Tired of the same old robotic voice from your navigation app telling you how to get to places? You deserve a much better soundtrack for your trip than that!
Welcome to our cheat sheet, where we spill the different methods on how to navigate your way from Calgary to Lake Louise. Spoiler alert: everything’s incredibly convenient so you don’t even have to lift a finger.
However, you do need to lift that seatbelt and fasten it, because there’s an exciting adventure ahead!
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What are the ways to get to Lake Louise from Calgary?
There are multiple ways to get to Lake Louise from Calgary. These include traveling by car, riding a bus, booking a shuttle, or hopping on a carpool.
The best choice ultimately depends on what type of traveler you are.
If you’re the adventurous type hoping to see other popular attractions along the way, driving or renting a car might be your ideal method.
Meanwhile, if you’re willing to splurge in exchange for comfort and convenience, booking a shuttle might be the wisest choice.
For those who don’t mind sharing a ride with other eager travelers for the sake of having a budget-friendly option, consider getting to Lake Louise from Calgary by bus or carpool.
Anyway, to help you even further, we included the steps for each transportation option for a smooth journey ahead.
1. Traveling From Calgary to Lake Louise By Car
If you have your own car, driving to Lake Louise is the obvious choice. After all, it’s guaranteed to be a piece of cake!
However, if you’re planning on renting a car, we suggest checking out websites like Enterprise and Hertz.
Step 1: Head west towards Trans-Canada Highway 1
Begin your journey by heading to Trans-Canada Highway 1 no matter where you are in the city.
Step 2: Continue on Highway 1
Once you find yourself on Trans-Canada Highway 1, continue driving on that path to Lake Louise. It will take about 2 hours or so before you see signs that will take you to your destination.
Make sure to look out the window from time to time to enjoy the scenery and have your camera ready for the photo opportunities!
Step 3: Arrive in Lake Louise
After about 182 kilometers on Highway 1, you’ll eventually reach Lake Louise.
We wish you a fun and exciting trip!
2. Traveling From Calgary to Lake Louise By Bus
Traveling to Lake Louise by hopping on a bus is a cost-efficient way to enjoy your travels.
Step 1: Lock in the date
To avoid any inconvenience, you first have to lock in the date before booking a bus ride from Calgary to Lake Louise.
You may also check the available time slots at the website of the bus company of your choice. While there are a few ones that can take you to Lake Louise, we recommend one of the most popular ones, Brewster Express.
Step 2: Fill up the form on the bus company’s website
Before booking, you have to fill up the booking form on the bus company’s website in order to proceed. They will ask you a variety of things such as number of passengers, date and of departure, and the like.
This should only take around 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Wait for the day of your trip
Now that the transportation method is completely out of your hair, all that’s left to do now is to wait for the day of your trip while also preparing for your travel essentials in the process.
Step 4: Go to the pickup location
On the day of your departure, head over to the pickup location you selected while booking. Make sure to get there in advance since bus rides tend to leave on the dot!
It might be even wiser to get there at least 30 minutes early.
3. Traveling From Calgary to Lake Louise By Shuttle
Another option to get to Lake Louise from Calgary is by riding a shuttle. It’s a convenient choice because you don’t need to do anything but show up on the day of your departure!
Step 1: Confirm the travel arrangements
Before moving forward to the next step, it’s important to confirm the travel arrangements with your companions. Being sure of the plans can ensure a seamless experience moving forward.
Step 2: Book the shuttle service
There are a wide array of shuttle options that can take you from Calgary to Lake Louise. We recommend Banff Sedan, Vivo Green Travel, and Sundog Tours.
Step 3: Count down the days to your trip
This is the time to pack all your travel essentials. Be sure to shop for some road trip snacks, pack clothing suitable for the weather conditions, and book a nice accommodation.
For those who want a more local vibe, we recommend staying at Lake Louise Inn.
Step 4: Be at the meeting place on time
On the day of your trip, it’s important to be at the meeting place before the arranged time of departure in order to avoid being left by your shuttle.
4. Traveling From Calgary to Lake Louise By Carpool
Traveling to Lake Louise by carpooling is an economical way to embark on this exciting journey. Keep in mind that this is more suitable for 1 to 2 groups of travelers because most cars won’t be able to accommodate big groups.
Step 1: See available rides
There are plenty of options if you want to carpool your way to Lake Louise from Calgary. However, we highly recommend Poparide for this one.
Make sure to note the pick up and drop off of the available listings to see which one works best for you. The website will also let you know how many seats are left for the ride, so consider that as well.
Step 2: Request to book
Once you have a driver of your choice, you can go ahead and contact them by clicking on “request to book”.
They usually accept booking requests unless they won’t be able to match your needs. For example, if you have plenty of things with you such as a big luggage, and camping and hiking gears, they might say no to you.
With that in mind, consider packing lightly if you decide to carpool.
Step 3: Go to the pickup location
On the day of your trip, be at the pickup location on time. Some drivers are willing to pick you up at your front door, while there are some who prefer picking up all their passengers in one place.
Either way, be on time to avoid inconveniencing anyone. You wouldn’t like it if someone else did it to you!
