Canada is famous for so many things. The natural wonders, delicious maple syrup, exciting ice hockey, diverse culture and history, and the beautiful national parks. All these things offer pure experience and lifelong memories. One such attraction is Morine Lake.
Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and one of the best lakes in Canada. It is a popular attraction and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. You can feel the absolute excitement in the air when standing on the shore of Moraine Lake. And the best part is that it is way too easily accessible. So why wait? Here is your guide to the most stunning lake in Canada.
Visiting such a popular place comes with a lot of challenges. Over the past years, the popularity of Moraine Lake surged to the sky and so did traffic and crowds. Many visitors were found illegally parking overnight or had to visit at 4:00 a.m. to find a parking spot. This led to some strict restrictions.
Unfortunately, the authority didn’t seem to find any other solution than to close the road access to Moraine Lake completely for private vehicles in the season of 2023.
Note: The road to Moraine Lake is closed to vehicles on October 10, 2023, and will remain closed until Summer 2024.
Glaciers surrounding the lake melt slowly, and the lake fills up by June. Until then, the water is covered with massive ice blocks and you can walk on a wide beach shore. When glaciers are melting, the water flowing through the rocks creates rock flour also known as glacial milk. Moraine Lake showcases different shades of blue colour depending on the light reflecting off the rock flour.
This melting process takes time. So, do not expect to see the gorgeous blue colours of Moraine Lake until mid to late June.
However, based on your preferences, the best to visit Morine Lake is never defined. But do remember that access to Morine Lake is only available for a short period of time.
Although you can pay directly on the bus, reservations are highly recommended. Roam bus tickets cost 10 CAD for adults, one way and children aged 12 and under are free (requires reservation). They accept US and Canadian currency, but cash only. You can also choose the Roam Transit Super Pass which is valid for one day with unlimited rides.
The sunrise at Moraine Lake is popular and one of the best things to do at Moraine Lake, so the tickets start at 59 CAD (4 am) and 69 CAD (5 am). The later departures cost less around 35 CAD for adults and 25 CAD for children.
Private Tour Companies:
Schedule and fees:
Moraine Lake Shuttle starts at 6:30 a.m. and the last shuttle departs at 6:00 p.m. and returns at 7:30 p.m.
8 CAD for adults and 4 CAD for seniors above 65 years
Free for kids 17 and under
3 CAD for non-refundable online reservations and 6 CAD if booking by your phone
Taxi
The popular Taxi option is Three Sister’s Taxi. They can pick you up in Canmore or Banff and provide round-trips to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. You can easily spend an hour at each lake and then they drive you back.
Right from the parking lot, you can head to the short Rockpile Trailhead. It is an easy 15-minute hike up the moraine until the viewpoint. As the name suggests, you will find a huge pile of rocks which can be turned into ultimate viewing points.
Moraine Lakeshore Trail
Moraine Lakeshore Trail is the most popular hiking trail at Moraine Lake. It starts at Moraine Lake Lodge following the edge of Moraine Lake for 1.5 km. Once you reach the end, turn back and follow the same trail. Overall, it takes an hour to walk the trail and enjoy the stunning views.
Canoe on the Lake
Canoeing is the most iconic activity to do at Moraine Lake. These canoes can fit up to three people and include life jackets for safety purposes. They are relatively cheaper and offer gorgeous sights of Moraine Lake.
Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass
One of the most spectacular hikes at Moraine Lake, Larch Valley Hike, lists among the best things to do in Banff National Park during fall. The whole valley drowns into the sea of yellow Larch trees with a stunning backdrop of ten peaks making it one of the beautiful places in Canada. It starts from the Moraine Lake parking lot and follows the Lakeshore Trail before you find the sign telling you to turn left.
Eiffel Lake Trail
Eiffel Lake is the most isolated alpine lake located not too far from Larch Valley. It actually starts from Larch Valley Trail continuing on the valley of Ten Peaks with the most stunning scenery ever. Though Eiffel Lake is small, the surrounding landscape makes it always worthwhile to visit.
Enjoy coffee at Snowshoe Cafe
The very own boutique café of Moraine Lake, the Snowshoe Café offers all of your favourites including delicious coffee. It is located in Moraine Lake Lodge. They also serve plenty of food items such as quiches, croissants, and sandwiches.
Consolation Lakes Trails
Consolation Lakes Trail offers an easy hike but still being adventurous than the Lakeshore Trail. It is 2.9 km and gets you far away from the bustling crowds out to two spectacular alpine lakes. The trail starts at the Moraine Lake parking lot bathroom following the small wooden bridge until you reach a bear warning sign. Here, turn left and you are on the Consolation Trail.
Conclusion
Moraine Lake is truly a magical place to be at. The lake is a wonderful site to explore for anyone looking for nature as well as an adventurous experience. It is a perfect getaway amid all the bustling cities, attractions, and beaches in Canada. So, plan your visit to Moraine Lake and make every moment spent worthwhile.
Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and one of the best lakes in Canada. It is a popular attraction and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. You can feel the absolute excitement in the air when standing on the shore of Moraine Lake. And the best part is that it is way too easily accessible. So why wait? Here is your guide to the most stunning lake in Canada.
Moraine Lake: An Overview
Moraine Lake is located in the heart of Banff National Park in the Valley of the Ten Peak, only 14 km from the village of Lake Louise. It is a glacial-fed lake that sits at an elevation of 1,885 meters. The lake shimmers in a wild turquoise blue colour and is set against a stunning backdrop among the pristine wilderness drawing millions of visitors every year.
Visiting such a popular place comes with a lot of challenges. Over the past years, the popularity of Moraine Lake surged to the sky and so did traffic and crowds. Many visitors were found illegally parking overnight or had to visit at 4:00 a.m. to find a parking spot. This led to some strict restrictions.
Unfortunately, the authority didn’t seem to find any other solution than to close the road access to Moraine Lake completely for private vehicles in the season of 2023.
Note: The road to Moraine Lake is closed to vehicles on October 10, 2023, and will remain closed until Summer 2024.
The Best Time to Visit Morine Lake
As said, Moraine Lake is a glacier-fed lake sitting at an altitude of 1,883 meters, which means only one thing. The winter here can be long and the weather conditions are different.Glaciers surrounding the lake melt slowly, and the lake fills up by June. Until then, the water is covered with massive ice blocks and you can walk on a wide beach shore. When glaciers are melting, the water flowing through the rocks creates rock flour also known as glacial milk. Moraine Lake showcases different shades of blue colour depending on the light reflecting off the rock flour.
This melting process takes time. So, do not expect to see the gorgeous blue colours of Moraine Lake until mid to late June.
However, based on your preferences, the best to visit Morine Lake is never defined. But do remember that access to Morine Lake is only available for a short period of time.
How to get to Morine Lake
Accessibility is the main reason for Moraine Lake’s popularity. But due to rising problems, in 2023, the access to Moraine Lake by road has been closed and below are the provided options to visit Moraine Lake:Roam Transit
The direct Roam Transit bus only ran to Morine Lake between September 2023 and October 2023. It is popularly used by hikers for the larch season. There is a regular Roam Transit bus that operates year-round called the Lake Louise-Banff Express (Route 8x).Although you can pay directly on the bus, reservations are highly recommended. Roam bus tickets cost 10 CAD for adults, one way and children aged 12 and under are free (requires reservation). They accept US and Canadian currency, but cash only. You can also choose the Roam Transit Super Pass which is valid for one day with unlimited rides.
Moraine Lake Bus Company
Moraine Lake Bus Company is one of the few transport companies that will take you to Moraine Lake for sunrise. It is budget-friendly as the buses depart only from Lake Louise village from Samson Mall at 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.The sunrise at Moraine Lake is popular and one of the best things to do at Moraine Lake, so the tickets start at 59 CAD (4 am) and 69 CAD (5 am). The later departures cost less around 35 CAD for adults and 25 CAD for children.
Private Tour Companies:
- Hop-on-Hop-off Bus
How it works:
- It arrives in Banff and you can pay for a day pass and hop on the bus in the morning.
- The bus has scheduled stops at the Lake Louise gondola, Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise.
- You can note the bus schedule and hop back whenever you are ready to leave the destination.
- Hop off at any scheduled bus stops.
- Hop back on any time to get back to Banff.
Moraine Lake Shuttle
Moraine Lake Shuttle is operated by Parks Canada. We recommend you make a reservation online. However, you can find only 40% of available tickets released and the remaining 60% will be released on a rolling window, 48 hours (8 am) before departure.Schedule and fees:
Moraine Lake Shuttle starts at 6:30 a.m. and the last shuttle departs at 6:00 p.m. and returns at 7:30 p.m.
8 CAD for adults and 4 CAD for seniors above 65 years
Free for kids 17 and under
3 CAD for non-refundable online reservations and 6 CAD if booking by your phone
Biking the road to Moraine Lake
Biking to Morine Lake is an excellent option for cyclists. It is a 12 km one-way a small and steady ascent. If you opt to bike shortly before the road opens, you will see lots of ice blocks floating around, low water levels, and no famous blue colour yet. Biking in this season might only be possible until the Ten Peaks viewpoint. After that, the last three km have waist-deep snow. This is one of the best biking trails and also one of the best places to visit in winter vacation.Hiking along the road to Morine Lake
Hiking to Moraine Lake features a 12 km one-way path paved through the forest area, so you won't have anything much to see. The better option is to hike through the forest on Moraine Lake Highline Trail following the Moraine Lake Road.Taxi
The popular Taxi option is Three Sister’s Taxi. They can pick you up in Canmore or Banff and provide round-trips to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. You can easily spend an hour at each lake and then they drive you back.
What to do at Moraine Lake
Rockpile TrailRight from the parking lot, you can head to the short Rockpile Trailhead. It is an easy 15-minute hike up the moraine until the viewpoint. As the name suggests, you will find a huge pile of rocks which can be turned into ultimate viewing points.
Moraine Lakeshore Trail
Moraine Lakeshore Trail is the most popular hiking trail at Moraine Lake. It starts at Moraine Lake Lodge following the edge of Moraine Lake for 1.5 km. Once you reach the end, turn back and follow the same trail. Overall, it takes an hour to walk the trail and enjoy the stunning views.
Canoe on the Lake
Canoeing is the most iconic activity to do at Moraine Lake. These canoes can fit up to three people and include life jackets for safety purposes. They are relatively cheaper and offer gorgeous sights of Moraine Lake.
Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass
One of the most spectacular hikes at Moraine Lake, Larch Valley Hike, lists among the best things to do in Banff National Park during fall. The whole valley drowns into the sea of yellow Larch trees with a stunning backdrop of ten peaks making it one of the beautiful places in Canada. It starts from the Moraine Lake parking lot and follows the Lakeshore Trail before you find the sign telling you to turn left.
Eiffel Lake Trail
Eiffel Lake is the most isolated alpine lake located not too far from Larch Valley. It actually starts from Larch Valley Trail continuing on the valley of Ten Peaks with the most stunning scenery ever. Though Eiffel Lake is small, the surrounding landscape makes it always worthwhile to visit.
Enjoy coffee at Snowshoe Cafe
The very own boutique café of Moraine Lake, the Snowshoe Café offers all of your favourites including delicious coffee. It is located in Moraine Lake Lodge. They also serve plenty of food items such as quiches, croissants, and sandwiches.
Consolation Lakes Trails
Consolation Lakes Trail offers an easy hike but still being adventurous than the Lakeshore Trail. It is 2.9 km and gets you far away from the bustling crowds out to two spectacular alpine lakes. The trail starts at the Moraine Lake parking lot bathroom following the small wooden bridge until you reach a bear warning sign. Here, turn left and you are on the Consolation Trail.
Conclusion
Moraine Lake is truly a magical place to be at. The lake is a wonderful site to explore for anyone looking for nature as well as an adventurous experience. It is a perfect getaway amid all the bustling cities, attractions, and beaches in Canada. So, plan your visit to Moraine Lake and make every moment spent worthwhile.
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