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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Moraine Lake Reviews

Explorer

James Hueser

Explorer

Moraine Lake

03/18/16

Moraine Lake is as beautiful as it is photographed! My choice of activity here is to find a spot to sit down and just take it all in. A lot of people try to get the best shot, but it serves as an excellent backdrop for a conversation with a good friend.

3.0

Explorer

Jason Hatfield

Explorer

Moraine Lake

01/06/16

This is the location that first made me want to visit the Canadian Rockies. Yes the crowds are crazy, but there are usually very few people at sunrise.

5.0

Wim Froyman

Moraine Lake

11/08/15

It's a must see in Canada ! Come early or after 6 PM is the best option for parking and getting a nice shot of the lake from the Rock Pile (trail starts on the parking lot next to the lodge). Keep in mind that the road to Moraine Lake is closed from early October until the end of May.

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

Moraine Lake

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Moraine Lake Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Scramble the Tower of Babel

Larch Valley Trail to Minnestimma Lakes

Scramble Mount Temple

Eiffel Peak

Scramble the Ten Peaks via the Perren Route

Eiffel Lake via Valley of Ten Peaks

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