How To Get From Banff to Lake Louise Without a Car

While Lake Louise may look like a dream, getting there can be a nightmare. 

Many Bow Valley visitors assume they’ll need to drive everywhere, but going car-free will save you the lake’s $36.75 parking fee, the $11.00/person Banf National Park Pass, the near-impossibility of finding a space, and the environmental cost of driving a personal vehicle. 

Roam Transit’s 8X bus and private shuttles from downtown Banff are actually much easier.

Public Transit

By far, the most straightforward way to get to Lake Louise is on Roam’s 8X bus, which runs year-round, takes around 50 minutes, and costs $10. 

I would always recommend this route: it’s as quick as driving but cheaper and less stressful, letting you sit back and enjoy the view.

The 8X’s schedule begins at 6:20 AM from Banff’s High School Transit Hub, with the last bus returning at 10:40 PM — giving you plenty of time for a hike to Lake Agnes Tea House. 

You can reserve tickets ahead of time, but I’ve turned up without a reservation a few times without issue. You just need to allow yourself half an hour to queue (allow more in summer). 

Half the seats are put aside for walk-ons, so all is not lost if you miss out on reserving. Pay at the bus stop or using the Token Transit app. You can’t pay cash. 

Before the lakeshore, the 8X stops at Lake Louise Village, and getting off there gives you the option to hike up to the lake. The Louise Creek Trail is 7km and suitable for hiking beginners.

Shuttles and Tour Operators

Parks Canada Shuttle

The Parks Canada shuttle to Lake Louise starts in mid-May, but unlike the Roam bus, it doesn’t begin in downtown Banff. 

Instead, it sets off from Lake Louise Ski Resort. So first, take the ski resort’s free shuttle bus from Banff, which has pickups at various hotels.

Then, the shuttle to Lake Louise costs $8. 

From June, you can connect from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake with the same ticket if you want to see two lakes in one day (most people do).

Parks Canada requires reservations. They open in April, and if you miss the initial tickets, more are released through the season, two days in advance. 

In terms of getting back to Banff from Lake Louise, the last free Ski Resort shuttle leaves at 5:30 PM for Banff, so you’ll need to leave the lake itself well before. 

Private Operators

On-It’s coach service will offer Canmore/Banff to Lake Louise routes in the summer. 

Tickets will likely be cheap — their Calgary to Banff service is $12.50 — and the coaches have room for luggage. 

Hop On Banff also offers a summer route to Lake Louise. 

With the initial pickup at Banff’s Moose Hotel, you’re free to get on and off at its other stops, including Johnston Canyon and Moraine Lake. Tickets are $120.

For a more guided bus trip, Brewster Sightseeing offers a day of lakes and waterfalls, including Lake Louise, that starts and ends in Banff. 

Cycling or E-Biking

Keen cyclists can bike from Banff to Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Parkway. 

At 60km and with 1,300m elevation gain, it is not to be taken lightly. 

However, you’ll have a paved route and fantastic views all the way — including views of the Bow River, Rundles, and Vermilion Lakes. Be prepared and vigilant for bears.

If you’re not as hardcore a cyclist, you can still do the route by renting an e-bike. There are too many providers in Banff to mention, but a couple include Bear Street Outfitters and Banff Cycles.

For cycling one way, Roam buses let you take a bike, but once the rack is full, it’s full.

Other Options

Rideshares and Carpools

Poparide is my go-to to find rideshares in the Bow Valley. 

It lets you see reviews of the driver so you can book wisely. Always pay through the app. 

You’ll see people use Facebook groups to organize their own carpools, too. 

If you’re a visitor, try Banff Canmore Jasper Backpackers Community. 

If you’re local, try Bow Valley Community Connection. Check out the profiles of people you talk to, and try to share with more than one person.

Others in the car might feel like chatting or might not. If you want to be left alone, there’s nothing wrong with politely saying so. 

However, I’ve found that rideshares lend themselves to really good conversations, as people are thrown together from different walks of life.

Taxis 

Taxis will certainly take you from Banff to Lake Louise, but it’s an expensive option, and I’d avoid it if possible. Banff Taxi quoted me $185 before tax and tip for two people.

Seasonal Considerations

Banff and Lake Louise are like different planets in summer and winter. 

Cycling on a regular bike or e-bike is not viable in the snow — however, some Banff-based rental companies, such as Bike Banff, have fat bikes available. 

Parks Canada’s shuttle and On-it coaches don’t run before June or after October. Luckily, the Roam 8X bus will take you there year-round.

I would personally avoid Lake Louise like the black death in the summer, but the reality is that it’s busy any time. 

Go for the off-season, and pick weekdays if possible. Be prepared for very cold conditions in winter.

Realistic Sample Itineraries

Day trip from Banff to Lake Louise

• 9:00 AM: Get the 8X bus from Banff High School Transit Hub (you could first breakfast at Good Earth, opposite).

• 9:52 AM: Arrive in Lake Louise. 

  • The view from the lake can be a hellscape of selfie sticks. Instead, walk around it, or hike up to the Teahouse — but make sure you have bear spray. In summer, you can take a kayak or paddleboard out. The hotel coffee shop serves quick lunches.

• 4:40 AM: Get the 8X bus from Lake Louise lakeshore.

• 5:34 PM: Arrive in Banff.

Overnight trip to Fairmont Lake Louise Hotel

• 9:00 AM: Get the 8X bus from Banff High School Transit Hub.

• 9:42 AM: Get off early, at Lake Louise village, and walk to the lakeshore.

• 12:00 PM: Arrive, have lunch at the hotel, and enjoy the lake. 

  • Alternative afternoon plan: In summer, you can get the Parks Canada Lake Connector to Moraine Lake (schedules are updated each summer). Then take it back to Lake Louise, where you’ll be staying.

• 10:07 AM next day: Take the Roam 8X back to Banff. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does the bus ride take?

The 8X takes just over 50 minutes. From Canmore, you’ll need to get the no.3 bus to Banff first, which takes 25 minutes.

Is it cheaper to rent a car instead of using shuttles?

Not usually. A daily car rental will cost at least $55. Then you’ll have to buy a Parks Canada Pass and pay to park. Not to mention you won’t escape the difficulties of finding a space!

Do I need to reserve the shuttle in advance?

You can book seats on the Roam bus a month ahead. If you don’t book, turn up early to queue. You must book the Parks Canada shuttle. Reservations for the season open in April, and more tickets are released two days before each date. 

Can I bring my pet or bike on the bus or shuttle?

You can bring a pet as long as it stays in a closed carrier or crate, and fits on your lap, for both the Roam bus and Parks Canada shuttle. Bikes are allowed on the Roam bus and Parks Canada shuttle, but racks fill up in the summer. You cannot take bikes on Parks Canada’s Louise to Moraine service.