RV & Camper Van Tips for Visiting Moraine Lake & Lake Louise
Travelling through the Canadian Rockies in an RV or camper van is one of Canada's great road trips. Every turn reveals another mountain view, another alpine lake, and another reason to pull over and take it all in.
If Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are part of your journey, planning ahead is essential. Parking at Lake Louise can be challenging for larger vehicles, while personal vehicles—including RVs and motorhomes—are not permitted on Moraine Lake Road.
Can You Drive an RV to Moraine Lake or Park at Lake Louise?
No. Personal vehicles, including RVs, camper vans, and motorhomes, are not permitted on Moraine Lake Road during the summer operating season.
While Lake Louise Lakeshore parking is available, it is extremely limited and often fills early in the day. Parking a larger vehicle such as an RV or motorhome can be particularly challenging during peak summer months.
Where Should You Park Your RV?
Rather than navigating parking restrictions or searching for oversized parking, consider making Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola your base camp for the day.
Park your RV for free, then continue your adventure by Lakeshore Shuttle. Add a ride on the Lake Louise Gondola for even more mountain adventure, enjoy a meal, and experience two of Canada's most iconic lakes without moving your vehicle again.
Benefits include:
- Free parking for the day.
- No need to move a large vehicle between destinations.
- Convenient access to the Lakeshore Shuttle.
- The option to add a gondola ride before or after your lakeshore visit.
- Mountain dining before or after your adventure.
For many RV travellers, it turns what could be a stressful day into a relaxed mountain experience.
Park Once. Explore More.
One of the biggest advantages of travelling by shuttle is that your RV stays exactly where you left it.
Rather than navigating traffic, searching for parking, and moving between multiple destinations, you can spend your day exploring instead.
A typical day might look like this:
Morning
Arrive at Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola, park your RV, and ride the Lake Louise Gondola for panoramic mountain views and the chance to spot wildlife from above.
Midday
Enjoy lunch at Whitehorn Bistro or grab a casual meal from one of the base area's dining locations before your scheduled shuttle departure.
Afternoon
Board the Lakeshore Shuttle and visit Lake Louise or choose the Two-Lake Shuttle to experience both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in one seamless outing.
Late Afternoon
Return to the resort, relax with a coffee or cold drink, then continue your road trip feeling refreshed rather than rushed.
Choosing the Right Shuttle
Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola offers several transportation options depending on how you'd like to spend your day.
Moraine Lake + Lake Louise Shuttle
Want to experience both iconic lakes? The Two-Lake Shuttle package includes transportation to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, making it the ideal choice for travellers searching for a Moraine Lake Shuttle experience.
Perfect for visitors who want direct access to Lake Louise Lakeshore.
Bundle your Lakeshore Shuttle with the Lake Louise Gondola and enjoy sightseeing from both the valley floor and high above it while saving on the combined ticket price.
Advance reservations are recommended throughout the summer season.
Take a Break From Driving
After hours—or even days—behind the wheel, there's something refreshing about leaving your vehicle behind.
The Lake Louise Gondola offers a completely different perspective of the Rockies, climbing to 2,637 metres (8,650 feet) above sea level.
Choose between an enclosed gondola cabin or an open sightseeing chairlift as you take in panoramic views of the Bow Valley, watch for wildlife, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
It's the perfect way to break up a road trip before continuing your journey through Banff National Park.
Dining Before You Hit the Road
Whether you're just arriving or preparing for the next leg of your journey, there are several convenient dining options at Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola.
Choose from:
- Whitehorn Bistro for elevated mountain dining with spectacular alpine views.
- Banded Peak Base Camp for smoked meats, patio seating, and casual mountain fare.
- Lodge of Ten Peaks for cafeteria-style meals, grab-and-go options, and family-friendly dining.
- Slopeside Coffee for Starbucks beverages, pastries, sandwiches, and snacks.
It's an easy opportunity to recharge before getting back on the highway.
RV Traveller Tips
A few local tips can help make your visit even smoother.
- Reserve shuttle tickets before arriving.
- Allow extra travel time during peak summer weekends.
- Dress for changing mountain weather.
- Store food securely and stay wildlife aware.
- Download maps ahead of time if you're relying on mobile navigation.
- Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing from the gondola.
Looking for More Things to Do?
This guide is designed to help you get to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise as smoothly as possible.
If you're looking for hiking recommendations, photography locations, sightseeing ideas, dining inspiration, or local travel advice once you arrive, be sure to read our Guide to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise in 2026. It covers everything you need to plan the perfect summer day in the Canadian Rockies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can RVs drive to Moraine Lake? No. Personal vehicles, including RVs and motorhomes, are not permitted on Moraine Lake Road during the summer season.
Is there RV parking at Lake Louise? Parking is available at Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola, providing a convenient starting point for your day.
Is the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Shuttle available for RV travellers? Yes. The Lake Louise Shuttle and Two-Lake Shuttle are excellent options for RV and camper van travellers who want to avoid parking challenges while making the most of their day.
What is the easiest way to visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise with a motorhome? Park your motorhome at Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola and take the Two-Lake Shuttle to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.