If Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are on your family adventure list, there’s one very important thing to know before packing the kids into the car and heading to the mountains:
Getting to these two beautiful lakes takes a little more planning than you might expect.
You can still drive to Lake Louise, although parking can be very difficult during the busy season. Moraine Lake is different because personal vehicles are no longer allowed on Moraine Lake Road.
The good news? You can absolutely visit both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in one day with kids, and the Parks Canada shuttle system actually makes combining the two pretty easy once you understand how it works.
So if you're wondering where to park, which shuttle to book, how to get between the two lakes, and what you can do once you arrive, here's what you need to know.
Lake Louise
Moraine Lake
🏔️ Lake Louise + Moraine Lake With Kids
Both lakes are located in Banff National Park, and they're easily two of the most recognizable places in the Canadian Rockies.
Lake Louise is known for its turquoise water, surrounded by mountains and Victoria Glacier, while Moraine Lake sits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and has that incredible blue water you've probably seen on postcards and social media.
They're also extremely popular.
That's the part you really need to plan for.
Parks Canada recommends using public transit or its shuttle system rather than trying to drive to Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round.
If you're visiting with kids and want to see both lakes, planning your transportation before you leave home will make the day much easier.
🚗 Can You Drive to Lake Louise?
Yes, you can still drive your personal vehicle to Lake Louise Lakeshore.
But just because you can doesn't necessarily mean that's the easiest option.
Parking at Lake Louise is extremely limited, and Parks Canada says the lot often fills before sunrise during the busy season. Once it's full, there's nowhere to wait for a parking spot, and vehicles may be turned around.
Paid parking is also in effect at Lake Louise Lakeshore during the shuttle operating season.
For a family trip, I'd personally rather know we have transportation arranged than drive all the way up hoping to find parking.
That's where the Park and Ride comes in.
🚫 Can You Drive to Moraine Lake?
No.
This is probably the most important thing to know when planning your trip.
Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. To visit, most people need to use a Parks Canada shuttle, Roam Public Transit, or an authorized commercial transportation provider.
So don't plan on visiting Lake Louise and then simply getting back into your car and driving over to Moraine Lake.
You'll need to plan your transportation ahead of time.
🚌 The Parks Canada Shuttle
For families wanting to visit both lakes, the Parks Canada shuttle is probably one of the easiest options to understand.
You park at the Lake Louise Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, check in for your reservation, and take the shuttle to the first lake you selected when booking.
And here's the really useful part:
One Parks Canada shuttle reservation gives you access to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Your reservation includes your initial shuttle to the lake you selected, the Lake Connector between the two lakes, your return trip to the Park and Ride, and free parking at the Park and Ride.
That makes it possible to leave the car behind and spend the day exploring both.
🗺️ A Simple Way to Plan Your Day
Your day could look something like:
Lake Louise Park & Ride → Lake Louise → Moraine Lake → Lake Louise Park & Ride
Or:
Lake Louise Park & Ride → Moraine Lake → Lake Louise → Lake Louise Park & Ride
Which one you do first depends on the destination you select when making your reservation.
Once you've visited your first lake, you can use the Lake Connector shuttle to travel between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. You don't need to choose a specific time for the Connector; boarding is first come, first served for eligible ticket holders.
I really like this option for families because you're not constantly thinking about parking or moving your car.
🎟️ Do You Need to Reserve the Shuttle?
Yes.
Parks Canada shuttle reservations are required, and they can sell out.
If you don't get your preferred date when you first check, that doesn't necessarily mean you've missed your chance.
There may be another release two days before your planned visit.
I would still avoid leaving everything until the day of your trip, especially when travelling with kids. Parks Canada says same-day availability shouldn't be relied on because reservations frequently sell out in advance.
Check current Parks Canada shuttle information and reservations
📅 When Do the Shuttles Run?
Parks Canada's regular Lake Louise shuttle operates from May to October.
The Moraine Lake shuttle operates from June to October, weather permitting.
The Lake Connector between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake also operates from June to October.
💚 What to Do at Lake Louise With Kids
You don't need to plan a big hike to enjoy Lake Louise.
Simply walking around the lakeshore, taking in the mountain views, and letting the kids explore can easily be enough for a family visit.
If your family enjoys walking, you can add a trail depending on the kids' ages and how much time you have.
And that's something I like about places like Lake Louise: you can make the day as easy or as adventurous as your family wants.
You don't need to hike for hours just to enjoy the scenery.
If you're trying to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the same day, I wouldn't overpack the itinerary. Give yourselves enough time to actually enjoy each lake.
💙 What to Do at Moraine Lake With Kids
Moraine Lake is one of those places where simply arriving and seeing the view is part of the experience.
You can spend some time around the lakeshore or explore one of the nearby trails depending on how much walking your family wants to do.
Again, you don't need to turn this into a huge hiking day.
If your goal is simply to experience both famous lakes with the kids, sightseeing, photos, and some easy exploring can make for a full day.
One thing to know before arriving is that Moraine Lake has no cell service, Wi-Fi, running water, or other regular services. Pit toilets are available.
That's definitely something I'd want to know before arriving with kids!
🎒 What I'd Bring for a Family Day
Because this can turn into a long mountain day, I'd pack more than I would for a regular city outing.
I'd bring:
- Water for everyone
- Snacks and/or lunch
- Layers, even if the weather looks warm
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- A small first-aid kit
- Portable phone charger
- Anything younger kids normally need for a longer outing
I'd also download or screenshot important information before heading out, especially because you can't rely on cell service at Moraine Lake.
And with kids, snacks. Always snacks. 😂
⏰ Don't Make Your Schedule Too Tight
This is a big one.
Don't plan your day assuming you'll step off one shuttle and immediately onto another.
Parks Canada advises visitors to expect at least a 30-minute wait for a shuttle, and waits can reach an hour during busy periods.
I'd leave plenty of breathing room in the day, especially with kids.
Bathroom breaks happen.
Someone gets hungry.
Someone suddenly needs to examine a rock for ten minutes. 😂
That's family travel.
I'd rather have enough time to enjoy two places than spend the entire day checking the clock.
🗺️ Sample Lake Louise + Moraine Lake Family Itinerary
If I were planning a simple sightseeing day with kids, I'd keep it something like this:
Morning
Drive to the Lake Louise Park and Ride.
Check in during your reserved departure window.
Take your shuttle to your first lake.
Spend some time exploring the lakeshore, taking photos, and doing a short walk if everyone feels up to it.
Midday
Have lunch or snacks.
Take the Lake Connector to your second lake.
Afternoon
Explore the second lake at a relaxed pace.
Walk around, enjoy the views, and take those family photos.
Then catch your return shuttle to the Park and Ride.
I wouldn't automatically add another major Banff attraction to this itinerary.
Lake Louise + Moraine Lake is already a beautiful family adventure on its own.
🗺️ Quick Trip Info
📍 Location: Banff National Park, Alberta
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly: Yes
🥾 Big hike required: No
🚗 Drive to Lake Louise: Yes, but parking is extremely limited
🚫 Drive to Moraine Lake: No personal vehicle access
🚌 Parks Canada Shuttle: Reservation required
🔄 Lake Connector: Connects Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for eligible shuttle/transit ticket holders
🅿️ Park & Ride: Free parking with a Parks Canada shuttle reservation
🎟️ Park Pass: National park admission is separate from your shuttle ticket.
💡 Things to Know Before You Go
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive to Moraine Lake?
No. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. Visitors generally need to use Parks Canada shuttles, public transit, or an authorized commercial operator.
Can you still drive to Lake Louise?
Yes. Personal vehicles can access Lake Louise Lakeshore, but parking is extremely limited and paid parking is in effect during the shuttle season. The lot frequently fills, so taking a shuttle or public transit is the more dependable option.
Can you visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on the same day?
Yes. A Parks Canada shuttle reservation includes access to the Lake Connector, which allows eligible passengers to travel between the two lakes.
Do I need two shuttle reservations to see both lakes?
Not when using the Parks Canada shuttle system. Your reservation includes your first destination, access to the Lake Connector, and transportation back to the Park and Ride.
Is Lake Louise and Moraine Lake worth visiting with kids?
I think they're great places to include in a family Rockies adventure because you don't have to complete a difficult hike to experience the scenery. You can keep your visit simple and spend your time enjoying the lakes and shorter walks.
Where do I park for the Parks Canada shuttle?
Regular Parks Canada shuttle passengers check in at the Lake Louise Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, 1 Whitehorn Road. Parking there is included with the shuttle reservation.
Do I need a Banff National Park pass if I bought shuttle tickets?
Yes. Your Parks Canada shuttle ticket does not include national park admission.
❤️ Is It Worth Visiting Both With Kids?
I think so.
And I actually think knowing about the transportation situation before you go makes the experience much less intimidating.
You don't need to spend the morning circling for parking or wondering how you're supposed to get to Moraine Lake.
Plan your transportation, pack what your family needs, give yourself plenty of time, and enjoy the day.
Because once you finally get there, you're visiting two of the most beautiful places in the Canadian Rockies.
And that's a pretty good family adventure. ❤️
And if you're looking for more easy family adventures around Alberta and the Canadian Rockies, have a look around my blog. You might just find your next family outing. ❤️
That will be all from me today. Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet. Until next time… Xoxo 💋
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