Alpine start at Moraine Lake in Banff

Planning for a climbing trip to Banff in July, we're looking to do an alpine start before the shuttles run. Saw the notice that personal vehicles are no longer allowed at Moraine. Does this mean just for parking, or on the road at all? i.e. could I have someone drop us off at the lot and not park?

Only Parks Canada shuttles and licensed commercial operators can drive up there. How early do you want to start? Haven't used them, but last year https://morainelakebus.com/ had a 4am shuttle from Sampson Mall. Or you could look into renting bicycles from https://www.wmsll.com/.

The moraine lake bus service was great… expensive as all hell, but great service. They will drop you off at the start of your trail. They won’t inform you until that morning if there are trail closures, so inform yourself before hand. Parks Canada doesn’t mess around and fines could be in the tens of thousands if you ignore their warnings(ie. Trailhead/area closed due to grizzly mom and cubs)

There is a bit of pressure to get back before the last bus. A slow party wont have much margin for error to climb the east ridge and make it to the last moraine lake company bus(6? 6:30). I’m not sure when the Lake Louise bus(the much cheaper bus) stops shuttling, but I’m sure that that 12kilometer hike back down from the parking lot will not be enjoyable for everyone. 

If you may be able to get a discount from moraine lake bus co. If you tell them that you are a climber.

I’ll be taking a bike next time.

Jesus, $130 for a 20 minute bus ride. Gotta love the racket. 

Thanks for the info. We shouldn't be pressed on time. We were just gonna go out to the Grand Sentinel and hoping to get an early start. I'll check on the discount but maybe we'll just wait for the regular morning bus. Cheers