to stay in the Rockies and rates easily go over $1500 a night in the summer. You are paying a high premium for the Fairmont name and the location.
There are a few other options in the hamlet of Lake Louise. Paradise Lodge & Bungalows offers cute cabins for guests and is walkable to Lake Louise. Deer Lodge is also walkable to Lake Louise but is run down with abysmal reviews.
Another option is the Post Hotel, Lake Louise Inn, Mountaineer Lodge in the village, and the HI Lake Louise Alpine Center for those on a budget. You still need to arrange a way to get to Lake Louise if staying at these hotels. Alternatively you can take the Lake Louise Creek Trail which is 2.9 km one way to Lake Louise Lakeshore.
Things to do at Lake Louise
There are so many things to do at Lake Louise we have a separate article! Our favorite activities include hiking to the Fairview Lookout, Lake Agnes Teahouse, or hiking The Beehives. As well as enjoy a paddle on the beautiful blue lake.
Our Favorite Tours and Excursions in Banff
- Banff Gondola: Get up on top on Sulphur Mountain!
- Banff Hop on Hop Off: Explore the park at your own pace.
- Lake Minnewanka Cruise: Enjoy a guided tour on the largest lake in Banff.
- Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks: Because when else can you walk on a glacier?
- From Banff: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Sightseeing Tour
- Radventures Earlybird Explorer: Sunrise at Moraine Lake with treats!
- Moraine Lake Bus Company: An alternative option to the Parks Canada shuttle, this tour provides early access to Moraine Lake with shuttles starting as early as 4am.
- Mt Norquay Via Ferrata: Conquer your fear of heights
Hopefully, this Lake Louise parking guide helped you plan your trip. If you are curious about how to get to Moraine Lake, see here. If you have any other questions, leave a comment or see our Canadian Rockies travel guide for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, etc.
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendations include the Banff Gondola and a cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island in Jasper. If you want a stress-free way to get to Moraine Lake, we highly recommend looking into Moraine Lake Bus Company.
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car: The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy.
- Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going for airfare deals and travel credit cards to earn points on purchases. Those credit card points can be redeemed for free flights and hotels! Our favorite cards is the Capital One Venture X (which has an insane welcome bonus right now) as it has no foreign transaction fees.
- Hop On, Hop Off: This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus to visit all the best attractions at your own pace!
↓ Ask Your Questions ↓
The Banff Blog Private Facebook Group is your headquarters for Canadian Rockies travel advice and information, including hike and off-season travel information. You can also meet new adventure buddies.
Hi Natasha, I am staying in Banff from Fri 2 – Sun 11 Sept (8 whole days). I’ve found your blog super helpful 😊 but also feeling a bit overwhelmed as so many things I want to do and trying to keep it realistic. My younger daughter lives in Banff and I’ll be travelling with my older daughter. We all like hiking and biking etc and will have a car. I’d like to drive the Icefields Parkway but it would have to be in 1 day that leaves 7. If we are happy to get up super early to see Moraine Lake I’m thinking we skip the shuttle and drive midweek, is that reasonable?
you can definitely drive mid week but I would still plan for an early morning. Even mid week in the summer is busy and it’s recommended to get there well before 6am to guarantee a parking spot.
Hey Natasha, Greetings from the UK!! Just found your detailed and helpful Blog page on LL access and parking. Wonderful guide, thank you.
I have one comment though, can you please clarify whether or not we can drive down to the shoreside car parks at, say 9pm, and stay for an hour or so until sunset time. You mention there is no over night parking and I only want to be there a short while. Paid parking stops earlier, so what is the situation for 2022?
Keep up the excellent work,
Clive
Typically around 9pm crowds are thinning and you can drive up and park at the lakeshore for free! Enjoy sunset!
Hi Natasha, I am planning to hike Lake Louise areas in mid of Sept, the paid parking is in effect 7am-7pm. I guess after 7pm it is free parking, so how long can I park there at night? Did you do any sunset hiking there?
Thanks You!
You just cannot park overnight, but you can park until midnight or 1am if would like. I wouldn’t recommend sunset hiking in the area unless you have experience hiking in the Rockies, as you’ll be hiking out in bear country in the dark.
Hi – could I get your opinion on the Lake Louise Inn – the reviews are a mixed bunch and whilst we don’t need anything particularly fancy, I just want to check it’s of a reasonable standard. Your blog has been so helpful with planning our trip!
We haven’t personally stayed, but it is of reasonable standard with above a 7.5 on Booking.com. Definitely not the Four Seasns, but if you want to stay in Lake Louise it may be your best bet for the price!
Hi Natasha – love your posts thank you for the helpful information. We have just reserved the Parks Canada shuttle from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake and are planning to hike back to our parked car from Moraine to LL. Just curious, if you have a shuttle booking, does that mean you will definitely have access to parking at the park and ride lot or how does this work?
Thanks for your help!
Yes all shuttle reservations guarantee you a parking spot at the Park and Ride at Lake Louise Ski Resort! Keep in mind the Park and Ride is in a different location from Lake Louise, so hiking back to your car parked at the Park and Ride would be extremely long.
We are traveling in Banff August 3-9. Looks like the shuttles are all reserved for groups of 4 or more. Do you recommend getting up at 3 or 4 am and driving from our place in Canmore as our only option if we can’t get a park and ride shuttle? Thanks
I would personally wait until after 7pm, unless you really want to see sunrise or have a big hike planned for the day.
Very helpful blog! Thank you. I see you have to pay to park at the lot from 7a-7p, but Is the parking lot open before 7a? I want to be able to get a spot on this upcoming Tuesday so I want to know if I will just end up waiting in line for a spot or can actually park before 7a? How early should I arrive if I want to get
a spot. I am bringing my 2 dogs and I’m not sure what other options I have because shuttles don’t seem to allow dogs.
You can park for free before 7am, but once it hits 7am you are subject to a ticket if you haven’t paid. So if you arrive at 6am and stay until 8am you will still need to pay. Parking isn’t usually full before 7am, but this year has been busier than most.
Dear Natasha,
We are family of two, driving from Saskatoon to Calgary. We are planning to stay in Calgary and make a day trip to Banff and lake louis. Your blog is very helpful
Hi Natasha!
The information is terrific and quite useful. I’ll be driving up from Colorado to first visit Banff/Lake Louise (Sept 7 -13th) then to Grand Forks BC to visit family. Traveling solo and staying in Canmore, I was wondering if there was any way to find others hiking i.e. the Bee Hive circuit that might want company. I’m sure there are tours available, but thought I’d ask. Also, if I leave Canmore before 7 am will parking be available you think at Lake Louise? (Where is your store located?)
Hi Natasha!
This blog is one of the most informative ones out there. Thank you!
We are planning to go hiking at Lake Louise for Remembrance Day. Can you advise please what trails are open this time a year.
Thanks.
There will likely be lots of snow at that time, so I would recommend either going to Mirror Lake or Fairview Lookout. Here is more info: https://thebanffblog.com/lake-louise-hikes/
Hi! I’d like to visit Banff this month. You mentioned that parking at lake Louise shouldn’t be an issue in the winter outside the holidays. Does holidays mean the dates close to Christmas or do you mean the actual stat holidays? I’m thinking of maybe going next weekend but I’m worried about not being able to find parking there and at moraine lake.
Typically between the 24th and the 3rd can get quite busy, but you still shouldn’t have trouble at Lake Louise. Moraine Lake is closed until summer
Thanks for the condensed version of the parking and shuttle situation! We are staying at Paradise … I guess worst case scenario, if we don’t get shuttle tickets, we can walk to Lake Louise and have the Super Pass and be able to ride the Lake Connector… maybe?
Yes, that would be a good backup plan! Paradise Lodge is about a 20 minute walk from Lake Louise so not too bad.
We visited Lake Louise today and tried our luck driving to the Lakeshore lot even though it said lot full at the bottom. Ended up scoring a spot and was directed to the kiosk to pay. My question is who is checking if this parking fee is paid? It says no need to leave on dash but there is no where to scan to get out, is it just honour system or are they checking plates in the lot? Thanks!
It’s linked to your license plate which you enter when you pay at the pay station.
Just curious if someone goes around checking plates in the lot you park at?
Very disappointed in Lake Louise! Why do we have to pay for parking when we have already paid for a Parks Pass! My son (a student) and friends went for a visit, made sure they were there bright and early to get parking which they then had to pay $21 for.
They also took along our kayaks to enjoy out on the water and were told that they could not use the dock, and had to find somewhere else to launch…where?? There is not other place to launch!
So should they, as students, pay to rent kayaks or canoes?
We want to encourage our young people to have healthy, active lifestyles…but the government sure isn’t making it easy for them.
I’m sorry for your disappointment Leigh. Please note we are a personal blog and not Parks Canada or the Fairmont Boathouse, so we have no control over prices or regulations at Lake Louise. There is a decent place to launch your own kayak at Lake Louise though. Right after the bridge on your left hand side, before you reach the Fairmont.
Dear Natasha,
I love your blog! It’s so informative!! For work time constraint, we could only go to Banff between 11-15 October 2023, in which the shuttle and the Marine Lake road is closed. If I still want to go to the Lake Louise, do you suggest me to try my luck to park directly to Lake Louise? Or it is possible to park at at the Park and Ride and walk to Lake Louise (since shuttle is also closed at that time period)? Thanks for your reply!
Hi Lydia,
There’s no guarantees but typically in October you can park directly at Lake Louise, especially if it’s a weekday and you arrive early or later in the day. The Park and Ride is very far from Lake Louise so I wouldn’t recommend walking.
Hi Natasha, (my name’s Natasha too😁). We will be staying in Paradise bungalows for a few night in June 2024. We can walk to Lake Louise but how would we get a shuttle to Moraine lake from there? Thank you!
Last year guests staying at Deer Lodge, Paradise Bungalows, and Chateau Lake Louise are within walking distance to Lake Louise, and are welcome to get directly on the Lake Connector Shuttle rather than driving to the Park & Ride lot. These guests still need a Park & Ride shuttle reservation for that day, and they must provide proof they are staying at one of the above hotels. I’m assuming the same rules will be in effect in 2024!
I’ve been so confused about parking at Louise/Moraine but your vlog has been the MOST helpful I’ve come across. Thank You.
I really wanted to arrive around 4:45am and see sunrise at Moraine, take in a few hikes at that location, then go to Lake Louise for a few hikes there. It looks like the ONLY way to get to Moraine Lake BEFORE sunset is to pay a company that does a sunrise tour (I want transportation but NOT a guide) and the cheapest I can find is over $400 for my family – yowza that’s a LOT just for a ride to the lake and that doesn’t even account for my shuttle from Moraine to Lake Louise and back to Park & Ride. So I’m wondering if this will work…
I arrive at 5am (Monday in July) and hope to get a park at Lake Louise Lakeside (my understanding is, these spots are free before 7am, as long as they exist). We watch sun rise at Lake Louise (instead of Moraine) and then head to Park & Ride where we’ll have a shuttle reservation for 6:30am to Moraine (fingers crossed, they go on sale April 18). Am I correct that if you have a shuttle reservation, you definitely have a parking spot at the Park & Ride, regardless of when you get there (as long as you arrive before your shuttle time, obviously)? And if I attempt to get a spot Louise Lakeside at 5am but none are available, can I head to Park & Ride and park there and wait an hour & a half for my shuttle slot (how early is too early at Park & Ride to. park)? And when I do get my shuttle ticket, I’ll chose the earliest time slot but it looks like they make you pick a return time. How tightly do they adhere to that return time b/c after we finish hikes at Moraine, we want to go to Louise and do more hikes and I just have no way of knowing how long the hikes will take at each. I can commit to a 6:30am shuttle time to get to our first location, but can’t predict (only vaguely guess) the time we’d go to Lake Louise and then leave Lake Louise for the Park & Ride. Hope I’m making sense.
Thanks a bunch!
Hi Karyn,
Yes the only way to get to Moraine Lake at sunrise is with a private company, or you can bike in! We detail all the ways here: https://thebanffblog.com/moraine-lake-sunrise/
Parking is free at Lake Louise before 7am, so as long as you park and leave before that you’ll be okay. Parking may be a struggle though as many go to Lake Louise for sunrise.
There is plenty of parking at the Park and Ride. It’s at the Lake Louise ski resort and there is a massive open lot there. You can park there as early as you wish.
I don’t remember them making us choose a return time last year, but even if they do, it’s not strict and you can hop on the Lake Connector and shuttle as late as you want, just make sure to pay attention to the last return time so you don’t get stuck!
Hi Natasha and Cameron!
I’ve been reading your blog non stop and it’s just great! I actually have two questions. About Lake Louise Lakeshore parking, what are the odds of getting a spot after 7pm in July? Should I go right after 7pm or wait a little longer? My second question is about Moraine Lake. I have booked a sunrise shuttle and we will stay there for about 2 1/2 hours. What are the odds of raining this time of year? I have some mobility issues and can not go on hikes, stand for a long time or climb many steps. Do you think I’ll still enjoy it? Are there available places to seat? Thank you so much for your time! Andrea
Typically you can get a spot in the evening after 7 or 8pm as long as it’s not a weekend. Unfortunately I have no idea about the rain – every year is different and could be a very wet or very dry summer. It’s rare that we get torrential downpours that last all day though. There are many rocks and some benches to sit and enjoy the views around the lakeshore. I think any visit to Moraine Lake is always an enjoyable one and would highly recommend still going!
Hi we are looking at sunrise options and found that we can get a sunrise shuttle at 4am from Samson Mall it says free parking?? Is this correct? or are we better getting a tour from our hotel in Banff to include Moraine and lake louise?
I’m unsure what tour you booked so it’s advised to call the company and ask about the parking.
Here are our recommended sunrise tours to Moraine Lake: https://thebanffblog.com/moraine-lake-sunrise/
Hi Natasha,
great info. Quick question: if we get a parking spot at Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot and do not have a shuttle ticket, how can we get to Moraine Lake? It sounds like you need a shuttle ticket to use the Lake Connector.
Hi Karin,
Yes to use the Lake Connector you need a shuttle ticket. Without one you can hike there, bike in, or book a tour or alternative shuttle to Moraine Lake. https://thebanffblog.com/how-to-get-to-moraine-lake/
Do you have any information on handicap parking at the shoreline…are there any spots and if so do you still need to pay to park? Thank you for the wonderful post
Hi Danita,
There are handicap spaces, you still need to pay the parking fee (accessible parking fee is $8) to park at Lake Louise.
Hello! I am going Sept 17-21 2024 so have missed out on shuttle reservations and Roam has not released their schedule/reservations past Sept 15 yet. If no early morning reservations work out, are we able to park at Lake Louise (thinking 4:30-5am) then leave our car there most of the day for $37? Hoping we could snag shuttle reservations later in the morning in order to use the connector and hit both lakes, but wouldn’t plan to take that bus up unless we can’t get parking. Would we still be able to use connector in this case? Not sure if we would need a ticket/stamp on the way up that we wouldn’t have if we parked. thanks for your help!!
Hi Anne,
You can park all day at Lake Louise for $37, but the only issue with your plan is you’re supposed to leave from the Lake Louise Park & Ride (at the Ski Resort/Summer Gondola) to start your shuttle journey. The only people this is exempt for are those staying at some of the hotels near the lake (Fairmont, Deer Lodge, Paradise), and they are supposed to show proof of hotel accommodation with their shuttle reservation to hop on the Lake Connector. This is assuming the bus drivers check your shuttle tickets, which is impossible to know ahead of time.