Visiting Beautiful Moraine Lake in Banff National Park

When we were planning our summer road trip in Alberta, Moraine Lake in Banff National Park near Lake Louise was one of the places that I considered a “must-see” because we had missed it on a brief trip to Banff years earlier. On a 6 night Banff to Jasper road trip, it was much easier to make it a priority.

Located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park approximately 14 kilometres (8.5 miles) from Lake Louise, beautiful Moraine Lake is one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is a glacial-fed alpine lake and the stunning turquoise colour of the lake is a result of fine particles of glacial silt suspended in the water.

What is the best time to visit Moraine Lake? The lake is generally frozen until sometime in May so visits need to be planned between late May/early June and September/October. As the lake is fed by glacier melt, the depth and colour of the lake is impacted by season. time of day and weather. An interpretive board at the top of the Rockpile Trail explains that meltwater entering the back of Moraine Lake is milky grey from the glacial rock flour but the colour shifts to cobalt blues and chrome greens as the rock flour disperses in the lake.

Our visit was in late June and we had lovely summer weather for our first couple of days in Banff but the weather shifted the morning we headed for Lake Louise – the temperature dropped to just above freezing, it was foggy and rainy and there was snow in the forecast for the following day. I hadn’t considered that possibility but it is the mountains!

We worried that visibility at Moraine Lake wouldn’t be the best but the fog and light rain cleared shortly after our arrival and we had lovely views of the iconic lake.

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How To Get To Moraine Lake

Due to high demand, visiting Moraine Lake requires planning!!

Beginning in 2023, Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year round (with few exceptions including guests of Moraine Lake Lodge). Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, and commercial buses are permitted from late May/early June to mid-October.

The timing of opening and closing of access to Moraine Lake may vary depending on weather conditions but generally opening will coincide with Canada’s Victoria Day weekend (Victoria Day is the last Monday preceding May 25) and closing with Canadian Thanksgiving (the second Monday in October). Be sure to check the Parks Canada website for exact dates. Parking at Moraine Lake is no longer possible.

Parks Canada Moraine Lake Shuttle

The Parks Canada Shuttle is an easy, economical and stress-free way to visit Moraine Lake as well as Lake Louise (where there is limited parking availability) in one day.

I found the Parks Canada website a bit confusing but it all runs very efficiently once you’re in the park. I recommend setting up a Parks Canada account prior to the date you intend to purchase passes as it will save time when the window opens. Passes for the day that we wanted to visit opened shortly after we boarded our flight from Toronto to Calgary and it was a bit stressful trying to complete the purchase prior to take-off!

Parks Canada releases 40% of shuttle seats in April and the remainder of the shuttle seats (60%) are released in a rolling window two days prior to departure day at 8am (Mountain Time zone). So if you want to visit on Sunday, for example, then you can purchase your pass on Friday morning.

Advance reservations are required but if you have arrived without a reservation then check with Parks Canada staff on site to see if there are any same day available – highly unlikely during the busiest part of the summer season but we did see a couple of people get same day seats when we were there in June.

Shuttle fee in 2024 is $8 per adult (18-64). Reduced fee for seniors and youth 17 and under are free. There is a non-refundable $3 reservation fee if booking online and $6 if booking by telephone.

Visitors who have reserved their shuttle pass online park their vehicle at the Park and Ride at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Shuttle tickets are for a one hour window and you can arrive at any time during that window, check in with Parks Canada staff to pick up your shuttle pass and board a shuttle. In addition to the shuttle ticket, visitors must also have paid the National Park entry fee.

Shuttle reservation holders are able to visit both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake as there’s a shuttle that runs between the two and you use the same shuttle pass. From the Parks Canada Park and Ride, you will board a shuttle to one of the two lakes. You can spend as much time as you like and when you’re finished you can board the Lake Connector Shuttle to visit the other lake and then catch a shuttle back to the Park and Ride.

We were staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise so we drove to the Park and Ride to pick up our tickets and then drove back to Lake Louise to park at the hotel and catch the connector shuttle to Moraine Lake.

Private Shuttle and Private Tours to Moraine Lake

There are also several companies that offer private shuttles that generally charge $25+ per person. Expect to pay more if you want a shuttle for sunrise at Moraine Lake. This was our back-up plan if we hadn’t been able to get tickets on the Parks Canada shuttle.

• Moraine Lake Bus Company operates a shuttle between Lake Louise Summer Gondola (after 6am), Samson Mall (sunrise and early bird shuttles), Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Round trip to Moraine Lake only starts at $59 CAD per adult. Reduced pricing for children under the age of 16. Some buses are direct to Moraine Lake and some include a stop at Lake Louise – be sure to book the bus you want. Moraine Lake with 1 stop at Lake Louise starts at $89, Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle starts at $99, and Lake Louise only (new in 2024) starts at $39.
• Mountain Park Transportation operates a shuttle for guests staying at Mountaineer Lodge and Paradise Bungalows. Parking at those hotels is reserved for guests and there is no other parking in the community of Lake Louise so unless you arrive by public transit then taking this shuttle wouldn’t be an option. A shuttle from Banff is also available in 2024. Moraine Lake shuttle rates start at $45 CAD with reduced rates for children.
• Fairview Limousine Moraine Lake shuttles depart from The Lake Louise Inn. Round trip shuttle trip starts at $35 CAD (2024). There is also a charge for pets. Sunrise shuttles start at $75.

There are also private and group tours available which are more expensive but a viable option if you are not staying in Lake Louise but would like to take a day trip to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. These are a few of the options available:

• Banff National Park Tour with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake – a 4 hours guided tour from Banff of both iconic lakes – operates seasonally – small group size (up to 24 guests) – from $84.56 USD. Includes a stop at Moraine Lake for about 30 minutes.
• Moraine Lake Sunrise and Lake Louise Early Bird Small Group Adventure – 7 hour tour – exclusive experience visiting Moraine Lake for sunrise & Lake Louise before the crowds arrive with an expert local guide – small group (max 21 guests) – pick up and drop off at Banff Train Station – $215.12 USD. Includes 1.5 hours at Moraine Lake as well as 1.5 hours at Lake Louise.
• Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus – Discover Banff National Park at your own pace with stops in Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake – $63.60 USD.

Roam Public Transit to Moraine Lake

Parks Canada recommends Roam Public Transit for visitors staying in the town of Banff who want to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Riders who upgrade to the Roam Super Pass can access the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle to Moraine Lake that operates daily from June 1 to October 9, 2023 (8 am to 6 pm). Reservations can be made. Day pass in 2023 is $20 CAD for adults, $10 for youth and senior and 12 and under ride free.

Hiking or Biking to Moraine Lake

Parks Canada does not recommend hiking to Moraine Lake from the village of Lake Louise as it is a 28km (17 mile) round trip with moderate elevation gain. There is no pathway along Moraine Lake Road.

Cyclists need to be aware that they will encounter bus traffic on a narrow road with no shoulders. Riders can choose to ride early or late in the day to avoid the heaviest traffic. Bike racks are provided at Moraine Lake.

Hiking Moraine Lake

Sure you can visit and just to snap a few photos and leave again but one of the best things to do at Moraine Lake is hiking. Fortunately there are several options for hiking at Moraine Lake for various skill levels.

We were lucky that the rain let up for a bit while we were at Moraine Lake so we walked the trail along the shore of the lake and also the Rockpile Trail for the views. I’m a fair weather hiker so we didn’t bother with any of the other longer hiking trails.

Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail

Most visitors get off the shuttle bus at Moraine Lake and head directly to the Rockpile but we decided to walk the shoreline of this world-famous Banff National Park lake first. This is an easy trail that weaves through the forested lakeshore and is an absolute must, in my opinion, for the incredible views that you get of the lake and of the canoes paddling on the lake.

The distance is a little shy of 3km (1.8 miles) return which takes approximately 40-60 minutes depending on how fast a walker you are and the trail is rated easy.

The Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail (aka Moraine Lake Viewpoint Trail)

The Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail is another must for the views of the iconic lake and the Ten Peaks. It’s only a short hike with a bit of an uphill climb and a few stairs but it’s gradual and you can take your time. It’s definitely worth it for the incredible view even for people who aren’t avid hikers. It seems that most people visiting Moraine Lake only tackle this trail and as a result it’s the only place where it felt crowded when we visited.

The reward at the top of the hill is what’s known as the “Twenty Dollar view” because this scene was pictured on the back of the Canadian $20 bill beginning in 1969. Along the path and at the top of the rockpile there are interpretive plaques with information about Moraine Lake and the famous view with an image of the back of the twenty dollar bill.

The hike is about .8 km (.5 miles) return with an elevation gain of 30 metres (98 feet) and is rated an easy hike that takes about 25 minutes – plus the amount of time to take pictures and stand in awe of the beautiful view!

Please exercise care – there are signs warning visitors to stay on the trail but we saw several people climb over the fence to take photos in precarious locations – no photo is worth a bad accident!

Additional Hiking Trails

There are several additional hiking trails at Moraine Lake but we opted to just do the Lake Shore Trail and the Rockpile Trail – partly because of the weather and partly because I was worried about bears. This is grizzly bear country and there are warnings to carry bear spray and travel in groups. Some trails require a minimum number of hikers in a group for this reason. We aren’t serious hikers so we were satisfied with what we saw!

Additional hikes include:

• Consolation Lakes – 6 km (3.7 miles) return, moderate difficulty, elevation gain 60 metres (197 feet), approximately 2 hours round trip. Trail leads through forest and meadow to the lower of two lakes. Rewarding views with much less effort than most of the Moraine Lake trails.
• Larch Valley – 8.6 km (5.4 miles) return, moderate/difficult, elevation gain 520 metres (1706 feet), approximately 3-4 hours round trip. For ambitious hikers – trail with steady uphill switchbacks and beautiful views of Moraine Lake, through larch trees and to meadow with breathtaking backdrop of the Ten Peaks. Popular hike in the fall when the larch trees turn golden yellow.
• Eiffel Lake – 11.2 km (7 miles) return, moderate/difficult, elevation gain 370 metres (1214 feet), approximately 4-5 hours round trip. Splits off from the Larch Valley trail after the first 2.4 kilometres – fewer hikers than Larch Valley. Stunning panoramic views above Eiffel Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
• Sentinel Pass – 11.6 km (7.2 miles) return, difficult, elevation gain 725 metres (2378 feet), approximately 5-6 hours round trip. After hiking up to Larch Valley the trail continues up with steep switchbacks to Sentinel Pass past alpine lakes and up to the pass with views of Ten Peaks, Larch Valley and Paradise Valley. Be aware of potential for rock fall.
• Wenkchemna Pass – 19.4 km (12 miles) return, difficult, elevation gain 720 metres (2362 feet), approximately 7-8 hours round trip. After hiking to Eiffel Lake you can hike further to Wenkchemna Pass crossing alpine tundra, glacial moraine and rockslides. Excellent views of Valley of the Ten Peaks and the Wenkchemna Glacier.

For more detailed information:

The Banff Blog has a great post on 11 Moraine Lake Hikes with Amazing Views if you’re looking for more information on the hiking trails at the lake. Leigh McAdam from Hike Bike, Travel also has an article on 10 Best Lake Louise Hikes that includes some of the hiking trails at Moraine Lake.

Canoeing on Moraine Lake

Another memorable activity is taking a canoe out on beautiful Moraine Lake. Moraine Lake Lodge offers canoe rentals to day visitors as well as hotel guests at their canoe dock from mid-June to mid-September (due to water levels).

We didn’t go canoeing but I loved seeing the boats on the lake as we walked along the lakeshore trail – it makes for great photos with the brightly coloured canoes on the blue/green water and the mountains in the background.

How much is canoe rental at Moraine Lake? Starting from $140 CAD + tax per canoe for a 1 hour rental (2023 pricing). Paddle, lifejacket and basic instructions are included. Each canoe can accommodate 2-3 people. Pets are not permitted in canoes. Canoe rental is not available in inclement weather – snow, rain, wind.

Food and Shopping at Moraine Lake

There is a cafe at Moraine Lake offering a variety of grab and go items such as tea, coffee, cold beverages, baked goods and soup. Outdoor patio seating by the lodge is available for cafe patrons. The cafe is generally open 9am – 5pm.

There is also a gift shop at Moraine Lake where you can shop for souvenirs. Moraine Lake Trading Post sells outerwear, clothing, handbags and accessories, jewelry, Rocky Mountain design souvenirs and specialty food products including Roger’s chocolates, maple syrups, honey and smoked salmon.

Moraine Lake Lodge

Staying at beautiful Moraine Lake Lodge is always an option if you’re not just in the area as a day visitor. Built over 20 years ago, Moraine Lake Lodge is a luxurious escape in the Canadian Rocky Mountains that aims to provide an oasis of calm and an escape from busy lives. Their philosophy for enjoying the beautiful location is “hike, breathe the fresh mountain air, rekindle a relationship and create wonderful experiences and lasting memories.”

All cabins and rooms offer custom designed, hand-crafted log furniture and true Canadian Rocky Mountain comfort with luxurious down duvets, fine Woolrich blankets and pillows, plus beautifully appointed bathrooms with deep soaker tubs. There are no telephones or televisions in any of the rooms, however, complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property and a telephone is available in the lodge. All rooms face the lake and surrounding mountains.

Moraine Lake Lodge is a summer seasonal property open June 1st – October 1st and is neither pet-friendly nor wheelchair accessible.

The lodge is also home to one of the top gourmet restaurants in Banff National Park – the Walter Wilcox Dining Room.