Shuttle Service between Canmore, Banff, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise

Exploring the Shuttle Service between Canmore, Banff, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise

If you’re planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, chances are Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are on your must-visit list. With Moraine Lake closing to vehicle access in 2024, securing transportation that gets you up close becomes even more important. This shuttle service offered by Banff2Go might just be a good option, especially if you’d rather leave the driving to someone else and focus on soaking in the views.

What we like about this experience is that it promises a hassle-free way to see these iconic spots without worrying about parking or navigating busy roads. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and flexible scheduling options add a nice touch. However, a key consideration is the short exploration time—just about an hour at each location—which might feel rushed if you’re hoping for a leisurely hike or extended sightseeing.

This shuttle service is probably best suited for travelers who want reliable transport and are okay with quick stops rather than long, immersive visits. If you’re tight on time or prefer a structured, no-stress way to check out Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, this could be worth considering. But if you’re craving more time to hike or explore each site thoroughly, you might find the schedule a bit limiting.

Key Points

• Convenient Transport: Avoid the hassle of driving and parking at busy sites.
• Guided Service: Knowledgeable guides make the trip informative and friendly.
• Multiple Schedules: Options to fit different timeframes throughout the day.
• Limited Exploration Time: About an hour at each major stop, which might not suit all travelers.
• Cost-Effective: At around $55, it’s a reasonable way to visit key spots.
• Flexible Hop-On/Hop-Off: Some options to jump on later within the schedule, depending on seat availability.

The Experience in Detail

Traveling between Canmore and the iconic sites of Banff, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise, this shuttle service offers a practical way to skip the stress of driving and parking. If you’ve ever tried to park at Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, you’ll appreciate how crowded and hectic it can get—especially during peak season. This service’s main selling point is that it guarantees your spot at Moraine Lake, which is especially valuable considering the 2024 restrictions on vehicle access.

The itinerary is structured with multiple schedules to suit different parts of the day. For example, Schedule #1 kicks off early, with pickup in Canmore at 7:45 AM and arriving at Moraine Lake between 9:30 and 11:00 AM. You then head to Lake Louise around midday, with the return to Banff in the early afternoon. The later options extend into the evening, which could be handy if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to see the sites as the light changes.

What you can expect at each stop is mostly a quick photo opportunity or a brief look around. One review pointed out that “there is only 1 hour to explore each location,” which isn’t enough for hiking or exploring extensively but works if you’re mainly after photos or a quick look. The guides are friendly and approachable, adding a layer of comfort, especially if you’re new to the area.

The transportation itself is a shared shuttle, which means you’ll be with other travelers. The group size is capped at 24, so it’s not overcrowded. Long-range tickets from Banff offer some flexibility, allowing you to hop on later if seats are available, which is a nice feature.

What About the Price?

At $54.98 per person, the cost is quite reasonable considering it includes all taxes and fuel surcharges. For many, paying for the shuttle is a smarter choice than risking parking fees or the hassle of trying to self-navigate during busy times. Plus, it’s a straightforward way to secure your visit during a period when Moraine Lake’s access is restricted to non-vehicle visitors.

The Reviews: Honest Feedback

The reviews provide some useful insights. One traveler said, “Our tour guide, John, and trainee Jash picked us up promptly and were friendly and informative throughout the day.” It’s clear that guides can make a trip more enjoyable, especially when they’re approachable and knowledgeable.

Another review pointed out that “there is only 1 hour at each site, which is not enough for hiking or other activities, but it’s sufficient for taking a few photos.” This highlights an important aspect: if your goal is to explore extensively, this might not be the right option. You’ll need to manage your expectations about the depth of the experience.

Some travelers appreciated the convenience but noted the schedule can be affected by bad weather, traffic, or road conditions, which can cause delays. The bus doesn’t have a washroom available, so plan accordingly if you need to use facilities.

Practical Considerations

• Duration: Ranges from about 5 to 8 hours, depending on the schedule you choose.
• Pick-up points: Long-range options start at Banff’s Mount Royal Hotel; short-range picks are only at Lake Louise and Lake Louise Visitor Center.
• Flexibility: There’s some room to customize your schedule if you contact the company in advance.
• Suitability: Best for those comfortable with quick stops and not expecting lengthy exploration time.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a stress-free, reliable way to visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise without the hassle of driving and parking, this shuttle service can be quite handy. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer organized schedules and want the reassurance of guided assistance.

However, if you’re someone who wants to spend hours hiking, exploring every nook, or taking your time at each site, this might feel a bit rushed. The short time allocated means you’ll mainly get a snapshot of each location, perfect for quick photos but not for in-depth adventures.

This service is also good for travelers who want to avoid the complexities of parking or those arriving from Canmore and seeking an easy transfer to the most popular spots. It’s a practical choice when time is limited but you still want to see these famous sights.

Final Thoughts

This shuttle service offers a practical way to navigate the busy sites of Banff National Park, especially with Moraine Lake’s vehicle restrictions in 2024. The friendly guides and multiple schedule options help create a smooth, manageable trip, particularly if you’re short on time or prefer group transport.

The main trade-off is the limited exploration time, which might leave some travelers wishing for more. But if your priority is seeing the sights without the hassle of driving or parking, this could be an excellent solution. The value for the price is fair, especially considering it covers all taxes and fuel, plus the peace of mind of a guaranteed spot.

Overall, it’s worth considering if you’re a traveler who enjoys organized tours, values convenience, and is okay with quick stops. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, planning extra time on-site would be advisable.

FAQ

Is this shuttle service available in 2024?
Yes, this service is available, and it’s particularly useful since Moraine Lake is closed to public vehicle access in 2024.

Can I customize my schedule?
You can contact the provider in advance to request a customized schedule, and they generally try to accommodate special requests.

What are the pick-up locations?
Long-range tickets pick up at Banff’s Mount Royal Hotel in Canmore, while short-range tickets are only available from Lake Louise visitor center or the Lake Louise commercial bus parking lot.

How long do stops last?
Each stop is about one hour, which is enough for photos and quick looks but not for extended exploration or hiking.

Is the shuttle comfortable?
It’s a shared coach bus capped at 24 travelers, which should be comfortable enough for most. The bus does not have a washroom available, so plan accordingly.

What’s included in the price?
All taxes and fuel surcharges are included, and the ticket covers a round-trip transfer.

Can I hop on later within the schedule?
Yes, if seats are available, you can hop on for later transfers within the same half-day schedule.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted on this tour.

Is there a restroom onboard?
No, the washroom in the coach bus is not open to guests; you’ll need to use facilities at each stop.

What if the weather is bad?
The service requires good weather, and cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

If you’re after a straightforward, no-fuss way to check out Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, and don’t mind a quick visit, this shuttle could be just what you need. If you want more time or a more relaxed pace, consider planning extra on-site exploration. Either way, it’s about matching your expectations with what this service offers.