What You Need to Know About the Moraine Lake Shuttle in Banff National Park
Plan your Moraine Lake adventure with guided tours and shuttle access from Banff. Visit Lake Louise, waterfalls, and iconic Rocky Mountain destinations with ease.
If you’re planning on visiting Banff National Park, there’s a solid chance you’ve heard of one of Canada’s most famous and internationally admired lakes: Moraine Lake.
With crystal blue waters that are so clear you can see the reflection of soaring peaks and majestic evergreens on its surface, Moraine Lake is known as one of the most beautiful places in the world and is a popular destination for those visiting the Canadian Rockies. What you may not know, however, is that getting to the lakeshore requires a little more planning and involvement than most other areas in the Bow Valley/Banff National Park Region. As of 2023, personal vehicles are no longer allowed to access the lake due to high traffic volumes and to protect local wildlife. That means the only way to reach Moraine is via the Moraine Lake shuttle or a guided tour.
Learn more below!
Why You Need a Shuttle to Moraine Lake
Because Moraine Lake is so popular, the parking lot used to be infamous for filling up long before sunrise. With a huge influx of visitors and interest, Parks Canada has opted to protect the area and its animal residents by limiting access to registered tour operators, designated transit, and access by foot or bike.
Benefits of choosing a tour with Banff Adventures include:
- Guided Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tours: This is the best way to see two famous lakes in one trip! You get a guaranteed seat on the bus, and our guides will make sure you see all of the best viewpoints along the way. With sunrise and afternoon options available, you never have to worry about missing out on peak photography hours!
- Mountains, Lakes & Waterfalls: If you want a full day of adventure, some of our sightseeing tours take you to Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and even across the border into Yoho National Park in BC to see giant waterfalls and stunning natural formations.
Create the Ultimate Summer Day
Keep the adventure going with other amazing activities while you visit the Rockies! Our Banff Vacation Packages make it easy to stay and play and enjoy even more of the region with top activities like:
- Ride Like a Cowboy: Explore the wild Canadian West and go for a Horseback Riding Tour. Enjoy this peaceful way to see the forest trails and feel like a real mountain explorer.
- Pedal Through Paradise: Grab one of our Bike Rentals and explore the paths around the Banff townsite. It is the perfect way to feel the mountain breeze!
- Soar to the Summit: Pair your lake visit with a trip on the Banff Gondola. You’ll head to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a 360-degree view of all the peaks you saw from the shuttle!
Don't Miss Out—Plan Ahead!
The Moraine Lake Shuttle and guided tours are some of the most popular activities in the summer. Because there are only a certain number of seats on the buses, they can sell out very quickly. Make sure you snag your spot by booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Ready to see the most famous lake in Canada? Explore our Moraine Lake Tours today to find your perfect option!
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