Canoe rental at Moraine Lake at a glance
The rental canoes sit at the docks at the north end of the lake. From the water you look straight at the Valley of the Ten Peaks. A canoe takes 2 to 3 people. The rate is CAD 170 plus tax per canoe for one hour, with paddles, life jackets and a short briefing included.
You cannot drive to the lake in a private car, so the canoe plan starts with the bus. The regular shuttle runs from 1 June to 12 October in 2026 and fits the whole rental season. If you would rather leave the transport to someone else, compare Moraine Lake tours from Banff, Calgary and Lake Louise or read how the Moraine Lake shuttle works.
Rental prices, hours and season
What to expect at the rental. Rates and dates can change, so confirm at the dock.
| Topic | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Price | CAD 170 plus tax per canoe for 1 hour. Rates run from CAD 160 to 170, so budget for the upper figure. |
| Included | Paddles, life jackets and a basic briefing |
| Hours | 07:30 to 18:30 |
| Season | About mid-June to mid-September, depending on the water level |
| Group size | 2 to 3 people per canoe |
| Reservations | None. Canoes are handed out in order of arrival. |
| Pets | Not allowed in the canoe |
| Weather | Rental can close at short notice in rain, snow or wind |
| Lodge guests | Overnight guests of the lodge at the lake use the canoes without a separate rental price |
For most day visitors the best plan is an early shuttle in July or August. Go to the docks first, then walk the shore or the Rockpile afterwards. Rental opens at 07:30, and the first regular shuttle leaves the Lake Louise Park and Ride at 06:30. Ask at the dock when the last boat goes out, because that time is not fixed in advance.
Moraine Lake tours and day trips
Day trips and guided outings to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise from Banff, Calgary and Lake Louise, with live prices and availability.
Before you go
The practical points that decide whether the canoe fits your day.
Getting to the dock
Private cars cannot drive to the lake. The Parks Canada shuttle costs CAD 12.75 for adults, CAD 6 for seniors and CAD 4 for ages up to 17 in 2026, plus CAD 3.50 per online reservation. Park admission is separate. An adult day pass costs CAD 12.25, and the details are in the getting there guide and the park pass guide.
Your own boat or paddle board
In 2026 Moraine Lake lies in a Water Preservation Zone. Private canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and large inflatable floats are not allowed on the lake. The rental boats that stay at the lake are the exception, so renting is the way to be on the water.
Swimming and cold water
Swimming is allowed in the zone, with clean-drain-dry rules for anything that has been in other water. The lake is fed by snow and glaciers and stays very cold, so keep it short and close to the shore.
Weather and timing
The rental can close at short notice when rain, snow or wind arrives. Keep a spare hour in your day. The last Lake Connector from Moraine Lake leaves at 18:00, and the last bus from the lake to the Park and Ride leaves at 19:30.
Water level and the start of the season
Rental starts around mid-June and depends on the water level, which is high with snowmelt in late June. Read when to visit Moraine Lake before you fix a date in early summer.
Time for the rest of the lake
One hour on the water leaves time for the Rockpile viewpoint and the shore path. Details and distances are on the Moraine Lake hikes page.
On the water
A canoe shows the lake from a different angle, with the Ten Peaks above the far shore. Up to three people share one boat, and the briefing before you set off covers the basics. Keep your life jacket on for the whole hour.
Bring warm layers. Even in July the air near the water is cool, and wind makes it feel colder. Phones and cameras belong in a dry bag or a pocket you can close. Do not count on mobile signal or Wi-Fi at the lake, and use the pit toilets before you board.
Plan the rest of your visit
Transport, timing and walks around the lake.
Moraine Lake canoe rental: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a canoe at Moraine Lake?
The rate is CAD 170 plus tax per canoe for one hour, with paddles and life jackets included. Some rates are CAD 160 plus GST, so budget for the higher figure. The price covers the boat, not each person, and a canoe takes 2 to 3 people.
Do I need to reserve a canoe?
No. Canoes are handed out in order of arrival, so an early start gives you the best choice of time. Rental can close at short notice in rain, snow or wind.
Can I bring my own canoe or paddle board?
No. In 2026 the lake is part of a Water Preservation Zone, and private paddle boats, paddle boards and large inflatable floats are not allowed. Rental boats that stay at the lake are the exception.
Can I swim in Moraine Lake?
Swimming is allowed in the zone. The water is glacier-fed and cold, so expect a very short dip at most and stay close to the shore.
When does the canoe season end?
Rental runs from about mid-June to mid-September, depending on the water level. After that no canoes go out, and the regular shuttle stops on 12 October in 2026.
Is moraine-lake.org the official website?
No. This is an independent visitor guide. It does not run the canoe rental or the shuttle, and it does not take bookings for the rental. Prices and hours can change, so confirm them at the dock.