How to Get to Moraine Lake (2026 Guide + Shuttle Tips)

Planning a trip to Moraine Lake can be confusing, especially now that you can’t drive there anymore.

Many travellers arrive in Banff expecting to park at the lake anytime of the year, only to realize that Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles, only open from June to October and access requires a lot of planning ahead.

We’ve visited Moraine Lake multiple times, and figuring out the best way to get there took some trial and error. Everytime it’s a stressful process (I still can’t believe how stressful it can be just to get shuttle tickets! 😝)

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to get to Moraine Lake, including the best shuttle options, how to visit at sunrise, and what I would personally choose depending on your trip style.

⏰ Set your alarm! Moraine Lake shuttle tickets from Parks Canada open on April 15th, 2026 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time sharp. Be ready! Learn more here.

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Can You Drive to Moraine Lake? (2026 Update)

No, you cannot drive to Moraine Lake anymore.

Since 2023, Moraine Lake Road has been closed to personal vehicles, and this rule continues in 2026.

This means you can no longer park at the lake, even if you arrive early in the morning.

There is only one exception. Visitors with a valid accessible parking permit are still allowed to drive to Moraine Lake and use designated parking spaces.

For everyone else, you’ll need to use one of the alternative options:

• Parks Canada shuttle
• ROAM Transit
• Private shuttle companies
• Guided tours
• Biking or hiking

Moraine Lake is typically open from early June to mid-October, depending on weather conditions. Outside of this window, the road is closed due to snow and avalanche risk.

Best Ways to Get to Moraine Lake

There are several ways to get to Moraine Lake, but the best option (and the most affordable) for most people is the Parks Canada shuttle, but depending on where you’re staying and how flexible your plans are, another option might suit you better.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main ways to get to Moraine Lake.

1. Parks Canada Shuttle (Best Overall Option)

The Parks Canada shuttle is the most popular and affordable way to get to Moraine Lake.

You’ll park at the Lake Louise Ski Resort Park & Ride and take a shuttle directly to Moraine Lake. From there, you can also use the Lake Connector shuttle to visit Lake Louise on the same day.

The shuttles run from early morning to evening, including a very early option for sunrise (around 4:00–5:00 AM).

Cost:

• $8 per adult
• Free for children under 17
• Small reservation fee applies

💡 Booking tip: About 40% of tickets are released in advance, and the remaining 60% are released 48 hours before departure at 8:00 AM.

I’ve used this shuttle several times, and it’s by far the easiest option once you secure a reservation. But it’s also really hard to get. Same as for your campground reservations, you need to be ready to press “book” at 8:00AM (Mountain Time) sharp on April 15th, 2026 to get a chance for having a ticket.

How to Prepare Before Moraine Lake Shuttle Reservations Open

If you want to secure a spot on the Moraine Lake shuttle, preparation matters more than luck. Tickets can sell out very quickly, especially when reservations first open.

Here’s what I recommend doing ahead of time.

• Save the Parks Canada reservation link: Have the reservation page ready before booking opens so you don’t waste time searching for it.
• Create or update your Parks Canada account: Log in in advance and make sure everything works. The system has changed in recent years, and the last thing you want is login issues right when tickets are released.
• Know your dates and backup options: Have a clear plan before booking opens. Pick your preferred day and time, but also be ready with alternatives if your first choice sells out.
• Be flexible if you can: Midweek visits are usually easier to book than weekends. Even shifting your visit by one day can make a big difference.
• Check shuttle times in advance: Look at departure times before booking so you know exactly which one to select, especially if you’re aiming for sunrise.
• Have your payment ready: Shuttle tickets are not held while you enter your details. A few extra seconds can mean losing your spot.

👉 My tip: log in a few minutes before tickets are released and refresh right at the opening time. That’s usually how we’ve managed to get our spots.

2. ROAM Transit (Best from Banff)

If you’re staying in downtown Banff, ROAM Transit is a convenient option.

You can take the Route 8X bus from Banff to Lake Louise, then transfer to the Lake Connector shuttle to reach Moraine Lake.

💡 Important: you need the Reservable System-Wide Day Pass to access Moraine Lake. A regular ticket will not include the connector. Reservations for the summer season will open in stages starting on April 23rd for June reservations. You can find all the dates here.

Cost:

• $25 per adult
• $12.50 for youth
• Free for children under 13

This option works well if you don’t have a car when visiting Banff and can’t get yourself to the Lake Louise Ski Resort parking lot.

3. Private Shuttle (Best Last-Minute Option)

Private shuttle companies like Moraine Lake Big Bus or Banff Tour and Transfer offer a more flexible alternative. Ski Louise also offers shuttle buses to Moraine Lake in a bundle with the Lake Louise sightseeing gondola (which can be a great option if you’re looking for an alternative to the Banff Gondola)

They are easier to book last minute and often have more availability than the Parks Canada shuttle. But they are a lot more expensive. It can take up a good amount of your attractions budget just to go to the lake.

Cost:

• Around $89 to $175 round-trip depending on timing

This is a good option if shuttle tickets are sold out or if you want a bit more flexibility, and if you have some extra budget!

4. Guided Tours (Most Convenient Option)

Guided tours are the easiest option if you don’t want to plan anything. Plus it’s a good way to learn more about the region and the lake. 

Transportation is included, and many tours also stop at Lake Louise and other viewpoints. Some tours even include Emerand Lake. I would recommend a guided hike tour so we get to see the lake, but also enjoy some of the beautiful trails around the lake.

Guides often share helpful context about the area, which adds to the experience.

This option is more expensive, but completely stress-free. The downside is that you’re not in charge of your schedule and it’s often group tours…

5. Staying at Moraine Lake Lodge (Best for Sunrise)

Staying at Moraine Lake Lodge is the easiest way to access the lake without worrying about transportation. You’ll be right at the lake and can enjoy it early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s quieter.

However, this is a luxury option and it’s not suitable for families as it’s an adult-only resort. Rooms cost well over $1000 per night in peak season and they tend to sell out pretty fast.

6. Biking to Moraine Lake (Most Active Option)

If you’re up for it, biking to Moraine Lake is a unique experience, but it’s not for everyone.

The route is about 24 km round trip with 820 m of elevation gain, so it does require a lot of effort. You can rent e-bikes in Lake Louise, which makes the ride much more manageable.

If you decide to go with the option, you need to be prepared. It’s a mountain road. It’s a sinuous narrow lane with lots of big shuttle buses passing through. There is no bike lane. And there is a risk of wildlife.

It’s not the easiest option, but it can be a very rewarding way to reach the lake. I would personally NOT recommend it, but some people do it and loved the experience.

What If You Don’t Get Tickets to Moraine Lake?

If you can’t get shuttle tickets, it’s completely okay to skip Moraine Lake.

The first time we visited Banff, we didn’t make it to Moraine Lake at all. This was before the shuttle system, and every time we tried to drive there, the road was closed because the parking lot was already full.

It actually took us two years before we finally saw Moraine Lake.

And honestly, it didn’t take anything away from our trip.

Banff and the Canadian Rockies are full of incredible places. Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway, Johnston Canyon, Peyto Lake, and so many other spots offer just as much beauty and experience.

Of course, if you can get shuttle tickets, Moraine Lake is absolutely worth visiting. It really is one of the most stunning lakes in Canada.

But if tickets are sold out and your only option is an expensive private shuttle, it’s okay to skip it and use that money for something else. A guided hike, a canoe rental, or even an extra night in the mountains can be just as memorable.

👉 My advice: try for shuttle tickets first. If it works, great. If not, don’t stress. You’ll still have an amazing trip (you can use this 4-day itinerary that doesn’t include Moraine Lake).

How to Get to Moraine Lake at Sunrise

Seeing Moraine Lake at sunrise is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Banff. The light hits the Valley of the Ten Peaks and slowly reflects onto the water, and it’s much quieter than later in the day.

But getting there early requires a bit of planning.

The easiest way to get to Moraine Lake at sunrise is the early Parks Canada shuttle. There is a special shuttle that runs between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM, which gets you to the lake before sunrise.

But know that it’s a popular option! Just keep in mind that these time slots sell out quickly.

Another good option is booking a private shuttle with a sunrise departure. These are more expensive, but they are often easier to book if the Parks Canada shuttle is full.

We have personally not tried the sunrise option, because with kids, it’s never really worth it to wake them up in the middle of the night… We’ll be paying for it later. But also, while the experience of seeing the sun rise over the Ten Peaks is apparently 100% worth it, you won’t be seeing the epic turquoise lake colour that early in the day. You need to wait for the sun to rise high enough, which would be between 10:00AM and 3:00PM

When is the sunrise at Moraine Lake?

Below are the sunrise time in Banff for the 15th of each month (from Time and Date)

• Sunrise at Moraine Lake in mid-June: 5:26 am
• Sunrise at Moraine Lake in mid-July: 5:44 am
• Sunrise at Moraine Lake in mid-August: 6:28 am
• Sunrise at Moraine Lake in mid-September: 7:15 am
• Sunrise at Moraine Lake in mid-October: 8:05 am

What to Do at Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is not just about the view. 

Honestly, it makes me so sad when I see posts on “can I visit Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake on the same day”. Yes, technically you should, but don’t do it. The Canadian Rockies are meant to be experienced fully. It’s not just about checking boxes on a bucket list. 

In fact, I always recommend trying to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on different days!

When at Moraine Lake, there are several easy walks and hikes that let you explore the area beyond the main viewpoint. Plus, remember all the effort it took you just to get shuttle tickets to the lake, make sure you stay longer than it actually took you to purchase those tickets.

Easy Walks (Best for Families)

Rockpile Trail: The Rockpile Trail is where you get the classic Moraine Lake viewpoint. It’s a short 0.8 km walk, and the view at the top is the famous one you’ve probably seen in photos. But while it’s super short, there is a bit of an incline.

Lakeshore Trail: This easy 3.9 km out-and-back trail follows the edge of the lake. It’s a great option if you want a quieter walk with different angles of the water and mountains. You can stop along the lake and enjoy the freezing water.

Moderate Hikes

Consolation Lakes Trail: This 7.4 km out-and-back hike takes you through forest to two peaceful lakes surrounded by mountains. It’s less crowded than the main Moraine Lake area and a great option if you want something a bit longer.

Make sure you’re walking with a group of at least 4 people when doing this hike. It’s in grizzly bear country.

Want to do this hike, but not alone? You can join a guided hike at Consolation Lakes, with pick directly from Banff.

Advanced Hikes

Larch Valley (Seasonal): This is one of the most popular hikes in the fall. The trail is 8.9 km out-and-back and climbs steadily through a forest of golden larch trees. It’s a busy trail, but worth it during the larch season.

Sentinel Pass: You can continue past Larch Valley to reach Sentinel Pass. The views open up dramatically at the top. The full hike is 11.1 km round-trip with more elevation gain.

Tower of Babel: This is a steep scramble with loose rock and requires experience. It’s a popular sunrise route, but not suitable for beginners.

Mount Temple: This is a long and technical scramble recommended for experienced hikers only. It involves significant elevation gain and route finding.

Not Into Hiking?

You can also rent a canoe at Moraine Lake. Rentals are first-come, first-served and it’s a great way to experience the lake from the water. It’s a good alternative to renting canoe at Lake Louise (not much cheaper, but a different experience)

Important Safety Tips When Visiting Moraine Lake

• The water is extremely cold, even in summer
• Keep kids close to the shoreline
• Always carry bear spray
• Stay on marked trails

We once heard of a grizzly bear sighting near the Consolation Lakes trail, so it’s always important to stay aware, even in busy areas.

FAQ: How to Get to Moraine Lake

Conclusion

Getting to Moraine Lake takes a bit more planning than it used to, but it’s still very doable once you know your options.

The Parks Canada shuttle is the best choice for most travellers, especially if you book early or use the 48-hour release. If that doesn’t work, there are still other ways to get there, from ROAM Transit to private shuttles or guided tours.

Moraine Lake is absolutely worth the effort. The colour of the water, the surrounding peaks, and the early morning light make it one of the most memorable spots in the Canadian Rockies.

That said, if you don’t get tickets, don’t let it ruin your trip. There are so many incredible places in Banff and along the Icefields Parkway that you’ll still have an amazing experience.