The drive from Banff to Lake Louise is short at an hour and 15 minutes (68 km), but there’s actually a heck of a lot to see along the way. This is why it’s one of the most popular (short) road trips in Canada.
Of course, I highly recommend driving it yourself (like we did), but you can also get a bus or a guided tour between the two if you’re not keen on driving. I get it, you may just want to take in all the amazing scenery instead of focusing on the road (I was the passenger, my husband drove, so I was lucky).
Now, we did this drive in the summer and it was BUSY, so, don’t be ill-prepared like us and book your activities and the Lake Louise Shuttle in advance. Because parking is pretty much impossible at Lake Louise during the warmer months, unless you get here before 6 am.
I will add too, that there are two routes that you can take between Banff and Lake Louise; the quickest route is via the Trans Canada Highway, which takes 45 minutes, but we actually recommend driving the more scenic Bow Valley Parkway, which takes an hour and 15 minutes.
BEST Stops Between Banff and Lake Louise
Below, I am going to focus on the slightly longer but more scenic route, which follows the Bow Valley Parkway. It passes stunning sights like Johnston Canyon and Morant’s Curve.
And it’s 68 km long, without stopping, it will take a little under an hour and 15 minutes to drive. But we recommend turning it into a half-day trip (at least 5-6 hours) to truly see and appreciate it all.
💡 Before you set off:
Please note that a valid Parks Canada pass (Day Pass or Discovery Pass) is required for all visitors visiting Banff National Park and the Lake Louise area. You will need to display the pass on your car dashboard or have a physical copy or on your phone if you’re getting the bus or a guided tour. You can buy the pass online at Parks Canada, at park gates, or at visitor centers in Banff and Lake Louise.
A daily park pass costs $12.25 CAD per adult – or you could buy a Discovery Pass, which is a valid for a year and covers the other national parks in Canada. This one costs $83.50 CAD.
Banff
You’ll be starting this drive in the drop-dead gorgeous mountain town of Banff! Now, be sure to enjoy it before driving to Lake Louise! Banff is often compared to Whistler as both towns are home to some of the best ski runs in North America and attract a mostly young, fun crowd.
As you can imagine, Banff is a very popular tourist destination, with July and August being the busiest months here.
Best things to do in Banff:
As you can guess, in such a busy tourist town, there’s lots to do in Banff, but some of my favorite things to do here include:
- Taking in the jaw-dropping scenery from the Banff Gondola – this 8-minute gondola ride takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain. As you can imagine, the views on the way up and from the top are astounding and you’ll be able to see Banff town as well as 6 different mountain ranges. The highest Starbucks in Canada is located in the lower terminal here.
- Joining a 3 hour white water rafting trip – In the summer months you can book this fun whitewater rafting tour on the nearby Kicking Horse River, which is known to have some of the best rapids and whitewater in the country! It costs from $148 CAD per person.
- This awesome Via Ferrata climbing tour on nearby Mount Norquay – During the 2.5-4 hours tour you’ll climb up rock faces, across a suspension bridge and basically test your climbing skills. No experience is necessary! It costs from $198 CAD per person.
- You can even do a grizzly bear tour from Banff, where you go in search of the elusive grizzly bear in nearby national parks. This tour is a firm favorite of mine! This tour includes lunch at Canada’s highest restaurant.
Where to stay in Banff:
We stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs – the epitome of luxury. This giant historic hotel is located within Banff National Park – around an 8 minute drive from the center of town. It is truly a bucket list stay, and you’ll feel as though you’re sleeping in a castle (which it kind of is!)
Related Read: If you have time, you could continue driving from Banff to Jasper. This drive is known as one of the prettiest in North America!
Vermilion Lakes
Vermilion Lakes are a gorgeous trio of lakes just a stone’s throw from Banff (a 10-minute drive away). These lakes are famous for their amazing views (with Mount Rundle as a dramatic backdrop) and the way their waters reflect the towering mountains around them. You will see (mostly) locals here – kayaking, canoeing, and hiking.
And if you love snapping photos (like us), then be sure to get here for sunrise or sunset when the light show is nothing short of magical.
Johnston Canyon
One of the most noteworthy stops on this drive is Johnston Canyon. Located just 25 minutes from your previous stop, this popular hiking destination features a series of picturesque waterfalls.
The trail, which is accessible year-round, takes you through a lush forest and along dramatic canyon walls, offering an invigorating start to your trip. The Lower Falls are a mere 1.1 kilometers from the parking lot, making it an ideal stop for all ages and abilities.
The trail leads you to the Lower and Upper Falls, providing breathtaking views of cascading water and lush forest. If you’re up for a bit more adventure, continue to the Ink Pots, a series of vibrant, mineral-rich pools that are as mesmerizing as they are serene.
If you’re visiting Johnston Canyon in Winter, a great activity is a half-day ice walk through the Canyon, which takes in the iconic upper falls, which have turned into a glittering tower of ice that rises 30 meters. You can choose from a morning or afternoon tour – both of which last for 4 hours. Prices for this well-rated tour start from a very reasonable $109 CAD per person.
Castle Mountain Lookout
Continuing north, pull over at Castle Mountain Viewpoint, where you can admire the rugged peaks that rise dramatically against the sky. Named for its castle-like appearance, Castle Mountain is a favorite among photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light enhances its majestic features.
Morant’s Curve
This stunning vantage point offers a sweeping view of the Bow River as it gracefully curves around a backdrop of majestic mountains. It is named after Nicholas Morant, a well-known photographer who worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway and captured many images of this breathtaking landscape.
People flock here to capture the perfect shot of a train winding through the natural beauty of the region. The combination of the azure river, lush greenery, and towering peaks creates a quintessential image of Canada’s rugged wilderness.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is world famous for its gatorade-blue waters, and it attracts millions of visitors every year. The Victoria Glacier, the luxurious Fairmont Lake Louise hotel, and the incredible hiking and skiing on offer all add to its appeal.
Rent a canoe from the boat dock and see the lake from a different perspective. Worth noting is that the lake is frozen over half the year, so ice skating is a popular activity during the winter. You can also enjoy sleigh rides, ice climbing, skiing, and snowshoeing during these colder months.
Hop on the Lake Louise Gondola for unparalleled views of the surrounding wilderness and, if you’re lucky, glimpses of the local wildlife! And if you’re a hiker, we love the Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail, although it is a fairly challenging hike for beginners. But it does end at a picturesque teahouse that serves up over 100 different types of tea!
Pop into Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for lunch or spend the night here if you want to feel really fancy. It truly is bucket-list-worthy, and many of the rooms come with a view of the famous lake.
🚗 Parking at Lake Louise:
If you want to snag a parking spot at Lake Louise during the summer, make sure you get there before 7 am – or even before 6 am if you can. From mid-May to mid-October, parking isn’t free and will set you back $42 a day!!! Parks Canada keeps bumping up the fee to encourage folks to hop on the shuttle instead of driving, which helps cut down on traffic and keeps the local wildlife happy.
The Lake Louise shuttle is run by Parks Canada, and to hop on this, you’ll need to drive and park at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. And from there, take the shuttle into Lake Louise. Handily, your ticket (which costs $11 CAD per adult / reduced rates for seniors & free for under 17’s). It also includes access to Moraine Lake. BUT, it does not include the required National Park entry fee (which is .
Moraine Lake (recommended add-on)
If you have time, take a detour to the picturesque Moraine Lake, renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters. Nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, it’s easily the most beautiful lake in Canada. Yes, even more beautiful than Lake Louise.
Note that access to Moraine Lake is seasonal, typically opening in late spring.
However, you can’t drive here – unless you have a special pass or are staying at Moraine Lake Lodge. Thus, you will need to get the Lake Shuttle that I mentioned above.
Other ways to get from Banff to Lake Louise (not driving)
By Bus:
You can get public transport from Banff to Lake Louise – yes, Route 8X operated by Roam Transit will take you from Banff downtown to the Lake Louise Lakeshore. It operates numerous times a day and costs $10 CAD each way. If you’re traveling in the busy summer months, we recommend buying your tickets in advance here. The bus stop is at the Banff High School Transit Hub.
On a Guided Tour:
This half-day guided tour (it’s around 5.5 hours long) is the option I’d choose. The tour is a great way to experience the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies without having to be the designated driver – you can simply sit back and take in the epic views along the drive. The tour includes pick-up from Banff, then passes by Castle Mountain (where you can take some photos) before making your way to the breathtaking Lake Louise and after, Moraine Lake.
An alternative option is the hop on hop off bus which stops at Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. It leaves from the Moose Hotel & Suites in Banff.
About renting a car in Canada
If you don’t have a car, I recommend renting one (or a campervan) so that you can stop where you like and get to off-the-beaten-path places during your time here. And I know that the cost of renting a car in Canada can be expensive. However, there are some ways you can save money. We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.
Our other favorite road trips in Canada include:
- The drive from Lake Louise to Jasper
- The Drive from Whistler to Banff
- Vancouver to Whistler Road Trip
- The Drive from Vancouver to Banff
Thanks for stopping by!
The drive from Banff to Lake Louise is more than just a drive; it’s an adventure through some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada. Each stop I’ve listed above gives you a unique opportunity – whether it be to connect with nature or enjoy a moment of peace. All the spots will create memories that will last a lifetime (that’s why I’ve included them).
To summarize, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned road-tripper, the drive from Banff to Lake Louise is a must-do experience that really does capture the essence of the Canadian Rockies.
Last Updated on March 1, 2026 by snaphappytravel