Moraine Lake

Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

4.8/5

based on 22 reviews

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Added by Julian Brezden

Moraine Lake is one of the most visited and photographed lakes in Banff National Park, in Alberta Canada.

Showing up at Moraine Lake before dawn is a must as to avoid the multitude of tours busses. The morning sun is subtle and magical. The lake, being glacially fed, does not reach its crest until mid to late June. When it is full, it reflects a distinct shade of blue. The color is due to the refraction of light off the rock flour deposited in the lake on a continual basis.

There are viewpoints of the lake a short distance from the parking area (5 minute walk). There is also a trail along the northern edge of the lake.

If you want to stay overnight, the Moraine Lake Lodge is located at the bottom of the lake. Canoe rentals are also available to explore the lake, which is certainly a must do activity.

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Moraine Lake Reviews

Sachith Siriwardane

Moraine Lake

08/22/17

Unbelievable night photography spot. Bring some blankets up, enjoy the stars, and get out there

5.0

Jordan + Jacki Bolt

Moraine Lake

06/25/17

Definitely agree with the previous comment about hiking up the rock pile for some great pictures. For a late summer sunset we encountered more people than we expected. But, as the crowds died down the lake and surrounding area became incredibly peaceful and still. Worth staying a while to take it all in.

5.0

Explorer

Brian Fulda

Explorer

Moraine Lake

01/06/17

Go in the fall (late September, first week of October) to truly enjoy Moraine Lake at its finest and to avoid most of the crowds. If you're lucky, you'll get to see the larches in their full yellow beauty during about a week in late September. In early October, Moraine usually gets its first snow. Do bear in mind that they usually close the road to Moraine for cars on or around Canadian Thanksgiving or so, and does not open until spring. Some daring cross-country skiers might want to make the 20-mile round trip trek from Lake Louise in the winter.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Scramble the Tower of Babel

Starting at the Moraine Lake parking lot follow the trail East along behind the large pile of boulders along the lake shore. Once you reach the foot of the Tower of Babel scramble up the slope to heading towards the valley between the two peaks. The easiest route is along one of the cliff faces which can be used for extra traction on the loose scree. Once on top you'll have a 360 degree view of...

Larch Valley Trail to Minnestimma Lakes

Starting at the Moraine Lake parking lot take, take the main trail the leads down past the cafe and lodges on the lake shore. A short way down the trail splits, to the left is just the lakeside walk. For Larch Valley take a right, it is clearly signed. Depending on the time of the year there are hiking restrictions. I would always recommend going with groups of 4-6 people. The area is frequentl...

Hike to Consolation Lakes

Once at Moraine Lake, the directions to Consolation Lakes are quite clear. From the parking lot, head northeast past the rockpile, which provides fantastic views of Moraine, then follow the Consolation Lakes Trail for another 2.9 km (1.8 miles) past Taylor Lake until you reach the lake. Depending on the season, it might be two distinct lakes or one and an area of drainage, but either way the la...

Eiffel Peak

Take in stunning alpine views of the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks as you head to Eiffel Peak. A much more unique photo opportunity of Moraine Lake. Views of several prominent glaciers and the gorgeous Paradise Valley. The Eiffel Tower rock formation viewable from the summit. 11km roundtrip. 1300m of Elevation gain. Starting from the parking lot at Moraine Lake follow the trail as it switchba...

Scramble the Ten Peaks via the Perren Route

A true adventure with lots of route finding, glacier travel, loose rock and high altitude views. This is not for the faint hearted or first timers.From the Moraine Lake parking lot walk down the east side of the lake along the well maintained trail. Towards the end of the lake you will cross the creek twice, there are cables to hold onto but it is a good idea to remove your boots and socks so t...

Scramble Mount Temple

Mount Temple is a stunning iconic mountain in Banff National Park located in the Canadian Rockies. It overlooks the Lake Louise area and stands at a massive 3542m (11,624ft) , making it one of the many sought after 11,000ers.To reach the mountain you will be headed down highway #1 and take the turn-off for Lake Louise and then follow the road signs up to Moraine Lake. Once at the lake you will ...

Moraine Lake

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Moraine Lake Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Scramble the Tower of Babel

Larch Valley Trail to Minnestimma Lakes

Hike to Consolation Lakes

Eiffel Peak

Scramble the Ten Peaks via the Perren Route

Scramble Mount Temple

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