Banff National Park

BOW LAKE

Getting to Moraine Lake

As of 2023, there is no public parking at Moraine Lake, which limits options for getting to Moraine Lake to watch the sunrise or sunset. Moraine Lake shuttles are the best way to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise and Banff, but there are other options.

Moraine Lake Road Seasonal Closure

Moraine Lake Road has a seasonal closure between mid-October and early June. During this period there is no access for any vehicles, including shuttle buses and commercial tours. The road opens in June when snowmelt and avalanche risk allows. During this period, Moraine Lake Road is open to non-motorized traffic, making it a popular route for cross-country skiers in winter. If snowmelt allows, you can also bike the road in fall and spring.

Banff to Moraine Lake Shuttle

The easiest way to travel between Banff and Moraine Lake is with ROAM TRANSIT which operates service between May and early October from outside the Banff High School. You will need to make reservations online through ROAM Transit to ensure a seat.

Moraine Lake bus

A ROAM bus at Moraine Lake.

Lake Louise to Moraine Lake Shuttle

Between early June and early October, PARKS CANADA shuttles depart for Moraine Lake from the Lake Louise Ski Resort (also called the Lake Louise Park and Ride) daily between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Reservations for shuttles open in spring and additional seats are released for sale online 8 a.m. two days prior to departure day. There are no walk-ons. You must have an outbound reservation.

Reservations for travel from Moraine Lake back to Lake Louise Ski Resort are not required. Instead, you can stay as long as you choose and either return directly or jump aboard the Lake Connector shuttle to Lake Louise. See also the Parks Canada Shuttle webpage. Another source of local transit information is pc.gc.ca/banffnow.

Moraine Lake Tour

Moraine Lake shuttle bus, Banff National Park

Signage makes finding the right bus easy.

Taking a Moraine Lake Tour with a local company ensures you get to see the lake. These are offered by DISCOVER BANFF TOURS, PURSUIT, and WOW BANFF. Unfortunately, these tours do not allow time for hiking, or will they get you to Moraine Lake earlier enough to see the sunrise.

Riding a bike to Moraine Lake

Riding a bike to Moraine Lake is possible. Moraine Lake Road is 12.5 km (7.8 miles) long and paved the entire way. E-bikes are allowed on this road at any time of day or night. Parking is limited at the Lake Louise end of the road, so add another 2 km (1.2 miles) of steep uphill on Lake Louise Road and you will find plenty of parking in and around the village (The parking lot at Samson Mall is revered for shoppers, so don’t park there). WILSON MOUNTAIN SPORTS in Lake Louise Village has bike rentals.

Stay at Moraine Lake Lodge

If you stay at Moraine Lake Lodge, your reservation includes a vehicle tag that allows you to drive Moraine Lake Road to the lake. It also means you can get up early to watch the sunrise and be present to watch the sunset. Moraine Lake Lodge is one of the most iconic accommodations in the Canadian Rockies, with upscale guest rooms, some with lake views, a restaurant, and a gift shop.

Work at Moraine Lake Lodge

Okay, we understand working at Moraine Lake Lodge isn’t for everyone, but if you are looking to work in the Canadian Rockies, this lodge provides summer employment, with the added bonus of being able to watch sunrise and sunset at your leisure. The owners provide inexpensive employee accommodation on the property, along with meals and an end-of-season bonus. Go to the Moraine Lake Lodge careers page for more information.