How to Spend 1 Day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
If you’re planning a trip to Banff National Park, there’s a good chance that Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are at the top of your list. Although many opt to spend an entire day at each, it’s absolutely doable to experience both lakes in just one day. In this post, I’ll guide you on how to make the most of 1 day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, covering essential tips, the main highlights and everything you need to know before you go.
Before my own trip, I was unsure about the best way to spend 1 day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. After doing extensive research, I’ve gathered my top recommendations to help you make the most of your visit. Whether it’s the best way to get there, the hikes you can’t miss, or other essential tips, I’ve got you covered.
Important Things to Know Before your Visit
- You’re not allowed to drive to Moraine Lake. The road is closed to personal vehicles and you won’t be able to access it. So, the only way to get to Moraine Lake, that doesn’t involve hiking or cycling, is by using Parks Canada Shuttle Bus or private tour operators.
- If you’re spending 1 day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, you can use the free shuttle bus connector to get from one lake to the other. This means that you only buy one ticket that gives you access to both lakes. I will go into more details below.
- This 1 day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise itinerary is perfect for the summer months. In fact, keep in mind that in winter Moraine Lake is not accessible.
- If you venture beyond the lakeshore at Lake Louise, you’ll find fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience.
- Both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are areas where black bears are frequently spotted. Remember, these are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Always give them plenty of space, carry bear spray, and resist the urge to get too close for that perfect photo opportunity.
How to Get to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
Before diving into the details, one important thing to know is that while you can drive to Lake Louise (though parking is limited), you cannot drive to Moraine Lake. To visit Moraine Lake, you’ll need to secure a shuttle bus reservation.
If you’re spending 1 day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, the best way to get there is to use Parks Canada Shuttle. For example, we booked the 5 am Alpine Shuttle from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake to catch the sunrise. Afterward, we took the shuttle connector back to Lake Louise, where we had parked our car. Just a heads-up: parking at Lake Louise costs $37 for the day and is both limited and in high demand!
💡Tip: I highly recommend visiting Moraine Lake at sunrise, followed by Lake Louise. That’s why much of the section below focuses on the best shuttle buses to get you to Moraine Lake for sunrise.
There are several ways to get to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. You can opt for pricey guided tours (which I’m not covering here) or more budget-friendly options. One thing is for sure, though: both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are among the most popular destinations in Banff National Park and in all of Canada.
Parks Canada Shuttle: Cheapest Option
Parks Canada Shuttle is definitely the cheapest and most convenient way if you want to spend 1 day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. But, it is also very competitive and tickets sell out fast. In fact, in 2025 the booking window opened for 40% of the tickets on April 16. The remaining 60% is released 2 days before your departure at 8 am MTD.
All in all, there are two distinct shuttle options for visiting Moraine Lake via Parks Canada Shuttle Bus.
Alpine Start from Lake Louise Lakeshore
- When to book: 2 days before your departure at 8 am MTD or in advance on April 16, 2025
- Runs: June 1 to October 13, 2025
- Time: 4 am or 5 am
- Access: ideal for those wanting to visit Moraine Lake at sunrise
- Departs from: Lake Louise Lakeshore (link)
- Return to: Lake Louise Lakeshore via the free shuttle bus connector (seats are given on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Good to know: parking at Lake Louise Lakeshore costs $37 CAD per vehicle
- Costs (2025 rate): $8 CAD adult, $4 CAD senior, youth under 18 free, $3 CAD reservation fee per booking
- Why choose this: cheapest option and ideal for those having a vehicle to drive to the departure point
- Not suited for: those that don’t want to wake up early
We booked the alpine start shuttle to spend 1 day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. So, we drove to Lake Louise Lakeshore before sunrise and took the Parks Canada Shuttle at 5 am. In fact, this is the best option if you want to see the sunrise at Moraine Lake.
💡Tip: If all the tickets are gone, even though you were on the site right at 8 am MDT, don’t panic. Just be patient and keep refreshing the page for at least 30 minutes. With a bit of luck, your desired time may open up. That’s exactly what happened to us, and I was so glad I waited a little longer before giving up.
Shuttle from Lake Louise Ski Resort Park & Ride (NOT an Alpine Start)
- When to book: 2 days before your departure at 8 am MTD or in advance on April 16, 2025
- Runs: June 1 to October 13, 2025
- Time: every 30 minutes starting at 5:30 am to 6 pm
- Access: ideal for those staying near Lake Louise that prefer a larger (and free) parking lot
- Departs from: Lake Louise Ski Resort (link)
- Return to: free shuttle bus connector to Lake Louise Lakeshore (seats are given on a first-come first-served basis) and then shuttle back to Ski Resort Park & Ride
- Good to know: the cost of the shuttle includes both legs Moraine Lake > Lake Louise Lakeshore > Ski Resort
- Cost (2025 rate): $8 CAD adult, $4 CAD senior, youth under 18 free, $3 CAD reservation fee per booking
- Why choose this: cheap option and ideal for those willing to depart a bit later
- Not suited for: those that don’t want to see Moraine Lake at sunrise
Overall, the main difference for these shuttles is the departure location. While the Alpine Start departs from the Lake Louise Lakeshore, the later one starts from the Ski Resort Park & Ride.
Privately Operated Shuttle Buses
If you were unsuccessful in booking a ticket with Parks Canada for sunrise or any other time in the day, you can still visit Moraine Lake by booking transportation with a privately operated shuttle bus.
Moraine Lake Bus Company
Moraine Lake Bus Company is a family-run company that offers sunrise connections to Moraine Lake. Although their rate is higher than Parks Canada, starting at $80 CAD (though it’s usually closer to $130 CAD), they offer the added benefit of letting you select your return time. This means you can spend some extra time at Moraine Lake.
For sunrise the departure is from Samson Mall, while after 6 am the shuttle bus leaves from Lake Louise Summer Gondola.
Fairview Limo
Another option to see the sunrise at Moraine lake is using the Fairview Limo. While it’s not as flexible as the other options listed above, it still allows you to visit Moraine Lake for sunrise. It departs from Lake Louise Inn and it costs about $99 CAD per adult.
Other Options That Exclude Sunrise at Moraine Lake
Roam Super Pass: Great for Those Traveling Without a Car
If you’re visiting Banff without a car and want to spend 1 day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, then the Roam Super Pass could be for you. The drawback is that the first bus leaves Banff at 6 am, so it doesn’t allow you to be on time for sunrise at Moraine Lake.
But, for just $30 a day, a reservable Roam Super Pass allows you to travel unlimited on all Roam routes, such as Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. This also gives you access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector Shuttle, letting you experience 1 day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
1 Day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Itinerary
Sunrise at Moraine Lake
If you’re wondering when to visit Moraine Lake, the best time is definitely at sunrise. There is a good reason for it. It’s when you’ll catch the most stunning reflections of the mountains. Of course, this moment doesn’t last long, so to fully experience Moraine Lake’s breathtaking beauty, aim to catch the Parks Canada Alpine Shuttle Bus from Lake Louise Lakeshore at either 4 am or 5 am.
The best spot for photos of Moraine Lake is from the Rockpile, a short trail that starts right from the parking lot. However, it can get quite crowded at sunrise, so be patient and find a spot where you can enjoy the lake in peace.
💡Tip: Wait until the crowds have left to enjoy Moraine Lake all to yourself. I won’t lie, sunrises get crowded and everyone will want the perfect picture. So, be patient and hang back for a bit. We brewed some coffee and soaked in the views in peace.
Walk along the Lakeshore at Moraine Lake
Don’t leave Moraine Lake immediately after sunrise. That’s usually when the majority leaves. Instead, spend some extra time at Moraine Lake and walk along the lakeshore.
If you want to spend the morning at Moraine Lake, you can rent a canoe and go paddle on Moraine Lake. Be warned, the prices start at $160 CAD plus tax per canoe for one hour rental, so it’s not a cheap activity (still cheaper than Louise Lake though!).
Take the Shuttle Bus Connector to Lake Louise
Once you’ve soaked in the beautiful scenery at Moraine Lake, take the bus connector back to Lake Louise. This shuttles are free if you have a reservation and operate on a first-come first-served basis.
Another great reason to visit Moraine Lake at sunrise is the lack of traffic in the morning. This means you’ll have more time to enjoy both spots at your own pace.
Before heading for a hike at Lake Louise, we decided to take a short nap in the car to recharge. After that, we were ready to tackle the Big Beehive Hike.
Go on a Hike above Lake Louise
The biggest mistake many tourists make is stopping at Lake Louise Lakeshore for a picture and then leave. Don’t be one of them! Take the time to hike around and above the lake to escape the crowds and experience the area’s true beauty.
We opted for the Big Beehive, although originally we wanted to do the Plain of Six Glaciers hike. However, since the day before we hiked 30 km to Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park, our legs were quite tired.
If you decide to hike to the Big Beehive, you’ll walk past Lake Agnes Teahouse, a very popular stop for many hikers. This cabin was build in 1905 and is famous for its delicious pastries and teas. If you want to grab any treats, be prepared to wait in line and carry some cash with you.
Continuing past Lake Agnes Teahouse, after one last uphill, you’ll reach the Big Beehive. In my opinion, this is where you’ll get the best views of Louise Lake from above. Funny enough, my partner’s initial comment was that Lake Louise looks like Fairmont Hotel’s private swimming pool. Well… not bad for a swimming pool.
More Hikes around Lake Louise (Easy to Difficult)
Easy Hikes
- Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail: 4.5 km round trip | 100 m elevation gain | 1-1.5 hours
It’s an easy and scenic hike that follows the shoreline of Lake Louise. In fact, it’s ideal for families and anyone looking for a short walk. - Fairview Lookout Trail: 2 km round trip | 145 m elevation gain | 1-1.5 hours
It’s a great option if you don’t want to hike up a lot but still want to escape the crowds.
Moderate Hikes
- Lake Agnes Trail: 7 km round trip | 502 m elevation gain | 3-4 hours
Most of the hike is shaded and leads past waterfalls to Lake Agnes Tea House. Here, you can decide to continue to Little Beehive or Big Beehive or rest a bit longer at the lake. - Big Beehive: 10 km round trip | 700 m elevation gain | 4-5 hours
If you’re into hiking and can only do one hike at Lake Louise, I would recommend the Big Beehive. The views from above are breathtaking. - Little Beehive: 9 km round trip | 640 m elevation gain | 2-4 hours
The Little Beehive is slightly easier compared to the Big Beehive but offers equally stunning views of Lake Louise. Just remember, that these two hikes are not connected, so if you want to do them both you’ll have to walk back to Lake Agnes. - The Plain of Six Glaciers: 14 km round trip | 590 m elevation gain | 4-5 hours
Originally, I wanted to combine this hike with the Big Beehive via the Highline Trail but decided against it. It’s an amazing hike with sweeping views of the mountains around.
Difficult Hikes
- The Devil’s Thumb: 12 km round trip | 920 m elevation gain | 3-6 hours
This hike is the perfect addition to the Big Beehive, if you want to hike a bit longer around Lake Louise area. If you can, leave early in the morning so that the trail is quite and you have the mountain to yourself. - Mount Temple: 14 km round trip | 1,700 m elevation gain | 8-12 hours
As one of the highest peaks in the Lake Louise area, the summit of Mount Temple offers one of the most breathtaking views. This hike is best suited for experienced hikers.
Finish up the day with a stop at Lake Louise Village
On your way down from Lake Louise Lakeshore, stop at Lake Louise Village and check out some of the local shops. In our case, we stopped to get some groceries before heading back to our campsite nearby.
FAQ: 1 Day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
Can I visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in one day?
Yes, you can spend 1 day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, especially if you start early. I recommend visiting Moraine Lake at sunrise and then heading to Lake Louise afterwards.
Should I go to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake first?
I would recommend visiting Moraine Lake first, especially if you’re visiting at sunrise. Although the place gets crowded, many tend to leave immediately after sunrise. So, you can enjoy Moraine Lake in peace and to yourself.
When is the best time to go to Moraine Lake?
The best time to visit Moraine Lake is at sunrise, when waters are calm and reflect the surrounding mountains.
How long should I spend at each lake?
It depends on the type of activity that you want to do at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. If you want to canoe then you could easily spend half a day at each lake. But, I would recommend to aim for 1-2 hours to explore Moraine Lake and the rest of the day at Lake Louise. If you plan on hiking, you may want to have some extra time for it.
Can I rent a canoe at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake?
Yes, you can rent a canoe both at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. But, especially in the morning, Moraine Lake is less crowded so the chances of getting a canoe are higher. At Moraine Lake a canoe rental costs $160 CAD plus tax for one hour, which accommodates 2-3 people. At Lake Louise, a canoe rental costs $170 CAD plus tax for one hour.
When is the best time of year to visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise?
The best time to visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise is from late June to mid-September, when most of the trails are accessible.
How early should I arrive to avoid crowds at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise?
To avoid the crowds, you should arrive as early as possible, ideally before 6 am at Moraine Lake and 7 am at Lake Louise.
Can I park for free at Lake Louise?
No, parking at Lake Louise costs $37 CAD for the day. Keep in mind that the parking lot fills up quickly, especially during peak season, so try to arrive early or use a shuttle bus.
Can I drive to Moraine Lake?
No, access to Moraine Lake for personal vehicles is not permitted. The road is blocked and you won’t be let in. The only way to get to Moraine lake is by using a shuttle service, bike or hike.
