Banff 
Overview
Moraine lake
Situated in the Valley of Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is a glacially fed lake, at an elevation of 1885m. The deep blue shade is due to rock silt deposited into the Lake due to melting glaciers.
What to do at Moraine Lake ?
Things to do at the Lake
- Enjoy the extraordinarily beautiful scenery & hike the rockpile trail for a wholesome view.
- Walk around the Lake shore trail around the Lake’s edge to the canoe launch and appreciate the rugged grandeur of Mount Fay and the Fay Glacier.
- Canoe or Hike in summer and cross country ski in winter .
- If you are here during early morning or evening, do not forget to hike the rock pile trail to see the breathtaking scenery of mountain peaks reflected in the blue green waters of the lake as the sunlight kisses the mountains.
- See the Lake decked in autumn colours in early fall (September).
- Fish at the lake from June 29 -to- October 31. National park fishing license required. For regulations, see Alberta fishing guide.
- Revel in the spectacular larch valley during Fall.
Moraine Lake Hiking trails
1. Moraine Lakeshore
An easy 1.5 km trail with no elevation gain follows the Lake shore. Trail Head is near Moraine Lake Lodge.
2. Consolation Lakes
This easy hike of 2.9 km(one way) takes you to the subalpine lake named Consolation Lakes. Enjoy the panoramic view of Mount Temple, Mounts Bident and Quandra Glacier across the valley. Trailhead is near the Moraine Lake parking lot.
3. Eiffel Lake
A moderate hike which goes to the Lake with a the Valley of the Ten Peaks as the background, is about 5.6km long with an elevation gain of 370 m. Trail Head is near Moraine Lake Lodge.
4. Larch Valley
A must do hike, which takes around 4 hours, during the Autumn season to see the breathtaking golden hue of Larch trees in the valley is about 4.3 km with 535m elevation gain. Trail Head is near Moraine Lake Lodge.
5. Sentinel Pass
Rated difficult, this 5.8 km (one way) hike takes one to the stunning view point of Larch and Paradise Valley and climbs an elevation of 725 m. Trail Head is near Moraine Lake Lodge.
6. Wenkchemna Pass
With an elevation gain of 720 m and a distance of 9.7km (one way), this trail takes one to Wenkchemma Pass on the Continental Divide. Trail Head is near Moraine Lake Lodge
Moraine Lake trails have group access restrictions during bear activity months. So check Parks Canada regulations before hiking.
Moraine Lake in winter
The Lake is mostly frozen till May (depends on weather) . The Lake road is closed to traffic.
Cross country ski in winter along the Moraine Lake road to the Lake at this popular destination.
Who all can go to the Lake ? – Everybody.
When to go to Moraine Lake ?
From late spring to early fall.
Moraine Lake Closure – Is Moraine Lake Open?
From 2023 Moraine Lake Road is closed year-round to private vehicles.
Canoe dock : 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, daily, during the tourist season
How long will it take to see the Lake?
Depending on interest, one hour to four hour (not counting difficult hikes)
Canoeing : one to one and a half hours.
How to get to Moraine Lake ?
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake Location/directions
GPS: 51.328225,-116.181586
Lake Louise to Moraine Lake
From the parking lot, go to Lake Louise Drive, turn right onto Moraine Lake Rd, the Moraine Lake is about 12.2 km from the start of the Lake road.
From Banff/Calgary
Turn the exit towards onto Bow Valley Pkwy from Trans Canada Highway /AB1 W. Turning left to Bow Valley Parkway and merge on to Lake Louise drive. Turn left onto Moraine Lake drive.
From Jasper
Travel south on Ice fields Parkway, take the AB1 east exit and travel on Trans Canada Highway towards Calgary. Take the exit towards onto Bow Valley Pkwy. Turn right to Lake Louise drive. Turn left onto Moraine Lake drive.
During the height of the tourist season, the lot is always full. Hence you will have to park at the Lake Louise Park and Ride, which is located 6 km east of Lake Louise Village. Proof of reservation for the shuttle service is required to enter the Park and Ride. From there, Parks Canada Shuttle is available.
To get to Moraine Lake
In 2023, the Morain Lake Road will be closed to private vehicles. Only Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, taxis and commercial buses will be permitted on the road.
In your own car to Lake Louise Park & Ride Lot:
If you plan in advance, then the best way to see Moraine Lake is to reserve a seat on the Parks Canada Shuttle to Moraine Lake which originates from Lake Louise Park and Ride lot.
Moraine Lake shuttle runs daily from June 1 to October 9, 2023, with service every 20 minutes between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., and 15-minute frequency between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Reservations are available online.
The cost of the shuttle is Adult (18-64) – $8; Senior (65+) – $4; Youth (6-17) – $2; and Child (under 6 years) – free. This includes return and the use of the Lake Connector to Lake Louise. There is an additional $3 non-refundable transaction fee per reservation when purchasing shuttle tickets on the Parks Canada Reservation System.
Moraine Lake shuttle is not wheelchair accessible.
3. From Lake Louise:
From Lake Louise, you can take the Lake Connector shuttle.
Lake Connector shuttle between Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake is on a first-come-first-serve basis. You will receive proof of purchase for the Shuttle from Park & Ride so that you can ride the Lake Connector Shuttle for Free.
4. From Lake Lousie Village:
If you are staying at the Village of Lake Louise, take Parks Canada Shuttle: Park and Ride Connector to the Park and Ride. This service loops between the Lake Louise Campground, the village of Lake Louise (Samson Mall) and the Lake Louise Park and Ride. This free service is available daily from May to October 9, 2023. Reservations are not required for Park and Ride Connector.
5. From Banf Town:
You can use public transport to reach Lake Louise Park and Ride.
Visiting during Fall using Public Transit:
Take Roam Transit’s daily direct service, from mid-September to mid-October from Banff to Moraine Lake.
How much do the Moraine Lake visit cost?
Admission/fees 2022
Free with Banff National Park Admission.
Canoe rental from Moraine Lake Lodge: Starting from ~$120.00 CAD plus tax per canoe for a one-hour rental. (Open daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm mid-June to mid-September)
Paddle, life jackets and basic instruction are provided.
What about Amenities, accessibility & parking?
Gift shops & Snack bar at the Moraine Lake Lodge.
Washrooms.
Parking available.
Stroller/Wheelchair accessible, but there might be small rocks on the way.
No campsite in the immediate vicinity. But, the Moraine Lake Lodge is situated right on the Lake edge.
ACCOMMODATIONS NEAR MORAINE LAKE
WEATHER AT MORAINE LAKE
More To Do in Canadian Rockies:
!0 Peaks area is the most beautiful place on Earth.
GORGEOUS BEYOND BELIEF!!OOOOOOOOOOOOO CANADA!!!
I really enjoyed this lake !! scenery is really surreal, pictures really don’t do it justice!! so many people taking photos, lots of cameras!! lol.. but the truth is that no picture can compare to this majestic scenery! get here early to avoid the crowds, parking is very limited.