How to Visit Moraine Lake by Shuttle in 2026

Last updated on March 17th, 2026

Wondering how to visit Moraine Lake by shuttle? Learn about the required shuttle service, alternative ways to get to Moraine Lake, packing essentials, and things to do while there!

Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks, is Moraine Lake. Known for its vivid turquoise waters and towering peaks, Moraine Lake is an absolute must-see for any visitor to the Canadian Rockies. In fact, its beauty has made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, receiving over 4 million visitors each year (which is more than any other national park in the country!)

During our first day in Banff, we learned just how popular Moraine Lake is. We got up at 3 AM and drove for an hour to catch the sunrise, and even at that early hour, we weren’t alone. But despite the crowds, the view was everything we hoped for and more. The mountains glowed with the sunrise, and the lake was as vividly blue as in all the pictures we’d seen.

About Moraine Lake

Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Moraine Lake is a stunning glacially-fed lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. It’s famous for its vibrant turquoise waters and the imposing Valley of the Ten Peaks (a sight so impressive it once graced the Canadian twenty-dollar bill!) 

The nearest town to Moraine Lake is Lake Louise, approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) away, which is about a 20-minute drive. The larger town of Banff is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) away, or about a 50-minute drive.

Moraine Lake sits at an elevation of approximately 1,885 meters (6,183 feet) above sea level. The lake is about 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) wide and 50 meters (164 feet) deep at its deepest point. 

Moraine Lake is absolutely stunning, especially from late June to August, when the blue is at its brightest and the lake is full. The color of the lake is actually a result of light refracting off the rock flour (super fine particles of rock) deposited in the lake by surrounding glaciers. 

Want to Learn More as you explore?

We highly suggest downloading the Guide Along – Canadian Rockies Bundle (totally worth the cost!!) audio tours to navigate you on the road. Even when you don’t have service it knows where you are and provides commentary and history about the area. As well as alerts you when to stop for specific sights. These guides are fun to listen to and the narrator feels like a fun friend in the car with you! There’s two other individual guides you could buy instead, Calgary To Banff or Lake Louise, Moraine & Yoho.

Shuttle-Only Access to Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake Shuttle by Parks Canada

Daily Shuttle Schedule

Parks Canada shuttles run every 30 minutes, starting bright and early at 6:30 AM and continuing until 6:00 PM, with a sunrise option as well (at 4 AM or 5 AM). The last shuttle leaves Moraine Lake at 7:30 PM, so you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the beauty.

Reservations and Costs

Advance reservations are a must, and we’ve learned it’s best to book as soon as tickets become available online. While walk-up purchases at the Park and Ride are possible, availability is not guaranteed. 

Advanced reservations begin on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 8 AM MDT and can be made for any one-hour time slot from June 1 to mid-October. And if you miss that window, try booking again 48 hours before your desired departure, as more tickets are released then. You can book for either Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, and your reservation includes a Free Lake Connector shuttle to visit both lakes in one day.

Moraine Lake Shuttle Fees 

The costs are pretty reasonable: $8 CAD for adults (18-64 years), $4 CAD for seniors (65+), and kids (17 & under) ride for free. Just remember, there’s a small reservation fee ($3 CAD online, $6 CAD by phone), and it’s non-refundable.

Don’t forget, you’ll need a National Parks Pass to enter Banff National Park (it’s separate from the shuttle fees). Buy it online here before your visit. You can either purchase a day pass or an annual pass. 

Departure Points

Knowing where to catch the shuttle can make your travel day much smoother. You’ll park at the the Lake Louise Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort (1 Whitehorn Road).

Sunrise Option (Alpine Start)

Parks Canada now has an option for those wanting to visit Moraine Lake at sunrise. You’ll need to purchase the Alpine Start shuttle which is the same cost as the other shuttle options, but these have two times to choose from, 4 AM or 5 AM. The difference is you will have to park at the Lake Louise Lakeshore instead, which will cost $36.75 for the day.

Typically it is not recommended to park here since the lot is small and fills up before sunrise, but with a 4 AM or 5 AM Alpine Start shuttle ticket you should be able to park here with no issues. Just keep in mind the higher parking costs.

What if I Can’t Book the Moraine Lake Shuttle?

If you find yourself unable to snag a spot on the Moraine Lake Shuttle (it happens to the best of us), don’t sweat it! There are a bunch of other ways to get to Moraine Lake, including Moraine Lake Bus Company, ROAM Public Transit, hiring a private tour company, booking a taxi ride, staying at Moraine Lake Lodge, vehicles with a disabled hang tag, and biking! 

Moraine Lake Bus Company (our top pick!)

Reservations and Costs

Sunrise shuttle tickets range from $115 CAD to $145 CAD per person. If you are fine going later in the morning or day, prices range from $70 CAD to $80 CAD per adult and $60 CAD to $70 CAD per child. Opting for a stop at Lake Louise bumps the price to a starting point of $105 CAD depending on the date ($95 CAD per child). You’ll need to book tickets online in advance!

While these prices are more expensive than Parks Canada, $18 CAD of it is for the Moraine Lake Commercial User Fee that commercial operators are now being charged. So keep this in mind when looking at pricing, as it’s out of the provider’s control. Moraine Lake Bus Company is lobbying for a more equitable solution that applies to all visitors evenly.

Departure Points

For those catching shuttles before 6 AM, you’ll park at Samson Mall, and you’ll be picked up at the taxi stand outside Wilson Mountain Sports. After 6 AM, the meet-up point shifts to the Lake Louise Summer Gondola parking lot, right outside the main lodge. Remember, if you’re arriving after 6 AM, the Lake Louise Summer Gondola is your only parking option. Samson Mall won’t accommodate any vehicles after this time. 

ROAM Transit

Roam Transit is the local bus service in Banff that features Route 10, a seasonal offering that provides direct transportation from downtown Banff to Moraine Lake. Operating exclusively from mid-September to mid-October, this service aligns perfectly with the peak larch season. 

Daily Shuttle Schedule

As noted above, this shuttle only runs to Moraine Lake in the fall. During this season, there are 7 departures daily, seven days a week. The first bus leaves Banff at 6:30 AM, and the last bus leaves Moraine Lake at 5:30 PM. While the schedule for 2026 hasn’t been announced yet, it’s typically consistent year to year.

Reservations and Costs

A round trip to Moraine Lake on Route 10 costs $20 CAD for adults, while seniors and youths enjoy a discounted rate of $10 CAD. Children 12 and under ride for free. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the busy season, to make sure you secure a spot on the bus. Click here to view pricing for day passes and multi-day passes.

Departure Points

Departure locations to Moraine Lake start at the Banff High School Transit Hub located in downtown Banff. For the return trip, you’ll catch the shuttle from the designated Roam bus stop at Moraine Lake. The bus will take you back to the Transit Hub in Banff.

ROAM Transit Super Pass 

For those visiting outside of the fall, you can purchase a Roam Transit Super Pass. For just $25 CAD per day, it allows unlimited travel on all routes, from Canmore to Banff to Lake Louise. Once you get to Lake Louise, you can then hop onto the Parks Canada shuttle to Moraine Lake for free.

This is a more complex option than just taking the Moraine Lake Bus Company, but it also gives you the freedom to visit other destinations within the same day!

HopOnBanff

HopOnBanff is a service that offers you the freedom to explore at your own pace, giving you the opportunity to hop on and off any of the buses as you please. The buses are decked out with bike racks and have room for 48 passengers. They travel along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway, so you’ll get to see all of Banff’s stunning spots like Temple Mountain, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and the grand Fairmont Chateau.

Operating Schedule

The service operates as a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ style tour, perfect for those who love to explore at their own pace. Starting from the Moose Hotel and Suites on Banff Avenue at 7:45 AM and 9:30 AM and from the Banff Train Station at 7:50 AM and 9:35 AM, the bus makes a loop around Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Gondola, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake. The last bus completes its route in Banff by 6 PM daily. Keep in mind the earlier you start, the more you can explore!

Departure Points

Start your adventure from anywhere on the route, whether it’s the Moose Hotel and Suites, Banff Train Station, Johnston Canyon, the Lodge of the Ten Peaks, Chateau Lake Louise, or Moraine Lake Shore. Click here to book a tour.

Want to save some money on this tour or experience? Join Tripadvisor Rewards to earn 5% Trip Cash on any hotel or experience booking made in their app, which can be applied to future in-app bookings!

Private Tour Companies

Taxi to Moraine Lake

A taxi is a more expensive option, but super convenient if you’re on a tight schedule. Expect to pay around CAD $100 one-way. Three Sister’s Taxi offers round-trip transportation from Canmore or Banff to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The service includes an hour at each lake before whisking you back to your hotel. Want to linger longer by the lakes? No problem! For an extra $100 CAD per hour, you can extend your stay. 

Biking to Moraine Lake

Riding a bike to Moraine Lake is, without a doubt, one of the prettiest rides in Alberta, and there are actually several ways you can get there! 

Biking to Moraine Lake on Moraine Lake Road 

Biking the Moraine Lake Road is a great way to experience the beauty of Moraine Lake, especially before the road officially opens in spring. This well-maintained, paved route spans about 24 km (14.9 miles) out and back. But, the ride is not flat by any means. 

You can bike to Moraine Lake any time of year on Moraine Lake Road, but keep in mind that once the road is open to vehicles, you’ll be riding alongside buses, especially during peak tourist season. If you plan to bike this route in the summer, early morning or later in the evening can be quieter times to enjoy the ride.  

Biking to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise Village 

The most popular way to bike to Moraine Lake is starting from Lake Louise. This route is super scenic and not too challenging for those who bike regularly. It’s around 14 kilometers (about 8.7 miles) one way and takes you along the Moraine Lake Road. The road has some uphill stretches, but nothing too intense.

Biking to Moraine Lake on the Highline Trail 

The Moraine Lake Highline Trail, beginning at the Paradise Valley trailhead on Moraine Lake Road, spans 5.2 miles (8.4 km) one way. This trail presents a more challenging and adventurous biking experience, particularly suited for riders with a higher skill level. It involves a continuous uphill climb, with sections that are dotted with roots and rocks. 

Bike Rentals 

If you don’t have your own bike, no worries! You can rent bikes in the Lake Louise area. There are several spots around, like Wilson Mountain Sports, located right in the village. They have a bunch of options, from mountain bikes to e-bikes (which are great if you want a bit of extra oomph on those uphill sections).

Stay At Moraine Lake Lodge 

Since Moraine Lake is known for its limited parking, staying at the Moraine Lake Lodge is a great way to snag a parking spot (and totally worth it for those with a big budget) if you’re not a big fan of taking the shuttle. As a guest of the lodge, you typically have guaranteed parking, which is a huge plus! 

Unlike other visitors who depend on the shuttle’s schedule and availability, having your own vehicle means you have the freedom to come and go as you please. This is super handy, especially if you’re the type who loves spontaneous adventures or prefers to avoid the crowds by visiting the lake at less busy times.

Room rates typically start from around $1,000 CAD per night and can go much higher depending on the room type and the season. Click here to book a room at Moraine Lake Lodge.

The Best Time to Visit Moraine Lake

If you’re planning to visit this popular spot by shuttle, you might be curious about the best time to go. Moraine Lake Road usually opens around June 1st, but this can vary. The road typically closes in the second week of October, often coinciding with Canadian Thanksgiving. This means the window for enjoying Moraine Lake is quite brief, spanning from June to mid-October.

Spring (Early June)

Opening of Moraine Lake Road: Moraine Lake Road usually opens around June 1st. During this time, the water level is quite low, revealing an extensive beach shore scattered with large ice blocks. As the glaciers around Moraine Lake gradually melt, the lake begins to fill up with rock flour around June, starting the transformation of its color.

Visitor Considerations: Early June offers a quieter experience. However, keep in mind the lake’s color might not be as intense during this time.

Summer (Mid-June to August)

Best time to see the turquoise waters: Mid to late June through September is the best time to visit Moraine Lake, especially if you want to experience its famous turquoise blue waters.

Visitor Considerations: With this being the peak tourist season, the area can be very crowded. For a quieter experience, aim for sunrise or sunset.

Early Fall (September to Mid-October)

Best time to see fall colors: As September progresses, the area begins to show beautiful fall colors, particularly if you’re visiting when the larch needles turn golden. 

Visitor Considerations: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in late September, though the lake’s color might not be as vibrant.

Late Fall (Mid to Late October)

Closing of Moraine Lake Road: The road typically closes in the second week of October, often coinciding with Canadian Thanksgiving. This is the brief window when Moraine Lake is less crowded.

Visitor Considerations: Prepare for colder temperatures and the possibility of early snow.

The Best Things to Do at Moraine Lake

You’ve made it to Moraine Lake – yay! Now, what? Here’s our guide to the top activities at Moraine Lake in the summer. 

Canoe on Moraine Lake

Rent a canoe and paddle the glacier-fed waters of Moraine Lake. Rentals typically operate from June until the end of September, weather permitting, of course. You don’t need any reservations! Canoes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The cost starts at CAD $140 for an hour, but check the current rates as they change annually. Life jackets are provided with canoe rentals and must be worn at all times.

Early morning is often the best time to canoe on Moraine Lake. The lake is usually super calm, and the crowds are thinner. Plus, the morning light? Absolutely stunning, making the lake and mountains look even more amazing.

Rockpile Trail

For those seeking a shorter walk, the Rockpile Trail is a must-do. It’s one of the most accessible hikes in the area that leads to one of the best viewpoints of Moraine Lake, the famed “Twenty Dollar View,” once featured on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill. 

The Rockpile Trail is about 0.8 km (0.5 miles) long and typically takes around 15-20 minutes to complete there and back. However, if you combine it with the Shoreline Trail, the total distance is approximately 2.4 miles, extending to about 1-1.5 hours​. 

Consolation Lakes Trail

If you’re heading to Banff National Park, don’t miss the Consolation Lakes Trail. It starts at the Moraine Lake parking lot and takes you on a lovely hike to two gorgeous lakes that are surrounded by some seriously impressive mountains.

This out-and-back hike stretches over 5.8 kilometers (3.6 miles) and is perfect for a 2-3-hour outing. Along the way, you’ll walk through a forest, follow a stream to the first lake, and get some killer views of Panorama Peak, Bident, and Quadra Mountain. Just be warned, there is some tough rock scrambling at the end!

Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass

The Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass Trail in Banff National Park is a real beauty. Starting near Moraine Lake Lodge, it’s an 11.6 km (7.2 mi) round trip with a decent climb. You’ll walk through forests, crossing streams and getting glimpses of Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The larch trees are stunning, especially in fall when they’re golden. Once you hit Sentinel Pass, get ready for some epic views of Paradise Valley. It’s a moderate hike, taking about 3-4 hours. 

Eiffel Lake Trail

Eiffel Lake  is a less crowded 11.6 km (7.2 mi) trail known for its stunning vistas and vibrant wildflower meadows.

Starting near Moraine Lake Lodge, it initially takes you through lush forests and across streams, then up switchbacks with awesome views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks and Moraine Lake. Once you reach Eiffel Lake, you’re treated to stunning views of a teal-colored alpine lake surrounded by larch trees.

Typically, it takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete the hike to Eiffel Lake. For those with extra time and energy, you can extend the hike by an additional 1.8 mi (3 km) one way up to Wenkchemna Pass. 

Know Before You Go to Moraine Lake

Heading to Moraine Lake is an adventure you won’t forget! But let’s make sure you’re totally prepped for the best experience. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

National Park Fees: Visiting Moraine Lake means you’re entering Banff National Park, and yep, there’s a fee for that. You can easily grab your pass online or at the park entrance. 

Road Closures: Moraine Lake Road isn’t always open. It generally welcomes visitors from late May or early June until mid-October. The rest of the year? Sorry, it’s closed due to heavy snowfall and avalanche risks. Always check the latest road status before you set off. You don’t want to be all geared up and have nowhere to go!

Bear Country: Yup, you’re in bear territory! Always carry bear spray, hike in groups, and make noise on the trails. (Singing your favorite tune is totally acceptable.) And remember, feeding or approaching wildlife is a big no-no.

Visitor Centers: Drop by one of the visitor centers in the area. The folks there are super helpful and can provide maps, the latest updates on weather and trails, and maybe some hidden gems to explore.

Peak Season Rush: From late June to September and during the larch season in late September to early October, demand skyrockets. Arrive early, and secure a spot on the shuttle ahead of time.

Be Prepared for All Types of Weather: The weather at Moraine Lake can be unpredictable. One minute it’s sunny, the next, you’re in a rain shower. So pack a rain jacket and sunscreen. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Moraine Lake 

Can you swim in Moraine Lake?
Swimming in Moraine Lake is not recommended due to the extremely cold temperatures of the water. The lake is fed by glaciers, making the water quite chilly year-round.

Can you camp in the Moraine Lake area?
There is no camping allowed directly at Moraine Lake. However, there are several campgrounds in the nearby Lake Louise area. Plus, the Moraine Lake Lodge offers accommodations right by the lake. While it can be on the pricier side, it allows you to wake up to Moraine Lake just outside your window. Keep in mind that the lodge is quite popular, so booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak season.

How far is Lake Louise from Moraine Lake?
Lake Louise is about 14 kilometers (around 8.7 miles) from Moraine Lake. The drive typically takes about 20 minutes.

Are dogs allowed at Moraine Lake?
Yes! Unlike the US National Parks, dogs are allowed at Banff National Park. However, they MUST be on leash. If you are taking one of the shuttles to the lake, only dogs in a carrier on your lap are allowed. Service animals are allowed though!

Packing List for Moraine Lake

When you’re packing for the Rockies, it’s all about being prepared for every kind of adventure (and weather!). And since you will not have access to your own vehicle when visiting Moraine Lake by shuttle, it’s important to pack everything you need with you.

Here’s a detailed list to help you prepare for your trip to Moraine Lake. To see even more items that we take hiking, check out all of our hiking gear!

Down Jacket: Reliable down jacket like Columbia Powder Lite Jacket or Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody. 

Rain Jacket: Weather can be unpredictable in the mountains. We highly suggest bringing a rain jacket, even if the forecast looks clear, just in case.

Hiking Pants: Choose quick-dry and comfortable ones, suitable for walking and changing weather. These KUHL Freeflex pants are super comfy (and look great too).

Hiking Boots: Can’t go wrong with Lowa Renegade GTX (what Kathryn wears) or Altra Lone Peak 6 (what Adam wears). 

Hiking Socks: Smartwool or Darn Tough socks are a must! They wisk moisture, keep feet dry all day, and reduce the risk of blisters. 

Sunscreen: UV rays can be strong, even on cloudy days. We love Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50. 

Sunglasses: To protect your eyes, especially near reflective water surfaces. Adam wears these KALIYADI Sunglasses and Kathryn has Ray Bans. 

Hydration System: CamelBak hydration bladders are great for hands-free sipping without having to stop and dig out a water bottle.  

Snacks & Energy Bars: We highly suggest bringing food, especially if you plan to hike as well. RXBARs are one of our go-to snacks. They are tasty and filling! 

Map/GPS: Even if trails are well-marked, it’s good to have a backup. Bring a physical map or a reliable GPS device, and consider an AllTrails+ Membership for access to detailed trail maps and offline navigation. 

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails Plus membership? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)!

We use AllTrails Plus on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

Bear Spray: Bear spray is non-negotiable in the Canadian Rockies. Counter Assault Bear Spray is a popular choice. (You can’t fly with it, but you can buy or rent it locally).

First Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits have compact options that are perfect for hiking and include the basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and blister treatments.

Backpack: To carry all your essentials comfortably. We love our REI Trail 40 pack and Osprey has a range of comfortable backpacks suitable for day hikes.

Bug Spray: If you’re not a fan of DEET (like me), try Nantucket Spider’s essential oil bug spray. Sawyer Products has some effective DEET-free options too.

About the Author

This blog post was written by our writer Nicoll. Learn a bit about her below!

After six years of full-time travel, Nicoll is now a mountain-loving mama living in Colorado with her husband Jake, their sweet baby girl Teagan, and their pup Gunner. She loves hiking, riding her dirt bike, and finding joy in the little things. 

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