How to get to Moraine Lake without a car (2025 Guide)

You’ve definitely seen photos of Moraine Lake plastered all over social media—it’s one of Banff National Park’s biggest headliners because of its stunning turquoise-blue water, towering peaks, and a view so iconic it made it onto Canada’s $20 bill (earning the nickname “The Twenty Dollar View”).

But with fame comes crowds, and to protect this natural wonder in the Valley of the Ten Peaks big changes were made in 2023, with the year-round ban of personal vehicles from Moraine Lake Road. So, now that you’re planing a visit after this date you’ll need to either catch a shuttle or bus, join a guided tour, or if you’re feeling adventurous, pedal your way to Moraine Lake.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about visiting Moraine Lake in 2025, including the best (and easiest) ways to get there.

Written by Lou

Why You Need to Plan Ahead

Moraine Lake (and Lake Louise) aren’t just popular—they’re bucket list destinations, drawing in millions of visitors every year, so access has to be controlled to prevent overcrowding and to protect the environment.

If you don’t plan ahead, you might find yourself stuck without a way to get there and miss out completely.

Bottom Line?

If you want to visit Moraine Lake, book a shuttle in advance—it’s the easiest way to guarantee your spot. Here’s how to do it.

When is Moraine Lake open?

Moraine Lake Road is expected to open on June 1, 2025 depending on the weather. The season wraps up right after Canadian Thanksgiving, with the road closing to visitors on the second Tuesday in October.

Don’t bank on the lake being completely thawed by the beginning of the season.

Taking the Parks Canada Shuttle to Moraine Lake

The Parks Canada Shuttle is the most affordable and one of the most convenient ways to visit Moraine Lake. But as I mentioned, you’ll need to book your seats in advance.

Your return ticket lets you visit not just Moraine Lake but also Lake Louise the same day using the Lake Connector. And when you’re ready to head back, your ticket includes a shuttle ride straight back to the Park and Ride.

📌 Reservations open on April 16, 2025, at 8:00 AM MDT. 40% of the seats are released on April 16th and these spots sell out REALLY QUICKLY, so be ready to book as soon as reservations open through the Parks Canada Reservation Service (click on the ‘day use’ tab) or by calling 1-877-737-3783.

Make sure you’ve created an account in advance as you won’t be able to make a reservation without one.

If you miss out on the early reservations, the remaining 60% are released on a rolling window 48 hours before departure at 8:00 AM MDT.

You could try and reserve a shuttle, or even grab walk-up seats on the day of your visit, but honestly, I wouldn’t risk it. The chances of there being any spaces are pretty slim.

If you’re staying in Lake Louise, you can ride the Village and Campground Connector for free. It runs every 30 minutes from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM, picking you up from the Lake Louise Campground or the Roam bus stop outside Samson Mall and taking you to the Park + Ride.

Anyone with a disability parking tag can drive their own vehicle and park at Moraine Lake.

The Lake Connector Shuttle – Exploring Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in one day

The Lake Connector runs from 7 am – 7 pm from June 1 to October 14, with the option of visiting both lakes.

If you want to make the most of your day and see Moraine Lake and Lake Louise the same day, the Lake Connector Shuttle gives you this option.

• Operating Hours: Every 30 minutes from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Cost: Free with your Parks Canada Shuttle ticket
• No additional reservation needed

This first-come, first-served shuttle makes it easy to travel between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, BUT you can only use it if you’ve already booked a Parks Canada Shuttle or reserved (online) a Roam Public Transit System Wide Day Pass, which you can use to take the Route 8X to Lake Louise.

Parks Canada Alpine Start Shuttle – Catching Sunrise at Moraine Lake

Watching the sunrise at Moraine Lake is something most visitors dream of, and honestly, who can blame them? But since you can’t drive there anymore, one option is to take the Parks Canada Alpine Start shuttle so you don’t miss out.

• Alpine Start Shuttle Times: 4 AM + 5 AM departures from Lake Louise lakeshore parking lot (NOT the Lake Louise Park + Ride). Parking at Lake Louise is limited and spots fill up ridiculously early.
• Return: Catch the Lake Connector Shuttle back to your vehicle. The first one leaves Moraine Lake at 7 AM.
• Reservation Required As you can imagine, sunrise spots fill up REALLY quickly, so book as soon as tickets become available.

If you plan on parking at the lakeshore to get the Alpine Start shuttle, be aware that you’ll need to pay the daily rate of $36.75 per vehicle (or $8 for accessible parking, per vehicle) from 3 AM – 7 PM, from May 16 – October 13, 2025.

So, now that we’ve covered how to reserve a seat on a Parks Canada shuttle, lets look at another option and that is Roam Transit.

Roam Public Transit

The Roam Transit bus service is the transportation system that take visitors to all the must-see spots in Banff and Lake Louise, including Moraine Lake.

They have a one-day pass for $25 which lets you travel on any of the Roam routes from Canmore to Banff to Lake Louise. It also includes free access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle, so you can get from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake.

Just show your Roam System wide day pass to Parks Canada staff at either lake for access.

The options to get to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake by Roam Transit are:

Getting to Moraine Lake from Town of Banff

If you’re coming from Banff without a car, or you’ve been unable to get a seat on a Parks Canada Shuttle then buying a Roam Day Pass is a good alternative option.

Head to the Transit Hub at Banff High School (300 block of Banff Avenue) and catch the 8X bus to Lake Louise lakeshore.

This pass gives you unlimited access to all Roam Transit services and also includes a round-trip on the Parks Canada Lake Connector Shuttle between Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake between 7 AM – 7 PM).

If you’re visiting during Larch season (September and October), you can take the Route 10 direct to Moraine Lake. Reservations usually open at the beginning of September, so check the Roam Transit website for exact dates and times.

As you can imagine, this is really popular in the summertime in Banff, so make sure you book the day you want in advance.

Schedule & reservation info

To get to Moraine Lake from Banff or Canmore using Roam, you need a Roam Transit Super Pass.

Getting to Moraine Lake from Canmore

If you’re coming from Canmore you can get the Roam Transit Route 3 bus from one of several places, such as the Canmore 9th Street bus station or the Shoppers Drug Mart. Buses run twice an hour, starting at 6:20 AM and the ride to Banff only takes about 30 minutes.

When you arrive at the Banff High School Transit Hub, transfer to Route 8X, which will take you to Lake Louise (same as above).

Again, the Roam Day Pass for $25 CAD (or $12.50 CAD for seniors and youths) gives you unlimited travel for the day, which is cheaper than buying individual tickets. As as said above, it includes a round-trip on Parks Canada’s Lake Connector Shuttle from Lake Louise Lakeshore to Moraine Lake every 30 mins during the shuttle’s operating hours (7 AM – 7 PM).

You can also catch the On-It Banff + Canmore service from the Benchlands Trail Transit stop (behind Subway in Canmore). This drops you off at the corner of Elk Street, just a 2-minute walk from Banff High School, where you can catch the Route 8X to Lake Louise.

The On-It service only runs on Thursday evening, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holiday Mondays during the summer season and as it’s separate from Roam Transit’s 8X route, you’ll have to pay a separate fare.

Getting to Moraine Lake from Calgary

Again, the On-It bus service runs from several Calgary locations to Banff. It doesn’t have a pick up location at the airport, so if you’re arriving at YYC, you’ll need to either hire a car, or have reserved one of the transport/tour companies.

Parks Canada Shuttle vs. Roam Transit: What’s the Difference?

Figuring out how to get to Moraine Lake can feel a little overwhelming with all the different options out there. The two main choices are the Parks Canada Shuttle and Roam Transit, but they work in different ways. Here’s how they compare, plus the pros and cons of each.

• Parks Canada Shuttle – Run by Parks Canada. This shuttle is designed specifically to transport visitors between Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Park + Ride from June to October. It’s flexible and is also the cheapest option by far.
• Roam Transit – A public bus system that connects Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise. While it does have routes that reach Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, it’s more of a general transit system than a dedicated shuttle. It’s also more expensive than the taking the Parks Canada Shuttle.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Go with the Parks Canada Shuttle if you have a car, want the cheapest option, and don’t mind starting from the Lake Louise Park + Ride.
• Choose Roam Transit if you’re staying in Banff, don’t have a car, and want the convenience of a public transit option, or don’t want to pay for the more expensive private transport/tour options.

Other Transportation Options to Moraine Lake: Commercial Shuttle Companies + Tour Providers

If you can’t get a spot when the Parks Canada reservations open, then there are plenty of other options available, albeit far more expensive.

Here’s a rundown of the private shuttle and tour companies that can get you to Moraine Lake. Just a heads-up—we haven’t personally used these services, so this isn’t a recommendation, so check reviews before booking.

Private shuttles and tours cost way more than the Parks Canada shuttle, but are ideal if you’re travelling with family or a large group.

Moraine Lake Bus Company

Do they offer a sunrise trip: Yes

The Moraine Lake Bus Company will get you to Moraine Lake to see the sunrise over The Valley of the Ten Peaks.

The Sunrise shuttles leaves as early as 4 AM and 5.05 AM. It operates throughout the day into the evening.

They also offer other options such as a Moraine Lake (daytime) service and a Moraine Lake Bus with a 1 Hr Stop at Lake Louise service.

Pets are allowed on the bus but have to be in a carrying case that will fit on your lap.

The 24-seater buses are not wheelchair accessible.

🚗 Free parking + pick-up from:

• 4 AM Sunrise Shuttle: Samson Mall
• Shuttles after 6 AM: Lake Louise Summer Gondola

How much does Moraine Lake Bus Company cost?

Prices for Moraine Lake bus start at:

Prices start from $128.39 CAD for the sunrise shuttle

Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle

Do they offer a sunrise trip: Yes

This is a sunrise-only trip where you’ll be at Moraine Lake for 2 hours.

The company claims they will get you to Moraine Lake 1 hour before sunrise.

Daily shuttle times run according to sunrise hours, so they will differ weekly.

They also have a Dual Lakes Sunrise Tour that combines two hours at Moraine Lake for sunrise and then you’ll move on to Lake Louise for two hours.

They offer picks ups and drop-offs at hotels in Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise.

The 15-seater van doesn’t allow pets (only service animals).

How much does Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle cost?

$135 CAD per person for the Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour
$185 CAD per person for the Dual Lakes Sunrise Tour

Mountain Park Transportation Shuttle

Do they offer a sunrise trip: Yes

They run several private shuttle services throughout the day, including a sunrise and a sunset trip. They pick-ups from various hotels in Banff starting at 4 AM through to 6 PM depending on the tour you book.

They are pet friendly, and the price to take your pet is $10, but there are limited spaces for pet carriers.

You can take a SUP board for $10, but check at the time of booking as space is limited.

How much does MPT cost?

Prices start at $82.99 CAD.

Fairview Limousine & Shuttle Service

Do they offer a sunrise trip: Yes, as well as trips to Moraine Lake later in the day

Fairview Limousine offers convenient departures from the Lake Louise Inn (210 Village Road), making it a solid choice if you’re staying in Lake Louise Village.

🚗 Coming from Banff? You can park for free behind the main hotel building.

🕒 Shuttles run multiple times daily from June to October, including a 4 AM sunrise shuttle. They also have a connector shuttle so you can visit Lake Louise too.

🐾 Fairview Limousine is pet-friendly, so for an extra fee, your pup, big or small, can get to enjoy this stunning lake with you.

Fairview offers several shuttle trips departing only from the Lake Louise Inn Hotel in Lake Louise to Moraine Lake throughout the day starting at 8 am.

They also offer discounts for 4+ travellers in your group.

How much does Fairview Limousine cost:

$99 CAD for the sunrise shuttle. Shuttles that leave later in the day start at $35 CAD.

Wow banff

Do they offer a sunrise trip: No

Take an open-top double-decker to Moraine Lake with a pick-up at the Post Hotel in Lake Louise starting at 8 AM.

The lower deck is wheelchair accessible.

How much does Wow Banff cost:

Price: $45 CAD

Hop On Banff

Do they offer a sunrise trip: No

As you’ve probably guessed by the name, it means you can hop on and hop off wherever you want along the route or head straight to Moraine Lake.

🚏 Stops include: Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and, of course, Moraine Lake—so you can visit as many (or as few) as you like, without being locked into a guided tour schedule.

🌅 No sunrise option though as the first bus leaves Banff at 7:45 AM from the Moose Hotel and 7:50 AM from the Train Station.

Hop On Banff operates from early June to late September.

Only service animals are allowed on the bus.

How much does Hop On Banff cost?

$126 CAD

Radventures

Do they offer a sunrise trip: Yes

The Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise Golden Hour Adventure tour gets you to Moraine Lake for a beautiful sunrise where you’ll spend around 1.5 hours here before moving onto Lake Louise Village and then the lake itself.

This tour runs daily from the beginning of June to mid-October and is a small group tour of up to 14 people.

Pick-up is from various hotels in Banff and Lake Louise.

How much does Radventures cost?

$269 per adult + booking fee

Explore Banff Tours & Transfers

Do they offer a sunrise trip: Yes

Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunrise tour with pick ups from Banff, Canmore or Harvie Heights starting at 3:30 AM. You’ll see the sunrise at Moraine Lake before moving onto Lake Louise for a couple of hours.

The tour bus sits 13 people and you get the choice of a hot drink included.

How much does Explore Banff cost:

$175 CAD

Discover Banff Tours

Do they offer a sunrise trip: No

Starting at 7 AM, 8 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM , you can visit both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on a trip that lasts around 4.25 hours.

The bus seats 24 passengers, so it’s a fairly small tour group. There are various Banff hotel pick-up locations.

How much does Discover Banff cost?

Prices start from $140 CAD

White Mountain Adventures

Do they offer a sunrise trip: No

White Mountain Adventures offers a full-day Glaciers, Lakes, and Peaks of Lake Louise Tour – this is a custom private guide service.

Pick up is 7:30 am from various Banff hotels, and return is by 3 pm to your hotel.

If you’re not into lots of walking, these short 30-minute walks around Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are ideal.

How much does White Mountain Adventures cost?

$1465 CAD for 1-12 people, with additional costs for lunch and attraction admissions (optional).

Brewster Sightseeing

Do they offer a sunrise trip: No

The Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls tour takes you to Moraine Lake and other locations within Banff National Park and Yoho National Park.

The tour leaves Banff around 8:30 am and lasts 9 hours. Included in the price is lunch at the beautiful Emerald Lake Lodge.

Pick-ups can also be arranged from Calgary, Canmore, and Banff.

Not all of their coaches are wheelchair accessible, so check directly with the company, if needed.

What’s the cost?

$232 Adult (from Banff)

Via Via Transport – Moraine Lake Shuttle

Via Via Transport will get you to Moraine Lake at sunrise with their small-group tour.

They provide pickups from Banff, Canmore, Harvie Heights, and Lake Louise, starting at 3:30 AM in Canmore and just after 4 AM in Banff. You’ll arrive at Moraine Lake around 5 AM, and have a couple of hours to spend there before the return trip back at 7:30 AM. If you’d like to stay longer, you can book an extended tour.

They also run a Moraine Lake shuttle later in the morning, if you’d rather not get up so early

The tour includes hot drinks + cozy blankets, expert guides, phone chargers.

What’s the cost?

Prices start at $79

Take a taxi to Moraine Lake

Another option is taking a taxi to Moraine Lake.

Three Sisters Taxi

Do they offer a sunrise trip? Contact them for information

They can take up to 6 people from Canmore or Banff to Moraine Lake.

This taxi company offers a 5-hour self-guided tour that includes 1.5 hours at Moraine Lake.

Prices are not listed on their website, so you’ll have to contact them to inquire. I would recommend calling them if you can, as I emailed and didn’t get a response.

You pick the time you want to start the self-guided tour, so this may include a sunrise option, but confirm when booking.

Any other ways to get to Moraine Lake?

There sure are! Aside from taking public or private transportation, there is always pedal power, hiking, or staying at the lake itself.

Stay at Moraine Lake Lodge

If you want to stay overnight at Moraine Lake, this is your one and only option. Moraine Lake Lodge is open from June to September, and it’s not cheap, with rates starting at $900+ per night.

BUT you get to wake up right next to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. That’s the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience that just might be worth the splurge.

The best part is that you won’t have the stress about parking or shuttles, as a guest you can actually drive right up to the lodge. And as a guest, you get complimentary access to canoes, so you can paddle across those unreal turquoise waters without the usual crowds. Honestly, does it get any better than that?

If you’re hiring a car at the Calgary Airport to get to Banff, expect around a 3-hour drive to the lodge. If you’re already in Banff, it’s around a 1-hour trip.

Stay in a Lake Louise Hotel with Shuttle Service to Moraine Lake

If you’re staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, you can use their guest-only shuttle, which runs multiple times a day to Moraine Lake. They also offer a sunrise shuttle that departs at 4:45 AM and returns at 7 AM.

At the Post Hotel + Spa, guests can book a Moraine Lake shuttle for $35 + GST per adult, with the first shuttle leaving at 7 AM and running hourly until 5 PM.

Even if you’re staying in Banff, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers a guest shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, with departures starting at 7:30 AM and running throughout the day. The cost is $50 + GST per person.

bike to Moraine Lake

You’ve got to be an experienced and confident cyclist to bike to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise as this road is busy with shuttles, buses, and commercial vehicles all day long, and there’s no shoulder to ride on.

The trail leading to Moraine Lake is approximately 13 kilometers long, with a significant elevation gain of 527 meters (1,729 feet). I’m told the return trip is easier and faster because it’s a downhill descent (202 m elevation loss).

Parks Canada advises to cycle early in the morning or later in the evening when traffic is lighter.

If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one from Banff Adventures in Banff or Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise.

When to visit Moraine Lake

You’ve got the transport options all figured out now, but when is the best time to visit? The best time is from mid-late June onwards when the lake is thawed and the water has that vivid turquoise colour it’s so famous for.

July and August bring the warmest weather (and the biggest crowds).

The peak season for the golden larch trees is the third week of September. If you visit during this week, you’ll see a stunning display of autumn colours.

Best times of day to experience the lake

You’re going to be blown away by this stunning lake and its surroundings no matter what time of day you visit. But for the best experience, you might want to plan for early morning or late evening.

As mentioned above, sunrise shuttles start as early as 4 AM, so you not only get to see a spectacular sunrise, but you also get some quiet time at the lake. July is ideal for seeing sunlight reflect off the lake’s blue-turquoise waters.

If you want to dodge the crowds or you’re not a morning person, booking an evening shuttle is a good idea.

Visiting right after the road opens in early June can be quieter, but keep in mind that the lake may still be thawing.

Tips for Visiting Moraine Lake

1. Book Your Ride Ahead of Time – You can’t just roll up in your car anymore, so you’ll need a shuttle, tour, or some other way in, and spots fill up fast. Parks Canada shuttles are the cheapest and most flexible. But if money is not an issue or you aren’t successful in getting a seat on the Parks Canada Shuttle then the private options are ideal.

2. Get There Early (or Late) – If you want some breathing room and the best lighting, aim for sunrise or evening. Sunrise and sunset make for unreal photos. Midday? Expect lots of people.

3. Check the Parks Canada website for up-to-date information just in case there are any changes you’d need to be aware of.

3. Dress for Everything – Mountain weather has a mind of its own. Mornings can be freezing, especially before sunrise, and the afternoons warm, and random rain showers are totally possible. Layers and a rain jacket are never a bad idea.

4. Pack What You’ll Need – Bring water, snacks (because who wants to be hangry at a world-famous lake?), sunscreen, and bear spray if you’re hiking. Also, charge your phone or camera as this view is one you’ll want proof of.

5. Be a Respectful Visitor – Stick to the trails, pack out your garbage, and for the love of nature, don’t feed the wildlife. Moraine Lake is stunning because it’s wild and untouched—let’s keep it that way.