Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of the most popular destinations in Canada. The demand to visit these sites is high, and Parks Canada is taking steps to enhance the visitor experience.
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Finding Commercial Transportation Providers
If you’re looking to travel to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake using a commercial transportation operator, you can find a comprehensive list of providers by visiting Banff and Lake Louise Tourism.
Accessing Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
For commercial transportation providers operating in Banff National Park, it’s important to be aware of the traffic congestion that occurs between June and September. It is crucial for operators to follow all signs and directions given by the traffic control personnel. This ensures the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of visitors.
Moraine Lake
Starting in the 2023-2024 season, operators will need to obtain a business license add-on specifically for travel on Moraine Lake Road. This add-on is separate from a regular business license and can be applied for once the shuttle, taxi, or tour bus business license for Banff National Park has been finalized. There are no additional fees for this add-on, which includes a unique decal issued to each commercial vehicle.
Once you have finalized your business license for Banff National Park, please reach out to [email protected] to express your interest in operating on Moraine Lake Road in the 2023-2024 season.
However, it is important to note that possessing a Moraine Lake Commercial Transportation Pass business license add-on and decal alone does not grant you access to Moraine Lake Road. To gain access, your vehicle must display the commercial vehicle registration decals issued by the respective province, territory, or state. Compliance with this requirement is the responsibility of the operator.
What types of vehicles are allowed on Moraine Lake Road?
- Buses: Commercially registered vehicles capable of transporting 11 or more people, including the driver, for the purpose of transportation. Buses must have a business license with Banff National Park and clearly display a commercial park entry pass.
- Taxis: With a business license to operate in Banff National Park, taxis are permitted to travel on Moraine Lake Road.
- Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, and emergency response vehicles are still allowed access. Additionally, vehicles with a valid disabled parking hang tag will also be permitted.
I hold a business license in Banff National Park. Does that make me a commercial transportation provider?
No, having a business license in Banff National Park does not automatically classify you as a commercial transportation provider. Only buses meeting the specific criteria mentioned above will be allowed to travel on Moraine Lake Road. Business license holders, such as guides or photographers, who wish to take clients to Moraine Lake will need to book seats on the Parks Canada Shuttle or arrange transportation with a commercial transportation provider, such as a private shuttle.
Can I apply for a taxi business license to drive clients to Moraine Lake for my other business venture (photography, elopement, guiding, etc.)?
No, taxi businesses must be operated as a taxi service for the general public and community, not specifically for another business venture.
I am a contractor working for Moraine Lake Lodge. Do I need to apply for the Moraine Lake Commercial Transportation Pass in addition to my business license?
No, contractors working for Moraine Lake Lodge will be allowed access. However, they must park in the designated Moraine Lake Lodge parking area instead of the Parks Canada lot. Contractors should make arrangements with Moraine Lake Lodge in advance to obtain a gate access code or speak with the onsite Parks Canada staff upon arrival.
I’ve been awarded a shuttle, taxi, or tour bus business license. Am I now able to pick up and drop-off wherever I want in the community of Lake Louise?
While pick-up and drop-off for existing clients are permitted (e.g., stops on a bus tour), operators are not allowed to solicit new clients in any Parks Canada lots, including the Lake Louise overflow parking lot on Highway 1. Shuttles, buses, and taxis wishing to operate on third-party leaseholds, such as commercial accommodation, must obtain written permission from each leaseholder. This has been a longstanding requirement for all shuttle and taxi business license holders.
Can I make a left turn onto or off of Moraine Lake Road?
No, commercial operators are not permitted to make left turns when entering or exiting Moraine Lake Road due to the high volume of traffic on Lake Louise Drive. This measure is in place to ensure the safety of contracted traffic control personnel and visitors.
Can I park my van or bus overnight in the Moraine Lake parking lot?
No, overnight parking is not permitted unless your tour group is participating in a multi-day backcountry experience.
Where can I park once I arrive at Moraine Lake?
Commercial vans and buses have designated parking spaces in the Moraine Lake parking lot. Vans that can fit comfortably in a standard-sized parking stall will be directed to the commercial van parking area, shown in orange. Buses or oversized vehicles should use the bus parking area, marked in blue.
Parking Availability
If the commercial van and bus parking areas are full, unfortunately, there is no additional parking available. However, operators will be allowed access to drop off their passengers. They must make arrangements with the group for a pick-up time, after which the vehicle will need to leave the parking area. A maximum of 10 minutes is allowed for passenger drop-off and pick-up.
It is important to note that business licenses do not grant any special access or priority in the national park, including parking. All parking in Banff National Park, including for commercial vehicles, is on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking on road shoulders is illegal. The Superintendent may also close any area to public use or for traffic, including access and parking, if necessary for park management purposes.
Lake Louise
Vehicle Restrictions on Lake Louise Drive
All vehicles are permitted to travel on Lake Louise Drive. However, during periods of high traffic volume, all vehicles may be redirected at the Trans-Canada Highway. Parks Canada cannot guarantee parking availability for any visitors, including commercial operators.
Parking Availability
If the commercial van and bus parking areas are full, there is no additional parking available. Operators will still be allowed access to drop off their passengers, but they cannot remain on site. Similar to the arrangements at Moraine Lake, operators must organize a pick-up time with the group, and the vehicle must leave the parking area until the scheduled pick-up time. A 10-minute maximum allowance is provided for passenger drop-off and pick-up.
The information mentioned earlier regarding business licenses, parking availability on a first-come, first-served basis, parking on road shoulders, and the Superintendent’s authority for area closures also apply to Lake Louise.
Other Commercial Vehicle Parking Areas
Lake Louise Community
The Samson Mall parking lot has parking spaces available for large vehicles, such as buses and RVs, located near Village Road. However, there is a time restriction, and parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. The parking spaces in this lot tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Additional parking for large vehicles can be found in the lot behind the Shell Gas Station on Village Road.
Peyto Lake
The upper parking lot at Peyto Lake is designated for accessible and commercial vehicle parking. On a first-come, first-served basis, drivers are advised to stay with their vehicles to allow others to park. Vehicles staying for an extended period should park along the sides of the lot to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Emerald Lake
Commercial vehicle parking is available on the right-hand side of the parking lot from the entrance to the hotel access bridge.
Important Notes
- Parking at many sites across Banff National Park tends to reach capacity between June and September.
- Parking on road shoulders is prohibited.
- Commercial buses are defined as commercially registered vehicles capable of transporting 11 or more people, including the driver, exclusively for the purpose of transportation. All commercial buses must have a business license with Banff National Park and clearly display a commercial park entry pass.
- Business licenses do not provide any rights or priority of access in the national park, including parking. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis for all commercial vehicles.
- The Superintendent may close any area to public use or traffic, including access or parking, if deemed necessary for park management purposes.
For more information, you can also visit the Ambassadeur Hotel website.
