Visiting Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are among the most visited destinations in Canada. It's not hard to see why! Extensive hiking trails wrap bright blue lakes, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. What makes Moraine Lake even more special is that it can only be accessed for a short time each year (June to early October)—so make the most of every moment here by planning your day in advance.
How to Get to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise in Summer
Before deciding how to spend the day exploring Moraine Lake, it's essential to work out how you'll get there first. You can't drive personal vehicles up Moraine Lake Road at any time of day. This means you must hike, bike, take a shuttle or transit, or go on a tour. You can still drive to Lake Louise, although parking is limited and payment is required.
Sightseeing Tours to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise
Take a guided sightseeing tour, and you'll enjoy a relaxing visit to Moraine Lake as well as other iconic Banff National Park locations.
Discover Lake Louise & Moraine Lake - Half Day guided tours to the famous & popular Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with pick up from Banff.
Mountains, Lakes & Waterfalls Tour - Visit the most treasured spots on this amazing excursion through Banff and Yoho National Parks
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Sunrise Adventure - Exclusive access to Moraine Lake for sunrise and Lake Louise before the crowds arrive!
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Shuttles to Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
There are multiple shuttles operating daily from June to October, with various pickup points available in either Lake Louise or Banff:
Shuttle to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise - Access the stunning Moraine Lake and enjoy spectacular views
Shuttle to Moraine Lake from Banff- Departs several times per day and includes pick up from Banff
Hop on Banff Shuttle - Get everywhere you want to go easily and without the hassle of parking or traffic
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Guided Hikes at Moraine Lake & Lake Louise
Taking a guided hiking experience at Moraine Lake or Lake Louise is the perfect way to find a great trail. Highly trained guides, will provide a great experience. All tours include pick up from Banff.
Siganture Hikes (Larch Valley & Consolation Lake) - Join a qualified guide as you hike to Amazing viewpoints
Moraine Lake Shoreline - Enjoy shoreline explorations of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Plain of 6 Glaciers- Starting from the shores of Lake Louise the group will hike along the main trail reaching high meadows, with tremendous views.
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Roam Public Transit
To get to Moraine Lake on public transit during the summer, you will need to book onto the Lake Louise 8X route with a pre-reserved Super Pass and take the Lake Connector to and from the bus stop in Lake Louise. The 8X departs from the Banff High School Transit stop.
Learn MoreParks Canada Shuttles
Parks Canada shuttles to Moraine Lake depart regularly from the Lake Louise Summer Gondola parking lot to Moraine Lake. The shuttle operates from June 1 to October 14, 2024 and it is recommended that you book your shuttle in advance. Some shuttle tickets are released 48 hours before departure time, so ensure to check two days before your planned trip to Moraine Lake.
Moraine Lake Lakeshore Hike
Length: 5.1 Km round trip
Elevation: Minimal
Starting Point: Moraine Lake Parking Lot
Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1 km round trip
Elevation gain: 10 m
Hiking time: 10 minutes (but plan for more to take in the view)
Trailhead: The trail is near the bathrooms on the East side of the parking lot. Follow the signage from the parking lot.
Consolation Lakes Hike
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.9 km one way
Elevation gain: 65 m
Hiking Time: 2 hour round trip
Trailhead: Head towards the Rockpile hike from the parking lot and follow the signage towards Consolation Lakes at the fork before heading up the Rockpile.
Larch Valley Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 8.5 km round trip
Elevation gain: 535 m
Hiking time: 3 - 4 hour round trip
Trailhead: Head south from the parking lot on the west side of Moraine Lake. Follow the trail until you see signage and a path on your right for Larch Valley.
Sentinel Pass
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 11.5 km round trip
Elevation gain: 762 m
Hiking time: 5-6 hour round trip
Trailhead: Take the Larch Valley hike to the pass past Minnestimma Lakes.
Check out these options...
Mountains, Lakes & Waterfalls Tour
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tour
