Going from Lake Louise to Lake Moraine has become super easy courtesy of the numerous Parks Canada shuttle services operating during the summer season. So if you are planning to make the most of your Banff National Park trip by canoeing on both lakes on the same day, then we will show you how. With some advance planning, you can easily bridge the 14-kilometer distance and enjoy the beauty of the two turquoise lakes in a single day.
Choice 1: Self-Driving
You can drive to and park your vehicle at Lake Louise. However, it tends to get pretty crowded, and so it’s advisable to reach there early. For self-driven vehicles, it’s best to arrive before 7 a.m. Otherwise, it might be difficult to get a parking spot during the summer season. The parking is free during winter; visitors had to pay $36.75 daily to park their vehicle between 17th May and 14th October 2025. Moraine Lake Road does not allow personal vehicles.
This lake also doesn’t have any designated parking spaces. It offers parking only to people staying at Moraine Lake Lodge. The parking facility is also available for people suffering from disabilities. You need to make alternative plans for reaching Moraine Lake from Lake Louise, and today we will discuss the same.
Choice 2: Private Tours
All Moraine Lake tours visit Lake Louise. If you don’t wish to be bothered with planning and booking shuttles, then you can avail a private tour. The Moraine Lake Bus Company offers buses to both lakes throughout the day at ticket prices starting at $49 for a round trip. Radventures offers guided tours to small groups with hotel pickup at Banff. This guided tour to both the lakes comes with complimentary hot beverages. The Banff Hop-on Hop-off Bus is another excellent option starting from Banff. However, this tour doesn’t offer any sunrise option.
Choice 3: Parks Canada Shuttle
All you will need is a Parks Canada Shuttle reservation, and you can easily get from one lake to another via shuttle service. The best thing about this carpooling service is that it brings down the harmful environmental impact of having too many cars around. Furthermore, tourists don’t have to worry about parking. The system opened 40% of shuttle reservations in April 2025 and released the remaining 60% just 48 hours before each departure day.
This shuttle service begins at Lake Louise at 6:30 a.m., and the last bus returns from Lake Moraine to the Lake Louise parking lot at 7:30 p.m. Visitors could avail of this shuttle service to Moraine Lake between 1st June and 13th October 2025. If you wish to skip the crowd, then you should try the evening or late afternoon shuttles. You can book your shuttle tickets to either lake and then travel to the other one on a first-come-first-serve basis via the connector shuttles without paying any incremental fee.
Choice 4: Biking from Lake Louise to Lake Moraine
Want to burn off your excess energy? Rent a bike to travel between Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. The road can be easily accessed via any type of bike during summer months. However, the road remains closed during one week in May. During this time, Parks Canada plows Moraine Lake Road, and you can only access it via bikes. This provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings sans the crowd.
Biking to Moraine Lake takes between 40 and 50 minutes from Louise Village. However, the exact time depends on your fitness level. For visiting both the lakes on the same day, it’s recommended to first bike up to Lake Moraine and then bike down to Lake Louise.
Choice 5: Hiking from Lake Loiose to Lake Moraine
The Paradise Valley Trail connects Lake Louise with Lake Moraine. But you need to be an experienced hiker to try hiking the Paradise Valley Trail. The hike is pretty lengthy and has considerable steep sections up Sentinel Pass. With a total distance of 20 km, it is one of the toughest hikes of the Canadian Rockies. It will take you through the stunning Paradise Valley. You can get back to your vehicle with a shuttle reservation. The Parks Canada buses will drop you off at either of the two lakes.
Check out all you need to know about Parks Canada Pass.
