banff national park tour with lake louise and moraine lake

Banff + Lake Louise Tours

• BOOKING TERMS
• Sightseeing Tours

Combo Package; experience the picture perfect viewpoints of Banff and the world-famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.  

Included: discover banff & its wildlife tour (8:30am – 11:30am).

This morning tour is the perfect introduction to Banff and includes some of the most scenic and historically significant highlights such as the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, and Lake Minnewanka. It’s a complete orientation to Banff and a great tour for seeing wildlife in the morning!

Included: Discover Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tour (8:00am or 1:00pm)

Visit the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies”, Lake Louise, and world-famous Moraine Lake in this UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its priceless natural beauty. This 4.25 hour tour is the best way to sightsee along the Bow Valley Parkway and visit these two stunning alpine lakes in one morning or afternoon.

• Tours in this package can be taken on the same day or on different days.

The best parts of the Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour for most people include the following:

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Please note that the access road to Moraine Lake is closed in winter each year from early October until late May. When the road is closed tours will not include Moraine Lake and instead spend one hour at Lake Louise. Please enquire at the time of booking to confirm the current season dates that this tour will visit Moraine Lake.

How long are the stops at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?

I want to see turquoise lakes, when do the lakes thaw, is there a lot of walking on the lake louise and moraine lake tour, where is our pick up and drop off from for these tours, how can i join these tours if i'm not staying in banff.

Most guests choose to self-drive into Banff, although please note that you will need to find parking in Banff that exceeds the duration of each tour. Please refer to the Town of Banff website for general parking information, or the banffparking.ca website for live parking availability. For guests staying in Canmore, you can also use the Roam bus service and disembark at the Banff High School. The closest pick up point to the Banff High School is across the road at the Elk and Avenue Hotel.

Will I see wildlife on the tours?

What is the cancellation policy for these tours, should i tip my guide.

• All children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
• Early and late season road closures will limit access to Moraine Lake (until late May and from early October). When the access road to Moraine Lake is closed, the tour will not visit Moraine Lake and will instead spend 1 hour at Lake Louise.
• Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
• Please note that these tours require a minimum of 4 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tours.

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Shuttles to Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

    Hop on Banff Shuttle - Get everywhere you want to go easily and without the hassle of parking or traffic

Guided Hikes at Moraine Lake & Lake Louise

    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.

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.

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With new visitation restrictions in place, taking our shuttle service is the best way to guarantee your visit to Moraine Lake.

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Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a stunning glacially-fed lake located in Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada.

About Moraine Lake

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Our shuttle service is the best way to guarantee your visit to Moraine Lake, leave the driving to us, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Moraine Lake and Lake Louise up close and personal.

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The natural beauty of both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake was immense. Definitely recommend the tour, Nicole was a great guide.

Jeff did a really great job as our coach tour guide. He is quite polished in his delivery of his commentary. It was easy to enjoy our coach to Lake Louise and Moraine.

Great tour! Our tour guide, Bobby, was excellent - and he was from our hometown - Knoxville, TN!! Small world!! Bobby was very informative, took pictures as requested & mingled with the passengers perfectly. Thanks again - oh, and the scenery & lakes were beautiful!! Pickup & droppff were seamless!

Amazing experience to be able to explore Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Oliver was a fantastic guide who shared some neat stories about the history and ecology of the area.

Moraine Lake Map

Dramatic and iconic Moraine Lake & Lake Louise location.

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Tours on Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, Alberta

BANFF, Alberta – WOW Banff offers daily tour departures from the town of Banff through the scenic and serene mountain lakes of Banff National Park. Tour the beautiful Canadian Rockies terrain surrounding Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

The guided tour meanders through Banff National Park’s magnificent collection of glacial lakes. Once you arrive at Lake Louise, you can see the reflection of the Victoria Glacier and Mount Victoria in the calm lake waters. During the tour, be on the look out for wildlife sightings such as elk, deer, and mountain goats.

The tour departs daily from the town of Banff from several locations. Make sure to bring your camera along to snap some shots of the castle-like Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before the tour’s finale at Moraine Lake.

K Gordon Schultz

K Gordon Schultz is a well-known figure in the golf community and currently serves as the President of the Canmore Golf & Curling Club in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, having spent many years working in the golf industry. Schultz has been a member of the Canmore Golf & Curling Club for over 40 years and has been actively involved in the club’s operations since he joined. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2001, becoming Club President in 2005. In 2019, he was acclaimed as Club Vice-President, assuming the role of Club President again in 2022. In addition to his work at the Canmore Golf & Curling Club, Schultz is also an avid traveler. He has visited over 30 countries around the world, on all continents. But his most enjoyable travel experiences have come from within Canada, visiting many of Canada's National Parks including Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, Grasslands National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park and Pacific Rim National Park. Along with golf, he enjoys scuba diving, biking, hiking and relaxing with a fine Pinot Noir.

Evening Wildlife Tour and Cruise

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16 FUN Things To Do At Moraine Lake

It’s no secret that visiting Moraine Lake is one of the best things to do in Banff. But once you get there and admire her astounding beauty, what is there to do? Many visitors put in all the work to get to Moraine Lake but then only spend an hour or so there just taking in the view. And while the view is fantastic, there is enough to do in the area to easily spend hours here.

Some of the best things to do at Moraine Lake include renting a canoe for a peaceful paddle, or attempt a hike like Sentinel Pass or Consolation Lakes. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll have views of the Ten Peaks and memories that will last a lifetime.

The Best Things To Do at Moraine Lake

Secure your reservation.

One of the best things to do at Moraine is book your shuttle or tour! Okay, this is a joke, as it’s not truly one of the best things to do at Moraine Lake.

However, there is no more parking offered at Moraine Lake, so if you get your Parks Canada shuttle bus reservation in order, you can check one thing off for the day because you just overcame a severe hurdle that many face on any trip to Banff. If you can’t get the time you want on the Parks Canada shuttle we recommend looking into other private shuttle options like Moraine Lake Bus Company or Via Via Shuttle . If you’d rather not have to deal with any hassle getting to Moraine Lake, you can always book a tour and let them handle all the logistics for you!

Getting to Moraine Lake is not as easy as rocking up, parking, and getting out of your car anymore. Thankfully there are still quite a few ways to get to Moraine Lake. We detail a few other options below.

• Read More : Moraine Lake Parking: Changes You Need to Know
• Read More: All About the Moraine Lake Shuttle
• Read More: How to Get to Moraine Lake

Catch Sunrise or Sunset at the Rockpile Trail

The most popular thing to do at Moraine Lake is take a stroll up the Rockpile Trail. The Rockpile Trail is where you can get some of the best photos of Moraine Lake, especially at sunrise and sunset.

A nice and short walking trail will lead you to the top, and you will no doubt find plenty of photographers here at any point in the day. We encourage everyone to take in the view from the Rockpile, but be forewarned; this is where all the crowds all hang out. You’ll have to hike further away or get out on the water to get away from people.

Walk the Moraine Lake Lakeshore

This flat trail goes around Moraine Lake and is one of the most accessible hikes you can do in the area. The Moraine Lake Lakeshore trail starts near the canoe docks and continues along the lake, moving in and out of the forest.

The trail is 5.15 km out and back, and despite being an easy one with little elevation gain, it sees far fewer visitors than the Rockpile Trail. The hike ends at a boardwalk near the waters flowing down from Wenkchemna Pass.

Canoe on Moraine Lake

Canoeing on Moraine Lake is one of the most sought-after activities in the entire park. There’s no better feeling than paddling on a brilliantly blue-colored Banff lake with the most majestic mountain peaks ahead of you.

You can either bring your own canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard or rent a canoe from the canoe docks operated by Moraine Lake Lodge. However, with the parking restrictions, getting your own watercraft to Moraine Lake will require a bit of advanced planning. You can still bring inflatable kayaks and stand up paddleboards on the Parks Canada Shuttle and on private shuttles like the Moraine Lake Bus Co .

Canoe rental fees are hefty at $140 an hour here, so if you can split the cost with one or two other people, it will help keep costs down. Canoe rentals come with paddles and a lifejacket and operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Have Lunch at Moraine Lake Lodge

After a few years of closure, we’re happy to report that Moraine Lake Lodge is now open! This means that visitors to Moraine Lake can enjoy dining in the Walter Wilcox Dining Room at Moraine Lake Lodge.

This is one of the top restaurants in Banff National Park , set in one of the most pristine locations. Make reservations and enjoy a large stone fireplace, an elegant interior, and huge windows looking out to Moraine Lake. If you don’t want to dine in, the Snowshoe Café is always open between 9 and 4 every day in the summer for a quick bite to eat.

Cycle to Moraine Lake

Biking to Moraine Lake is more fun than it sounds! Although it’s 14km one way and all uphill, your reward is fantastic. We’ve biked to Moraine Lake a few times in the past, and every time get to enjoy Moraine Lake without the crowds. From Lake Louise, it’s approximately 14 km uphill. This takes me about one hour on a mountain bike and 45 minutes on a road bike. It’s all uphill, but the fun ride down makes it all worth it.

The best time to bike to Moraine Lake is when it is car-free. This happens around the third or fourth week of May for a very short period. This one short week in Banff is when they plow Lake Moraine Road but don’t open the road to vehicles. This means you can bike to Moraine Lake and have it all to yourself – which we guarantee is impressive. (Though you can bike to Moraine Lake anytime you want, but you’ll be sharing the winding road with buses) .

If you’re a domestic traveler, make sure to bring your bike to Banff. It’s also possible to rent bicycles for the day in either Banff Cycle in Banff, Rebound Cycle in Canmore, or Wilson Sports in Lake Louise. If visiting during peak summers it’s recommended to reserve bike rentals in advance.

Scramble the Tower of Babel

This is the most well-known scramble in the Moraine Lake area, but it’s a pretty steep climb at 2.9 km and 518 meter gain. Still, the Tower of Babel is a sub-peak that’s pretty easy to access and is appropriate for entry-level scramblers. You’re guaranteed some fabulous views of Moraine Lake, Consolation Valley, and the Bow Valley.

The route heads up a gully right off Moraine Lake and has a steep, consistent climb to the top. It’s a scree bash (loose rock), but it’s a pretty well-worn trail due to its popularity. It’s a challenging workout for novice hikers who may underestimate the 518m climb to the top as it’s literally straight up.

The biggest threat on this route is a loose rock falling down the gully from a party above; I strongly recommend wearing a helmet ! It’s also best to start early and be one of the first to the top in the morning so you don’t have loose rock falling on you from hikers above.

Hike to Consolation Lakes

Consolation Lakes is a more accessible, family-friendly alternative to the Tower of Babel. This is a great beginner Banff hike that can be paired with the Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail or Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail.

You get views of the scree slopes from the Tower of Babel along the hike. The hike passes through the old-growth forest before arriving at an alpine field and wetlands with the Consolation Lakes at the end. Once at the lakes, you’ll get tremendous views of Mount Fay.

Enjoy the Larches

The larch season is everyone’s favorite season in Banff. Sometime around the third week of September, the needles on the larch trees turn a beautiful golden color before dropping to the ground before the winter.

While there aren’t many larch trees around Moraine Lake, you can quickly be surrounded by them with a great Moraine Lake hike . The most notable is the Larch Valley up to Sentinel Pass, where you’ll be surrounded by larches galore!

Hike Sentinel Pass

Hike up to Larch Valley from Moraine Lake and continue on to Sentinel Pass. This is a relatively challenging and hugely popular hike in Banff. Though, it’s easy to see why as it offers some of the best views in Banff – especially during the larch season.

The pass is most well known and attracts hundreds of photographers and hikers during Banff in the fall , so don’t expect to be here alone. For the best chance at a quiet experience, hike this one on a weekday and start at sunrise.

If you really want a long but epic hike, you can hike up and descend Sentinel Pass along the Paradise Valley Trail. This trail will take you past Lake Annette, and ends at Lake Louise. There are so many trail options in this area, so you’ll have to grab a map to see which is best for you!

Have Lunch at Minnestimma Lake

Lake Minnestimma is a beautiful lake that you’ll see when hiking the Larch Valley Trail. It sits right below the significant push-up to Sentinel Pass. If you don’t want to hike the final 200 meters up to Sentinel Pass, some at Minnestimma Lake with a packed lunch and enjoy the view of the Ten Peaks.

Scramble Up Eiffel Peak or Mount Temple

If you want to try some significant mountain objectives, there are fantastic scrambles in the area. The first is Effiel Peak, which at 11.3 km distance and almost 1300 meters of elevation gain, is no simple task. This is an excellent option for those with plenty of Canadian Rockies hikes and a few scrambles under their belt.

From the top of Eiffel Peak, you’ll get astounding views of Paradise Valley, Valley of the Ten Peaks, Mount Temple and Moraine Lake. Next to nearby Mount Temple, it’s one of the highest mountains you can climb without mountaineering or rock climbing experience.

Then there is Mount Temple, a popular objective for those who want to climb one of the highest mountains in Alberta. At 11,627 ft in elevation, it’s a huge day out. To summit Mount Temple, you’ll have to gain a whopping 1,682 meters and deal with a few tough scramble sections. It’s a long day out that is best reserved for experienced hikers. Additionally, it needs to be summited at the right time of year; usually, it’s best summitted between mid-July and mid-September as scramblers have to wait for the snow to melt off enough for a safe summit and also the time it right before the next season’s snowfall in late September/October. 

Hike to Lake Louise

Yes you can connect Lake Louise to Moraine Lake via a hiking trail! The Paradise Valley trail is an extension of Sentinel Pass mentioned above. This 20 km point-to-point hike can begin at either Lake Louise or Moraine Lake.

This trail is best done starting at Moraine Lake, hiking up to Sentinel Pass, and dropping down into Paradise Valley. That way, you’re gaining most of your elevation gain on a well-worn trail up to Sentinel Pass and descending on a rough scree trail to Paradise Valley rather than ascending up to it.

You’ll pass through thousands of larches along the route while hiking under Mount Temple, which if hiking during the fall, you’ll be in a sea of golden goodness. You’ll pass by Annette Lake along the trail, which is a great place to stop for lunch. It’s best to utilize the Parks Canada Shuttle for this hike as it’s a point-to-point hike.

Cross Country Ski to Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake isn’t accessible in the winter unless you cross-country ski to it. There are set tracks that almost go all the way to Moraine Lake along Moraine Lake Road.

The double-track-set ski trail will take you to a viewpoint out to Consolation Lakes, not all the way to Moraine Lake. Nevertheless, you’ll still get breathtaking views. It is not recommended to go past this point as there is high avalanche risk in the winter. Anyone getting back to Moraine Lake in the winter should have avalanche gear and training.

Hike to Lake O Hara

This one is for the super adventurous as this route takes a full day and involves lots of elevation gain and loss (over 1000 meters over 18km). It involves hiking to Lake O Hara via Wenkchemna Pass. At the top of the pass, you’ll find yourself standing on the Continental Divide, with a breathtaking view of British Columbia to the west and the impressive Wenkchemna Glacier.

To hike the full route this is best done with a guide as it involves roped glacier travel over the Opabin Glacier. This route is best reserved for those with intermediate to advanced hiking ability and fitness. Tours start at $240 a person with Alpine Air Adventures.

Stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge

There is only one place to stay on the stunning lake: Moraine Lake Lodge . Recently renovated, Moraine Lake Lodge is now accepting bookings in 2024.

You won’t forget your time here if you can score a reservation and dish out the $1000+ a night. There’s something special about being some of the only people to watch the night sky on top of the Rockpile Trail – and then getting to retreat back to your luxurious room when you get cold.

When is the Best Time to Visit Moraine Lake?

Moraine Lake is only accessible once Parks Canada opens Moraine Lake Rd, which is between June 1st and October 14th, 2024. These dates and subject to change as the road opening all depends on snow conditions. That means dates can slightly change every year.

Seeing that Moraine Lake is only open between June and mid-October , this would be the best time to go. My favorite times to visit are July, August, and late September for the larches in Larch Valley. However, these periods are also the busiest times in the park.

Can You Visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in the Same Day?

You can absolutely visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on the same day, and we’ve done it many times. However, doing this will take some planning during the summer months, as they are both very busy lakes. Thankfully, the Parks Canada Lake Connector Shuttle makes it very simple to see both lakes with a shuttle reservation , and nearly every tour running to Moraine Lake also runs to Lake Louise!

If you plan to take on any large hikes or canoe on both lakes, it’s best to plan your day and start early to make the most out of your Banff itinerary.

Hopefully you found these things to do at Moraine Lake helpful for your trip planning! If you have any other questions leave a comment or see our  Canadian Rockies travel guide  for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, and everything else.

Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies

• Recommended Experiences: There are so many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommended experiences include the Banff Gondola , taking a cruise on Lake Minnewanka , and enjoying a cruise on Maligne Lake out to Spirit Island in Jasper. If you are looking for a stress free way to get to Moraine Lake, we highly recommend looking into Moraine Lake Bus Company.
• Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
• Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car : The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
• Get Around : We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com . Or embark on an epic campervan trip, we like to compare camper prices on Outdoorsy .
• Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals and like to use travel credit cards to hack our way into free flights and hotels! Our favorite cards are the Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire , which both work well in Canada and have no foreign transaction fees.
• Hop On, Hop Off : This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!

↓ Join the community ↓

The  Banff Blog Facebook Group  is your headquarters for Canadian Rockies travel advice and information, including hike and off-season travel information. You can also meet new adventure buddies.

About Natasha

Natasha calls Canmore, Alberta home. After traveling across seven continents and 90 countries with Cameron, she settled down in the stunning Canadian Rockies. She loves to help others travel and make their planning easier. She is a winter enthusiast and loves to snowboard, ice skate, and snowshoe and enjoy all the fantastic summer opportunities in Banff like hiking, scrambling, and biking. You can find her in the mountains or enjoying a coffee by the river. Learn more on the about us page! If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. You can say thanks directly by buying us a coffee . All support is much appreciated!

1 thought on “16 FUN Things To Do At Moraine Lake”

hi Natasha, i was trying to rsvp the Lake Louise shuttle bus tickets today for July 3rd trip, but it wont allow yet and it says it will release daily 48 hrs before the departure. And this is the last minute departures only. Regular departures are not available to buy or maybe full already. Is this normal and you just have to be there and hoping there will be space to get on the bus? Please let me know. Thanks. Love your articles…

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10 Bucket-List Things To Do On Your First Time In Banff (Inside & Outside The Park)

• Banff National Park is Canada's first and most visited national park, spanning over 2,560 square miles. It offers a range of activities including hiking, visiting museums, and soaking in hot springs.
• The Banff Park Museum National Historic Site is Western Canada's oldest natural history museum and houses over 5,000 specimens of animals and plants. It is a must-visit for history and nature enthusiasts.
• Take a soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs, the only hot spring in Banff National Park that visitors can access. The mineral-rich waters offer stunning views and a relaxing experience. Don't forget to check out the gift shop and café while you're there.

If there's one thing Canada is known for, it's breathtaking natural landscapes. (Oh, and perhaps maple syrup and freezing winters, too.) Tucked away in Banff National Park in the Canadian province of Alberta, Banff is one area that is no exception. The resort town offers access to Rocky Mountain peaks, beautiful glacial lakes, and unparalleled wilderness just waiting to be explored.

Established in 1887 , Banff National Park is Canada's first — and most visited — national park. And, spanning more than 2,560 square miles, the park certainly has something to offer everyone. From fascinating museums and myriad hiking trails to steamy hot springs and romantic gondola rides, here are some of the best bucket-list things to do for one of the best vacations to Banff .

Related: Scenic Views: 10 Mountain Vacations In The U.S. That Are Worth Every Penny

Tour The Banff Park Museum National Historic Site

Nestled in the heart of downtown Banff, this fascinating gem is Western Canada's oldest natural history museum .

In addition to learning about the area's incredible past, visitors can see more than 5,000 botanical and zoological specimens, including animals like bears, bighorn sheep, and various plant species.

• Address: 91 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
• Hours: Open Thursdays to Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 15 to October 15; open weekends and holiday Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 16 to May 14
• Price: $4.25 for adults, $3.75 for seniors, free for youths

Museum-goers can also find riveting exhibits at other nearby museums, including the Historic Luxton Home Museum , the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum , and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies .

Take A Soak In Banff Upper Hot Springs

Soak away the cold in the Upper Hot Springs in Banff , which is the only hot spring Banff National Park visitors can access in the park itself. Situated on Sulphur Mountain, the waters — which are rich in minerals like sulfate, calcium, and magnesium — offer stunning panoramic views of the lush surroundings.

After a nice relaxing soak, head over to the Banff Upper Hot Springs Café for a nourishing snack or shop for souvenirs at the gift shop.

• Address: 1 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
• Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last entry is at 9:30 p.m.)
• Price: $16.50 for adults, $14.25 for seniors, and $14.25 for children ages 3 to 17

There are additional pricing options available, including three-, four-, and five-visit punch cards, a family entry rate, and rentals for swimsuits and towels. Visit the website for more information .

Visit The Stunning Moraine Lake

Banff's Moraine Lake is undoubtedly the jewel of the Canadian Rockies . Located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks , the glacially-fed lake is surrounded by mammoth mountains and luscious green trees.

Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, get out on the waters via a canoe, or find a spot to take in the view during golden hour.

• Address: Moraine Lake, Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada

Moraine Lake Road, the road that accesses the lake, is closed to personal vehicles. It is only open from June to October and can only be traversed via shuttles, public transportation, or guided tours. Reservations for Parks Canada shuttle service can be made online .

Related: 14 Beautiful Towns In Alberta That Give Banff A Run For Its Money

Hit The Trails For An Epic Banff Hike

There are a variety of bucket list things to do in Banff, especially when it comes to hikes. Some of the easiest trails in Banff National Park include the 0.5-mile out-and-back Rockpile Trail , which will take hikers up to the Rockpile Lookout for incredible views of Moraine Lake and beyond.

Moderately challenging treks include the 3.8-mile out-and-back Tunnel Mountain Trail and the 6.6-mile Sunshine Meadows loop trail . And for a tougher challenge, hikers can opt for the 6.9-mile out-and-back Sentinel Pass trail or the 11.1-mile out-and-back Healy Pass Trail .

Explore The Cave And Basin National Historic Site

There's much to see and do at this National Historic Site, including tours, exhibits, observation decks, walking trails, and more.

Visitors can also watch a variety of engaging short informational films to learn more about the area.

• Address: 311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
• Hours: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 15 to October 15; open Thursdays to Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 16 to May 14
• Price: $8.50 for adults, $7 for seniors, and free for youths (combined admission for Banff Upper Hot Springs is also available; visit the website for more information )

Go Skiing On Mount Norquay

Hit the slopes of the Mt. Norquay Ski Resort during the winter season. From tubing and skiing, the resort offers a thrilling day of fun in the snow.

For those visiting in the summer, there's still much to do, including hiking and seeing the incredible views from the sightseeing chairlift. The Cliffhouse Bistro also offers guests awe-inspiring views as well as delectable fare.

• Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
• Hours: Visit the website for a complete list of seasonal hours .

Sunshine Village (located at 1 Sunshine Access Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1J5, Canada) is another terrific Banff ski resort for those keen on tackling the Canadian snow.

Related: Booking Banff: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Its Park & Town Center

See The Rushing Bow Falls

While in Banff, go chasing waterfalls. The nearly 30-foot-wide river waterfall is a popular attraction for its exceptional postcard-worthy views of the winding Bow River.

• Address: Bow Falls, Banff, AB, Canada

For the best views of the rushing water, head to Bow Falls Viewpoint, which can be accessed via an easy 1.7-mile out-and-back trail .

Have Tea At The Lake Agnes Tea House

Hiking the rugged trails and seeing the incredible mountain views are truly one-of-a-kind activities. But for unusual experiences that can only be had at Banff National Park , a visit to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House is a must.

Perched along Lake Agnes near Lake Louise, the café offers guests extraordinary lake views and a delicious-looking menu of sandwiches, soups, desserts, and, of course, tea, among other things.

• Address: Lake Agnes, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
• Hours: Open seasonally from June 4 to October 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The historic teahouse can be accessed via the Lake Agnes trail. Visit the website for more detailed directions .

Stroll Through The Cascade Of Time Garden

Located just minutes away from downtown Banff, Cascade of Time Garden is a vibrant oasis that's truly deserving of a visit.

Nestled along the hillside, the gardens offer picture-perfect sights around every corner.

• Address: Cave Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
• Hours: Open year-round from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Price: Free

For the best views, be sure to visit during the peak blooming season, which runs from about late May to early September.

Related: Visit Banff On A Budget (With Points & Rewards You Already Have)

See Panoramic Views On The Banff Gondola

Soar 2,292 feet above the ground on a thrilling eight-minute ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola.

Once at the top, stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk and catch panoramic views from the observation deck.

• Address: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B2, Canada
• Hours: Visit the website for seasonal hours .
• Price: Rates may vary; visit the website for more information .

There is a variety of dining options at the summit , too, including the Sky Bistro, the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen, Peak Patio, and Castle Mountain Coffee Co.

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Visitor Use Management Plan for the Lake Louise Area

Banff national park, introduction.

We need your help to shape how Parks Canada manages how visitors use and access the Lake Louise area.

Parks Canada’s mandate is to protect and share these special places. In recent years, conserving and ensuring access to Lake Louise has become more complex. Increasing congestion and crowding detract from the experience of visiting. This can make timely emergency responses difficult and also impacts wildlife, water quality, facilities, and infrastructure.

How can we best provide safe public access and high-quality experiences while conserving the ecosystems and natural splendour that make this place so special?

Parks Canada has used many tools to address this challenge such as shuttles, reservations services, paid parking, and behavioral marketing campaigns. We have learned a lot over the years—now, we would like to hear from you.

What experiences in the Lake Louise area are most important to you?

What prevents you from visiting and enjoying the lake louise area.

• How do you envision the area looking and feeling in ten or twenty years?

Your input will inform future strategies and actions for visitor use management in the Lake Louise area.

How to have your say:

Step 1: Review the background information below. Step 2: Participate in the conversation.

We look forward to hearing from you! The deadline for feedback is: Sunday, July 28 2024

Project engagement timelines

Project engagement timelines - text version

Validate desired conditions.

Engage on draft strategies and actions.

Finalize plan.

Implement, evaluate, adjust.

Purpose and Scope of Plan

The Lake Louise Area Visitor Use Management Plan will provide Parks Canada with a long-term approach to managing visitor use in the Lake Louise area in a way that protects nature and history, is safe for visitors and staff alike, and provides a positive experience when visiting.

The visitor use management planning process will provide Parks Canada with the tools and tactics needed to achieve these goals. The plan will promote safe and efficient visitor movement and transportation in the Lake Louise area, with a focus on peak visitor season (May to October). It will be iterative and adaptive in nature and will:

• Articulate key attributes and values in the Lake Louise area.
• Document key issues and concerns in the Lake Louise area.
• Summarize current conditions in the Lake Louise area.
• Confirm desired conditions to achieve.
• Define strategies and actions to achieve desired conditions.
• Outline a strategy for monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of actions in achieving desired conditions.

This plan focuses on the Lake Louise area (see map below) including Upper Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Paradise Valley, the Lake Louise Park and Ride, and the transportation corridors that link them. The community of Lake Louise itself is addressed through the Lake Louise Community Plan. A separate process to update the community plan is also underway .

Significance of the area

Value statements express which resources and values are most important and authentic to the Lake Louise area. Some of the attributes that make the Lake Louise unique include:

• A wide variety of recreational opportunities:  The Lake Louise area is a premier destination that provides many recreational experiences. Visitors to the area stroll alongside glacial lakes, hike through golden larches, paddle through mountain lakes, and climb peaks in the backcountry. There are options for groups of all sizes and abilities.
• Outstanding viewscapes: World renowned views of turquoise lakes, glaciers, mountain peaks and golden larches attract amateur and professional photographers from around the world.
• Vital wildlife corridors: The Fairview and Whitehorn wildlife corridors provide critical habitat for large carnivores to travel through the area, find mates and food. Grizzly bears, wolves, and lynx are a few of the species that use these corridors.
• Alpine and subalpine ecosystems: Ecosystems contain lakes, meadows, forest, and habitat for sensitive species. The area is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including sensitive species such as grizzly bear, wolverine, whitebark pine, little brown myotis, barn swallow, and western toad.
• Culturally significant area for Indigenous peoples: The Lake Louise area lands and waters have been used for millennia by Indigenous peoples for sustenance, ceremony, trade, and travel.

We look forward to hearing from you! The deadline for feedback is: Sunday, July 28, 2024

How we got here

Banff National Park visitation has grown 31 percent over the last decade. Banff National Park saw 4.28 million visits in 2023/24, the busiest year on record. The Lake Louise area has seen an even more pronounced increase in visitation. For more than a decade Parks Canada has been managing increasing traffic congestion, caused by rising visitation. This requires a multi-pronged approach. Each management strategy has allowed Parks Canada to make incremental progress and iterative improvements.

Key milestones of our visitor use management efforts to date include:

2013 | 2016 | 2017 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024

Parks Canada shuttle to Moraine Lake begins!

High demand for access to the Moraine Lake area during larch season prompts Parks Canada to provide shuttle services to Moraine Lake over two weekends in the fall.

Lake Louise shuttle route added, roadside parking difficulties

Congestion impedes emergency vehicle access on Lake Louise Drive. Parks Canada expands the shuttle service to Lake Louise over weekends in July and August. Contracted traffic control personnel are present on site daily, throughout summer months. The Moraine Lake parking lot is routinely over capacity and vehicles park along the shoulder for several kilometres.

Lake Louise shuttle route expands to provide daily service, extreme congestion on Lake Louise Drive, trip planning communications take off

Parks Canada expands the Lake Louise shuttle route to 7 days/ week during summer months to address midweek congestion. Moraine Lake shuttle route continues during the fall. To help reduce the number of personal vehicles at Lake Louise, Parks Canada contracts a private, third-party bus service to connect the Town of Banff to the Lake Louise area.

During peak periods, traffic is restricted from travelling on Moraine Lake Road when the parking is full. Traffic movement is not restricted on Lake Louise Drive. However, congestion remains high during peak periods and periods of gridlock result in delayed shuttles and impeded access and egress for visitors and emergency services. Congestion also becomes a barrier to wildlife movement.

Parks Canada, Town of Banff, and Banff & Lake Louise Tourism create a joint marketing partnership to encourage visitors to plan ahead and to create awareness of transit options to and within Banff National Park. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take transit, arrive early, visit at non-peak periods, or visit alternate park locations. Communication tactics include live parking updates, trip planning tools, media exposure and advertising tactics including radio, digital and print.

Moraine Lake shuttle expands to daily summer service, visitors face 3-hour lineups, fee introduced for shuttles

From June to October, the Parks Canada shuttle runs daily to each lake, every 15 minutes. Shuttles operate on a paid, first-come, first-served system from the Lake Louise overflow parking lot, 5 km east of Lake Louise on the Trans-Canada Highway. A connector shuttle transports visitors from Upper Lake Louise to Moraine Lake. Lineups to board the shuttles reach 2-3 hours long. There are limited amenities, and parking at the Park and Ride is over capacity, creating concerns around safety on the Trans-Canada Highway.

Upper Lake Louise and Moraine Lake parking lots fill by 7 am and traffic congestion is a regular occurrence. Parks Canada partners with Roam Public Transit to launch routes 8X, 8S and 10. The routes service the Lake Louise area from the Town of Banff.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Moraine Lake receives new washrooms

The Parks Canada summer shuttle is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The shuttle resumes service to Moraine Lake in the fall. Parks Canada builds 10 new toilets at Moraine Lake.

Shuttle reservation system introduced, and visitors must pay to park at Upper Lake Louise

The shuttle reservation service spreads visitation throughout the day and reduces lineups for shuttles. Parks Canada significantly increases Moraine Lake shuttle capacity by adding a direct route from the Lake Louise Park and Ride. The connector shuttle between the lakes allows visitors to see both lakes in the same day. Paid parking ($11.70/ day) is in effect in the Upper Lake Louise parking lot during the shuttle season to help incentivise transit use and offset the cost of the shuttle program. However, it remains less expensive for most visitors to park than to ride the shuttle. Visitation is still rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic and shuttles operate below capacity.

Park and Ride relocated, Moraine Lake parking filling by 4 am

The Lake Louise Park and Ride is relocated from the overflow parking area to the Lake Louise Ski Resort. This increases parking space and improves access to and from the Trans-Canada Highway. Whitehorn Road is closed to vehicles overnight to mitigate impacts on the Whitehorn wildlife corridor.

Great Divide parking lot on Lake Louise Drive and key sections of the Bow River Loop Trail are closed seasonally to help condense the human footprint and therefore limit disruptions in the Fairview wildlife corridor. This provides more space for wildlife using critical habitat patches in the Lake Louise area.

Paid parking at Upper Lake Louise is increased to $12.25/ day.

Parks Canada partners with Roam Public Transit to integrate route 8X riders with the Parks Canada shuttle service by allowing Roam Public Transit riders to connect to Moraine Lake on the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle.

Parks Canada shuttles sell out most days in July and August. Moraine Lake parking lot routinely fills by 3 am or 4 am Traffic control personnel are required 24 hours a day to prevent overcapacity issues. An average of 5 000 vehicles per day are turned away from Moraine Lake while only 700 to 900 vehicles per day can park at the parking lot. The unpredictability of the system results in significant visitor frustration. Abuse and violence are frequently directed towards Parks Canada traffic management staff and contractors.

Personal vehicles restricted from Moraine Lake Road

After having had to turn away 85 percent of vehicles attempting to park at the Moraine Lake Road in 2022 because the parking lot was full, Parks Canada restricts personal vehicle access to Moraine Lake. Public access to Moraine Lake is provided by Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, and commercial vehicle operators. The Moraine Lake parking lot now operates at or near capacity, with minimal congestion. Commercial buses must have a minimum 11 seats. This is a requirement for guided services, tour buses and third-party shuttles.

Paid parking at Upper Lake Louise increases to $21/ day. This makes the fee slightly higher than the cost for a family to ride the shuttle.

These actions result in a 23 percent reduction in traffic volumes on Lake Louise Drive compared to 2019 levels and a reduction of vehicle traffic on Moraine Lake Road during sensitive wildlife hours. Despite the significant reduction in traffic, the Upper Lake Louise parking lot operates over capacity from 8 am to 6 pm most days during June to September. Congestion on Lake Louise Drive continues. Approximately 1 800 vehicles are turned away from Upper Lake Louise every day during the summer. Parks Canada shuttles run every 15 minutes between 6:30 am and 8 pm and sell out every day from mid-June to mid-September.

A new wildlife underpass on Whitehorn Road funded by the Lake Louise Ski Area in accordance in its Long Range Plan improves the safe passage of wildlife through the Whitehorn wildlife corridor.

Alpine start route added and pay parking increases again

A new alpine start shuttle departing for Moraine Lake at 4 am and 5 am facilitates access for early morning users (e.g. climbers, mountaineers, sunrise seekers). Paid parking at Upper Lake Louse increases to $36.75 per day. This brings it in line with comparable parking fees in the region and creates a clear financial incentive to take the shuttle, as recommended by the Expert Advisory Panel on Moving People Sustainably in the Bow Valley. On-it Regional Transit begins offering a direct route from Calgary to Lake Louise. Lake Louise Drive undergoes a rehabilitation and modernization project . This includes road resurfacing and the redesign of key intersections to improve traffic flow, wayfinding and pedestrian safety.

The current Parks Canada shuttle system has a daily capacity of 2 860 inbound riders per day. Shuttles are expected to sell out during June to September. Roam Transit and private shuttle operators are adding significant additional capacity daily. The parking at the Lake Louise Park and Ride is expected to reach capacity.

Current context

Key ecological considerations.

The map displays two wildlife corridors shaded in green. The Fairview wildlife corridor runs along the west side of the Bow River. It is bisected by Lake Louise Drive and encompasses the community of Lake Louise. The Whitehorn wildlife corridor runs along the east side of the Bow River. It is bisected by Whitehorn Road and encompasses a portion of the Lake Louise Ski Area.

Two wildlife corridors, Fairview and Whitehorn, pass through the Lake Louise area. These corridors provide space for large carnivores to move through the landscape, finding mates and food. Grizzly bears, wolves, and lynx are a few of the species that use these corridors.

Three ecoregions exist in the area: montane, subalpine, and alpine. Each ecoregion is home to a special set of plant and animal species including many species at risk. Non-native vegetation is concentrated along roadways, parking lots and other disturbed areas.

In addition to ecoregions, the Lake Louise area also contains aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands and riparian zones bordering the lakes, river, and streams. Riparian zones are some of the most sensitive areas and key to maintaining diverse ecosystems.

Visitor use considerations

The map displays where visitor use is concentrated within the project area. Official trails, day-use areas, and roadways are displayed. Major roadways include Lake Louise Drive which connects the Trans-Canada Highway to the community of Lake Louise and Upper Lake Louise; Moraine Lake Road which connects Lake Louise Drive to Moraine Lake; and Whitehorn Road which connects the Trans-Canada Highway to the Park and Ride.

Visitor services are concentrated at Upper Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and in the community. The lakes are accessed from dead-end roads and linked to the Lake Louise Park and Ride by the Parks Canada shuttle service.

In 2023, Lake Louise Drive saw an average of 8 785 vehicles per day during the summer. After noon, an average of 750 vehicles per hour travelled Lake Louise Drive, which is one car every 5 seconds!

In 2023, the Moraine Lake area saw approximately 5 000 visitors per day. The Upper Lake Louise area saw approximately 9 000 visitors per day, and the parking lot of over 400 stalls was by full by 8 am most mornings.

High traffic volumes may cause wary species to avoid using the area or crossing the roadway during busy periods, reducing the effectiveness of key wildlife movement corridors and potentially impacting core reproductive range for grizzly bears.

Visitor use management actions

The map displays visitor use management actions currently in place. Moraine Lake Road is shown in yellow to highlight the personal vehicles restrictions in place. Whitehorn Road is also shown in yellow to highlight the overnight closure to vehicular traffic to allow for a non-disturbance period for wildlife. A paid parking symbol at Upper Lake Louise indicates that parking payments are required. Parks Canada shuttle routes are shown in purple, pink, and green and connect the Park and Ride to each lake, and well as between lakes.

Many visitor use management actions are already in place to protect ecosystems and maintain a positive visitor experience,. These include but are not limited to a Parks Canada shuttle service from a designated Park and Ride, a seasonal overnight restriction on Whitehorn Road to improve opportunities for wildlife movement, restriction of personal vehicles from Moraine Lake Road, paid parking at Upper Lake Louise, and trail and parking lot closures to reduce the footprint of disturbance in the Fairview wildlife corridor.

A complex scenario remains

The map displays all layers from the previous three maps laid on top of each other.

Despite the many actions implemented over the years, including some that cannot be displayed on a map such as communication campaigns, there is still work to be done. Some visitors experience frustration and confusion, infrastructure in some places is stretched to capacity, and shifting visitor use patterns within the wildlife corridors may be affecting how wildlife move through the area.

Need for the Plan

Managing visitor use in the Lake Louise area is complex. Many challenges have emerged in the past 10 years as Parks Canada has managed growing demand. Parks Canada has made progress on visitor use management in the Lake Louise area but key challenges remain.

Visitor Experience | Facilities and Operations | Natural and Cultural Resources | Staff and Visitor Safety

Visitor Experience:

Congestion due to rising visitation (31 percent over the last decade) and changing ways visitors use the area have impacted the experience of visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Access challenges, displacement of certain user groups, cleanliness of facilities, long lineups and difficulty with trip planning can make it increasingly challenging to meet the expectations of many visitors.

The area continues to see large numbers of regional day trippers who plan their visits last minute and without reservations. Sold-out shuttles, full parking lots, and roadway congestion result in disappointment and frustration for these visitors. They turn to alternate commercial options or move on to other destinations. It is estimated that between 1 800 to 2 500 private vehicles are turned away from Upper Lake Louise each day during the summer.

Commercial vehicle operators have been able to work alongside Parks Canada to increase capacity and serve visitors with special needs that are not met by Parks Canada shuttles. However, private commercial options can be significantly more expensive and are also often sold out. Parking within the vicinity of Lake Louise is extremely limited, and there are not enough parking stalls in the Lake Louise community to meet the potential demand from commercial shuttle operators. Limited space at Moraine Lake and Upper Lake Louise does not guarantee parking for commercial operators.

Facilities and Operations:

Managing the impacts of high visitor use on park operations and facilities is increasingly expensive and demanding. Operating for longer days and seasons, and in a continually busier setting stretches the park’s resources.

Roads, trails and facilities require more frequent maintenance cycles. Infrastructure was not built to handle the level of use that is currently occurring. Parks staff take longer to access busy sites to perform their regular duties. This includes maintenance and cleaning, ecological surveys, restoration, or educational programming.

Washroom facilities at key nodes require constant maintenance. In the case of Moraine Lake, human waste is pumped out at least once a week. At the teahouses in the Upper Lake Louise area, 6-10 barrels of human waste are flown out every week. All human waste ends up at the Lake Louise wastewater treatment centre which currently processes 3 500 to 4 500 cubic meters per day during peak season.

The growing traffic and shuttle program has seen significant increases in costs over the years and is not currently self-sustaining. The program budget was $9.9 million in 2023/24. Paid parking fees and shuttle fares brought in $5.22 million in revenue, leaving a $4.68 million shortfall. Revenue collected from the shuttle fees stays in Banff National Park and goes directly towards offsetting the cost of providing of providing visitor transportation services within the Lake Louise area. Fees never exceed the cost of delivering the service. They only serve to recover costs.

Natural and Cultural Resources:

The Fairview and Whitehorn corridors run through the Lake Louise area on either side of the Trans-Canada Highway. High traffic volumes can cause wary species to avoid using the area or crossing the roadway during busy periods, which would impede their movement through these key wildlife corridors.

Busy times are also increasing earlier and later into the day. High use trails such as Bow River Loop, Louise Creek, Tramline, and various unofficial trails are also within the Fairview wildlife corridor. Parks Canada has taken measures to mitigate the impacts on wildlife in these corridors. Since 2022, seasonal trail closures and restrictions have been implemented from May 15 to October 15 in the Lake Louise area, aimed at concentrating visitation in areas with high levels of human use, while allowing wildlife to move through other areas with minimal disturbances.

With an increase in visitation, there is also an increased threat of invasive and non-native species. The risk of introduction of invasive aquatic species (e.g., zebra mussels, whirling disease) increases as use levels rise. Increased off trail use in alpine areas can impact sensitive species, such as mountain goats.

Parks Canada has observed an increase in littering, feeding wildlife and entering restricted areas (e.g. fish spawning habitat located at Moraine Lake). The opportunity for learning appropriate park behaviours may be missed due to crowding and congestion.

Staff and Visitor Safety:

Traffic congestion can hinder emergency response. Congestion impedes emergency vehicles from accessing and exiting busy areas. It also makes the safe and efficient evacuation of visitors, in the case of emergency such as wildfire, more challenging.

Some visitors also arrive unprepared for outdoor experiences in the Lake Louise area. Parks Canada responded to an average of 56 incidents in the Lake Louise area from May to October (2017-2023). Incidents ranged in severity from mild to critical. Summer incidents included sprained ankles, lost hikers, cardiac arrests, heat exhaustion, falls and other incidents.

Extreme visitor frustration, especially at the Moraine Lake Road intersection prior to 2023, has led to frequent negative interactions with Parks Canada employees and, on occasion, hostile and even violent interactions between visitors and between visitors and park staff. This negatively impacts both visitor satisfaction and the morale of employees.

Visitor use data

Amount of visitor use.

• The Upper Lake Louise area saw approximately 9 000 daily visitors during the 2023 operating season. However, accuracy of commercial use at Upper Lake Louise is limited to observations and estimates, so this number could vary.
• The Moraine Lake area saw approximately 5 000 daily visitors during the 2023 operational season. This number is based on recorded averages throughout the season. It can fluctuate depending on the level of commercial use on any given day.
• In 2023, we estimate that the Parks Canada shuttle transported 24% of all visitors to Upper Lake Louise, and 51% of all visitors to Moraine Lake. 87% of shuttle riders visited both lakes in the same day.

Visitation at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise has changed over the past ten years as various traffic management tools have been implemented. The introduction of the Parks Canada shuttle increased the number of visitors at these sites. However, as the shuttle system was expanded, further efforts were made to reduce the use of personal vehicles and shift towards a mass transit system. The graph below shows estimated visitation by mode of transport from 2009 to 2023 at Moraine Lake.

Traffic volumes on Moraine Lake Road peaked in 2017. During that year, the parking lot was overflowing, and vehicles parked for several kilometres down the roadway. Since then, traffic volumes have declined 80% and the number of visitors using mass transit has increased.

Due to data constraints, estimating the number of visitors over the years for Upper Lake Louise is complex. However, we can still look at traffic volumes, shuttle ridership, parking permits and trail use to infer visitation levels.

The graph below shows annual two-way traffic volumes along Lake Louise Drive from 2001 to 2023. Traffic volumes spiked in 2019 and have since seen a 17% decrease.

The graph below shows average daily shuttle ridership to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from 2013 to 2023. Daily ridership has increased significantly over the past 3 years.

Using active transportation (e.g. hiking, biking) to access Lake Louise and Moraine Lake has increased over the years. Trail use around Lake Louise Drive (which is bisected by the Fairview wildlife corridor) saw a substantial increase in 2023.

Note: Tramline Trail counter is missing data for 2015, 2017 and 2018.

Timing of use

Visitation in the Lake Louise area mirrors trends for Banff National Park as a whole. Visitation peaks during July and August. The shoulder season (April, May, and October) has become busier over the past 10 years. The exception is the Larch Valley Trail in the Moraine Lake area which sees peak use during the fall larch season.

After the relocation of the Lake Louise Park and Ride to the Lake Louise Ski Area, there was a shift in traffic patterns on Whitehorn Road. Peak use on this road is now during July and August, similar to peak ski season in January through March.

The amount of time visitors spend at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise is highly variable. Visitors stay anywhere from 30 minutes to over 16 hours depending on their activity. Parks Canada estimates that the average length of stay is 2.5 hours at Upper Lake Louise, and 1.5 hours at Moraine Lake.

Traffic volumes can help determine the busiest times of visitation throughout the day. In 2023, visitor use began in the Upper Lake Louise area around 6 am and lasted until 9 pm (May to October). Peak use occurs around 1 pm to 3 pm. During July and August, peak visitation extends even further into the dawn and dusk hours.

During the 2023 shuttle season, visitor use began at the Lake Louise Park and Ride between 6 am and 7 am and declined after 8pm. This aligned with the seasonal overnight restrictions along Whitehorn Road. Mornings are the most popular times for shuttle departures so incoming traffic began to decrease around 2 pm.

During the 2023 shuttle season, visitor use began in the Moraine Lake area around 5 am and lasted until 9 pm. Parks Canada shuttles began operating at 6:30 am and the last return shuttle was at 8 pm.

Timing of visitation has shifted earlier in the day over the years, shown in traffic volumes and trail counter data. In certain places, such as Whitehorn Road, Parks Canada manages the timing of use with overnight restrictions to ensure a quiet period for wildlife. The shift in visitation to the dawn and pre-dawn hours at Moraine Lake was one of the reasons why personal vehicles were restricted on Moraine Lake Road in 2023.

The graph below displays estimated vehicle accumulation throughout the day, year over year, in the Upper Lake Louise area. Traffic volumes in the Upper Lake Louise area have shifted earlier in the day as the years have gone on. The parking lot is filling earlier than in prior years.

The graph below displays estimated vehicle accumulation throughout the day, year over year, in the Moraine Lake area. Traffic volumes in the Moraine Lake area have shifted earlier in the day over the years. In summer 2022, the parking lot was filling between 4 am and 5 am. In 2023, the Moraine Lake parking lot operated at or below capacity. There was minimal congestion due to the restriction of personal vehicles and the move towards mass transit.

Type of use

Most people visit over the course of a single day. Multi-day trips though still make up a sizable portion of visitors in the Lake Louise area. These multi-day visitors include both frontcountry (residents, hotels, campground) and backcountry (Paradise Valley campground, Neil Colgan ACC Hut, or bivouacs).

Visitors come to the area to participate in many recreational activities between May and October. These include sightseeing, hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, trail running, paddling, and cycling. Many commercial opportunities also exist. These include boat rentals, guided hikes and climbs, horse tours, and photography tours.

Although only a portion of visitors take the Parks Canada shuttle, it offers a representative snapshots of visitor ages and party size in the Lake Louise area. Shuttle reservations in 2023 consisted of 80 percent adults, 10 percent youth, 6 percent seniors and 4 percent children. The average number of people per group was three.

Lake Louise remains a popular place with regional travellers, as well as international visitors. Parks Canada shuttle data is one of the best sources of visitor origin data for Lake Louise. Approximately 50 percent of shuttle riders in 2023 were from Canada, with two thirds of those from Alberta, British Columbia, or Saskatchewan. Data from Banff & Lake Louise Tourism indicates that 60 percent of visitors to Banff National Park in 2023 were from Alberta, British Columbia, or Saskatchewan.

Draft desired conditions

Desired condition statements describe how the Lake Louise area will look, feel, sound, and function in an ideal future. They focus on  what the area should be like and not how to achieve the vision. Draft desired conditions are below.

How to Participate

Parks Canada wants to hear from you! We are interested in learning about what you value most about the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake areas. Let us know what you think are the biggest issues currently facing the area, what you envision as an ideal future, and your thoughts about what current management strategies have worked well so far.

Related links

• Banff National Park management plan
• Lake Louise Community Plan Update
• Fire management plan
• Sustainable people movement expert panel