Frequently asked questions
Know What to Expect Before You Book
Reservations
What is your Cancellation Policy?
>24 hours before your departure: You may modify the date and time of your reservation as many times as needed, free of charge. Please note that tickets are non-refundable, but we encourage you to reschedule as required so you can still enjoy Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
To make changes, click the ‘Reschedule My Booking’ link in your confirmation email.
<24 hours before your departure: No changes or modifications can be made within 24 hours of your departure time. Shuttle seats are limited, and many visitors plan their trip around visiting the lakes. Allowing enough notice ensures others have the opportunity to book in advance.
Are your prices one-way or round-trip?
Prices for the Moraine Lake shuttle are round-trip.
Are infants free of charge?
All infants and children are required to pay the child rate. Parents/guardians are responsible for supplying an appropriate child safety seat for their infant and/or child (as required).
Can I pay for the Moraine Lake shuttle when I board?
Due to the limited number of seats, we highly recommended that you plan ahead and make a reservation for the Moraine Lake shuttle before you visit. However, if there is availability when you arrive, you will be able to purchase a ticket directly from our friendly team at the ticket shack.
Send us an email if you have any more questions about how to book our Moraine Lake shuttle service or our Lake Louise shuttle service.
Can I change my reservation to another day?
Yes, so long as the date you are changing from is not within 24 hours of departure.
Schedule & Planning
What if I miss the bus?
There are no refunds or reschedules if you miss the bus. Our buses leave on time, every time, so please plan to arrive at your bus stop at least fifteen (15) minutes before your departure. It may take up to ten (10) minutes to walk from your vehicle to the bus stop, so please give yourself plenty of time.
What if I'm a rock climber/mountaineer and aren't sure what time I'll be back?
Depending on your objective, we recommend booking the last shuttle from Moraine Lake. If you’re back earlier, you can hop on an earlier bus if there’s space. Please send us an email if you’re trying to climb one of the bigger routes in the area and we can help you out.
What time is the Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle?
Our first shuttles depart from Samson Mall @ 4:00am and arrive at Moraine Lake by 4:30am. By August you may also be able to take the 5:05am shuttle and get there before sunrise.
In September and October, the 6:20am and 6:45am shuttle can also be used as a sunrise shuttle.
Sunrise times for Moraine Lake can be viewed here.
How long does the shuttle to Moraine Lake take?
A trip on the Moraine Lake shuttle takes 40 minutes (25 minutes at sunrise).
A trip on the Lake Louise shuttle takes 20 minutes.
See our Schedule & Rates page for more information.
What time of year can I visit Moraine Lake?
The Moraine Lake shuttle is operational from June 1 till October 12.
The Lake Louise shuttle is operational from June 1 till October 12.
Can I visit both lakes?
Yes, we have 2 options for you:
Option 1: We provide shuttles to Moraine Lake that include a 1-hour stop at Lake Louise Lakeshore en route to Moraine Lake. These are great for most visitors who just want to see the lake.
Option 2: Make two separate bookings for a ‘Direct to Moraine Lake’ and a ‘Direct to Lake Louise’ on the same day. These are perfect for the visitor who wants to hike or otherwise spend >1 hour at each lake.
How much time should I spend at Moraine Lake?
Many guests like to watch sunrise from the Rockpile and take the first shuttle back @7:15am for breakfast and a coffee in the Lake Louise Village.
Other visitors rent a canoe, or hike to Consolation Lakes, Eiffel Lake, Larch Valley, Sentinel Pass, or Wenkchemna Pass. The time for each of these activities varies greatly from activity to activity and person to person.
A terrific resource for information about hiking trails at Moraine Lake can be found here.
Do you offer a Moraine Lake sunrise shuttle?
Yes! Depending on the time of year, we provide sunrise shuttles at either 4:00am, 5:05am, or 5:30am. You can check the sunrise times for Moraine Lake here. Most guests like to arrive at Moraine Lake at least 1 hour before sunrise to enjoy the pre-dawn grandeur.
In late September and October, the 6:20am and 6:45am shuttle can also be used as a sunrise shuttle.
Can I walk to Moraine Lake?
Walking to Moraine Lake is not recommended as it is a 28km round trip. There are better ways to spend your day!
What else is there to do?
We recommend the breathtaking views aboard the Lake Louise Summer Gondola. Book with us and save $15 off the price of your gondola ticket!
Can I visit both lakes in one day?
Absolutely! We have a package ticket with a prescheduled, day-long journey to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. It is a fixed itinerary, so your departure and return times aren’t as flexible as they are for the individual lake shuttle tickets.
How long should I stay at the lake?
You can stay for an hour, an afternoon, or all day. It’s up to you. Our shuttles run throughout the day. Schedule your return whenever you want.
What if I want to stay at the lake longer after I get there?
Our shuttles run all day long. If you want a later ride back, just make sure to be at the pick-up point with plenty of time. If the shuttle has room, you can hop right on. Otherwise, there will be another one coming soon after.
Can I ride the Lake Louise Summer Gondola, too?
Not only can you experience the Lake Louise Gondola as part of your day, you get up to $15 off your ticket with your shuttle booking.
Pick-up & Parking
Where can I park?
Sunrise: Parking is at Samson Mall.
After 6am: Parking is at the Lake Louise Summer Gondola.
Free parking is included in the price of your ticket, and is guaranteed to be available when you arrive.
Can I drive my personal vehicle to Moraine Lake?
No. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles. To visit Moraine Lake, you must take a Moraine Lake shuttle bus.
However, visitors with a blue handicap hangtag will always be granted access to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise by Parks Canada.
Can I get off at Paradise Valley?
Yes, just let the bus driver know and they will let you off at the trailhead.
To return, please complete the loop and get picked up from Moraine Lake. We do not pick-up from Paradise Valley.
Can I park at Lake Louise Lakeshore and catch the bus from there?
No. If you do not board the bus to Moraine Lake at the location on your ticket, you will be counted as a ‘no-show’ and the space will be given to somebody else.
Where do I park? What if the parking lot is full?
You’ve got nothing to worry about. Your shuttle ticket guarantees you convenient parking at your pick-up location.
Do you pick up in Banff or Canmore?
No, you’ll need to drive to the Lake Louise Summer Gondola from Banff or Canmore. It takes less than an hour from either starting point, and there’s guaranteed parking included with your shuttle reservation.
Policies & Logistics
What is the new Moraine Lake Commercial Vehicle Fee?
Starting in 2025, Parks Canada began applying fees to all commercial operators visiting Moraine Lake. Fees are charged to commercial operators on a per-trip basis, and are slightly over $300 for each bus trip we make. The revenue from the fees charged to commercial operators go directly to offsetting the cost of Parks Canada’s traffic management in Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
What luggage/equipment can I bring on the bus?
Our buses have space for visitors to bring strollers, large backpacks, climbing equipment, inflatable paddle boards and walkers. Our buses do not have space to accommodate rigid canoes or kayaks.
If bringing a watercraft to Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, please ensure you are compliant with all Banff National Park Water Activity Rules & Regulations.
Can I bring my pet?
Animals are allowed on our Moraine Lake shuttle buses, but only if in a carrying case small enough to fit on your lap. Certified service animals of any size are allowed on our shuttle buses. Our policies mirror those of Parks Canada and Roam Transit.
Do I need a Parks Canada Pass?
Yes. All adult visitors to Banff National Park are required by Parks Canada to buy a permit for the duration of their stay. Passes are available to buy online, in-person at Parks Canada’s park gates, and information centres in Banff and Lake Louise.
Will I have cell service?
There is no cell service at Moraine Lake. You start to gain cell reception approximately three (3) kilometres down the road towards Lake Louise.
Are your buses wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately not. However, vehicles travelling with a blue hang tag will always be granted access to the parking lots at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Lakeshore by Parks Canada.
Do you have child seats?
No.
Does the bus to Moraine Lake have seatbelts?
Yes.