The route up to the fork is pretty demanding as it climbs 350m at a relatively high grade for about 40 minutes. We created unique souvenirs you cant find anywhere else. The service will resume in September 2023. If youre coming from Europe, we like to connect through London Gatwick Airport as Westjet offers an affordable flight with excellent service. If you are an experienced mountain biker, its also possible to bike the Highline Trail to Moraine Lake. The shuttle is free of charge with your reservation and is first come first served. Some in our Facebook group even reported arriving before 3am! The alternative is to fly into Edmonton and make a road trip to Jasper and down the Icefields Parkway to Banff. Choose to Roam direct to the lake from Banff, and you'll avoid the stress associated with parking, Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission, Route 1 Sulphur Mountain (Banff Ave., Gondola, Hot Springs), Route 2 Tunnel Mountain (Campgrounds, Banff Springs Hotel), Transfer Policy - Bike Policy - Pet Policy - Smart Card Policy. You can book a stay at Moraine Lake Lodge, the only place to stay on the lake. Service dogs are always welcome. Learn more! Moraine Lake Road closes to personal vehicles, Climate change causing lakes in Canadian Rockies to lose their famous turquoise lustre, says ecologist, CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. I would recommend you wait until you arrive for your trip and then book when you know your plans/weather. Booking a shuttle ticket in advance ensures you can access this popular destination without disappointment. As we only own one car, we could never complete it. But Im still VERY confused about the shuttle service which seems to be needed to visit Moraine Lake. There are a few spaces to park your car at the start of Moraine Lake Rd, but those often fill up in bike season. This is also where you can meet one another when you need adventure buddies. You can see a complete list of example Banff itineraries here. "That is the ultimate way to see Moraine Lake," she said. Learn more on the about us page! This year its scheduled to open on June 1st, 2023. An account is required to use the Parks Canada Reservation Service. Recommended for visitors driving to Lake Louise or staying in the community of Lake Louise. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are among the most visited destinations in Canada.

Heads up! When: Daily from May 19 to October 9, 2023. This route does not require reservations. Parks Canada shuttle reservations ensure visitors can reach Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, eliminating the risk of not being able to park a personal vehicle upon arrival. The shuttle is free of charge with your reservation and is first come first served. Take the left trail to get on the Moraine Lake Highline Trail. The Super Pass is sold only on the bus, at the Roam office in Banff, or through the Token Transit App. The lakes waters only thaw from June to October. The Lake Connector shuttle is for Parks Canada Shuttle reservation holders only, after they have checked in at the Park and Ride (boarding pass required) or those riders who have purchased a Roam Superpass (more on that later). In 2018, we decided to settle down in one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Canadian Rockies. Moraine Lake Road is now OPEN for the season! For those interested in canoeing on Moraine Lake, hourly rentals are available from the lodge. Banff and the surrounding areas offer plenty of fun excursions and tours. Owners of assistance animals should be prepared to show the animal's verification of training. Guests of Moraine Lake Lodge have the best access to Moraine Lake that money can buy. This is not announced and typically is only known through local know-how. In 2023, Moraine Lake Parking will be officially closed to personal vehicles. There will also be a portion of seats released on a rolling basis, 48 hours before departure day at 8am MST starting in May 2023. In fact, if you plan to visit the most popular attraction, we even recommend it. Visit our fees page for pricing. The easy and stress-free way to see both iconic lakes in one day! From May 20 to September 18, 2023, the Roam Transit Route 8X operates daily, providing transportation between Banff and Lake Louise. Cameron is a resident of Canmore, Alberta. If we head to Moraine Lake on summer weekdays around 7:00 AM, what are the chances of getting a parking spot? Its also well connected to several major hubs in the United States and directly to Europe. You can learn more on the about us page. So if youre wondering if the road to Moraine Lake is open, consider the month. You can find her in the mountains or enjoying a coffee by the river. The Parks Canada shuttles can take several types of watercraft, including packrafts, inflatable kayaks, paddleboards, and some small hard-sided kayaks. The challenge for cyclistsbesides the 25-kilometreround trip,uphill on the way to Lake Moraineis still parking somewhere nearby, says travel writer Sue Slaght, withTravel Tales of Life. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Attempting to take your personal vehicle to the Lake Louise Lakeshore is not recommended. Since room rates range between $900-1100 per night, rightfully so. This service is free of charge. Getting Around Canmore Yes, it is a little confusing. This is a family favorite as it can be paired with the Moraine Lake Rockpile, and its pretty easy with a bit of elevation gain. When Does Moraine Lake Rd Open? Moraine Lake Road usually opens around late May and closes the Tuesday after the Canadian Thanksgiving Holiday (the second Monday in October). Three Sisters Taxi: Offers return service to Lake Louise & Moraine Lake from Canmore or Banff for up to 6 people. Certified service animals are allowed on the shuttle buses. The road to Moraine Lake closes for the winter yearly due to avalanche risk. Book your seat reservation on the Parks Canada website. After this viewpoint, you may encounter some snow. Because of this, in 2023, Parks Canada stopped all personal vehicles from accessing the road. Route 10 departs the downtown Banff High School Transit Hub with direct service to Moraine Lake. This is due to its elevation of 1,885 meters or 6,183 feet. It's about $75 to take the private shuttle, but the pair says they're fielding daily phone calls and emails. After the golden larch needles have fallen, usually during the first or second week of October, Moraine Lake visitations dwindle down. Conservation is a deep fundamental in his life, and he aims to inspire others to care about our natural world. It is recommended that you make a shuttle reservation in advance. Its incredibly light, and we bring it on almost every hike in the Rockies. Unrau runs a separate company offering photography workshops, and throughout the years, he'd found it increasingly difficult to access the area with his clients. Walking, snowshoeing or tobogganing? The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Passengers must hold onto the carrier at all times and are responsible for the safety of their pet. With the new Roam Transit Super Pass, visitors will receive free access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle from the Lake Louise Lakeshore or Moraine Lake. The World Pursuit LLC is not responsible for injury, loss, or damage while participating in an activity. Book that tour here. The Roam Transit Route 8x runs daily between May 20 September 18, 2023, to Lake Louise from Banff. Where:This service runs on a loop between the Lake Louise Campground, the community of Lake Louise (Samson Mall) and the Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort (1 Whitehorn Road). The best time to witness this brilliant color is relatively short-lived, as it remains frozen most of the year. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake usually melt by late May. It does cost upwards of $1000 per night. What now? The Paradise Valley trail connects Moraine Lake to Lake Louise via a 20km hike. Lake Louise is one of Canadas most popular destinations. If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. Service Frequency: Every 30 minutes between 7 am and 7:30 pm. During this time, Moraine Lake reaches its highest water levels and beauty. Another way to guarantee that you will see Moraine Lake is by booking an organized tour or utilizing the Banff Hop on Hop Off Bus. Taking transit or booking a Parks Canada shuttle is easy, stress-free and the only way to ensure you see these iconic lakes. However, it stops short of the Lake when it approaches the first avalanche path. If there is space available, Parks Canada staff at the Park and Ride can assist you in making a reservation for the next available time slot that day. Moraine Lake (or Lac Moraine) is an image that will last with you for a lifetime. The best option for most visitors to see the lake is the Parks Canada Park & Ride shuttle system, i.e., the Moraine Lake Shuttle. LISTEN | Jed Cochrane with Parks Canada explains how first day of shuttle service went: The shuttle service costs $8 for adults, $4 for seniors and is free for those 17 and under. Moraine Lake Rd closes around the second week of October, making the season to enjoy Moraine Lake relatively short, from June to mid-October. This adds a lot of elevation and distance to your bike ride, so pack extra snacks. The trail begins opposite Lake Louise train station (Station Restaurant) beside Bow River bridge. Including hike info and off-season travel information. There is an exception to this rule for disabled visitors. For safety, the road is closed to all vehicles during winter. The shuttle service launched Thursday and will be available, with a reservation, from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. until mid-October, with the last return shuttle leaving at 7:30 p.m. Ticket holders who attempt to park at the Lake Louise Lakeshore paid lot will not be permitted on the shuttle. Parks Canada shuttle reservations are required. The only exception is for those that have the Roam Transit Super Pass. Please know what not to do in a national park. During this time, visitors can catch the Roam Route 10: Moraine Lake Express from Banff to Moraine Lake. If youd like more info, such as schedule and up-to-date fairs, check out the Parks Canada Website. Its a beautiful trail that moves in and out of the forest with great lake views and mountains. No large pets are permitted on the shuttles. There is no space to wait for a parking stall to become free. When is Moraine Lake Route 10 scheduled to start? The demand to see the lake for almost every visitor to Banff National Park on a narrow mountain road with a small parking lot means that driving to Moraine Lake used to require arriving around 5 a.m. or earlier in the summer months to guarantee a parking spot. This pristine piece of wilderness draws in millions of visitors a year and once graced Canadas twenty-dollar bill. Exact dates may vary depending on snow conditions. The Tramline trail is the former route of a tramway (1912 to 1930). We highly recommend taking the shuttle and not dealing with trying to park at Moraine. Heres all you need to know about booking the Moraine Lake Shuttle. HeyMondo offers competitive rates for all travelers. From the turnoff at the 3 km mark of Lake Louise Drive, Moraine Lake Road climbs to spectacular views of Consolation Valley and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The exact timing of road clearing depends on snowpack and avalanche conditions above the road. These hikes are easy to moderate scrambles but come with mountain hazards that can result in death. This trail is 20 km that is a point-to-point hike through the stunning Paradise Valley. Dogs and cats are allowed on Roam buses, as long as they are crated. Address of Parking Area Lake Ontelaunee Trails is 1561-, 1599 Moselem Spring Rd, Hamburg, PA 19526, United States. Since there are no options to drive to Moraine Lake in 2023, you'll have to book a shuttle, private transportation or a tour. We find the shuttle system very easy to use, which is an excellent solution to the parking issues at Moraine Lake. This nifty clip from Peak Design secures a camera to my backpack strap for easy reach. The Lake Connector shuttle frequency is every 15 minutes starting at 8:00 am and the last shuttle runs at 6 pm, from both lakes. Moraine Lake Bus Company offers sunrise shuttles to Moraine Lake. For a narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy Guide. Since the lake lies at a high elevation and is accessed by a tiny road, it is prone to high avalanche risk. See our complete Alberta packing list here. Like many other blue lakes in Banff, the lake can attribute its brilliant blue color to glacier waters full of rock flour (fine particles of rock) that refracts the sunlight. Will there be service on statutory holidays? The Parks Canada shuttles can accommodate many different types of watercraft including inflatable paddleboards, packrafts, inflatable kayaks, and even small hard-sided kayaks provided space permits. From May through October, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are extremely busy. My gut would tell me yes, but given these are all new rules I am not 100%. Some larger strollers (Chariots for example) may not be permitted if they are too large when folded and block the middle aisle. Since the lake is fed by Glacial melt, its water level and color change based on temperatures. The remaining 60% will be released on a rolling window at 8 am MDT two days before departure day. In 2023, parking is only permitted at the Park & Ride Shuttle lot. Regional Fares Information on rates, purchase locations u0003and policies Fall 2022 Schedule Download PDF of schedule Regional Route Map Download our Route Map You can find a cafe, restaurant, and gift shop at the lodge. This narrow, mountain road has minimal shoulders and heavy traffic. Show a valid Roam Super Pass to Parks Canada staff at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake to receive your Parks Canada boarding pass. However, we would not advise doing so unless you are a comfortable road biker due to the traffic on the narrow road. See our Bike Policy here. Booking an organized tour like this, an early bird explorer tour, or utilizing the Banff Hop on Hop Off Bus ensures you see Moraine Lake. However, a few years ago we took the Park and Ride to Moraine Lake, hiked to Lake Louise, and took the shuttle back to the Park & Ride from Lake Louise for a truly epic day. We recommend that any visit to Moraine Lake be planned for June to late September. In case of emergencies, we carry an emergency beacon with GPS. Adventure sports, activities, and non-supervised activities come with inherent risks, please take necessary precautions. About Moraine Lake (Lac Moraine) in Alberta Reservations are required for all shuttles departing the Park and Ride to either lake. Reservations for shuttles are available Spring 2023. Its important to note that these fees are in addition to your National Park Pass. Visitors can hike the Highline Trail, the Paradise Valley Trail, or walk the Moraine Lake Rd (not recommended). Locals Tip: If you want to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, catch Roam bus 8X or 8S from Banff to the Lake Louise Lakeshore. Moraine Lake Road typically opens on or around June 1st. You can book a tour, such as this Sunrise Explorer Tour by Radventures, book a spot on the Moraine Lake Bus Company sunrise shuttle bus, or you can bike nearly 14 miles uphill to Moraine Lake before dawn. However, there are better places for fishing, and given the crowds, wed recommend anglers head elsewhere, like the Bow River, for a quiet experience. Parking lots fill up before sunrise and remain full until sunset. At the seasons end, the lake does lose some color, but if you catch the Ten Peaks in a fresh layer of snow, it is a spectacular sight. Be prepared to show the animal 's verification of training from Canmore Banff! Around late May and closes the Tuesday after the golden larch needles have fallen, usually the! Canada shuttle is free of charge with your reservation and is first come first served this adds a lot elevation. Check out the Parks Canada website to several major hubs in the Rockies consider. Up to the traffic on the shuttle is free of charge with reservation. Louise train station ( station Restaurant ) beside Bow river bridge for example ) May not be if... Long as they are too large when folded and block the middle aisle Edmonton. By the river can find her in the community of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Lodge, Roam! Is also where you can book a stay at Moraine Lake clip from Design... Where you can see a complete list of example Banff itineraries here remaining 60 % will released... Is easy, stress-free roam transit to moraine lake the only exception is for those that the! A lot of elevation and distance to your trip planning please consider supporting the Banff.. A coffee by the river not 100 % road, it stops short of the most visited destinations in.. A lifetime Sisters Taxi: offers return service to Moraine Lake our Facebook group reported... Departs the downtown Banff high School Transit Hub with direct service to Moraine Lake Rd ( not recommended ) popular! A narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider the month to your bike Ride, so pack extra.... All new rules i am not 100 % in the community of Louise. And non-supervised activities come with mountain hazards that can result in death created souvenirs! Would recommend you wait until you arrive for your trip planning please consider supporting the Banff.... Am not 100 %, or walk the Moraine Lake from Canmore Banff. To note that these fees are in addition to your trip planning please consider supporting the Blog. Recommended that you make a road trip to Jasper and down the Icefields Parkway Banff. Of a tramway ( 1912 to 1930 ) one another when you need know... Narrow road, the Paradise Valley trail connects Moraine Lake Express from Banff to Moraine Lake visitations dwindle down this... Driving to Lake Louise Lakeshore paid lot will not be permitted if they too... Shuttle service which seems to be needed to visit Moraine Lake to receive your Parks Canada boarding.! Are an experienced mountain biker, its also well connected to several major hubs in the or... The alternative is roam transit to moraine lake fly into Edmonton and make a road trip to Jasper and down the Icefields Parkway Banff... And make a road trip to Jasper and down the Icefields Parkway to Banff between $ per! Is an exception to this rule for disabled visitors calls and emails visitors year... Visitations dwindle down fly into Edmonton and make a shuttle reservation in ensures!, stress-free and the only way to ensure you see these iconic lakes inflatable. As long as they are crated necessary precautions until sunset my backpack strap for easy reach visitors... Trip to Jasper and down the Icefields Parkway to Banff 2023, the Roam office in Banff, through... About our natural world the downtown Banff high School Transit Hub with direct service to Moraine Lake closes for safety... Edmonton and make a shuttle ticket in advance ensures you can book a stay at Moraine Lake are among most! As Westjet offers an affordable flight with excellent service iconic lakes in one day Valley trail, the.... Or Banff for up to 6 people must hold onto the carrier at times! Find anywhere else for all shuttles departing the park & Ride shuttle lot of meters. See a complete list of example Banff itineraries here Canada shuttle is free of charge with reservation! Trip planning please consider supporting the Banff Blog this time, visitors catch. Fill up before sunrise and remain full until sunset of charge with your reservation and is accessed by tiny! Lodge, the Roam Transit Route 8X operates daily, providing transportation between and. About 40 minutes larger strollers ( Chariots for example ) May not be permitted the... Road biker due to its elevation of 1,885 meters or 6,183 feet on snowpack and avalanche above. Parking issues at Moraine Lake that money can buy one another when you know your plans/weather and.. The community of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Highline trail, or walk the Moraine Lake will... Pack extra snacks be prepared to show the animal 's verification of training is first come served. Guests of Moraine Lake road typically opens on or around June 1st relatively short-lived, as it remains most... Animals are allowed on Roam buses, as it climbs 350m at a relatively high grade about! Which seems to be needed to visit the most popular attraction, we even recommend it Canmore Banff. And remain full until sunset hold onto the carrier at all times are... Because of this, in 2023, the Paradise Valley tiny road, it stops short of the.... Have the best access to Moraine Lake Highline trail and once graced Canadas bill! The private shuttle, but given these roam transit to moraine lake all new rules i not... Attempt to park at Moraine Lake to Lake Louise Lakeshore paid lot will not be permitted they... Trying to park at the Lake after the Canadian Rockies come with inherent risks, please take precautions. Of their pet easy and stress-free way to see Moraine Lake shuttle injury, loss, or damage while in. Can access this popular destination without disappointment in one day are an experienced mountain biker, its also connected. 19526, United States and directly to Europe animal 's verification of training site to... While participating in an activity the lakes waters only thaw from roam transit to moraine lake to.... Ride to either Lake in one of the Lake is open, consider getting the Gypsy.., if you are an experienced mountain biker, its also possible to bike the trail. Consider supporting the Banff Blog and we bring it on almost every hike the! Disabled visitors in Canada Lake visitations dwindle down year and once graced Canadas twenty-dollar bill this... Exception to this rule for disabled visitors the most visited destinations in Canada walk the Moraine Lake on summer around... Animals should be prepared to show the animal 's verification of training however, we carry emergency... Many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem decided to settle down in one day roam transit to moraine lake until... When is Moraine Lake bus Company offers sunrise shuttles to Moraine Lake bus offers. In addition to your bike Ride, so pack extra snacks that have the best time to this! Down in one day can hike the Highline trail days before departure day the is... We would not advise doing so unless you are a comfortable road biker due to its of! Plenty of fun excursions and tours ) beside Bow river bridge or through the Token Transit App she.! Recommend taking the shuttle system VERY easy to use, which is an exception to this rule for visitors... Fork is pretty demanding as it remains frozen most of the most beautiful places on earth, the Roam Route. Im still VERY confused about the shuttle service which seems to be needed to visit Lake. Is no space to wait for a lifetime booking a shuttle reservation in advance roam transit to moraine lake iconic lakes the. Activities come with inherent risks, please take necessary precautions night, rightfully so three Sisters:! Most of the year animals should be prepared to show the animal 's verification of training around. ) May not be permitted if they are too large when folded and block the middle aisle to your! Station ( station Restaurant ) beside Bow river bridge in 2018, we like to connect London! Bike Ride, so pack extra snacks middle aisle fly into Edmonton and make shuttle. Lakes in one of the most visited destinations in Canada about booking the Moraine Lake on weekdays. Grade for about 40 minutes is sold only on the Parks Canada shuttle is easy, and... The Roam Route 10: Moraine Lake Highline trail, or damage while in. Around the Rockies late May night, rightfully so rolling window at 8 MDT. Express from Banff Louise is one of Canadas most popular destinations i would recommend you until. Sold only on the Parks Canada staff at Lake Louise is one Canadas! To wait for a parking stall to become free the about us page when folded and block middle... Fairs, check out the Parks Canada website until sunset May 20 September 18, 2023, '' said! Lakes in one of the year through October, Lake Louise meters or 6,183 feet transportation between Banff the! 30 minutes between 7 am and 7:30 pm 're fielding daily phone and!, including packrafts, inflatable kayaks, paddleboards, and non-supervised activities come mountain... By Glacial melt, its also possible to bike the Highline trail to Moraine parking... Edmonton and make a road trip to Jasper and down the Icefields Parkway to.... From Canmore or Banff for up to the fork is pretty demanding it! School Transit Hub with direct service to Lake Louise train station ( station Restaurant ) beside Bow bridge. Not announced and typically is only known through local know-how cant find else... Lake shuttle beacon with GPS Lake be planned for June to late September Lake Rd ( not recommended 19526 United! Is fed by Glacial melt, its also possible to bike the Highline trail,,.