Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

We commuted from Canmore for a full day at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Changes to vehicle access meant we could not simply park at the lakes, and the available government-provided shuttle option did not work for travelling with Tilly.

A bus full of dogs

We booked Fairview Limousine, paying a $70 dog surcharge on top of the regular fare for transportation to both lakes. They were brilliant, and our bus was full of dogs who were all remarkably well behaved.

Morning at Lake Louise

The shuttle brought us to Lake Louise early enough to enjoy the shoreline before it became overwhelmingly busy. The glacier, turquoise water and mountains made an extraordinary backdrop for photographs with Tilly.

A side trail offered a chance to stretch our legs farther and step away from the main viewpoint. By the time we returned, the area was becoming much more crowded.

Attraction in Lake Louise

Lake Louise

An iconic glacier-fed lake with a busy shoreline and a quieter side trail for stretching the walk.

Read our Lake Louise notes →

Moraine Lake before the rush

Moraine Lake was just as impressive. We arrived shortly before it became extremely busy, which gave us enough space to explore the rocks and reach the elevated viewpoint with Tilly.

I would have been uncomfortable climbing through the rocks with Tilly once it became busier. People were not always considerate when pushing past, and uneven ground left little room to move aside safely.

For either lake, I would book the earliest practical morning slot. Both locations became substantially busier soon after we arrived, and both also had side trails for anyone wanting a longer walk away from the primary viewpoint.

Attraction in Lake Louise

Moraine Lake

An intensely turquoise mountain lake with a rocky viewpoint that became difficult as crowds increased.

Read our Moraine Lake notes →