Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
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Lake Louise
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Lake Louise
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Lake Louise
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Lake Louise
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Lake Louise is a breathtaking destination renowned for its turquoise lake, stunning glaciers, and majestic mountains. While shuttle services and tours are available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore this natural wonderland at your own pace.
Unrestricted Exploration: With a rental car, you can venture beyond the immediate Lake Louise area to discover hidden gems and scenic viewpoints that are inaccessible by public transport. Explore the Icefields Parkway, Moraine Lake, and other nearby attractions without the constraints of tour schedules.
Flexibility and Convenience: A rental car allows you to tailor your itinerary to your interests and schedule. Whether you want to hike to a remote alpine lake, enjoy a leisurely picnic by the roadside, or chase the perfect sunset view, you have the freedom to do so whenever and wherever you please.
Optimal Comfort: Traveling with family, sports equipment, or photography gear? A rental car provides ample space and comfort, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable journey for everyone. Store your belongings securely and travel in style without relying on crowded buses or shared shuttles.
Before renting a car in Lake Louise, be aware of standard conditions. These generally involve age requirements, driver's licence regulations, insurance necessities, deposit demands, and mileage parameters.
Area
Approximately 6.3 square kilometres (2.4 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1,000 permanent residents
Time Zone
Mountain Standard Time (MST), UTC-7
Ideal for
Exploring Banff National Park
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during peak tourist season (June-September)
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Lake Louise is typically 21 years old. However, some companies may charge a young driver fee for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in English or French.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance, but consider additional coverage like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is typically required, often held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMost rentals offer unlimited mileage. Check the fuel policy, as some require you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesExtra fees may apply for additional drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or winter tyres (during winter months).
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high demand.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the winter months.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To secure a rental car in Lake Louise, follow these steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Booking in advance is especially important during peak tourist season.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and terrain.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car well in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and potentially lower prices.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental.
Lake Louise is a hamlet within Banff National Park, known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. Understanding local driving conditions and regulations will enhance your visit.
Lake Louise offers many points of interest, the best approach is to get oriented with local traffic rules, parking policies, and refuelling stations, especially if you intend to drive outside the village or into Banff and surrounding areas.
Top Attractions to Discover
Lake Louise
Famous for its turquoise waters and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Moraine Lake
Another stunning lake located a short drive from Lake Louise, known for its vibrant blue colour (seasonal access only).
Icefields Parkway
One of the most scenic drives in the world, connecting Lake Louise to Jasper National Park.
Where to Find Parking
Lake Louise Parking
Limited parking is available at Lake Louise. Arrive early, especially during peak season.
Moraine Lake Parking
Parking at Moraine Lake is extremely limited. Consider using the shuttle service during peak season.
Park & Ride
A park-and-ride shuttle service operates during the summer months to alleviate parking congestion at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Gas Stations in Lake Louise
Limited Availability
Gas stations are not directly in Lake Louise. Refuel in Banff or along the Trans-Canada Highway.
Nearby Gas Stations
Several gas stations are located in Banff and along the highway between Banff and Lake Louise.
Plan Ahead
Always plan ahead and ensure you have sufficient fuel, especially when driving the Icefields Parkway.
Useful Tips for Visiting Lake Louise
Check Road Conditions
Stay updated on road conditions, especially during winter months, as snow and ice can affect driving.
Wildlife Awareness
Be aware of wildlife along the roads and avoid feeding or approaching animals.
Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits and drive cautiously, especially in areas with wildlife crossings.
Allow Extra Time
Traffic can be heavy during peak season, so allow extra time for travel.
Major Bus Stations
Lake Louise Inn Bus Stop
Serves scheduled buses to Banff, Calgary, and other destinations.
Railway Stations
Lake Louise Railway Station
No longer in service for passenger trains; now a historical site.
Airports
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
The closest major airport, located approximately 180 kilometres (112 miles) east of Lake Louise.
Renting a car in Lake Louise requires a few key documents to ensure a smooth rental process. Here’s what you need to be prepared.
A valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary if your licence is not in English or French.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or other government-issued photo ID may be required, especially for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Lake Louise as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Amazing spontaneous weekend! Lake Louise was breathtaking, and having a car made exploring so easy.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 02.11.2024
Lake Louise was stunning; renting a car was a breeze. The canoe rentals were a bit pricey, though.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 26.02.2025
Really peaceful, lovely.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 10.04.2025
Absolutely gorgeous. Having a car was key to exploring the area at our own pace. The crowds at the lake itself were a bit overwhelming, though.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 16.09.2024
Such a memorable weekend! Lake Louise was incredible; having a car made getting around so simple.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 10.06.2025
Lake Louise exceeded expectations. Having a rental car definitely simplified my quick business trip. The hotel's Wi-Fi was a bit spotty, though. Otherwise, stunning scenery.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 04.08.2025
Back after twenty years, Lake Louise remains breathtaking. The gift shop felt a bit overpriced, though.
David Wilson
Reviewed: 30.08.2024
Lake Louise was spectacular! The hotel's restaurant was a little underwhelming, but the scenery more than made up for it.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 19.02.2025
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Pretty chill, actually.
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 15.08.2025