Are they the same lake?

No - They are two different lakes but both are accessed via the town of Lake Louise Summer Gondola parking lot.

How do we get there?

You have one option for Lake Louise as all the other shuttle companies stop going to Lake Louise after 10/9. Roam Transit Bus is the only one that travels beyond 10/9. You can be picked up at the Banff High School or you can drive up to Lake Louise town and take the shuttle at the north mall parking lot. See the link below for passes and schedules etc.

Roam Transit Bus

For Lake Moraine, you have two options based on whether you rented a car or not:

I rented a car: Drive to Lake Louise and park at the Summer Gondola Parking Lot (it’s free). Have an arranged shuttle via one of the below options. DO NOT BE LATE - THEY WILL LEAVE YOUR ASS.

I did not rent a car: Roam Transit Bus can get you to Lake Louise and from there, they can get you to either lake assuming it’s opened.

Moraine Lake Bus Company, Roam Transit Bus

Do I need to buy a National Parks Pass?

It is recommended. While in the town of Banff, I did not see any policing of the pass: I did see it in Yoho National Park at Emerald Lakes. There is ONE pass for Banff, Yoho and Jasper National Park. Links are below:

Banff National Park

How far away is Lake Louise/Moraine Lake?

The drive from Banff to the Summer Gondola is 45 minutes. From there, expect another 15-20 minutes to arrive to either lake.

How long should I plan to be there?

This is the biggest IT DEPENDS answer. If you want to hit all the various hikes, you can be there from sunrise until sunset. If you want to hit it and get out, I would plan about 2 hours at each lake so you can do the shoreline walk.

Should I go to both lakes in the same day?

This also depends. How much energy do you have and how busy of a hiking day do you want? I, personally, would do them separately as to give them their own time and as they are somewhat different experiences.

What is there to do when I get there?

I hope you like walking/hiking because that’s basically it. There are a ton of hikes and trails around the area with every landscape being some of the most beautiful landscape you’ll ever see. Here’s a comprehensive write up of what to do at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

How should I plan food?

Most people bring sandwiches, fruit and snacks with them. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake both have restaurants at the lake, but if you start a hike, you’re on your own. DO NOT LITTER - THE PARKS ARE PRISTINE AND ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE FED.