If you haven’t been to Lake Louise, you’re missing out. The breathtaking setting of the lake and the mountain peaks are so beautiful it almost feels unreal!

Fortunately, it’s not a difficult drive from Calgary. And the trip is full of incredible road stops you have to check out! C’mon, it’s the Canadian Rockies! Of course, it’s going to be an amazing road trip!

If you’re planning to visit Lake Louise, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a Calgarian or a first-time traveller, we have transportation options, routes, and driving stops to make the most out of your trip to the stunning turquoise lake!

How to Get from Calgary to Lake Louise

The drive is fairly easy since most of the trip is on the highway. The only way to travel from Calgary to Lake Louise is by driving since there’s no airport in Banff.

If you’re travelling by air, you need to fly to Calgary International Airport and go to Lake Louise from there. You can also stay a few days in Calgary, where you can easily book a transport service.

Modes of Transportation from Calgary to Lake Louise

Since Lake Louise is a popular place to visit, there are many transportation modes you can choose from. But all choices will end up with you on the road.

There are no trains going to Lake Louise and taxis will probably say no to a very long drive out of town. So, here are the modes of transportation going to Lake Louise:

By Car

Cost: Approximately under $100 a day, depending on the vehicle

The most common way to get to Lake Louise would be by driving. The trip is short, only taking 183 km and two hours from Downtown Calgary.

If you’re flying to the Calgary International Airport, you’ll find car rental companies on-site to take you to Lake Louise. There are different options for rental vehicles, such as Avis, Dollar Rent A Car, and Hertz.

Sedans, SUVs, and luxury vehicles are available. Rates are typically less than $100 a day but will vary depending on the type and model of vehicle you choose.

If you want to save some money, try the off-site car rental companies— we found that those located in the airport cost more. Peak seasons in Banff also result in peak rates, so avoid summer and winter if you don’t like large crowds and high prices.

If you already have airport-to-hotel transportation, don’t worry. There are many car rental shops in Calgary. Feel free to ask the hotel’s front desk for the closest or most affordable recommendations.

The only con to driving your own car is finding a parking slot in Lake Louise Lakeshore. There are no waiting areas for cars while looking for a parking slot since the place will be busy.

By Bus

Cost: $126 – $145 round trip, depending on the date and pickup/drop-off locations

A convenient way to travel to Lake Louise is by shuttle or bus. You can skip driving and just enjoy the scenic ride.

Brewster Express provides shuttles from Downtown Calgary to Lake Louise and vice versa. One-way and round trips are available, so don’t forget to book your reservation because it’s sure to get full during peak seasons.

You can book a drop-off at selected hotels near Lake Louise. Rates start at $126 per person for a one-way ticket, which is subject to change depending on the season.

Another option is Mountain Park Transportation, which has shuttles from Calgary to Lake Louise. You can choose a pickup from the Calgary International Airport or downtown.

However, this is limited to a pickup at the Applause Hotel by Clique Calgary Airport and a drop-off at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre.

By Private Transfer

Cost: $900 – $1600, depending on the vehicle, number of passengers, and pickup/drop-off locations

If you dig comfort and privacy, Sundog Tours and Transportation offers private charters from Calgary to Lake Louise.

This is by far the most convenient way to travel since you don’t have to worry about anything else. You get to choose your own schedule and you can learn more about the Rockies from the local knowledge of your driver-slash-guide.

However, this isn’t going to be cheap. An airport transfer is going to cost over $1000, which will vary depending on the type and model of the vehicle.

Driving Routes from Calgary to Lake Louise

Despite taking a two-hour drive, the route from Calgary to Lake Louise is pretty easy. No matter which road you take in Calgary, you’ll end up on the same highway.

Here are the routes you can take going to Lake Louise:

Quick Route

Distance: 187 km

Travel Time: 2 hours

Directions

In Calgary, drive to 6 Avenue and go to Bow Trail, then turn right to Sarcee Trail SW. Stay on the right and head to the AB-1 E ramp.

In 300 m, go to the left lane to the 16 Avenue NW ramp and take the loop to Trans Canada Highway (AB-1) and take the right exit to Lake Louise. Then, turn left to Bow Valley Parkway and drive straight to Lake Louise Drive until you reach the parking area.

This route only takes two hours for the 187 km distance. It is the fastest as well, but you’ll have to add a couple of minutes (or way more) to find a parking spot at Lake Louise Lakeshore during peak seasons.

Slightly Longer Route

Distance: 196 km

Travel Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Directions

Okay, so this isn’t actually a long route. It’s only about 15 minutes longer than the fastest route to Lake Louise.

Basically, instead of continuing straight to Bow Trail, you’ll take a right and merge to the left to Crowchild Trail. Once you reach Bow Valley Trail, continue straight until you reach the roundabout, then take the second exit to AB-1A.

Drive on Morley Road, then take a right onto Trans Canada Highway heading to Banff. Take the Lake Louise exit and continue on until you reach the parking lot.

Driving Stops from Calgary to Lake Louise

The scenic drive from Calgary to Lake Louise offers fun and family-friendly road stops. If you’re up for a road trip, you might as well take advantage of these quick destinations.

Here are our favourites and highly recommended ones:

Calaway Park

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Website: https://www.calawaypark.com/ 

Location: 245033 Range Rd 33, Calgary

Contact: (403) 240-3822, [email protected]

Operating Hours: Daily, 10 am – 7 pm (complete list of seasonal hours)

A family-friendly stop is right in Calgary. Calaway Park is an amusement park that offers 32 rides to accommodate all ages! It’s a must-visit for families with young children because of the exciting attractions that are sure to get everyone’s blood pumping!

Adrenaline junkies will have an exciting time. The Sky Wynder has a 40 ft drop that is sure to make you scream out loud.

WinSport

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Website: https://www.winsport.ca/ 

Location: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary

Contact: (403) 247-5452, [email protected]

Operating Hours:

• Tuesday – Friday: 11 am – 7 pm
• Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm

Sports enthusiasts will enjoy taking a short detour to WinSport for an epic time! Indulge in summer and winter activities, such as basketball, archery, freestyle skiing, biking, hockey, and snowboarding.

It’s open year-round, offering various activities on its 260-acre property. To get here, just drive to Canada Olympic Drive. And hey, this might be your new thing!

Town of Canmore

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Website: https://www.canmore.ca/ 

Location: Downtown Canmore, Canmore

Contact: (403) 678-1500

Canmore is just an hour and ten minutes from Downtown Calgary and 50 minutes from Lake Louise. This town is located smack in the middle, making it an ideal driving stop to see some sights and have some much-needed breakfast.

This charming alpine town is a gorgeous spot to appreciate the Canadian Rockies. You’ll see the Three Sisters Mountains and the Ha Ling Peak, which are postcard-worthy. You can have a picnic in the park surrounded by nature’s beauty!

This is also a great place to hike because of the stunning views. There are plenty of hidden gems and hiking trails that aren’t crowded, so you can enjoy a tranquil time.

Plus, it’s the perfect spot to try some local eateries that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Why not check out our favourite restaurants in Canmore and see what they have to offer?

Town of Banff

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Website: https://banff.ca/ 

Location: Banff Avenue, Improvement District No. 9 (Downtown Banff)

Contact: (403) 762-200

There’s no doubt about it that visiting the Town of Banff on your way to Lake Louise is a must. I mean, who doesn’t want to see this vibrant resort town?

Banff Avenue to Lake Louise will only take a 40-minute drive, but a scenic one at that! Sure, it does get crowded in peak seasons (just skip the summer), but it’s worth every minute if you want to explore, appreciate the picturesque views, and taste local food.

This is the ideal destination if you’re into nature walks. Try the top activities you can do in Banff or explore the town and look for the best restaurants we’ve tried.

You can even stay at a hotel in Banff if you want to explore Lake Louise and its surrounding areas. A weekend getaway is ideal, but if you want to splurge, stay for a week!

Bow Falls

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Location: Bow Falls Viewpoint, Bow Falls Ave, Banff

If you stop at Banff, you must also make a quick visit to Bow Falls. It’s just 40 minutes away from Lake Louise, so it’s still close and you don’t have to take any major detours.

Bow Falls is not exactly a tall waterfall, but it’s surely one of the most beautiful and easy to visit in Alberta. Those things make this spot a popular place to visit on your way to Banff.

If you want to reach the viewpoint, you can start from the town of Banff. It’s actually an easy out-and-back trail, taking only 40 minutes to finish the 2.7 km hike.

What to Expect on the Calgary to Lake Louise Road Trip

When driving from Calgary to Lake Louise, expect a scenic drive. But expect large crowds in the summer since this is a prime destination, especially on weekends.

In the summer, the roads are fairly easy to drive on. But in the winter, expect icy roads and snow, which can make your drive challenging—so, always check for Alberta road updates.

Once you arrive at the Lake Louise parking lot, expect a lot of people. Try to arrive before the sun rises because finding a parking slot will be a pain!

The parking fee in the Lake Louise Lakeshore is $36.75 per vehicle or $8 per vehicle for accessible parking. 

Another thing you have to expect is paying for the Banff Conservation Pass, which is required when you enter all national parks in Canada. Below are the ticket prices.

Travel Tips for an Epic Calgary to Lake Louise Road Trip

• For updated road conditions, call 511 in Alberta. This will let you know about any road closures to ensure your road trip is smooth.

• If you’re travelling with a large group and have kids and seniors with you, booking a private transfer is the most convenient way. It eliminates lugging heavy bags from one drop-off to another.

• Unless you plan on staying in Calgary, booking a shuttle/private transfer/car rental straight from the airport is the quickest way to get to Lake Louise. 

• Stay alert while you’re in Alberta. You’re approaching bear country, so make sure you throw away food and drink containers in wildlife-proof bins and practice Leave No Trace.

• Alberta roads are challenging in the winter season. If you’re unfamiliar with the roads, book a shuttle or try to avoid visiting in the winter.

• Enjoy your travels and take lots of photos! Make unforgettable memories for your scrapbook!