Parks Canada to close road access to Moraine Lake come summer

Editors note: A previous version of this story indicated Parks Canada would be closing vehicle access to Lake Louise Lakeshore in 2023 when in fact it’s recommending users to refrain from using the road, yet it will remain open with paid parking in effect. We regret this error. 

Parks Canada announced it would be restricting parking for most visitors at Moraine Lake come summer.

According to a news release on Friday, the move was due to high demand as it said last year, traffic flaggers were required 24 hours a day to manage the demand for access at Moraine Lake Road. During the peak of summer 2022, the parking lot remained full nearly 24 hours a day.

The organization said those who wish to see the iconic blue lake can instead use the shuttle service, Roam Transit, or other commercial transportation to access the area, yet that comes with a fee.

An adult shuttle pass costs $8, seniors $4 and kids aged six and under are free. The Parks Canada website also indicates there’s a $3 non-refundable transaction fee per reservation when purchasing a shuttle ticket on its reservation system.

The news release also stated by replacing personal vehicles with Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Transit and other commercial transportation providers will provide benefits that include:

• Predictability and improved visitor experience: Visitors with Parks Canada shuttle reservations are guaranteed to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. This removes the uncertainty and frustration when arriving in a personal vehicle but unable to park.
• Improved wildlife movement in the Fairview wildlife corridor: Moraine Lake Road runs through an important wildlife corridor. Eliminating personal vehicles will reduce stress on animals who use the corridor, particularly in the late evening and early morning.
• Reduced carbon emissions: Eliminating personal vehicles means a reduction of approximately 900 cars per day and 20,000 kilometres per day of driving. Based on an average fuel consumption of 9.0L/100km, this would mean a reduction of more than four tonnes of CO2 per day.

The only exception to the no-parking rule would be for those in possession of a disabled parking hang tag. Parks Canada said to make sure your tag is visible and speak to the traffic control staff when you arrive at the Moraine Lake Road Junction.

Parks Canada is also recommending for patrons of Lake Louis Lakeshore to consider other modes of transportation in an effort to reduce the congestion.

“Attempting to take your personal vehicle to (the Lake Louise) iconic destination is not recommended,” the organization said.

It claims parking can be difficult to find as the lot typically fills up by 7 a.m. and when filled, there’s no type of waiting zone in the vicinity which in turn causes further congestion in the area.

Ministry of Forestry, Parks and Tourism not pleased

In a Monday morning tweet, Todd Loewen, the minister responsible for forestry, parks and tourism said the decision by Parks Canada to block vehicle access to the lakes will mean less visitors.

Loewen went on to say “sunrise and sunset hikes or night photography are near impossible to achieve under the plan” unless people can afford to pay for commercial transport or to travel by foot or bike in the dark, which he pointed out is a safety issue.

The minister then called on his federal counterparts — Minister Steven Fuilbeault and Minister Randy Boissonnault — to reconsider the plan and look at other others to help make the lakes accessible to all Albertans and those who visit the province.

Plenty of others have also taken to social media calling for Parks Canada to reconsider the move.

Conservation groups support decision

This is change that will be difficult to adjust to but is important for the local animals and the environment, according to the Southern Alberta chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

“We applaud Parks Canada for taking steps to more effectively manage traffic congestion and visitor use in this area,” said the conservation group in a tweet Monday.

The group said vehicle emissions will decrease because people won’t be driving in circles between Lake Louise Village and Lake Louise trying to find a spot.

“This decision will make it easier for grizzly bears to move through the landscape and is a great step forward in more effectively managing people in this extremely busy area,” said the organization.