Last Updated on 22.2.2026 by Lukas Vondracek
The road to Moraine Lake has been closed to private vehicles since 2023 due to overcrowding and wildlife protection. Since then, the lake can only be reached by shuttle buses operated by Parks Canada or private companies, or by walking or cycling. There are several ways to get to Moraine Lake without a car.
Important: Shuttle services operate only from early June to late October / early November.
Do not forget purchase Banff Discovery Pass when visiting Banff National Park.
Moraine Lake Location
Moraine Lake is located about 60 km (around one hour by car) west of Banff on Highway 1. It is located inside Banff National Park, about 14 km southeast of Lake Louise village. Access is via Moraine Lake Road, which is now closed for private cars.
How to Get to Moraine Lake without a car – Transportation options
Moraine Lake Shuttle
Moraine Lake by bus:
– The cheapest option is the Parks Canada Shuttle. It runs from Lake Louise Ski Resort (Park & Ride). You can first visit Lake Louise and then continue directly to Moraine Lake.
– Another option is transport by smaller private companies, usually using vans or minibuses. These are more comfortable and flexible, but much more expensive.
– The last option is transport for guests of Moraine Lake Lodge. With a hotel reservation, you are allowed to drive to the lake or use transport provided directly by the lodge.
How to Get to Moraine Lake for Free
There are only two free options:
– By bicycle: Bike directly on Moraine Lake Road. Most of the route is slightly uphill, but the ride back is fast and easy. The downside is increasing traffic on the narrow road – buses may follow behind you for several minutes before they can pass. Other options is Morain Lake Highline Trail but I can not recomend this one for climb up. Terrain is quite steep at some points and rough.
– On foot or running: The Moraine Lake Highline Trail almost follows the road. You can start near the Lake Louise lakeshore parking area. The distance to Moraine Lake is about 12.5 km one way.
For both options, always carry bear spray – wildlife encounters are common on these routes.
Moraine Lake Shuttle and Tours
Parks Canada Shuttle
Buses usually operate from early June to mid-November, depending on road conditions.
Parks Canada shuttles depart from Lake Louise Ski Resort, where a Park & Ride operates during summer. You can reach this place by Roam Transit buses from Banff.
You must do your Moraine Lake shuttle reservation in advance. In 2026 online reservations open in April 15th 8am. Parks Canada releases about 40% of tickets at that time and the remaining 60% during the season, two days in advance at 8:00 AM on the reservation website.
Lake Louise Ski Resort (Park & Ride) is the main transfer hub for both lakes.
From here, official Parks Canada shuttles run:
– Park & Ride → Moraine Lake
– Park & Ride → Lake Louise (lakeshore)
Each direction requires a valid reservation.
If you book only the Moraine Lake shuttle, you can use:
Park & Ride → Moraine Lake → back to Park & Ride
This reservation does not guarantee transport to Lake Louise.
To visit both lakes in one day, you have two options:
1. Book both shuttles (Lake Louise and Moraine Lake) – the safest option.
2. Use the Lake Connector Shuttle between the lakes (not always guaranteed).
Parks Canada Moraine Lake Shuttle ticket Prices
Adults: 8 CAD
Seniors (65+): 4 CAD
Children: Free (under 17)
Online reservation fee: 3 CAD
Moraine Lake Tours
Every year, more private companies offer transport to Moraine Lake using minibuses and vans. The main advantage is flexibility – these services often depart early in the morning and return in the evening. You also do not need to travel to Lake Louise Ski Resort yourself. These operators pick up in Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise.
However, this comfort comes at a high price. Depending on your starting location and travel package, expect around 35–200+ CAD per person.
Moraine Lake Tour Providers
– Via Via Moraine Lake Shuttle
– Vivo Green Travel / Banff to Moraine Lake Shuttle
How to Get to Lake Louise without a car
Transport from Canmore / Banff
Without a car, you can reach Lake Louise by public buses.
From Canmore:
Take bus Route 3 to Banff – about 6 CAD one way. Then transfer in Banff.
From Banff:
Take Route 8X Banff Express to Lake Louise – about 12.5 CAD one way. In summer, advance booking is recommended.
Transport from Calgary
Without a car, you can reach Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise from Calgary in several ways:
– Airport buses
– Flixbus
Moraine Lake at Sunrise
If you want to reach Moraine Lake for sunrise, you will need an expensive tour bus or an early morning bike ride. An e-bike is also a good option and saves a lot of energy and time on the 14 km climb. Early in the morning, traffic on Moraine Lake Road is still light.
What Is the Best Option for You?
It depends on how much money, time, and effort you want to invest in visiting Moraine Lake. No matter which option you choose, this place is absolutely worth visiting – it is one of the most popular destinations in Canada.
– Cheapest option: Parks Canada Shuttle – reservation required
– Most comfortable: Tour bus – high price
– Free: Walking, cycling, e-bike
Moraine Lake in Winter
Moraine Lake Road is closed in the winter. There are still ways to reach the area, but travel is not recommended due to avalanche terrain. If you decide to continue into these zones and reach the lake, you should carry full avalanche gear and a satellite phone – out of Lake louise area is no cell reception.
Cross-Country Skiing
The most popular winter activity is cross-country skiing on the groomed track. Due to avalanche risk, the track does not reach the lake itself but ends at viewpoints of the lake surrounding peaks. The trail is about 10 km long, mostly with a little climb – which makes the return trip fast and fun.
Snowshoeing
Another option is snowshoeing. Be prepared for a very long day – reaching Moraine Lake and returning can mean 25–30 km, depending on whether you follow the road or the summer trail.
Backcountry skiing
Some people also use ski touring equipment on this route to skin up. The downhill part is not very fun, especially on flat or slightly uphill sections.
FAQ
Can I drive my own car to Moraine Lake?
No, personal cars are no allowed go to Moraine Road
What is the best way to get to Moraine Lake without a car?
The most reliable way is take Parks Canada Shuttle bus
How much does the Parks Canada shuttle cost?
Parks Canada shuttle costs $8 for adults, $4 for seniors, and is free for youth under 17.
Can I bike to Moraine Lake?
Yes, biking is great way get to Moreine Lake. It is about 14km bike from parking lot.
Is there a sunrise shuttle to Moraine Lake?
Parks Canada do not provide sunrise shuttles but you can use a private commercisl shuttle companies.