Lake Louise Shuttle (2025): FAQ About the Parks Canada Shuttle
If you are a first-time visitor to Banff, chances are you have Lake Louise on your list. Over the years, there have been many changes in how we access some of the most popular places in the park, including paid lots and shuttle systems.
The Parks Canada Lake Louise shuttle system undergoes some changes every year, but we still believe it is the best way to guarantee you see beautiful Lake Louise in the summer. Let’s explore all the specifics of how to utilize the Lake Louise shuttle.
All About the Lake Louise Shuttle
Can You Park at Lake Louise?
Unlike Moraine Lake, visitors can still park at Lake Louise. However, finding a parking spot can be challenging from June to October, and to relieve the stress of parking at Lake Louise Lakeshore, Parks Canada has implemented a Lake Louise shuttle.
Visitors usually arrive well before 7:00 a.m. to secure a spot during the summer. This requires quite an early rise if coming from Banff or Canmore. Parking at Lake Louise is rarely an issue during the shoulder season or winter. Parking at Lake Louise is not free, and paid parking is present from 3 a.m. to 7 p.m. between May 17 and October 14, 2025.
The parking fee is $36.75 per vehicle per day and $8 if you have a handicapped placard. You will also need a valid Parks Canada Pass for all National Parks in Canada. Parking overnight at Lake Louise is not allowed.
When Does the Parking Area Fill Up?
During the high season, which runs from the end of May until the end of larch season (around the first week of October), you can expect the Lake Louise parking area to fill up well before 7 am, even earlier on weekends and holidays.
Once the lot is full, parking attendants will step in to direct traffic and turn away vehicles to Lake Louise. You’ll want a backup plan if you don’t get parking at Lake Louise.
Some of our suggested backup plans include the following:
- Try your luck at the Park and Ride Lot and get on the Lake Louise shuttle without reservation. If there is space available, Parks Canada will try to accommodate you. Tickets typically sell out before 9 a.m. on the day of departure.
- Book a Parks Canada shuttle reservation online if they are available. There is cell service around Lake Louise to try to do this.
- Book last-minute tickets with a private operator like Moraine Lake Bus Company, Fairview Limo, or WowBanff.
- Drive the Icefields Parkway to Bow Lake or Peyto Lake, two gorgeous blue lakes in Banff.
- Drive the Bow Valley Parkway and stop at Morants Curve.
- Head to Emerald Lake and Tak Falls. For a long day hike, check out the epic Iceline Trail.
- Take a ridge up the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola for incredible views of the Bow Valley.
Is the Road to Lake Louise Open?
Lake Louise Drive is open year-round.
All About the Lake Louise Shuttle
Parking at Lake Louise has become a growing concern year after year, and finding a spot without waking up at the crack of dawn can be challenging for visitors in the summer.
For visitors who want to see Lake Louise in the summer without the hassle of parking or paying for an expensive tour, the best option is to take advantage of the Lake Louise Shuttle. The Lake Louise shuttle is an excellent option for any park visitor with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on their Banff itinerary.
This convenient service ensures that visitors can enjoy Lake Louise and nearby Moraine Lake while avoiding the stresses of finding a parking spot. It also reduces congestion and emissions, making it an excellent environmental choice. It’s highly recommended you book shuttle reservations in advance, as Lake Louise is easily the most popular place to visit in Banff.
When Do Shuttle Reservations Open for Lake Louise?
The 2025 Reservation Launch date for Lake Louise shuttle reservations is April 16, 2025, at 08:00 a.m. MDT. Shuttle reservations on the Parks Canada Lake Louise shuttle also get you access to Lake Louise AND Moraine Lake via the Lake Connector Shuttle.
Reservations for 40% of the operating season will open during this time. The remaining 60% will be released on a rolling window at 8:00 a.m., 48 hours before departure throughout the season. The shuttle service to the lakes operates every 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the last return bus departs from the lakes to the parking lot at 7:30 p.m.
Parks Canada changes these times slightly throughout the season. We try to keep this article as updated as possible, but it’s always important to check the last bus time.
What Are the Lake Louise Shuttle Times?
The Lake Louise Shuttle will run from May 16 to October 14, 2025, 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 that this is different from the Moraine Lake Shuttle, which begins operations on June 1st. It’s not possible to access Moraine Lake via vehicle before June 1st.
Where is the Parking and Departure Point for the Shuttle?
To park for the Lake Louise shuttle, you must park at the Park & Ride Shuttle lot and catch the shuttle from there. The Lake Louise Park and Ride lot is at the Lake Louise Ski Resort/Summer Gondola (1 Whitehorn Road – GPS POINT). Parking here is ample and free.
How Do I Book My Lake Louise Shuttle Reservation?
To make a reservation for the shuttle, you can use the Parks Canada Reservation Service, then select “Day Use” on the right and “Shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.”
You can also call 1-877-737-3783. To proceed with the booking, you must have an account on Parks Canada Reservation Service. We recommend you create your account beforehand to avoid any inconvenience during checkout.
Park And Ride Shuttle Fairs (Return Trip)
(prices listed in CAD)
- Adults: $8
- Seniors (65+): $4
- Youth (17 and under): Free
- *When purchasing shuttle tickets on the Parks Canada Reservation System, there is a $3 non-refundable transaction fee per reservation.
- It’s important to note that these fees are in addition to your National Parks entry fee.
The 2025 Reservation Launch date for Lake Louise shuttle reservations is April 16, 2025, at 08:00 a.m. MDT.
Is it Possible to Purchase Walk-Up Tickets?
If space is available, Parks Canada staff at the Lake Louise Park and Ride can assist you in reserving the next available time slot that day if you show up to the Park and Ride lot without a reservation.
However, booking in advance is highly recommended, as Lake Louise shuttles generally sell out before the day of departure. Last year, we saw Parks Canada employees turn several visitors away.
What is the Lake Connector Shuttle?
The Lake Connector Shuttle connects Lake Louise to Moraine Lake on a first-come, first-served basis and is free of charge for pass holders. You must have a reservation on the Moraine Lake Shuttle or Lake Louise shuttle to use the Lake Connector Shuttle.
Reservation holders must check in at the shuttle departure point at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola to acquire their boarding pass. The only exception is for ROAM Super Pass holders or those staying at a hotel on the lakeshore. Hotel guests must still have a shuttle reservation.
The shuttle runs every 30 minutes starting at 7:00 am, and the last shuttle runs at 7:00 pm from both lakes. Most visitors to the park want to see Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in one day – the Lake Connector Shuttle ensures that can happen. You can not park at Lake Louise, and then take the Lake Connector Shuttle.
How Do I Visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on the Same Day?
With the Lake Connector Shuttle, you can easily visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in one day. You can select the shuttle to Moraine Lake or Lake Louise when booking the shuttle. It’s up to you which one you select to visit first. We see no difference in which lake you visit first unless you plan a particular hike at one of the lakes.
Once finished at either Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, you can hop on the shuttle to the other lake. Remember that the Lake Connector Shuttle to Moraine Lake does not start running until June 1st, when Moraine Lake Rd is set to open yearly.
What If You Can’t Book the Lake Louise Shuttle?
If you cannot book the date you want on the Lake Louise shuttle for whatever reason, we recommend:
- Keep your plans flexible and try to find a different date or time.
- Take the Roam Transit bus from Banff or Canmore. The Route 8X: Lake Louise Express operates daily to Lake Louise. You must reserve tickets on this bus and they do sell out.
- Book a Tour of Lake Louise. You can see some of our recommended tours that get you to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in one day. Radventures and Fairview Limo both operate fun tours.
- Book a private shuttle to the lakes with companies like Moraine Lake Bus Co, or Banff Hop On.
- Drive to Lake Louise by car after 7 or 8 pm; typically, you can find parking in the summer after these times. Though this isn’t ideal for those wanting to hike, it does allow you to see a spectacular sunset.
Roam Public Transport to Lake Louise
If you don’t have a car while visiting Banff or would prefer to leave your car at your hotel, you can catch public transport to Lake Louise. The Roam Transit Route 8x (Lake Louise Express) operates daily, providing transportation between Banff and Lake Louise. Known as the Roam Route 8X: Lake Louise Express, it follows the Trans-Canada Highway, with stops at Lake Louise Village.
The fare is $12.50 per adult, and reservations are advised, though walk-up purchases at fare boxes are also available. Roam buses accept US and Canadian currency, ranging from nickels to $20 bills. Children under 12 travel free but still require a reservation.
Roam Super Pass
During the 2025 summer season, the Roam Transit Reservable Super Pass provides all route access for one day. For $30, 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 that will connect riders from the Lake Louise Lakeshore to 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.
What If You’re Staying at a Hotel in Lake Louise?
Guests of hotels in Lake Louise do not get special access to the lake or Moraine Lake. Unless they stay at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, as the hotel is on the lakeshore. If you can splurge on one night here, we highly recommend it.
Other Lake Louise hotels may run shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, but you must contact them to find out their details. The Deer Lodge and Paradise Bungalows are within walking distance of Lake Louise.
Guests staying at Deer Lodge, Paradise Bungalows, and Chateau Lake Louise can take the Lake Connector Shuttle directly rather than driving to the Park & Ride lot. However, they still need a shuttle reservation for that day and must prove they are staying at one of the above hotels.
If you are staying at the Lake Louise Campground or a hotel in the Lake Louise Village, you can take the Park and Ride Connector for free from the campground and the Roam bus stop outside the Samson Mall to the Lake Louise Park and Ride. From here you can hop on the shuttle to Moraine Lake or Lake Louise. You will still need reservations on the shuttle.
Can You Bring My Kayak/Canoe to Lake Louise?
You can bring your kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard to Lake Louise since you can still park there. Unlike Moraine Lake, getting your personal watercraft on the lake is much easier. If you get parking at the Lake Louise Lakeshore, you can walk your watercraft from the parking area to Lake Louise, about a 5-minute walk.
However, there is no public boat launch, so you may have to awkwardly find one. If you use the Lake Louise shuttle, you can bring inflatable kayaks and stand-up paddleboards in bags on the shuttle as long as space is available. You may also rent a canoe from the Lake Louise boathouse.
Remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry your watercraft and water-related gear before entering any river, lake, or stream in Banff. Anyone launching non-motorized watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, inflatables, and water-related gear must complete a self-certification permit every time they enter a new lake, river, or stream in Banff National Park. Learn more.
Is the Lake Louise Shuttle Pet Friendly?
Certified assistance animals are allowed on board, and owners should be prepared to show the animal’s verification of training. Passengers are permitted to bring their pets on board free of charge.
These pets must be placed in a secure carrier designed for animal transportation and small enough to fit on the owner’s lap. If you have a larger dog, Fairview Limo is the only company we know of that will transport larger dogs at an extra cost, while smaller dogs that can fit on your lap are free!
Are Strollers Permitted on the Lake Louise Shuttle?
The Lake Louise shuttle can take strollers, climbing gear, and large backpacks.
Is the Lake Louise Shuttle Accessible?
The Lake Louise Shuttle has limited accessibility, and it’s advised that those with a blue accessibility tag try to get parking at Lake Lakeshore. There are multiple handicapped spaces available for those with a disabled permit. Parking at Lake Louise costs $8 for those with a handicap placard.
Does the Lake Louise Shuttle Run in the Winter?
The Parks Canada Lake Louise shuttle operates in the summer only, as there are rarely parking and congestion issues at Lake Louise in the winter and shoulder seasons. This is separate from the Lake Louise Ski Resort Shuttle, which runs from November to May and is operated by Lake Louise Ski Resort. You can read all about their winter shuttle here.
Is There a Shuttle From Lake Louise Village to Lake Louise?
If you are staying in the Lake Louise Village or the Lake Louise Campground, you are encouraged to leave your vehicle at your accommodation and use the free Parks Canada Park and Ride Connector shuttle to the Park and Ride Lot.
Once at the Park and Ride parking lot, you can get on either the Lake Louise Shuttle or the Moraine Lake Shuttle (you still need to pre-purchase shuttle tickets).
Visiting Lake Louise FAQ
When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Louise?
If you are interested in seeing the brilliant blue Lake Louise, which you have likely seen on social media and in countless photos, the best time to visit is between mid-June and late September.
Lake Louise is buzzing and beautiful in July and August, but these are also the busiest times in the park. For a quieter summer experience, visit in the early morning or late evening.
When Does Lake Louise Thaw?
Lake Louise is typically frozen solid from November to late May, but every year is different in the Rockies. It typically begins to thaw in late May, and you’ll be able to see Lake Louise in all her blue glory by the first or second week of June.
What are the best hikes around Lake Louise?
There are so many fabulous hikes around Lake Louise ranging in difficulty. A few of our favorites are the Plain of Six Glaciers, the Beehive Circuit, Fairview Summit, and Mount Saint Piran. You can see all our favorite Lake Louise hikes here.
How Long Should You Spend at Lake Louise?
When we visit Lake Louise, we typically go for a hike, a paddle, or both, so we spend most of the day there. However, if you visit only to enjoy the views, we recommend you allocate 1-2 hours there.
This allows you enough time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and walk around the lakeshore. If you plan on hiking, you’ll need at least half a day, depending on which hike you choose.
Lake Louise Tours
If you don’t want to deal with the headache of parking or the shuttles, there are a few tours at Lake Louise. Many of these also include Moraine Lake, which is great if you are dying to see both lakes (which you likely are!)
- Hop on, Hop off Bus: Explore the most popular spots in Banff at your own pace. Hop on and off when you please!
- Moraine Lake Bus Company: An alternative to the Parks Canada shuttle, the Moraine Lake Bus Company provides early access to Moraine Lake, with shuttles starting as early as 4 a.m.
- Radventures Earlybird Explorer offers guided tours for small groups (max 14 guests), starting and ending with hotel pick-up in Banff. Local interpretation and an amazing guide are available to answer questions and take photos. Enjoy hot drinks, see the best spots at Moraine Lake to view the sunrise, and head to Lake Louise.
- Discover Banff Tour: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Sightseeing Tour
- Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway Tour
- Open-Top Shuttle to Moraine and Lake Louise: Drive to the lakes with the wind in your face!
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- We now have an interactive map! With over 300 stops around the Canadian Rockies, our personal map is your one stop shop to an epic trip here.
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendation is the Banff Gondola – a must do experience! Want to get up close and personal with a glacier? We cannot recommend this Icewalks tour enough!
- Planning your visit to Moraine Lake and don’t want to deal with the Parks shuttles? We recommend using Moraine Lake Bus Company or booking this Radventures tour!
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- 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.
- We can help you plan your 2025 trip to Western Canada! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning we can assist! We’ll PERSONALLY go over your itinerary, hop on a 1 on 1 phone call, or create a bespoke itinerary just for you! See our services here.
New in 2025! We just released our local guide to the Canadian Rockies! Discover 300+ hidden gems, hikes, and cabins not found in your typical guidebook. We built this after years of living here and are so excited that we are offering 15% off for April only (use code APRIL15)
Hi Natasha,
This blog is super helpful! Thanks for explaining everything in such detail. I do have a question regarding the remaining 60% tickets for the shuttle as I missed the booking window this month! Will I be able to book the tickets online 48 hours before In visit the lake? or do I have to do it over phone?
Thanks a lot!
You can do it either way, but I would recommend booking them online 🙂
Hi Natasha, thank you for this really great informative blog!
I have one question regarding the lake Louise shuttle from the park and ride lot – can we use the same ticket multiple times per day, say to return to the car after a hike to collect our kayaks to spend some time on the lake itself, or is it single entry to the lake of choice such that it’s recommended that we walk with all of the items (kayak included) that we’ll need for the entire day when boarding the shuttle at the time of entry?
Hi Latchmi,
That’s a great question that I’m not 100% certain on. I would believe that from the Park and Ride it is a one time only ticket, seeing that your shuttle reservation operates on a timed slot to allow for everyone to get on the buses at their scheduled times for the day. However, it’s best to call Parks Canada to confirm.
Natasha,
We will be at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on August 16, 2023 at noon. We do not have a car and e will be spending the night at the Fairmont. On the 16th at 2:00 p.m. how can we get to the summer gondola and back?
Thank you
If you are staying in the village of Lake Louise or in the Lake Louise Campground, you can use the free Park and Ride Connector shuttle that will take you to the Park and Ride lot, which is at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, though the Fairmont is not in the village nor at the campground, so you’ll have to call the Fairmont and see if they can arrange a shuttle or ride for you.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Hello!
If we are staying at the Deer Lodge which is walking distance to Lake Louise, can we use the Lake Connector right away? Or do we still need to go all the way to the Park & Ride parking to check in, only to get back to Lake Louise?
Also, can we use the Lake Connector more than once?
Thank you!
Hi Cecile,
From our understanding guests at Deer Lodge can walk to Lake Louise and hop on the connector from there, and if asked, explain that you are guests at Deer Lodge. However, you still need a shuttle reservation. You can use the Lake Connector as many times as you want throughout the day of your reservation. Hope that helps!
Hi Natasha, we are planning to go visit the weekend of October 19th, which is when the shuttles stop running. What would you suggest for trying to visit both lakes?
The only way to get to Moraine Lake during that time would be to bike in, weather and snow dependent. Moraine Lake Road crosses through avalanche terrain so you’ll have to keep an eye on the conditions. https://thebanffblog.com/bike-to-moraine-lake/
You can usually drive to Lake Louise around this time and have no issues with parking.
Natasha, Thank you for providing this information! I have a question regarding the Reservation Confirmation letter I received when I booked the shuttle. I booked for 7 people. There is only 1 bar code on the confirmation letter. When we check in at the Park and Ride will we each receive our own pass to initially board the bus, use for the Lake Connector & return trip to the Park and Ride?
We will be on different hiking time schedules & wanted to make sure that it will not be a problem. Thank you!
HiBarbara,
It’s best to arrive altogether and tell the Parks staff that checks you in your plans and they should be able to accommodate and give you separate passes. They are usually pretty friendly!
Your blog is super helpful for us “newbies” coming to the area. Thank you so much. I have one question. I have been reading a lot about parking filling up in the area. Does the Park and Ride shuttle lot fill up just as quickly or are you “guaranteed” a spot when you have a shuttle pass?
Hi Angela,
There’s plenty of space at the shuttle lot, as it’s located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort (lots of parking space!)
Hi! Great blog very informative!
We bought our tickets online for the shuttle from Banff to Lake Louise. We have A certain time slot. We wonder if we can show up earlier at the bus stop and hop on the shuttle if they have space? Or we must have to abide to the time slot we book?
Same for the return trip? We booked the latest shuttle as we are not sure how long we will be there but if we find we want to go back to Banff earlier, can we take shuttle bus earlier?
Hi Laura, Im unsure of which shuttle you exactly booked, but I would suggest showing up for your booked time slot.
Hi Natasha, Thank you for the useful information! I have a question regarding the Reservation Confirmation letter I received when I booked the shuttle. I reserved a shuttle to Lake Louise for 7-8am on 7/27. Should I check in at bus station 7am? Or I can check in between 7 to 8 am? based on the reservation letter, it stayed that to check in at 7am. Is it a restricted request of 7am? Do you know?
Thanks,
Vincent
Based on our past experiences you can check in between 7-8, I would recommend arriving around 7:30!
This is so helpful – so I’m staying at Paradise Lodge – and hope to walk to Lake Louise or shuttle to Moraine Lake, either way use the connector. So if I buy a Super Pass on Roam, I can catch the bus near lodging or walk, but either way be able to use the connector? I want to avoid having to go to the Park and Ride, since that is why we booked Paradise Lodge. Can I book two passes on the same app for the same day and I can do it now, correct? Even though I won’t use it until July 18th.
Hi MJ,
Reservations for the shuttle are not open yet nor can you purchase Roam passes. You can book two at the same time. If you have a ticket for the Parks Canada shuttle and a confirmation from Paradise Lodge you should be able to catch the connector at Lake Louise, though it’s best to call your hotel and confirm.
Natasha hi, thanks for sharing your valuable insights! Roughly how long can I expect the shuttle ride to take between Canmore and Lake Louise each way during July/August?
From Canmore to Lake Louise the drive is about 1 hour, but keep in mind that the Lake Louise shuttle actually takes off the Lake Louise Ski Resort, which is a 50 minute drive from Canmore.
Hi we are staying at mountaineer lodge the 1 and 2 May, 2024 and want to see lake louise and lake moraine. We have a car. How do we see both if there arent shuttles until late May? Thanks Rhonda
The only way to see Moraine Lake before the road opens is to bike or hike up the road. Here’s all the info: https://thebanffblog.com/how-to-get-to-moraine-lake/
Hi. We are coming in mid September. 2 middle aged adults and 3 young adults that are active. Plan to see both lakes and hike (20-30km each lake)at both and maybe canoe at one. Staying in Canmore for 4 nights. Does it make sense to have a day for each lake, so we are not rushed? And if we do a day at each lake then we need Parks Canada Shuttle pass for each of the days, correct?
Thanks for all of the information on the Blog! It has been great!
Hi Kim,
Maybe I’m misunderstanding, but two 20-30km (so up to 60km if I’m reading that correctly) hikes plus a canoe is quite a lot in one day, I’m actually not quite sure how you will manage it all unless you are trail running and catch a sunrise shuttle. If you’re hiking 20km+ I would definitely say you need to split that into two days.
You need a shuttle pass for each day you plan to visit the lake. Shuttle passes are only good for the day you book.
Hi Natasha, Is there a parking fee for the Lake Louise Ski resort Park & Ride?
Hi Amit, Parking at Park & Ride is free. There is also plenty of parking there.
Hi Natasha,
Thanks for the valuable information, really appreciated! We have an RV and aiming to get a public parking spot so that we can have access to the RV all day. What time do you recommend showing up? 3AM which is when it open? we will be coming from Lake Louise campground.
You’re probably in a grey area. We know you’re not supposed to park there overnight, but showing up at 3-4 am? Yea, if you’re willing to sacrifice I don’t think you’ll run into any issues. However, I do know there is a very limited number of RV spots.
This was so helpful, but I am still wondering how the Park and Ride does not fill up. I was only able to get a 2-3PM time slot for the shuttle. So am I guarenteed a parking spot at the Park and Ride? If you can stay as long as you like, how can this Park and Ride lot not fill up?????
It’s a very big lot, plus people are constantly turning over throughout the day. Not everyone wants to spend their entire day at the lakes.
After booking a 6:30 am shuttle for Moraine Lake yesterday, I saw the option for the Alpine Shuttle which leaves from the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot at 4 am or 5 am. I would prefer to arrive at Moraine Lake earlier for the sunrise. Can I cancel the 6:30 am shuttle and get a refund?
Hi Joycelyn,
You can cancel your ticket and get a refund for the ticket price minus the booking fee. I would recommend booking an Alpine shuttle before you cancel the 6.30am one, so you don’t loose out.
We staying at Lake Louise Inn on the 31st of May, an wanted to get a shuttle ticket for 2 on the morning of the 1st to spend some time at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake before driving to Kamloops (Long Drive I know). Seems they sold out.
Only 40% are sold. 60% are released 2 days prior to departure.
Ok, we staying for 2 nights at Chateau Jasper…so fasters fingers first at 8am on the Morning of the 30th.
Hi Natasha,
Thank you so much for the insightful and informative post. I wanted to check if there are restaurants and cafes at Lakefront or everything is at Lake Louise village?
Also, what is the best way to reach lake Louise village for lakefront? The parks Canada shuttle is sold out so I am looking to get Roam transit from Banff to Lake Louise lakefront. I am also looking to get the Roam super pass to get to Moraine Lake. But I am not sure on how to reach Lake Louise village from Lakefront. Could you please advise?
Thank you!
Hey there are some restaurants in the Chateau Lake Louise. They require reservations and are very much on the expensive side of things.
As it states above they only allow for the reservation of 40% of tickets in advance. Parks Canada will release the remaining 60% of tickets two days in advance.
Thank you so much Cameron for your reply! Would you be able to advise on the the best way to get to Lake Louise Village from Lake Louise Lakefront?
Thank you for this helpful blog! This may seem like a silly question, but where exactly is the “Lake Connector Shuttle” located? Is it located at the parking lot at the ski resort, or is it located at the actual lake?
The Lake Connector Shuttles that go between Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are located at the parking lots for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (near the Shoreline). However, the shuttle buses depart from the Ski Resort.
Thank you for the awesome blog and info! Curious if you know if the lines and wait times for the shuttles to Louise and Moraine and the lake connector shuttle tend to be long? For example, if we booked the 8-9am window for a shuttle to Lake Louise should we expect to wait more than a half hour for a shuttle in that window? And getting from Louise to Moraine, and then back to the park and ride, do those queues tend to be long? We are trying to decide if the Moraine Lake Bus company private shuttle is worth it (for the much higher price). We are planning to do the Plain of Six Glaciers hike and Louise with kids so trying to avoid hours waiting in bus lines. Thank you!
Hi Steph,
We have never waited more than 20 minutes in line, but I know that some of the later shuttles around 5pm see larger lines, so it just depends on your return time!
Great location. Beautiful lakes. Friendly shuttle drivers. Dusty place at check in counter for the shuttle. It is located on a parking area. The guys at the ticket counter could be more respectful and friendlier.
Lots of helpful information Natasha but what I really would find valuable would be a link that works to register online for the Park n Ride to Lake Louise lakeshore.
Parks Canada website is poor. You are invited to buy shuttle tickets and get linked to campsite reservations! Do you have any suggestions for online procurement ? Thank you!!!
Hi Mindy,
I don’t have an option to link to anything other than what I have for the Parks Canada site. It is the page where you can book all your Parks Cananada reservations including camping. As mentioned in the text, all you have to do is click on “Day Use” to the right of the page and then “Shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake,” that is where you can book your tickets.
Thank you for explaining the shuttle and connector shuttle clearly. The website does not state this plainly and I was struggling to time buying a ticket for each lake in one day. you guys are the first blog that cleared it up. thank you
Happy we were able to help! It can be a tad confusing and many of the websites only make it more confusing.
Do you need a Parks Canada return ticket with a designated time to get back to the park and ride from either lake? I cannot find this info anywhere!
No you do not need a designated return ticket time for Parks Canada shuttles.
How do I book the Lake Louise shuttle online for children under 18 for free?
I had a spot in my “shopping cart” but the only quantity option was PARTY SIZE which is 4 but includes 2 children under 18 and the proceed to payment section wanted to charge me 4 Adults!?!?!?
Where in the online Party Size box do I distinguish # of Adults, Children and Seniors in my party?
thanks
The Parks Canada website can be a little confusing to use and navigate, and I agree it’s tough to get the child pricing. Your best bet is to call them and place the order over the phone or – the more hassle free option and to gaurantee yourself the tickets, you can purchase the 4 x tickets at $8 a piece. This would still be your most affordable way to see the lakes. Note that we are not Parks Canada.
Please can you help me? I need to reserve a bus from Canmore or Banff, to visit the Lake Louise and the Morraine Lake; we are 2 adults and a boy of 14. Someone told me something about a daily bus from Canmore or Banff that includes the shuttle (Louise-Morraine)….. can you help me?
That would be the Roam Transit Super Pass mentioned. You’ll first have to get to Banff on Roam Route 3 and then get on the Roam Route 8x. It would be best to use Via Via bus in your case to avoid hassle: https://thebanffblog.com/recommends/via-via/
We’re having tea mid-day at Chateau Lake Louise in July (not staying there, it was full). They will let us park there (all day) since we have a restaurant reservation. We would like to include Moraine Lake later that afternoon. The only Lake Louise Parks Canada shuttle I could book was for later in the day, which I got as a precaution.
A. Can we get a connector from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake if we can’t get our shuttle pass until 12:00p. My reservation noted we couldn’t check in at the park & ride until 12:00, which would make us miss our reservation. Is there a way to check in sooner, get the connector pass and then drive ourselves up to the hotel earlier for the tea, or
B. Is there another way to go just from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake and back? The Moraine Lake Bus Company site looks as if that is not an option they offer. Help?…and thank you!
You could try with your 12:00 reservation to go earlier. It’s up the Parks staff and availability to let you on, but this would not be guaranteed and you would be banking on how accommodating the person you are dealing with is.
The Fairmont runs it’s own shuttles to Moraine Lake, but they are quite costly and might only be available for hotel guests. It might be worth giving them a call. The Moraine Lake Bus Company runs from the ski resort as well, so you could book with them and drive and park at the ski resort.
Thank you. Just read another one of your blogs…would the Roam super pass work if we bought one for my wife and I, but didn’t get on until Lake Louise? Thanks for coaching.
It’s the first time I’ve been asked that, it might be possible, but I’m not 100% sure on that. I think it would be best to contact Roam Transit and ask them