- $12.75Parks Canada return (adult)
- Apr 152026 shuttle bookings opened
- 40 / 60seats: launch day / rolling 48h release
- 75,000in the queue on opening morning 2026
- Jun 1–Oct 122026 Moraine Lake shuttle season
- $42Lake Louise lakeshore parking, per day
How to Get to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in 2026 — Choosing the Right Option
Every visitor to Moraine Lake arrives by shuttle, bus or guided tour. The road has been closed to private vehicles since 2023, so there is no shortcut: you are choosing between the cheapest option (Parks Canada, $12.75 return) and the one that involves the most logistics. The 2026 shuttle season runs June 1 to October 12, and demand is high enough that 75,000 people queued on opening morning alone. This page compares every shuttle and bus; the Parks Canada reservation guide covers exactly how and when to book, Moraine Lake without a car ranks the options if you're starting car-free, and Banff tours in October 2026 covers what happens to all of it once the season ends on October 12.
The right choice depends on two things: where you're starting from and how much you want to organise. Driving in and staying near Lake Louise? The Parks Canada shuttle is cheapest and simplest. Staying in Banff without a car? The Roam Reservable Super Pass is your path. Want sunrise and a guaranteed seat? Go commercial. Would rather skip every step? Book a guided tour and let it handle access, the park pass and Lake Louise in the same day. The sections below walk through each option in detail.
One more thing worth knowing up front: Lake Louise is not Moraine Lake. Private vehicles are still allowed at the Lake Louise Lakeshore lot — no gate, no reservation required to drive there — but the ~400-space lot fills fast and Parks Canada rates driving there "Difficult." See the dedicated Lake Louise parking section below for current fees, fill times and free alternatives in the village.
Half-Day Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Shuttle Tour — 1.5 Hours at Each Lake
A dedicated shuttle-style tour with reserved seats, hotel pickup and a local guide — no Parks Canada reservation to win. Check live dates below.
Banff Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Half Day Shuttle Tour
Why this fits the shuttle article: this is the commercial equivalent of the Parks Canada shuttle — a dedicated transport to both lakes with 1.5 hours at each, hotel pickup from Banff and Canmore, the park pass included and no Parks Canada reservation required. At 4.9 stars across 1,700+ reviews it's the highest-rated half-day option on the platform.
Departing from Banff and Canmore, this half-day option gives you equal time at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, with a local guide on board and park pass in the price. If the Parks Canada shuttle is sold out or you want a guaranteed seat without queuing at 8 a.m., this is the direct alternative.
- Hotel pickup from Banff and Canmore
- 1.5 hours at Lake Louise and 1.5 hours at Moraine Lake
- National park pass included
- Reserved seat — no Parks Canada reservation required
- Local guide, free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Pickup in Banff and Canmore. Check live dates and book below.
Other Experiences Worth Adding to Your Itinerary
Once you've sorted your shuttle to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, most visitors look at what else is nearby. The Columbia Icefield and Icefields Parkway glacier tours make a natural full-day extension north of Lake Louise. The Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain is an easy evening add-on in town. The Johnston Canyon walk and Lake Minnewanka cruise are popular half-day pairings that run on the same road network. Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park — a short drive west — often rounds out a multi-lake day. Browse current availability below.
The Parks Canada Park & Ride Shuttle — Fares, Routes and What's Included
One $12.75 adult reservation covers both lakes via the free Lake Connector — but you need to win the booking first.
The Parks Canada shuttle is the value option: CAD $12.75 return for adults, $6.00 for seniors and $4.00 for youth 17 and under, plus a one-off $3.50 reservation fee per online booking (or $5.50 by phone). One reservation covers both lakes — you choose your first destination at booking (Lake Louise Lakeshore or Moraine Lake), then ride the free Lake Connector to reach the second lake. All shuttles depart from the Lake Louise Park & Ride at 1 Whitehorn Road (free parking for reservation holders).
| Route | 2026 Season | Frequency | Departures | Last return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Louise Lakeshore | May 15 – Oct 12 | Every 30 min | 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | 7:30 p.m. |
| Moraine Lake | June 1 – Oct 12 | Every 30 min | 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | 7:30 p.m. |
| Lake Connector | June 1 – Oct 12 | Every 30 min | 7 a.m.–6 p.m. | 6 p.m. from Moraine |
| Alpine Start (sunrise) | June 1 – Oct 12 | 2 departures | 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. | Via Lake Connector |
Alpine Start note: the sunrise shuttle departs from the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot (not the Park & Ride), where paid parking of $42/vehicle applies. Accessible service is not available on the Alpine Start in 2026. The Lake Connector is first-come, first-served — no separate reservation — but expect waits of up to 30–60 minutes during peak hours.
Parking at the Park & Ride
Free for reservation holders at 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise Ski Resort. Vehicles may access 6 a.m.–8 p.m. The lot is large and rarely fills; it is the recommended starting point for anyone driving to Lake Louise.
No cell service at the lake
Moraine Lake is a backcountry location — no cell service, Wi-Fi, running water or lighting, pit toilets only. Screenshot your boarding pass before leaving; coverage returns about 5 km down Moraine Lake Road.
Park pass is separate
The shuttle ticket does not include a national park pass (CAD $12.25 adult day pass). However, park admission is free June 19 – September 7, 2026 under the Canada Strong Pass. Note: parking fees are not waived by the Canada Strong Pass.
Accessibility
New for recent seasons: Parks Canada dispatches an accessible shuttle on demand — present your ticket and identify your needs, and staff will radio for an accessible vehicle. Not available on the Alpine Start. Travel companions may join, space permitting.
Can You Drive to Lake Louise? Parking Fees, Fill Times & the CPI-Linked Rate Hikes
Yes — unlike Moraine Lake, no gate and no reservation stand between you and the Lake Louise Lakeshore lot. The catch is that Parks Canada itself rates driving there "Difficult."
Lake Louise is one of the few marquee stops in Banff National Park you can still drive to. There is no road gate and no reservation required to bring your own vehicle to the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot, directly below the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. That's the opposite of Moraine Lake, where the road has been closed to private vehicles since 2023.
The catch is capacity, not legality. Lake Louise draws about 2.6 million visitors a year — up 70% since 2010 — inside a park that hit a record 4.5 million visitors in 2025. Parks Canada's own Visitor Use Management reporting found that in summer 2025, roughly 1,000 personal vehicles a day secured a spot at the ~400-space lot, while an estimated 1,800 to 2,500 vehicles were turned away every day once it filled. That's why Parks Canada's official trip-planning page rates driving to the Lakeshore "Difficult" and states that "attempting to take your personal vehicle to the Lake Louise Lakeshore is not recommended."
Driving distances: Lake Louise is about 183 km (roughly 2 hours) from Calgary via the Trans-Canada Highway, and about 57 km (around 45 minutes) from the Town of Banff. Lake Louise Drive climbs about 4 km from the highway exit to the lakeshore lot.
2026 parking fee
CAD $42 per vehicle, per day (flat rate, no hourly option) — up from $36.75 in 2025 and $11.70 when paid parking launched in 2021. Parks Canada attributes the increase to mandatory annual Consumer Price Index adjustments under the Service Fees Act; the cumulative CPI adjustment behind the 2026 rate was 10.7%.
Accessible parking rate
CAD $12.75 per day for vehicles displaying a valid government-issued accessible placard — first-come, first-served, same lot. There is no equivalent accessible parking at Moraine Lake; an accessible shuttle is provided there instead.
Enforcement & payment
Paid parking runs 3 a.m.–7 p.m. daily during the May 15–October 12, 2026 shuttle season (free outside those dates). Pay-by-plate kiosks in the upper and lower lots register your license plate — no ticket to display, and no online pre-purchase. The fee is separate from your park entry pass and is not waived by the Canada Strong Pass free-admission window (June 19–September 7, 2026).
No overnight, no RVs
Overnight parking isn't permitted, and oversized vehicles — anything over 6 m (20 ft) long, 2 m (79 in) wide or 1.78 m (70 in) tall — must use the Park & Ride instead, which has ample room for RVs.
When does it fill? The ~400-space lakeshore lot is usually full by 8 a.m. in peak season, often well before sunrise in July and August. To have a realistic shot, arrive between 5:00 and 6:30 a.m., and check the BanffNow app or BanffParking.ca for live availability before you leave your hotel. If the lot is full, driving on isn't worth the risk — turn around for the Park & Ride at 1 Whitehorn Road and take the shuttle instead (reservations: reservation.pc.gc.ca or 1-877-737-3783).
Village of Lake Louise Parking: Free, But a Hike (or Gondola) From the Lake
Free parking around Samson Mall in the Village of Lake Louise is limited and fills quickly — but it opens up trail, bike and gondola-shuttle routes to the lakeshore that many drivers overlook.
The Village of Lake Louise sits about 4–4.5 km downhill from the lakeshore — a distinction that trips up a lot of first-time visitors expecting the village and the lake to be next to each other. Parking near Samson Mall is free but limited, and fills quickly in summer.
Tramline Trail
A forested walking route from the village to the lakeshore. The gentler of the two village-to-lake trails, and the one most first-timers should default to.
Louise Creek Trail
A shorter but steeper alternative between the village and the lake. Walking directly up Lake Louise Drive itself is not recommended — it's a narrow mountain road with heavy traffic and minimal shoulder.
Cycling Lake Louise Drive
Cycling up from the village is allowed, and bike racks are provided at the lakeshore — a practical option if you'd rather not walk or wait for parking.
Ski Louise Free Gondola Shuttle
A free shuttle connects Samson Mall (in front of Wilson Sports) to the Lake Louise Summer Gondola at the ski resort, daily through October 13, 2026, first-come, first-served. It gets you to the gondola base, not the lakeshore directly — pair it with the Summer Gondola for mountain views rather than lake access.
If you're staying in the village and plan to take the Parks Canada shuttle, you still need to get yourself to the Park & Ride at 1 Whitehorn Road — it is not walkable from Samson Mall.
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Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Guests can walk to the lake at any hour and skip the parking situation entirely. Self-parking runs about CAD $45/day (2026) plus a resort fee — but you get sunrise and sunset at the lake without the crowds. See also our best time to visit guide.
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If you must drive, arrive by 5:30–6:00 a.m.
Check the BanffNow app for live lot status before you leave. Arriving after sunrise in July or August means a high chance of being turned away.
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Book the Parks Canada shuttle instead
Reservations open April 15, 2026 at 8 a.m. MDT (see the booking tips below), online at reservation.pc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-737-3783. It removes the parking-lottery risk entirely and includes both lakes via the free Lake Connector.
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Visit in shoulder season
In May, late September and October, parking pressure eases dramatically at the lakeshore lot — though the lake may still be partly frozen in May and early June.
How to Actually Get a Parks Canada Shuttle Reservation — 5 Tips
75,000 people queued on 2026's opening morning. Here's how to give yourself the best shot.
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Create your account before the release date
Book at reservation.pc.gc.ca using a GCKey, Canadian bank account, Google or Facebook login. If you haven't booked since March 2023, update your account — old accounts sometimes require re-verification. Logging in before the queue opens does not improve your position (placement is random), but not being logged in after 8 a.m. puts you at the back.
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Be online by 7:30 a.m. MDT on release day
Parks Canada opens a waiting-room page 30 minutes before the 8 a.m. release. At 8 a.m. everyone online is assigned a random queue position. Being there at 7:30 a.m. ensures you're in the initial random draw; arriving after 8 a.m. puts you at the back. Use a desktop computer, not a phone, under booking pressure.
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Decide in advance: date, party size, first destination
You choose Lake Louise Lakeshore or Moraine Lake as your first stop, plus a one-hour departure window. Have all of this decided before you reach the front of the queue — you have 30 minutes to complete a booking once your spot is reached, and hesitation costs you the slot.
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Try the 48-hour rolling release if your date looks sold out
The remaining 60% of seats release at 8 a.m. MDT exactly two days before each departure date. Parks Canada's Eastham noted those seats "sell out within about 45 minutes," so set a phone alarm and be ready to book instantly. This is a genuine second chance, not a long shot.
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Cancellations reappear all season — and there are backup operators
Returned Parks Canada seats reappear in the booking system without notification; refreshing the page can surface them. Third-party alert services like Schnerp exist for this purpose. If none of this works, book a commercial operator (see below) or a guided tour — both reach Moraine Lake with guaranteed seats.
Roam Transit to Moraine Lake in 2026 — Super Pass, Route 8X and What's Changed
Route 10 (the old Moraine Lake Express) is not running in 2026. The only Roam product that reaches Moraine Lake is the Reservable Super Pass.
Roam's car-free path from Banff to Moraine Lake works as follows: Route 8X (Lake Louise Express) runs daily year-round between the Town of Banff and Lake Louise, then the Reservable Super Pass grants access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector. The Super Pass (~CAD $30 adult) gives a full day of unlimited Roam routes plus the round-trip Lake Connector ride to Moraine Lake. It is the only Roam product that reaches Moraine — individual Route 8X tickets do not include the Lake Connector.
Banff → Lake Louise
Daily, year-round, along the Trans-Canada Highway. Departs the Banff High School Transit Hub. 2026 fare: ~CAD $12.50 adult, $6.25 senior/youth, children 12 and under free (reservation still required on reservable services). About 40% of seats on each departure are walk-up; summer walk-up waits can reach 2 hours. Free 9-hour parking at the Banff Train Station.
Reservable Super Pass (~$30)
Includes unlimited Roam routes for the day plus a round-trip Route 8X reservation and a round-trip on the Parks Canada Lake Connector to Moraine Lake. Key rules: you must start in Banff (starting in Lake Louise disqualifies you); round-trip bookings only — no one-way; you must board the Lake Connector to Moraine by 4:30 p.m. and be at the transit hub at least 20 minutes before your reserved 8X departure or the reservation is cancelled. Last return from Moraine Lake to Lake Louise is 6 p.m. Cancellation: 25% fee if more than 48 hours out; no refund within 48 hours; the $3 booking fee is never refunded.
Route 10 not operating
Roam confirmed Route 10 (the old Moraine Lake Express) is NOT running in 2026. If you see older guides referencing it, ignore them. The only Roam path to Moraine Lake in 2026 is the Super Pass + Lake Connector combination above. If you only want Lake Louise (not Moraine), a cheaper reservable one-way or return Route 8X is available — it opens on the same staged dates as the Super Pass but does not include Moraine Lake access.
When Super Pass reservations open
June travel: opened April 23 · July travel: opened May 25 · August travel: opened June 22 · September–October 12: opened July 27. Available online only; a non-refundable $3 booking fee applies. Sells out quickly for July and August — book the moment your month's window opens.
Roam Route 3: Canmore → Banff
Staying in Canmore? Roam Route 3 connects Canmore to Banff, giving you access to the Route 8X and Reservable Super Pass combination. Board Route 3 in Canmore, travel to Banff High School Transit Hub, then pick up Route 8X to Lake Louise and the Lake Connector to Moraine. Check current Route 3 timetables at roamtransit.com — some departures are reservable, especially in summer.
Commercial Shuttle Operators to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise 2026
More expensive than the Parks Canada shuttle but with reserved seats, sunrise departures and no reservation lottery. All run roughly June 1 – October 12, 2026.
Moraine Lake Bus Company
Lake Louise–based, 24-passenger buses. The highest-volume dedicated operator. Round-trip fares from Lake Louise: daytime Moraine Lake from ~CAD $70/person, sunrise departures (4 a.m./5 a.m./5:30 a.m.) from ~CAD $115/person. Daytime shuttles depart the Lake Louise Summer Gondola; sunrise shuttles from Samson Mall. No Banff or Canmore pickup. Changes allowed up to 24 hours before departure.
Fairview Limousine
Based in Lake Louise Village, departing Lake Louise Inn. Fixed base fares: Moraine Lake Sunrise CAD $75 +GST & fees; Moraine Lake daytime CAD $35 +GST & fees; Lake Louise CAD $25 +GST & fees. Runs sunrise shuttles, hourly daytime departures and a Moraine-to-Lake-Louise connector (~CAD $45 add-on). One of the only operators accepting large dogs (a seat must be purchased). Group discounts available (10–20% for groups of 4+).
Via Via
Hotel pickups in Banff and Canmore; a curated small-group option with hot drinks and blankets for sunrise guests. From prices: Lake Louise from CAD $45, daytime Moraine Lake from CAD $59, Moraine Lake sunrise from CAD $85. Also offers late-return options for longer hikes and Emerald Lake service.
Guided tours (pickup + guide included)
Discover Banff Tours, Radventures, Banff Adventures and others offer full-service guided trips — hotel pickup, guide, park pass and Moraine access in one price. These cost more (typically well over CAD $100/person) but remove every logistics step. The half-day shuttle tour above (★ 4.9, 1,700+ reviews) is the highest-rated mid-range option. For the full licensed operator list, see CarFreeBanff.ca.
Commercial operators pass on Parks Canada's per-trip fee (slightly over CAD $300 per bus, introduced 2025), which accounts for why commercial fares are higher than the Parks Canada shuttle price alone.
Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Shuttle Options Compared: Cost, Booking & Best For
Rough 2026 costs, how to book each and who each option suits best.
| Option | Rough cost (2026) | How to book | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parks Canada shuttle | ~CAD $12.75 return (adult) | reservation.pc.gc.ca — 40% at launch, 60% rolling 48h | Budget; plan-ahead visitors who can win the reservation |
| Roam Super Pass | ~CAD $30 / day | roamtransit.com — staged monthly windows | Car-free from Banff; all-day lake-hopping |
| Moraine Lake Bus Co. | ~CAD $70–115+ return | morainelakebuscompany.com | Guaranteed seat; sunrise departures from Lake Louise |
| Fairview Limousine | CAD $35–75+ return | fairviewlimousine.com | Fixed fares; group discounts; Lake Louise–based |
| Via Via | ~CAD $59–105 return | viavia.ca | Pickup in Banff/Canmore; curated small-group sunrise |
| Half-day guided tour | From ~USD $59 | GetYourGuide (★ 4.8, 1,850+ reviews) | Reserved seat + guide + park pass; no lottery |
| Full-day guided tour | From ~USD $70 | GetYourGuide (★ 4.8, 2,150+ reviews) | Multiple lakes; hotel pickup; zero logistics |
Short version: if you can win a Parks Canada reservation, take it — it's the cheapest option by a wide margin. If you're staying car-free in Banff, buy the Roam Super Pass the moment your month's window opens. If you want a guaranteed sunrise or simply can't face the reservation queue, go commercial or book a guided lakes tour. Still choosing which lake deserves the dawn slot? See Moraine Lake vs Lake Louise. Read the full Moraine Lake guide →
Practical Logistics: Parking, Passes, Ride Times & What to Bring
Parking: Park & Ride vs Lakeshore
Park & Ride (1 Whitehorn Road): free with a reservation, open 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Lake Louise Lakeshore lot: CAD $42/vehicle/day (May 15 – Oct 12), only needed if using the Alpine Start. About 75% of vehicles are turned away from the Lakeshore lot in peak season — the Park & Ride is always a better bet.
Ride times
Park & Ride to Moraine Lake: ~20–25 minutes. Park & Ride to Lake Louise Lakeshore: ~15–20 minutes. Budget a couple of hours per lake, plus connector wait time (30–60 minutes during peak hours).
National park pass
Required separately for all shuttle options (not included in Parks Canada or commercial shuttle fares). 2026 adult day pass: CAD $12.25. Free for all visitors June 19 – September 7, 2026 under the Canada Strong Pass; youth 17 and under always free. Guided tours include the park pass.
Screenshot everything
No cell service at Moraine Lake — no signal, Wi-Fi, running water or lighting, pit toilets only. Take screenshots of your boarding pass, shuttle schedule and booking confirmations before you leave cell range (about 5 km from the lake).
Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Shuttle 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Costs, booking dates, the rolling release, Lake Louise driving & parking, Roam Transit and tour vs shuttle — answered.
How much does the Parks Canada Moraine Lake shuttle cost in 2026?
The Parks Canada Park & Ride shuttle costs CAD $12.75 return for adults (18–64), $6.00 for seniors (65+) and $4.00 for youth 17 and under. A non-refundable reservation fee of $3.50 applies per online booking (up to 10 seats). One ticket covers both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise via the free Lake Connector. The national park entry pass is separate (CAD $12.25 adult day pass), though it is free June 19 – September 7, 2026 under the Canada Strong Pass.
Can I still drive to Lake Louise in 2026?
Yes — unlike Moraine Lake, private vehicles can still reach the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot, and no reservation is required to drive there. However, the roughly 400-space lot usually fills by 8 a.m. in peak season, and Parks Canada estimates 1,800 to 2,500 vehicles are turned away each day once it's full. Parks Canada's own trip-planning page rates driving there "Difficult" and states that attempting it "is not recommended." See our Lake Louise parking section for fees and fill times.
How much is parking at Lake Louise in 2026?
CAD $42 per vehicle per day (general) or $12.75 for vehicles displaying a valid accessible placard, in effect 3 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from May 15 to October 12, 2026. It's a flat day rate paid via on-site pay-by-plate kiosks — there's no hourly option and no online pre-purchase. The rate has climbed from $11.70 at its 2021 launch to $36.75 in 2025 and $42 in 2026, tracking mandatory annual Consumer Price Index adjustments under the Service Fees Act.
When do Parks Canada shuttle reservations open for 2026?
Parks Canada shuttle reservations for 2026 opened Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. MDT, when 40% of the full season's seats were released. The remaining 60% are released at 8:00 a.m. MDT exactly two days (48 hours) before each departure date. Even if your target date looks sold out, the 48-hour rolling release is a genuine second chance — though those seats typically sell out within 45 minutes of release. For full booking tips, see our complete Moraine Lake guide.
What if the Parks Canada Moraine Lake shuttle sells out on my date?
Three fallback options: (1) set an alarm for 8:00 a.m. MDT exactly two days before your target date and try the 48-hour rolling release; (2) book a commercial shuttle operator such as Moraine Lake Bus Company, Fairview Limousine or Via Via, which offer reserved seats at roughly CAD $35–115 return; (3) book a guided tour with hotel pickup, which handles Moraine Lake access without any Parks Canada reservation. Cancellations also reappear in the Parks Canada system throughout the season.
Can you get from Banff to Moraine Lake without a car?
Yes. The car-free path from Banff is Roam Route 8X (Lake Louise Express) combined with the Roam Reservable Super Pass (~CAD $30), which includes a round-trip on the Parks Canada Lake Connector to Moraine Lake. You must start your journey at the Banff High School Transit Hub. Alternatively, a guided tour picks you up from a hotel in Banff and handles Moraine access. Note that Roam Route 10 (the old direct Moraine Lake Express) is not running in 2026.
Is the Roam Super Pass the same as the Parks Canada shuttle?
No — they are different products that work together. The Roam Reservable Super Pass (~CAD $30) gives you unlimited Roam Transit routes for the day and a round-trip Route 8X from Banff to Lake Louise. It also grants access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector, which runs directly between Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake. The Super Pass is only valid for passengers starting their journey in Banff.
Is the Lake Louise Park & Ride free?
Yes. Parking at the Lake Louise Ski Resort Park & Ride (1 Whitehorn Road) is free for anyone with a Parks Canada shuttle reservation, and it has ample room for RVs and oversized vehicles that aren't allowed at the Lake Louise Lakeshore lot. Vehicles can enter between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.; a gate closes the lot overnight (8 p.m.–6 a.m., May–October).
Can visitors with disabilities drive to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake?
Yes at Lake Louise: vehicles displaying a valid accessible placard may drive to the Lakeshore lot on a first-come, first-served basis and pay the reduced $12.75 accessible parking rate. Moraine Lake has no accessible parking at all — private vehicles are banned there regardless of placard — so Parks Canada instead dispatches an accessible shuttle from the Park & Ride on request.
Is a guided tour better than the Parks Canada shuttle for Moraine Lake?
It depends on your priorities. The Parks Canada shuttle is cheapest at CAD $12.75 return, but requires a reservation, a drive to the Park & Ride and a separate park pass purchase. A guided tour costs more but handles all of it — hotel pickup, park pass, Moraine access and usually Lake Louise and Emerald Lake in the same day. Budget travellers who can win the reservation should take the shuttle; anyone who'd rather skip the logistics should book a tour.