If Moraine Lake is on your bucket list – and let’s be honest, it should be – you’ve probably seen that glowing turquoise water and the Ten Peaks rising behind it and thought, “I need to be there.”
Well, you still absolutely can be – but you’ll need a bit of planning. Since personal vehicles are no longer allowed (unless you’re staying at Moraine Lake Lodge) you'll have to get there another way.
NOTE: New for 2026, access with an accessible parking permit will no longer be allowed.
The good news? There are lots of great options – from shuttles to sunrise tours, from budget-friendly buses to scenic bike rides. We’ve sifted through every bit of the latest info, so here’s your ultimate guide to getting to Moraine Lake without stress.
Too Busy To Read On – Here Are Our Top Three Picks
Hop On Hop Off Bus – This takes you to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise and gives you the option of taking in other sights on the way.
Direct Shuttle – Simple and easy to book
Big Bus Banff – For something unique, Big Bus Banff offers an open-top double-decker bus that’s perfect for laid-back travellers who want to see both lakes.
Moraine Lake: More Than a Pretty Picture
Before we get into the logistics, let's talk about why Moraine Lake is worth the effort. Tucked in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this glacier-fed jewel isn't just photogenic – it's iconic.
The water's unreal turquoise hue (thanks to suspended glacial rock flour) shifts with the light, and those jagged peaks? They feel almost otherworldly at sunrise.
It's no wonder Moraine graced the back of Canada's $20 bill for years. Whether you're coming for a quiet paddle or that famous Rockpile view, know this: it's not just a destination – it's a moment you won't forget.
Seasonal Road Closure: When Moraine Lake Road Is Closed
Before planning your visit, it's important to know that Moraine Lake Road is closed to all vehicles – including shuttles – from mid-October to late May/early June, depending on snowpack and avalanche conditions.
This means the lake is not accessible by car, shuttle, or tour during this period.
You can bike, ski, or snowshoe the road before it opens – a favourite spring activity for locals. However, the area is avalanche terrain, and Parks Canada recommends that only visitors with proper knowledge, gear, and experience travel the road before it reopens.
If Moraine Lake is on your list, the best and safest time to visit is June through early October.
How to get to Moraine Lake: Airport Options
Let’s start from the top: unless you’re hiking in from another province (kudos if you are), you’re likely arriving by plane. The closest major airport is:
- Calgary International Airport (YYC) – About a two-hour drive from Lake Louise.
Other options (ideal if you’re making a longer journey through Western Canada):
- Edmonton International Airport (YEG) – ~5 hours
- Kelowna International Airport (YLW) – ~6.5 hours
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – ~9 hours, and it's worth it if you love a scenic road trip
Your Main Options – How do you get there?
Can You Drive To Moraine Lake?
Short answer: Nope.
Since 2023, Parks Canada has closed Moraine Lake Road to personal vehicles. The only exception is guests staying at Moraine Lake Lodge.
For everyone else, it’s shuttle time! But don’t worry – it’s actually a smoother experience now. No fighting for parking, no 3 a.m. line-ups. Just plan and enjoy the ride.
The Parks Canada Shuttle.
Runs: Late May / Early June – Mid October
Departs from: Lake Louise Ski Resort Park and Ride
Cost: $12.75 adult | $6 senior | Youth 17 & under $4 (There is a non-refundable $3.50 reservation fee if booking online, and $5.50 if booking by telephone.)
This is an option if you're travelling independently. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes from Lake Louise Ski Resort, 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last ride back from Moraine Lake at 7:30 p.m.
WARNING – This option is not frictionless. It is the cheapest option, but booking your ride is not as easy as you might hope. It's so difficult that we created a separate guide and a YouTube Video to walk you through the process.
“It's like the hunger games – but harder”
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✅ Good to Know:
You can also visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on the same day by using the Lake Connector Shuttle – included free with your ticket.
- Reservations open Mid-April, usually at 8:00 a.m. on the day of opening (Mountain Time).
- 40% of the seats are released that day. The rest drop 2 days before departure at 8:00 a.m.
- No walk-ups at Moraine Lake or Lake Louise – only at the Park and Ride if space is available.
- Small pets in carriers are allowed on your lap. Larger pets? Not permitted.
🌄The Alpine Start Shuttle!
Want to see the sunrise? Parks Canada now offers early shuttles at 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. from the Lake Louise Lakeshore lot. Note: Unless you book a private tour, you'll need to pay for parking here, which costs $42.00 per day.
Take a Shuttle or Bus (Best For Budget + Flexibility)
Don’t want to drive to Lake Louise Ski Area? Great call – someone else can navigate while you sit back and soak in the views. Take a shuttle or bus.
There are options for all budgets.
- Roam Transit – Book Route 8x from Banff to Lake Louise, buy a Super Pass, and it will grant you automatic access to the Parks Canada shuttle from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake.
- Private Shuttle – If you are happy to pay a little more to keep things simple
Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus
Want to bounce between Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake, and other top spots – all without driving? The Hop On Banff bus is your best bet.
It's a flexible, all-day adventure that takes you right to the good stuff with plenty of time for hiking, photos, and ice cream breaks.
Big Bus Open-Top Shuttle (Best For Casual Sightseeing)
Want a unique ride? Big Bus Banff offers an open-top double-decker bus that’s perfect for laid-back travellers who want to see both lakes.
- Departs: Deer Lodge Parking Area
- Runs: Every 60 minutes between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
- Perks: Wheelchair-accessible lower deck, no need to book a return time
Again, this is likely to sell out in advance, so plan and Book Early.
Private Sunrise Shuttles (Best For Sunrise Lovers)
If you're dreaming of that alpenglow moment on the Ten Peaks, a private sunrise shuttle might be your best bet. These depart earlier than the standard Parks Canada shuttle and often allow you to choose how long you stay. These can sell out fast.
Full-Day Guided Tours (Best For First-Time Visitors)
Several tour companies offer a bundle that includes Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, along with a guide, local insights, and sometimes breakfast. These are great if you want the story behind the scenery.
There are many options available, but if you intend to visit Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, Banff and Emerald Lake on your trip, then this tour is a great choice.
Book a Multi-Day Tour
Want to go big? Join a Rockies tour that lets you fully unplug and let someone else handle the logistics. Multi-day tours cover Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise, and often include additional wild extras, such as the Athabasca Glacier or the Icefields Parkway.
Biking to Moraine Lake (Best For Spring + Adventure)
You can bike to Moraine Lake, especially in mid-to-late May, after Parks Canada has ploughed the road but before it opens to shuttle traffic. This is a local favourite!
- Distance: ~14.5 km one-way from Lake Louise Village
- Elevation gain: ~400 m
- Time: 1-2 hours uphill, 30 minutes down
- Tip: Bring snacks, water, and layers – there are no services at the lake
- Parks Canada recommends that only visitors with proper knowledge, gear, and experience travel the road before it reopens.
🧡 This is the only way to get to Moraine Lake before June 1.
Staying In Lake Louise? Here's What You Should Know
- Some hotels offer private shuttles, but call to confirm
- If you're staying in Lake Louise Village, use the Park and Ride Connector to get to the shuttle terminal
- If you're staying at Lake Louise lakeshore (like the Fairmont), you are eligible to hop on the Lake Connector – but you must have a Parks Canada shuttle reservation and proof of your hotel reservation.
Final Tips For A Smooth Visit
- Book early. Shuttle seats sell out quickly, especially for sunrise and September larch season dates.
- Take screenshots. Cell service is spotty at the lakes – save your confirmations ahead of time.
- Pack smart. Bring snacks, layers, water, and your camera. No shops at Moraine Lake!
- Don’t miss the last shuttle. It’s a long, dark walk back otherwise.
Looking for accessibility information? We’ve put together a helpful guide covering accessibility at some of the main attractions in and around Banff and Lake Louise. Check it out here: Accessible Banff.
One Last Thing…
Moraine Lake isn’t just another stop on your Rockies itinerary – it’s a moment. So plan, grab your seat, and make space in your day for awe. Moraine Lake is waiting – and we think it’s absolutely worth it.
Curious what makes Moraine Lake so special – and just how busy it gets in summer? This short video takes you on a quick walk from the lake’s edge to the top of the Rockpile, home to that iconic postcard view.
Easy-to-Reach Alternatives to Moraine Lake
If booking shuttles isn't your thing, there are still stunning lakes nearby that you can easily drive to.
Lake Minnewanka, just a short drive from Banff, is the largest lake in the national park and an excellent spot for a lakeside picnic, a boat cruise, or an easy shoreline walk. There’s plenty of parking, and no shuttle is needed – pull up and start exploring.
If you're heading north along the Icefields Parkway, Peyto Lake is another must-see. Like Moraine, it has that same surreal turquoise colour thanks to glacial rock flour suspended in the water.