Moraine Lake

Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

4.8/5

based on 22 reviews

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Description

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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Reviews

Zielono Mi

Moraine Lake

08/02/19

Very picturesque place!!! Super easy walk from the parking lot. Only 300 m and you can have a look at the very magic place!

5.0

Explorer

Kaila Walton

Explorer

Moraine Lake

05/02/18

I went here in July of 2017 for sunrise and it was amazing. A fair amount of people there in the morning but nothing too crazy. It is one of those places that no matter how many photos you see of it, nothing compares to the real deal.

5.0

Andy Morris

Moraine Lake

10/15/17

I proposed to my girlfriend here at the end of a week long trip visiting several US national parks. We finished the trip in Banff. Photography at Moraine Lake was the reason we planned the trip and it did not disappoint. Even though it was 30 degrees, seeing this gorgeous natural wonder lived up to every expectation I had.

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...

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...

Eiffel Lake via Valley of Ten Peaks

Hike with amazing views of Valley of Ten Peaks, including Mount Fay (10,613 ft), Mount Little (10,131 ft), Deltaform Mountain (11,234 ft), and Wenkchemna Peak (10,401 ft) to two breathtaking glacial lakes in the heart of the Continental Divide. From the lake, the trail is quite easy to follow, and clearly marked with signs and maps. Follow the lakeshore west 0.1 km (300 ft), then head up the L...

Climb the Tower of Babel

Fairly short approach that begins to the left of Moraine Lake on the consolation lakes trail. Follow a foot path until you see a faint trail in the scree that moves up towards the tower-would recommend wearing a helmet on the approach. This is active grizzly country- It would be a good idea to carry bear spray with you if your visiting this area. You can check the Canada Parks website for any t...

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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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Scramble the Tower of Babel

Eiffel Peak

Eiffel Lake via Valley of Ten Peaks

Climb the Tower of Babel

Scramble the Ten Peaks via the Perren Route

Scramble Mount Temple

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