Lake Louise Day Experience Shuttle Service
Why You’ll Love It:
- 5 full hours to enjoy Lake Louise at your own pace
- Small group sizes for a more personalized experience
- Door-to-door pickup and drop-off — easy and convenient!
- Sit back, relax, and let us handle the logistics — your only job is to enjoy
🚗 Parking Reality Check
Unlike Moraine Lake, Lake Louise can still be reached by private car. But be warned:
- ⚠️ Over 2,500 vehicles are turned away daily due to overwhelming crowds and limited parking space.
- 🚌 Booking a shuttle ensures a stress-free visit without the parking headache.
Ready for an unforgettable Lake Louise day trip? Let us take you there! 💙
Discover Lake Louise the Stress-Free Way — With Plenty of Time to Explore!
Make the most of your visit to Banff’s most iconic destination with our 5-hour Lake Louise adventure — perfect for anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty or enjoy some of the park’s top hiking trails at their own pace.
We'll pick you up right from your hotel, Airbnb, or vacation rental in Canmore, Harvey Heights, or Banff in one of our comfy, spacious vehicles. Forget about crowded parking lots, confusing signage, or figuring out directions — we take care of everything so you can just sit back and enjoy the scenic ride.
Once you arrive at Lake Louise, you’ll have a generous five hours to explore. Whether you're heading up to Fairview Lookout, hiking to the beloved Lake Agnes Teahouse, or challenging yourself with trails like the Plain of Six Glaciers, Big or Little Beehive, or Saddleback Pass — the day is yours to design. You can even rent a canoe and glide across those unforgettable glacier-fed turquoise waters for a one-of-a-kind memory.
This is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to experience Lake Louise — no stress, no rushing, just pure Rocky Mountain magic.
Top Hiking Picks Around Lake Louise:
- Lake Agnes Teahouse (2.5–3.5 hrs)
- Plain of Six Glaciers (3–4.5 hrs)
- Little Beehive (2–4 hrs)
- Big Beehive (2–4 hrs)
- Saddleback Pass (2–4 hrs)
Lake Louise Hike Durations – Round Trip Estimates
Here’s how the typical round-trip (back and forth) hiking times compare to your list:
🌲 Lake Agnes Teahouse
- Distance & Elevation: ~3.5 km one-way, ~400 m gain
- Typical round-trip: 3–4 hours
🏔️ Plain of Six Glaciers
- Distance: ~7 km one-way, ~487 m elevation gain
- Typical round-trip: 3–5 hours
🐝 Little Beehive
- Extra from Lake Agnes: ~0.75 km (short detour)
- Typical round-trip: 2–4 hours from Lake Louise
🐝 Big Beehive
- Typical round-trip: 3–5 hours total
📊 Summary Table
| Hike | Your Time | Typical Round-Trip Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Agnes Teahouse | 2.5–3.5 hrs | 3–4 hrs |
| Plain of Six Glaciers | 3–4.5 hrs | 3–5 hrs |
| Little Beehive | 2–4 hrs | 2–4 hrs |
| Big Beehive | 2–4 hrs | 3–5 hrs |
| Saddleback Pass | 2–4 hrs | Not confirmed as Lake Louise trail |
Tip: All durations assume moderate pace with short breaks. Add extra time for photos, tea breaks, or elevation gain fatigue.
Not into hiking? No problem!
There’s something for everyone — enjoy a peaceful paddle, try some light climbing, or bring along a book and a blanket for a relaxing lakeside picnic.
What’s Included:
- Pickup from your hotel or rental in Banff, Canmore, Harvey Heights, or Lake Louise 🏨
- Friendly local driver-guides with insider tips on views, trails, and photo ops 🏔️
- Clean, modern, and comfortable shuttles 🚐
- Phone chargers on board 🔋
🚐 Lake Louise Shuttle Schedule
🕘 Standard Day Tour Morning Departures
• 9:00 AM – Depart from Canmore
• 9:05 AM – Pick-up at Harvie Heights
• 9:35 AM – Pick-up in Banff
• 10:00 AM – Final pick-up at Lake Louise town Arrival at Lake Louise
• 10:30 AM – Estimated arrival time Return Journey
• 3:30 PM – Depart Lake Louise
• 4:00 PM – Drop-off in Lake Louise town
• 4:30 PM – Drop-off in Banff
• 4:55 PM – Drop-off at Harvie Heights
• 5:00 PM – Final drop-off in Canmore
🌄 Canmore – Hotels along Bow Valley Trail and Surroundings:
- Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre – 511 Bow Valley Trail
- Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide – 1725 Bow Valley Trail
- Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge – 1711 Bow Valley Trail
- Super 8 by Wyndham Canmore – 1402 Bow Valley Trail
- Quality Resort Chateau Canmore – 1720 Bow Valley Trail
- Northwinds Hotel Canmore – 1602 2nd Avenue (corner of Bow Valley Trail)
- Canmore Inn & Suites – 1402 Bow Valley Trail
- The Malcolm Hotel – 321 Spring Creek Drive
- Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn – 1719 Bow Valley Trail
- Basecamp Resorts Canmore – 1102 Bow Valley Trail
- Grande Rockies Resort - Bellstar Hotels & Resorts – 901 Mountain Street
- Blackstone Mountain Lodge by CLIQUE – 170 Kananaskis Way
- Solara Resort by Bellstar Hotels – 187 Kananaskis Way
- Windtower Building – 160 Kananaskis Way
- Georgetown Inn & Pub – 1101 Bow Valley Trail
- MTN House By Basecamp – 100 Kananaskis Way🏔️
🏕️ Harvie Heights:
- Banff Boundary Lodge – 1000 Harvie Heights Road
- Rundle Chalet Motel – 101 Harvie Heights Road
- Skyridge at Harvie Heights – 115 Harvie Heights Road
📍 Banff – Hotels along Banff Avenue:
- Banff Ptarmigan Inn – 337 Banff Avenue
- Moose Hotel & Suites – 345 Banff Avenue
- Banff Inn – 501 Banff Avenue
- Canalta Lodge – 545 Banff Avenue
- Fox Hotel & Suites – 461 Banff Avenue
- Mount Royal Hotel – 138 Banff Avenue
- Elk + Avenue Hotel – 333 Banff Avenue
- Brewster’s Mountain Lodge – 208 Caribou Street (just off Banff Ave)
- High Country Inn – 419 Banff AvenueBanff Aspen Lodge – 401 Banff Avenue
- Red Carpet Inn – 425 Banff Avenue
- Royal Canadian Lodge – 459 Banff Avenue
🏞️ Other Banff Hotels:
- Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel & Conference Centre – 201 Lynx Street
- Banff Train Station – 327 Railway Avenue
Lake Louise:
- Lake Louise Inn – 210 Village Road
- Mountaineer Lodge – 101 Village Road
📍 Banff – Hotels along Banff Avenue:
- Banff Ptarmigan Inn – 337 Banff Avenue
- Moose Hotel & Suites – 345 Banff Avenue
- Banff Inn – 501 Banff Avenue
- Canalta Lodge – 545 Banff Avenue
- Fox Hotel & Suites – 461 Banff Avenue
- Mount Royal Hotel – 138 Banff Avenue
- Elk + Avenue Hotel – 333 Banff Avenue
- Brewster’s Mountain Lodge – 208 Caribou Street (just off Banff Ave)
- High Country Inn – 419 Banff AvenueBanff Aspen Lodge – 401 Banff Avenue
- Red Carpet Inn – 425 Banff Avenue
- Royal Canadian Lodge – 459 Banff Avenue
🏞️ Other Banff Hotels:
- Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel & Conference Centre – 201 Lynx Street
- Banff Train Station – 327 Railway Avenue
🌄 Canmore – Hotels along Bow Valley Trail and Surroundings:
- Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre – 511 Bow Valley Trail
- Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide – 1725 Bow Valley Trail
- Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge – 1711 Bow Valley Trail
- Super 8 by Wyndham Canmore – 1402 Bow Valley Trail
- Quality Resort Chateau Canmore – 1720 Bow Valley Trail
- Northwinds Hotel Canmore – 1602 2nd Avenue (corner of Bow Valley Trail)
- Canmore Inn & Suites – 1402 Bow Valley Trail
- The Malcolm Hotel – 321 Spring Creek Drive
- Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn – 1719 Bow Valley Trail
- Basecamp Resorts Canmore – 1102 Bow Valley Trail
- Grande Rockies Resort - Bellstar Hotels & Resorts – 901 Mountain Street
- Blackstone Mountain Lodge by CLIQUE – 170 Kananaskis Way
- Solara Resort by Bellstar Hotels – 187 Kananaskis Way
- Windtower Building – 160 Kananaskis Way
- Georgetown Inn & Pub – 1101 Bow Valley Trail
- MTN House By Basecamp – 100 Kananaskis Way🏔️
Lake Louise:
- Lake Louise Inn – 210 Village Road
- Mountaineer Lodge – 101 Village Road
🏕️ Harvie Heights:
- Banff Boundary Lodge – 1000 Harvie Heights Road
- Rundle Chalet Motel – 101 Harvie Heights Road
- Skyridge at Harvie Heights – 115 Harvie Heights Road
🧳 Essentials for Your Lake Day
- ✔️ Dress smart! Wear or pack layers so you’re ready for warm sunshine or sudden mountain chills. You may want to consider wearing hiking shoes too.
- ✔️ Don’t forget sun protection—hat, shades, and sunscreen are must-haves.
- ✔️ Bring your own water and light snacks to stay refreshed on the trails.
- ✔️ The Rockies are unpredictable—rain, wind, or sun can show up anytime. You may want to bring a raincoat or umbrella
- ✔️ Always double-check the latest weather forecast.
👶 Kid-Friendly Travel Info
If you're bringing little adventurers:
- ✅ We provide forward-facing child seats for kids over 2 years old or weighing at least 40 lbs (18 kg).
- ✅ For infants under 2 or under 40 lbs, a rear-facing child seat is required—please bring your own.
- 📩 Kindly let us know ahead of time if you need a seat or will be bringing one. Seats may remain on the shuttle while you explore.
🐾 Traveling with Pets
- 🐶 Small pets are allowed if they stay in a secure lap-sized travel carrier.
- 🦮 Service animals are welcome—just reach out to let us know in advance!
- 🚐 Relax and ride in style with our brand-new, comfy luxury shuttles.
- 🏨 We pick you up right from your doorstep in Banff, Canmore, Harvie Heights, or Lake Louise—no need to meet us halfway!
- 🏔️ Local guides who know their stuff—get insider tips on the best hikes, views, and photo spots.
- 🥤 Stay refreshed with a bottled water!
- 🔋 Charge up on the go with in-van phone chargers available during your ride.
- 🏞️ Hassle-free access to Moraine Lake included—no extra fees, no stress.
- ❌ Food, drinks, or snacks are not included—feel free to bring your own!
- ❌ Canoe rentals are available at the lake but not part of this package.
- ❌ Guided hikes are not provided—this is a self-paced adventure.
- ❌ Tips for your guide or driver are always appreciated but completely optional.
- ❌ Any personal purchases or souvenirs are at your own expense.
- ❌ Hiking gear or equipment isn’t included, so please come prepared if you plan to hit the trails.
No need to meet us somewhere—we’ll come to you! Your check-in will be done right at your hotel pick-up.
Please be ready and waiting 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled time so we can stay on track.
We'll send you a confirmation message the night before with your exact pick-up time and location.
Exploring Moraine Lake and Lake Louise with Tanan
Can I drive to Moraine Lake?
Personal vehicles are not permitted on the road to Moraine Lake. Access is exclusively via **shuttle services** or organized tours.
Is Tanan a shuttle or a tour?
Tanan provides shuttle services. This means we offer reliable transportation, picking you up and dropping you off at your designated location in either Canmore or Banff. Our focus is on getting you to and from Moraine Lake and Lake Louise efficiently, allowing you to enjoy your time at these stunning locations.
It's important to note that **our service is a shuttle, not a guided tour.** While our friendly driver will ensure a smooth journey, they do not provide historical commentary or stay with you at the lakes. Shuttles are ideal if you prefer independent exploration and simply need transportation to and from the lakes.
Is sunrise or sunset better for visiting?
Both sunrise and sunset at Moraine Lake offer incredible scenery and memorable experiences. Any time you choose to visit is sure to be breathtaking. Many find sunrise offers more vibrant photos, while sunset tends to have fewer crowds.
How can I get to Moraine Lake?
The most convenient way to reach Moraine Lake is by utilizing **shuttle services**. Our shuttles provide direct transportation to the lake and will pick you up at a pre-arranged time.
Other transportation options include:
- Hiking (approximately 28km round trip)
- Biking (traditional or e-bike)
- Parks Canada Shuttles
- Roam Public Transit
Can I see Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in one day?
Yes, absolutely! Our shuttle services are designed to allow you to experience both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on the same trip. Enjoy ample time at each of these iconic destinations.
How long are the shuttles?
Our Sunrise Shuttle runs for 7 hours from Canmore or 6 hours from Banff, with approximately 4 hours total spent at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
Our Sunset Shuttle runs for 6 hours from Canmore and 5 hours from Banff, including around 1.5 hours at Moraine Lake and 1 hour at Lake Louise, followed by a scenic wildlife drive back.
What should I wear?
Mountain weather can be unpredictable, often experiencing all four seasons in a single day. We highly recommend dressing in **layers!** Sweaters, jackets, hats, and gloves will help you stay comfortable. Feel free to pack extra layers or shorts in a backpack, which you can store in the shuttle. We will also have blankets available to help keep you warm.
What should I bring?
We suggest bringing your camera to capture the stunning views, a reusable water bottle, and some light snacks to keep you energized. We will provide water to refill your bottles during the journey.
Please note: Our Sunset Shuttle often coincides with dinner-time. We recommend eating before the shuttle departs or bringing more substantial snacks to enjoy along the way.
Do you offer snacks on the shuttle? Are there any allergy-friendly options?
We offer complimentary bottled water and chips.
Can I eat at the lakes?
Given that we often travel during less busy times, there's a possibility that cafes at the lakes may be closed. However, we will provide light snacks on every shuttle for your convenience.
- Sunrise Shuttle: At Moraine Lake, food service is typically not available. At Lake Louise, there will likely be access to a cafe within the hotel.
- Sunset Shuttle: There's a chance the cafe at Moraine Lake will be open. If your shuttle crosses over dinner, we strongly recommend eating beforehand or bringing a larger snack with you.
Do I need to be an avid hiker?
Not at all! While there's a popular 15-minute hike offering one of the best views of Moraine Lake, there are plenty of easily accessible viewpoints for everyone. Lake Louise also offers numerous convenient viewpoints. You'll have plenty of options to enjoy the scenery without strenuous hiking.
Can my kids come?
We do not provide child safety seats. Children under 40 lbs or under 6 years of age cannot join our shuttles. Children aged 7-12 who can safely ride with a regular seatbelt are welcome. Exceptions may be made for private bookings if you can provide your own child seat – please contact us before booking to discuss.
Can I bring my pet?
While we adore animals, pets are not currently permitted on our shuttles. Please stay tuned for potential future dog-friendly days!
*Exceptions are made for certified service dogs – please contact us if you need to bring a service dog with you.
Do you only visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise?
Our small group shuttle services are focused on providing access to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise during less crowded times. If you're interested in exploring other areas, we'd be happy to discuss a custom itinerary for a private shuttle booking.
For more details, please refer to our terms and conditions.
What is your cancellation policy?
We offer cancellations up to 48 hours in advance. Please contact us by phone or email to arrange.
If minimum group numbers are not met, we will contact you 48 hours in advance to reschedule or issue a refund.