How to see Banff National Park's iconic Lake Louise & Moraine Lake in summer

Banff National Park's iconic Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies. Moraine Lake's sparkling turquoise waters are framed by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, while Lake Louise sits under the Victoria Glacier - named after Queen Victoria - both as breathtaking in backdrop as each other.

Due to the popularity of these iconic lakes, the best way to experience Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the summer season is by reserving shuttle transfer, or booking one of many guided tours. Planning ahead is required, especially for Moraine Lake, where the road to access the lake is closed to personal vehicles.

Moraine Lake is closed during winter and only opens from June through to October. Access to Lake Louise is available year-round and booking a transit is highly recommended.

banfflakelouise.com/explore-the-park is your best resource to finding a bus, shuttle, or tour to experience the breathtaking beauty of both of these iconic lakes. Reserving your seat in advance is crucial to ensure you don't miss out.

The simplest way to see the lakes is to be a guest at Moraine Lake Lodge or the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise if staying at other properties pre-book a transit service in advance:

Transfer services departing Banff township:  

Discover Banff Tours: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake combination from CAD$140pp all departures are from Banff township

Hop on Banff Day Pass:  from 7.45 a.m. for nine hours from CAD$126pp. Departing from the Banff townsite, stopping at Johnston Canyon, the Lake Louise Summer Gondola, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

Radventures: Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunset Wildlife Adventure from CAD$209pp, all departures are from Banff townsite.

Transfer services departing Lake Louise township & surrounds:

For guests staying in or nearby Lake Louise, approx. 45 minutes away from Banff who are not at the Chateau Lake Louise or Moraine Lake Lodge, Ten Peaks Shuttle offers shuttle tours combining both lakes or Lake Louise only from CAD$75pp picking up from a variety of cabins and lodges, including Johnston Canyon on the Bow Valley Parkway.

Fairview Limo shuttle services pick up from the Lake Louise Inn and Samson Mall in Lake Louise townsite, with day tours to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise from CAD$35pp with prices increasing depending on the time of travel and lakes of interest.

Moraine Lake Shuttle services start at CAD$33pp to Lake Louise and CAD$59pp to Moraine Lake.

Seeing the lakes for self-drivers:

Self-drive visitors cannot drive to Moraine Lake and parking at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is limited in summer with hotel guests having priorities.  The best option is to park at the Lake Louise Summer Gondola or Samson Mall and take a shuttle, which must be pre-booked to avoid disappointment.  Self-drivers must also have a National Park pass pre-purchased online or at the park gate entry.

Touring Companies & Small Group Tours

In addition to the independent options, Australian-based touring companies offer pre-built itineraries for travellers looking for all inclusive tours that stop by the lakes for either overnight stays or day trips including APT, Travelmarvel, Scenic, Evergreen, Inspiring Vacations, Globus, Cosmos, TripADeal, or Luxury Escapes.

For further information on exploring Banff National Park see banfflakelouise.com

ENDS

Image attached: Moraine Lake, Banff National Park. 

ABOUT BANFF AND LAKE LOUISE
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Banff and Lake Louise offer incredible experiences that reconnect people to the natural world. Situated in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible year-round adventure and wellness are cultivated every day of the year by visitors from across the globe. Home to three ski resorts, countless glacier-fed lakes, two vibrant townsites and authentic Canadian culture and cuisine, this place is unforgettable.