Lykkers, picture this: You're standing in front of a lake so blue, you'd swear someone dumped a giant bottle of Gatorade in it. Welcome to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, the Instagram stars of Banff National Park!

Once upon a time in 1890, Lake Louise was just a wild outpost called Laggan Station. Fast forward to today, and it's the hotspot for hikers, skiers, and people who love to say "Wow!" a lot.

<h3>Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake:</h3>

<b>Planning Ahead:</b>

Due to high demand, parking lots fill up before sunrise and stay full until sunset.

Using transit or booking a Parks Canada shuttle is the only way to ensure you see these iconic lakes.

Reserve your shuttle tickets in advance.

<b>1. Parks Canada Shuttles:</b>

The most convenient way to see both lakes in one day.

Reserve your shuttle ticket online and park at the Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Additional shuttle seats are released at 8 am MDT, two days before the departure day.

<b>Price:</b> Adult $8.00, Senior (65+ years) $4.00, Youth (17 and under) free.

<b>2. Roam Public Transit:</b>

Connects Banff to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

Booking in advance is recommended.

<b>Price:</b> Adult $10.00, Senior (65+ years) $5.00, Youth (17 and under) free.

<b>3. Parking:</b>

Parking at the Lake Louise Lakeshore is very limited, and finding a spot is challenging.

Personal vehicles are not allowed at Moraine Lake.

Parks Canada recommends parking at the Lake Louise Park and Ride and taking the free shuttle to the community. Note that this service does not provide access to the Lake Louise or Moraine Lake lakeshores.

Paid parking is in effect at Lake Louise Lakeshore during the shuttle season.

<b>Price:</b> $36.75 per vehicle daily

<h3>Things To Do</h3>

<b>1. Hiking: Where Every Step is a Kodak Moment</b>

<b>Prime hiking season:</b> July to mid-September. That's when Mother Nature rolls out her green carpet.

<b>Popular trails include:</b>

Lake Agnes Tea House Trail (7.6 km round trip): Climb for tea and scones.

Plain of Six Glaciers (13.8 km round trip): Spot six glaciers and possibly question your life choices halfway through.

Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley (11.6 km round trip): In fall, the larches turn golden. It's like Nature's own Midas touch!

<b>Pro tip:</b> Until late June, trails might be having a snow day. Check conditions and bring your winter woolies, just in case.

<b>2. Biking: Two-Wheeled Adventures</b>

<b>Biking season:</b> May to October. AKA when the ground isn't a Popsicle.

<b>Must-ride trails:</b>

Bow River Loop (11.3 km): Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Perfect for families and wobbly beginners.

Tunnel Mountain (9.7 km): Moderate difficulty. Offers views that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy.

Lake Minnewanka Trail (29.8 km): For the "no pain, no gain" crowd. Challenging but rewarding.

<b>Skiing and Snowshoeing: When Walking Gets Boring</b>

<b>Ski season:</b> Mid-November through April. When Banff turns into a winter wonderland.

<b>Three ski resorts to choose from:</b>

Lake Louise Ski Resort: 4,200 acres of skiable terrain. That's larger than some small countries!

Sunshine Village: Boasts Canada's only heated chairlift. Your bum will never be so grateful.

Mt. Norquay: Night skiing is available when daylight is just too mainstream.

<b>Snowshoeing trails:</b>

Marble Canyon (1.6 km): Easy trail with gorgeous ice formations.

Ink Pots via Moose Meadows (11.8 km): Challenging but rewarding. The Ink Pots are natural mineral springs that don't freeze. Science is cool!

So, Lykkers! Whether you're huffing and puffing up a trail, zooming down a ski slope, or playing hide-and-seek with local wildlife, Banff's got you covered. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure, a good camera, and maybe some bear spray. You know, just in case Yogi Bear decides he wants your picnic basket!