Amazing Moraine Lake in Canada

This is one of the highlights of the Canadian Rockies, an absolute must see. Moraine Lake's brilliant blue-green waters are sheltered in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Its waters are the most amazing colour, a vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity through the summer as the glaciers melt. Set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal. The turquoise blue water and spectacular mountain backdrop here makes it one of the best places on earth. You can sit lakeside and absorb the sights and pure mountain air, or explore the beauty. Or you can climb up the rockpile for the best views. There are many nice hikes in the area and the walk along the shoreline is nice. Canoeing, hiking, walking and photography are popular here. Canoeing is very expensive but we splurged once and it was memorable. It’s an iconically jaw-dropping place that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Moraine Lake is 14 kilometres, southeast of the hamlet of Lake Louise. It’s situated in the beautiful Valley Of The Ten Peaks in Banff National Park. Moraine Lake is only half the size of its nearby neighbour Lake Louise, but perhaps even more scenic. Glacier-fed, its brilliant blue-green colour is a result of light refracting off the rock flour in the glacier run-off which flows into the lake. In the fall the larches light up in rich shades of yellow, gold, and orange and paint a surreal backdrop for a hike.

There are several hikes around the lake ranging from accessible walks to more strenuous hikes. The Rockpile Trail is an easy and short path switchbacking along the back of the moraine to the top of the natural dam. During times of high grizzly bear activity, there are hiking restrictions in place for many of the trails in the Moraine Lake area. Other trails to explore include Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail, Eiffel Lake, Wenkchemna Pass, Larch Valley, and Sentinel Pass.

Time To Visit Moraine Lake

The lake sits at a high elevation of 1883 meters. It can remain frozen until late May or into June depending on the temperatures. The water level remains low until the glacier above the lake starts to melt. Water levels, and its vibrant colour, peak in late June. Once the meltwater from the glacier up above starts to flow into the lake it brings with it rock flour or silt. This is what the light reflects off of and gives the lake the stunning blue colour.


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Getting to Moraine Lake

From Lake Louise Village, located just off the Trans-Canada Highway, drive uphill for approximately 3 km’s on Lake Louise Drive until you see the access road for Moraine Lake on your left. Follow the winding road for 11 kilometres to the parking area. If you keep going past the turnoff to Moraine Lake Road and continue up to Lake Louise Drive you will reach Lake Louise within a few minutes.There is a seasonally available shuttle to Moraine Lake. 

Moraine Lake Road is open mid-June through mid-October. Arrive before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. in July, August and September. The road to Moraine Lake is closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall and high avalanche risk. Depending on the conditions, the road opens sometime between the third week of May and the first week of June and closes in October after the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend.

Moraine Lake Lodge

Moraine Lake Lodge is the only accommodation at the lake. Nestled in a spectacular valley in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Moraine Lake Lodge provides the ultimate romantic getaway for those seeking a luxurious escape for a honeymoon, anniversary, hiking experience, or a relaxing vacation. Staying at the lodge allows you to take advantage of the early morning or late hours of the day when the tourists have left the area. Nature-inspired interiors in rich earth colours grace the rooms and cabins at Moraine Lake Lodge. All of  Rocky Mountain accommodations offer views of Moraine Lake, the Valley of the Ten Peaks and its glaciers. 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. Complimentary Wifi is available throughout the property and a telephone is available in the lodge. Please note that the lodge and all rooms are non-smoking. It’s open from early June to early October. The amenities include a gift shop and a restaurant.



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