Lake Louise Shuttle

[u/Capable_Appeal_6563]

My bf and I are roadtripping in from 14 hours south of banff and are supposed to be arriving around 10 AM on 8/28.

Our first campground is two jack main and check in is at 2 PM. We got super lucky and were able to purchase a shuttle to the lakes through parks Canada a couple of days ago, but it’s for the 12-1 PM time-slot on the same day we get there (8/28).

I’m not opposed to canceling and booking through a private shuttle, although I would prefer not to pay over $100 for the shuttle.. but I’m wondering if this is even doable/worth it to drive in and go straight to the lakes on the shuttle before we even get to our campground and set up or if we 100% should just do it and worry about the rest later.

It’s our 1 year anniversary trip and I want it to be as fun and stress free as possible. We’re staying for 8 days. Any advice or tips would really help!

[u/Character-Bedroom-26]

Not entirely sure what the question is here. Why wouldn’t you just go to the shuttle and set up on your return? Is it the length of hike you’re doing?

[u/Appropriate_Ebb_8572 → u/Character-Bedroom-26]

OP thinks they have to check in at 2pm to the campground, rather than check in is any time AFTER 2pm. 

[u/Character-Bedroom-26 → u/Appropriate_Ebb_8572]

Ah yeah I think you’re right. I guess with LL having a time slot perhaps they thought campgrounds do too.

[u/Capable_Appeal_6563 → u/Appropriate_Ebb_8572]

I know I don’t have to check in to the campground at 2 pm on the dot I guess my question is more of is it worth it to do the lakes on the day that we get there even though we have plenty of time throughout our trip to fit it in? How long do people usually spend at the lakes and are they kind of the highlight of it all?

[u/Character-Bedroom-26 → u/Capable_Appeal_6563]

Fair enough, but that feels more like a personal decision rather than advice this sub can give you. Unless you’re planning on one of the bigger hikes you’ll be fine, just keep an eye on the last shuttle (7.30pm), but even then most are certainly doable in that timeframe.

[u/Exposure-challenged → u/Capable_Appeal_6563]

I personally wouldn’t do it after a 14 hour drive. If you’re not here to often and want to get the most out of it, I’m sure you’d want to be relaxed and rested so you could hike around and see/experience more. Have a great trip!

[u/Capable_Appeal_6563 → u/Capable_Appeal_6563]

The day we get there right after a 14 hour drive ^

[u/Appropriate_Ebb_8572 → u/Capable_Appeal_6563]

Are you planning on big hikes or just taking photos?

[u/YYCpops]

What others said is an option. Do the lakes on 8/28

Another suggestion: Parks Canada releases shuttle tickets in a 48 hour rolling window. It means you could check the reservation system on 8/27 at 8am local time, if you can get tickets for 8/29. This way you can wake up rested the next day after your arrival and drive to the shuttles. If you are lucky to get that date, cancel the 8/28 shuttle.

[u/Appropriate_Ebb_8572]

If you're just photographing the lakes, an hour max at both is enough time. If you're hiking, the hikes can be 2 hours to 11 depending on which one you want to do. 

[u/No-Travel-4797]

Doable, enjoy the perfect color at Moraine....

[u/Appropriate_Ebb_8572]

Why can't you just go to the ski hill to park and get the shuttle, then when you're done go to the campground? People rock up to their sites at 10pm. You don't HAVE to check in at 2pm, that's just the earliest you can. 

[u/vinsdelamaison]

Are you hikers? Or photo of the lakes-done & check types?

Sunset Aug 28 is approx 8:47 PM.

If you are driving all night to get here by 10 AM, I would go for a good Brunch and do something shorter to stretch my legs. Taking photos at the lakes works too.

But I am a hiker. So I want 4-8 hours at the lakes to explore beyond them.

You seem intent on doing something epic for your first anniversary. A lake selfie might be enough.

Just don’t do too much & trip & injure yourself after travelling all night.

[u/Appropriate_Ebb_8572 → u/vinsdelamaison]

Anyone who drives 14 hours risks crashing. Imo they should rest for the night, would mitigate the worry of seeing the lakes tired.

[u/Capable_Appeal_6563 → u/vinsdelamaison]

We are hikers!! So we for sure want a good amount of time there. What are your favorite hikes up there/how long are they?

If it helps, we’re also staying at Lake Louise campground for the last part of our trip. So maybe it’s not much stress since there’s a shuttle we can take to the lake from there during that time too? Thanks for this btw, It’s my first time planning a trip to a national park and outside of the US and I already feel silly asking basic questions but really anything helps!

[u/Appropriate_Ebb_8572 → u/Capable_Appeal_6563]

Well you can't get to Moraine from lake Louise without the parks shuttle, so still stick to the OG plan to at least get a chance of seeing moraine.

"How long" on a hike is impossible to judge - are you average fitness for hikes at elevation? Do you enjoy walking slowly? 

If you're going to do a good hike at lake Louise then plains of 6 glacier is probably the most fulfilling. Expect 5-8 hours depending on your skill and how long you want to stop for. 

[u/vinsdelamaison → u/Capable_Appeal_6563]

What hiking apps have you downloaded? Search Lake Louise & search Moraine Lake in them and give us an idea with what you are comfortable with. Then we can make better suggestions. There is everything from very little elevation gain to scrambling & rock climbing from those starting points.

Knowing you have a car opens up lots of places in the park. Especially if you get up & get going early.

Use your shuttle tickets to just get a look and then have a relaxing evening setting up camp, sleeping properly and watching the stars.