When Does Moraine Lake Close?
You may or may not know that Moraine Lake Road is closed in the winter. Moraine Lake Road is the only road to Moraine Lake, so Moraine Lake is essentially inaccessible to most visitors in the winter. The road closes because it crosses avalanche-prone terrain, making it very dangerous. The average visitor should not attempt to access Moraine Lake in the winter.
When Does Moraine Lake Close?
Every year, Moraine Lake closes on the Tuesday after Canadian Thanksgiving (the second Monday in October). This year, that date is October 13th, 2026.
All operations related to Moraine Lake, including Parks Canada shuttles and private operations, stop for the season on October 13th. So the last day to enjoy Moraine Lake is October 12th, 2026.
When Does Moraine Lake Open
Moraine Lake opens again to vehicles every year on June 1st.
How to Get to Moraine Lake Before the Closure?
We cover how to access Moraine Lake in detail on this website. The cheapest way to get there is the Parks Canada shuttle buses; however, those sell out in an instant, so not everyone can score a ticket. For more information on how those shuttles work, it’s best to see this article.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of the government-run shuttles, or you missed the reservation dates, you’ll have to book a private operator to get you there.
Tours/Private Shuttles to Moraine Lake
Now that personal vehicles are no longer allowed at Moraine Lake, many tour operators have popped up. Here are some popular options:
- 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 option to the Parks Canada shuttle, the Moraine Lake Bus Company provides early access to Moraine Lake with shuttles starting as early as 4am.
- Via Via Bus: These shuttle buses will pick you up from your hotel in Banff or Canmore. Use code BANFFBLOG15 for 15% off!
- Fairview Limo: These shuttles leave from the Lake Louise Inn, so they are ideal for those staying in the Lake Louise area!
- From Banff: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Sightseeing Tour with Discover Banff Tours.
Can You Get to Moraine Lake When the Road is Closed?
The only way to access Moraine Lake when the road is closed is to bike the 15km+ and 400 meters up in the spring (typically the last two weeks of May are the best and safest time). If the snow has yet to fall, you can also bike up to Moraine Lake after October 13th, but if there’s been significant snowfall (typical in mid to late October), we do not recommend this option. Keep in mind that between October 13th and June 1st, there are NO services at Moraine Lake, and you won’t have cell phone service there.
