Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Before you go
Your trip to Lake Louise.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Lake Louise – Alberta Destination Banff and Lake Louise
How to get there
-
Calgary International Airport (YYC) Calgary · 185 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
From Banff, about 58 km via the Trans-Canada Highway or the Bow Valley Parkway. In season, Parks Canada buses depart from the Park and Ride lot at the base of the ski area for both lakes; Roam buses connect Banff to Lake Louise.
How many days
One or two days: one for Lakes Louise and Moraine, another for the gondola, the trails and Peyto Lake.
When to go
From late June to September, when the lakes are ice-free and buses to Moraine run, generally from June to mid-October. In winter, the area is for skiing and skating on frozen Lake Louise.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
For Moraine Lake, a private car won’t work: the road is closed to private vehicles. For Lake Louise, Parks Canada buses avoid the lakeside parking, which fills early. For the Icefields Parkway, a car is helpful.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Lake Louise
-
Morning
Moraine Lake
Catch one of the first buses to Moraine Lake and climb the rock pile, the Rockpile, to see the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
-
Afternoon
Lake Louise
Head to Lake Louise and walk along the shore or hike up to Lake Agnes.
2 days in Lake Louise
Day 1
-
Morning
Moraine Lake
Visit Moraine Lake early by bus and walk along the shore.
-
Afternoon
Lake Louise
Head to Lake Louise and take the trail to Lake Agnes.
Day 2
-
Morning
Peyto Lake
Follow the Icefields Parkway to the Peyto Lake viewpoint at Bow Summit.
-
Afternoon
Lake Louise Gondola
Return and ride the Lake Louise gondola to see the lakes from the other side of the valley.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Banff to Lake Louise?
By car, about 58 km, or by Roam buses. In season, Parks Canada buses run from the Park and Ride to the lakes.
What is the Lake Louise Park and Ride?
The parking lot at the base of the ski area from which Parks Canada buses depart to Lakes Louise and Moraine; reservations are required.
Can you visit Lakes Louise and Moraine in the same day?
Yes. In season, Parks Canada buses link the two lakes.
Does Lake Louise freeze?
Yes, generally from November to May. In winter there is skating and walking on the lake when the ice is declared safe.