Want to see Lake Louise this summer? Parks Canada shuttle reservations open Wednesday

The ever-changing weather conditions of Victoria Glacier and surrounding snowcapped mountains are reflected in the water of Lake Louise on June 26, 2013 in Alberta. (George Rose/Getty Images)

Reservations for Parks Canada’s popular Lake Louise shuttle open on Wednesday.

The shuttle program began in 2013 as a way to get visitors to the destination on weekends during the fall larch season, but has grown into a daily, reservation‑based system available during the busiest months of the year.

It provides access to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

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Parks Canada says the shuttle is the most dependable way for visitors to experience both lakes in a single day.

“Visitation to Banff National Park has increased about 31 per cent over the past decade,” the organization said in a Monday news release.

“In 2025, Banff National Park welcomed a record 4,515,168 visitors. Last summer, approximately 75 per cent of vehicles attempting to access Upper Lake Louise were turned away once the limited parking spots were full.”

Shuttle reservations for summer 2026 open at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Forty per cent of the seats will be released at that time, with the remaining 60 per cent released on a rolling basis at 8 a.m. two days before each departure date.

Shuttle Fares

Parks Canada says shuttle fares are designed to be comparable to public transit.

They are $12.75 for an adult (18-64), $6 for a senior (65+) and $4 for youth (17 and under) – all round trip.

Accessible shuttle experience

New this year, Parks Canada is offering an accessible shuttle experience for visitors with mobility restrictions.

Accessible vehicles will be dispatched as needed, with no advance registration required.

Visitors just need to present their shuttle ticket and identify themselves as having mobility needs.