Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake, one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies, is a common fixture on sightseeing tours of Banff National Park, Lake Louise, and Yoho National Park. Moraine Lake tours depart from Banff and Calgary, and typically include sightseeing stops at other Alberta beauty spots such as Victoria Glacier, Takakkaw Falls, Lake Louise, and Bow, Emerald, and Peyto lakes. Moraine Lake is also a stop on the hop-on, hop-off Banff bus, which runs between Banff and Lake Louise. Active travelers can opt for a 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) guided hike through Larch Valley, or, in summer, rent a canoe from the Moraine Lake Boathouse and paddle out onto the water.

• Moraine Lake is a must-see for photographers and appreciators of natural beauty.

• Wear sturdy shoes, as the lakeside trail can be uneven.

• Bring warm clothes. Even on pleasant summer days, weather patterns here are unpredictable and can change rapidly.

Moraine Lake is about nine miles (14 kilometers) from Lake Louise. Follow Moraine Lake Road, which branches off from Lake Louise Drive. Parking is limited at the site, and finding a spot can take some time. Private shuttles also depart from Lake Louise, while Parks Canada shuttles run from the Lake Louise overflow parking lot from mid-September to mid-October.

Access to Moraine Lake is available from mid-May through mid-October. The lake is fed by glacier melt, and water levels often remain low until late June. Larch tree viewing season, between mid-September and mid-October, is the busiest period. Sunrise is one of the best times for photographs, when the soft, low-angle light shines on the peaks and sightseers are few and far between.

For views of Lake Moraine that will have you reaching for your camera, follow the 1,150-foot (350-meter) Rockpile Trail. The trail begins at the parking lot, crosses over a bridge, and connects to a series of stone steps. The steps lead up to the top of some glacial rock, from which elevated viewpoints offer sublime lake vistas. Other trails in the vicinity include the 2-mile (3-kilometer) Lakeshore Trail, a relatively easy lakeside route.

The best month to go to Moraine Lake is July, but any time from late June into early August is good. The Canadian summer offers warm days and clear weather—but also bigger crowds. Head there early in the morning to avoid some of the extra people; but no matter when you go, it's worth it.

Yes. Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Banff National Park. While it's incredibly crowded in summer, this is for good reason. The stunningly bright turquoise waters of the glacier-fed lake reflect the surrounding white snow-capped peaks for picture-perfect views.

An hour or two at Moraine Lake can be enough to soak up the views. But if you want to embark on a moderate hike for a better vantage point or take a canoe out on the water, you'll have to allow for half a day or longer.

Moraine Lake is inside Banff National Park, which means you'll need to obtain a Canada National Parks Pass for visiting the lake—either a daily or annual pass. You'll also need to purchase a shuttle pass, as private vehicles are not permitted to access the lake.

No, private vehicles are not permitted to access the lake as of 2023. The only way you can get to the lake is by booking a shuttle or bus or organized tour, all of which operate from May until October when the road is opened and cleared of snowfall.

Yes, technically you can swim in Moraine Lake; however, as the water temperature hovers just above freezing, it's not recommended. But fear not—there are plenty of other ways to experience this pristine alpine lake, such as canoeing or hiking.