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00 · Glacial lake in Banff National Park · Alberta · Banff National Park

Lake Louise

The parking lot is full before sunrise. Come with a plan and you will still see the lake.

Shuttle & parkingGetting there & parkingOpening times

View plan

Photo: Thomas Fuhrmann ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

42 CAD/dayLakeshore parking

15 May–12 Oct, daily rate only

12.75 CADShuttle

adults, plus 3.50 CAD reservation fee

12.25 CADPark admission

per adult per day, free up to 17 years

Lake Louise: a lake that takes planning

The route is not the problem; the parking lot is.

Lake Louise lies 55 kilometres (34 mi) west of the town of Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway and, according to Parks Canada, is one of the most visited places in the country. Between May and October the lakeshore parking lot is full before sunrise and stays full until sunset. The lakeshore and the village of Lake Louise are accessible all year.

Parks Canada therefore advises reserving the shuttle or coming by public bus. The lake usually thaws at the end of May, and the high mountain trails are clear from the end of June.

The two teahouses at Lake Agnes and the Plain of Six Glaciers are the most popular hiking destinations at the lake. They open in mid-May and close after Canadian Thanksgiving in mid-October.

Parks Canada: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (read via the archive copy of 1 Aug 2026) ↗

In numbers

Distance from Banff
55 km (34 mi)
Lakeshore trail, one way
2.3 km (1.4 mi)
To Lake Agnes
3.9 km (2.4 mi), +495 m (1,624 ft)
Plain of Six Glaciers
5.9 km (3.7 mi), +595 m (1,952 ft)
Lakeshore parking
42 CAD per day
Shuttle, adults
12.75 CAD
Shuttle frequency
every 30 minutes
Last return
19:30
Tramline Trail from the village
4.3 km (2.7 mi)
Turned away last year
around 75 % of cars

Banff National Park profile

01 · Plan

Shuttle & parking

Shuttle, bus, on foot: your own car is the least certain option.

Photo: Dietmar Rabich ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

How to get to Lake Louise: shuttle, bus or on foot

Shuttle, bus, on foot: your own car is the least certain option.

Price list

checked 21 Sep 2026

Lake Louise prices: park pass, parking and shuttle

Admission, parking and the shuttle are paid separately.

Prices at Lake Louise, 2026 season
ItemPrice
Park admission, adults (18–64), per day12.25 CAD
Park admission, seniors (65+)10.75 CAD
Park admission, family/group, up to 7 people in one vehicle24.50 CAD
Lakeshore parking, per vehicle per day42.00 CAD
Shuttle adults / seniors / youth12.75 / 6.00 / 4.00 CAD
Reservation fee online / by phone3.50 / 5.50 CAD

Children and youth up to 17 pay no park admission. The lakeshore parking fee applies from 15 May to 12 October and is charged on top of admission. Parks Canada: Banff fees (read via the archive copy of 24 Jun 2026) ↗

A park pass for every day

Banff National Park requires a day pass: 12.25 CAD for adults, 10.75 CAD for seniors, 24.50 CAD for a family or group of up to seven people in one vehicle. Admission is free up to 17 years.

Parks Canada: Banff fees (read via the archive copy of 24 Jun 2026) ↗

Lakeshore parking: daily rate only

During the shuttle season, a fixed daily rate applies at the lakeshore from 3:00 to 19:00, even if you only stay an hour. You pay at the machine by licence plate, on site only and for the same day only.

Parks Canada: shuttle and parking FAQ (read via the archive copy of 9 Jun 2026) ↗

Shuttle ticket

The shuttle costs 12.75 CAD for adults, 6 CAD for seniors and 4 CAD for youth. On top comes a reservation fee of 3.50 CAD online or 5.50 CAD by phone, once per booking.

Parks Canada: Banff fees (read via the archive copy of 24 Jun 2026) ↗

What the shuttle ticket includes

The ride to the lake you choose, unlimited rides on the Lake Connector between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, the return trip and parking at the Park and Ride. Park admission is not included.

Parks Canada: shuttle and parking FAQ (read via the archive copy of 9 Jun 2026) ↗

With a disability parking permit

If you have a valid official accessible parking permit, you may drive to the lakeshore while spaces are available. The rate is then 12.75 CAD; a space is not guaranteed.

Parks Canada: shuttle and parking FAQ (read via the archive copy of 9 Jun 2026) ↗

Best time to visit Lake Louise

The shore is open all year; the season decides how you get there.

Climate through the year

Weather and climate at Lake Louise

Most comfortable months by the climate data: July and August. Average daytime highs of around 15 °C, lows of 4 to 5 °C, 70 to 86 mm of precipitation a month. The wettest month is June (117 mm), the driest February (56 mm).

Climate chart at Lake LouiseAverage daily highs from −10 °C to 15 °C, lows from −19 °C to 5 °C; monthly precipitation from 56 mm to 117 mm.
All monthly values as a table
Monthly averages 2001–2020, NASA POWER model
MonthHigh °CLow °CPrecipitation mm
January−9.0−17.669
February−8.5−18.856
March−5.5−15.589
April−2.3−11.370
May4.4−3.982
June11.41.3117
July15.24.686
August14.63.970
September9.6−0.380
October1.6−7.086
November−6.3−15.090
December−10.5−18.966
Year961

Modelled values, not a weather station: NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for a grid cell of about 55 × 45 km around the map point Lake Louise (51.41° N, 116.23° W), with an average cell elevation of about 2,100 m. Averages for 2001–2020. Higher ground and valleys can differ markedly.

Source: NASA POWER, climatology 2001–2020 ↗ · retrieved 3 Oct 2026

02 · On site

Lake Louise hikes: lakeshore, Lake Agnes and teahouses

From the lakeshore trail to the teahouses in the mountains.

Photo: laszlo-photo, bearbeitet von Nikopol ↗ · CC BY-SA 2.0 ↗

„In summer the lakeshore parking lot is full before sunrise, and it stays that way until sunset.“

Lake Louise in winter, when more snow falls than elsewhere in the park.

Lake Louise hikes: lakeshore, Lake Agnes and teahouses

From the lakeshore trail to the teahouses in the mountains.

Lake Agnes and the Beehives

Start: the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot; finish: the Lake Agnes teahouse. 3.9 km (2.4 mi) one way, 495 m (1,624 ft) up and 80 m (262 ft) down, 2.5 to 3 hours there and back; Parks Canada rates it moderate. From Lake Agnes, switchbacks climb the Big Beehive with a view of the lake and hotel: another 1.5 km (0.9 mi) and 150 m (492 ft).

Parks Canada: hiking trails in Banff National Park (accessed 3 October 2026) ↗

Photos of the place

View from above in Banff National Park of turquoise Lake Louise between forests, the hotel at the far end.
Photo: Khoshhat ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗
The teahouse at Lake Agnes in Banff National Park on the shore of a dark blue mountain lake below a rock face.
Photo: qwesy qwesy ↗ · CC BY 3.0 ↗
Scree and rocks in Banff National Park at the Plain of Six Glaciers, glaciers and clouds behind.
Photo: Florian Fuchs ↗ · CC BY 3.0 ↗
Red canoes in Banff National Park on a dock at turquoise Lake Louise.
Photo: LASZLO ILYES from Cleveland, Ohio, USA ↗ · CC BY 2.0 ↗
The wooden teahouse in Banff National Park at the Plain of Six Glaciers among conifers.
Photo: Florian Fuchs ↗ · CC BY 3.0 ↗

Film by the park authority

Banff National Park – A Wild Year

Just under five minutes of time-lapse from Parks Canada's wildlife camera project in Banff National Park, which Lake Louise is part of: a whole year at a single camera site. In English, without narration.

Source: Parks Canada · View channel ↗

Guided on site

You book the Parks Canada shuttle directly with Parks Canada. Through our partner you can book two ways that spare you the hunt for parking (a half-day tour from Banff or Canmore and a bus to Moraine Lake that comes with parking at Lake Louise) and, via Tiqets, the summer gondola at the ski resort, which according to Parks Canada runs roughly from mid-May to mid-October.

Offer photo: From Banff or Canmore: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in half a day

Half-day tour · offer via GetYourGuide

From Banff or Canmore: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in half a day

Five and a half hours with a driver: a good hour at Lake Louise, an hour and a half at Moraine Lake, with no hunting for parking and no shuttle reservation of your own. Morning or midday departure.

  • 5.5 hours
  • Pick-up included
  • Park pass included
  • From Banff or Canmore

Start Fixed pick-up points: Canmore at 7:40 or 14:00, Banff at 8:00 or 14:20.

View offer ↗Ad · partner link · checked 21 Sep 2026

Included are the ride, the driver and the national park pass. The tour goes to Moraine Lake from 1 June to 11 October, after that to Johnston Canyon instead. If too few people sign up, the provider may cancel or reschedule; cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Provider's product photo · GetYourGuide

Offer photo: Moraine Lake shuttle with parking at Lake Louise

Shuttle with parking · offer via GetYourGuide

Moraine Lake shuttle with parking at Lake Louise

Open-top bus or double-decker from Deer Lodge at Lake Louise to Moraine Lake. Parking is included in the ticket, and a bus returns every hour: you take whichever suits you.

  • Parking included
  • Hourly return
  • Open-top bus
  • Starts at Deer Lodge

Start Deer Lodge on the hill at Lake Louise: through the village of Lake Louise and up the road to the lake. Check in 15 minutes before the booked departure.

View offer ↗Ad · partner link · checked 21 Sep 2026

Shuttle and parking are included; the parking lot is open from 7:30 to 17:30, and RVs of any size do not fit. Every passenger needs a full-price ticket, children included. No eating or drinking on the bus. The Lake Louise shore is five minutes' walk away. Provider's product photo · GetYourGuide

Offer photo: Lake Louise sightseeing gondola

Gondola · offer via Tiqets

Lake Louise sightseeing gondola

About 14 minutes in an open four-seat chair or an enclosed gondola up from the Lake Louise ski resort, with views across the valley to the lake and mountains.

  • approx. 14-min ride
  • Chair or gondola
  • Starts at 1 Whitehorn Road
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hrs

Start Lake Louise ski resort, 1 Whitehorn Road; the Park and Ride is at the same address.

View offer ↗Ad · partner link · checked 21 Sep 2026

The ride up and down is included; food, lift pass and other activities are not. Operation depends on the weather. Pets are not allowed, service animals are. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the day of your visit. Provider's product photo · Tiqets

Ad · we may earn a commission if you book through this partner link. Offer details checked 21 Sep 2026. See official prices.

03 · Nearby

Onward from here

Lake Louise lies in Banff National Park, Canada's first national park. You need a park pass for every day in the park; everything else that applies in the park is in the park profile.

Photo: Thomas Fuhrmann ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Map

Lake Louise on the terrain map

Six points, each verified against an OpenStreetMap object. All points are on the Banff National Park map, with details and photos.

Show on mapBanff National Park map · 3D terrain
Field book 01Rules: RVs, overnight parking and petsField book 02Frequently asked questionsField book 03Sources and last checked

Field book · Lake Louise

checked 21 Sep 2026

01Rules: RVs, overnight parking and pets

What often gets overlooked when planning.

RV: better take the shuttle

Vehicles over 6 metres (20 ft) long, 2 metres (6.6 ft) wide or 1.78 metres (5.8 ft) high may not use any public parking lot at the lakeshore. The Park and Ride takes large vehicles.

Parks Canada: shuttle and parking FAQ (read via the archive copy of 9 Jun 2026) ↗

No overnight stays at the shore

Nobody may stay overnight in the lakeshore parking lot.

Parks Canada: shuttle and parking FAQ (read via the archive copy of 9 Jun 2026) ↗

Park and Ride closed at night

From May to October, the access road to the Park and Ride is closed by a gate between 20:00 and 6:00. If you return later, you will only get to your car the next morning.

Parks Canada: shuttle and parking FAQ (read via the archive copy of 9 Jun 2026) ↗

Pets only in a carrier

On the shuttle, pets may only travel in a small carrier held on your lap. Certified service dogs are exempt.

Parks Canada: shuttle and parking FAQ (read via the archive copy of 9 Jun 2026) ↗

Free spaces in real time

For free parking spaces and traffic, Parks Canada refers to the BanffNow website.

Parks Canada: parking in the Lake Louise area (read via the archive copy of 8 Jul 2026) ↗

02Lake Louise: frequently asked questions

Short answers, with sources.

How much does it cost to visit Lake Louise?

You need the park pass for 12.25 CAD per adult per day. If you park at the lakeshore, you also pay 42 CAD per vehicle per day in season; the shuttle costs 12.75 CAD for adults.

Parks Canada: Banff fees (read via the archive copy of 24 Jun 2026) ↗

Do I need to reserve the Lake Louise shuttle?

Yes. All Parks Canada shuttles run only with a reservation, and seats are usually gone well in advance. Parks Canada does not recommend counting on a seat on the day itself.

Parks Canada: visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (read via the archive copy of 8 Sep 2026) ↗

Can you drive your car to Lake Louise?

Yes, but the lakeshore parking lot is full before sunrise in summer, and you cannot wait for free spaces. RVs and oversized vehicles may not park there at all.

Parks Canada: parking in the Lake Louise area (read via the archive copy of 8 Jul 2026) ↗

How do I get from Banff to Lake Louise without a car?

By Roam bus 8X, which runs all year from the town of Banff to the lakeshore. In summer, seats can be reserved.

Parks Canada: visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (read via the archive copy of 8 Sep 2026) ↗

How long is the hike to Lake Agnes?

3.9 kilometres (2.4 mi) with 495 metres (1,624 ft) of ascent; 2.5 to 3 hours there and back. The teahouse is open roughly from mid-May to mid-October.

Parks Canada: hiking trails in Banff National Park (accessed 3 October 2026) ↗

Can you visit Lake Louise in winter?

Yes, the lakeshore and village are open all year. The trails to the teahouses are not safe from November to mid-May because of avalanche danger.

Parks Canada: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (read via the archive copy of 1 Aug 2026) ↗

How far apart are Banff and Lake Louise?

About 55 kilometres (34 mi): Lake Louise lies west of the town of Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway. Without a car, Roam bus 8X runs between the two all year.

Parks Canada: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (read via the archive copy of 1 Aug 2026) ↗

Do you need tickets to see Lake Louise?

There is no separate ticket for the lake, but you need the Banff National Park pass: 12.25 CAD per adult per day, free up to 17 years. Lakeshore parking and the shuttle cost extra.

Parks Canada: Banff fees (read via the archive copy of 24 Jun 2026) ↗

03Sources and last checked

Operator, municipality and park authority, each fact cited individually.

Places on the map

  • Lake Louise Glacial lake

    The lake below the Victoria Glacier. The lakeshore trail runs 2.3 kilometres (1.4 mi) to the west end, where the milky creek flows in.

    Location source ↗
  • Lake Louise Lakeshore Stop and parking lot

    The Parks Canada shuttle and Roam bus 8X stop here. Next to it is the paid parking lot, full before sunrise in summer.

    Location source ↗
  • Lake Louise Park and Ride Parking lot at the ski resort

    Start of all regular shuttles, 1 Whitehorn Road. Parking is free for shuttle passengers; the access road is open from 6:00 to 20:00.

    Location source ↗
  • Lake Agnes Tea House Teahouse, 3.9 km (2.4 mi)

    The teahouse at Lake Agnes, 495 metres (1,624 ft) above the shore. Open roughly mid-May to mid-October.

    Location source ↗
  • Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House Teahouse, 5.9 km (3.7 mi)

    The second teahouse, on the trail towards the Victoria Glacier. About four hours there and back.

    Location source ↗
  • Lake Louise Visitor Centre Visitor centre in the village

    Next to Samson Mall: information from Parks Canada and the tourism association, parking also for RVs, a shop and cafés.

    Location source ↗
  1. Parks Canada: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (read via the archive copy of 1 Aug 2026) ↗
  2. Parks Canada: visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (read via the archive copy of 8 Sep 2026) ↗
  3. Parks Canada: shuttle and parking FAQ (read via the archive copy of 9 Jun 2026) ↗
  4. Parks Canada: parking in the Lake Louise area (read via the archive copy of 8 Jul 2026) ↗
  5. Parks Canada: Banff fees (read via the archive copy of 24 Jun 2026) ↗
  6. Parks Canada: hiking trails in Banff National Park (accessed 3 October 2026) ↗

How current is this information?

Researched 21 Sep 2026. Not a live status. Prices, timetables and opening hours change; please check with the operator before you travel.

Current information from the operator ↗

Image and map credits

Location sources: every point on the map links to the OpenStreetMap object its coordinate comes from. Markers do not imply that access is permitted.

End of the field book · Park authority ↗