When do Parks Canada shuttle reservations open for 2026?

Parks Canada shuttle reservations for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake open on April 15, 2026 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time (MDT). 40% of all season tickets are released at this time. Create your reservation.pc.gc.ca account beforehand.

Can I drive to Moraine Lake in 2026?

No. Private vehicles are banned from Moraine Lake Road from June through mid-October. You must take the Parks Canada shuttle from the Lake Louise Ski Resort Park & Ride. Shuttle reservations are required and sell out quickly for peak dates.

What if Moraine Lake shuttle tickets are sold out?

Four backup options: (1) Check the rolling release — 60% of tickets drop at 8 AM MT, 2 days before each departure. (2) Take Roam Transit to Lake Louise (no Moraine). (3) Book a commercial tour operator with vehicle access. (4) Cycle Moraine Lake Road (13 km uphill, no reservation needed).

When does the Moraine Lake shuttle start running in 2026?

The Moraine Lake shuttle begins on June 1, 2026, weather and avalanche conditions permitting. The Lake Louise shuttle starts earlier on May 15, 2026.

2026 Season

Shuttle Reservations

Parks Canada shuttles to Lake Louise & Moraine Lake. Countdown, booking guide, and backup plans.

Reservations Open

April 15, 2026 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time

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Go to Parks Canada Reservations Direct Shuttle Booking Link

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

Follow these steps exactly to maximize your chances of getting shuttle tickets.

Create Your Account NOW

Go to reservation.pc.gc.ca and create a GCKey account today. Do NOT wait until April 15. The signup process can take 10+ minutes and the site will be slammed on launch day.

Do this today

Know What You Want

Moraine Lake shuttles sell out fastest. Book Moraine first, then Lake Louise. Peak dates (July weekends, long weekends) go in seconds. Have backup dates ready.

Decide before April 15

Be Ready at 7:55 AM MT

Log in 5 minutes early. Have the booking page loaded. Use a desktop computer (not mobile). Have payment info saved. The 40% initial release sells out in minutes for peak dates.

April 15 at 7:55 AM MT

Rolling Release = Second Chances

60% of tickets are released on a rolling basis starting 2 days before each departure. Set calendar reminders for 8 AM MT, two days before your target date. This is your backup plan.

Ongoing all season

Key Dates for 2026

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April 15 — Reservations Open

40% of all shuttle tickets for the season are released at 8:00 AM MT. Create your account beforehand.

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May 15 — Lake Louise Shuttle Starts

Shuttle service begins from Lake Louise Ski Resort to Lake Louise lakeshore.

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June 1 — Moraine Lake Shuttle Starts

Moraine Lake Road opens to shuttle traffic. No private vehicles. Shuttle is the only way in.

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Rolling Release — 2 Days Before

Remaining 60% of tickets released at 8 AM MT, exactly 2 days before departure. Set alerts.

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Mid-October — Season Ends

Shuttle service ends. Moraine Lake Road closes for winter. Larch season (late Sep) is the final rush.

Backup Plans if Sold Out

Could not get a shuttle ticket? You still have options.

Roam Transit

Roam Transit Route 8S runs from Banff to Lake Louise. No reservation needed, first-come-first-served. Does NOT go to Moraine Lake.

roamtransit.com

Commercial Tours

Licensed tour operators can drive to both lakes. More expensive ($80-150/person) but guaranteed access. Book early — they sell out too.

Browse tours on GetYourGuide

Bike to Moraine Lake

Cycling is permitted on Moraine Lake Road. 13 km uphill from the junction. Hard work, but no reservation needed and no crowds at 6 AM.

Visit Alternatives Instead

Emerald Lake (Yoho), Peyto Lake (Icefields Parkway), or Consolation Lakes (near Moraine) offer similar scenery without the shuttle system.

Find quiet alternatives