Answering Common Moraine Lake Questions

Moraine Lake is on nearly every visitors bucket list when they are planning their trip to Banff. It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire world, and even after seeing it hundreds of times. It still takes our breath away. Here are some commonly asked questions when it comes to visiting Moraine Lake.

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When is Moraine Lake Open?

Moraine Lake Road, the only road to Moraine Lake, is only open from June 1st to Canadian Thanksgiving every year. In 2025, it will open on June 1st and close on October 14th.

Is Moraine Lake Open in the Winter?

Moraine Lake Road is closed during the winter months. This is due to the avalanche risk on the road, which crosses areas prone to avalanches. The average visitor should not attempt to access Moraine Lake in the winter.

Can You Drive to Moraine Lake?

Personal vehicles are not allowed to drive to Moraine Lake. The road is only open to select tour operators, Parks Canada buses, visitors with a valid handicap placard, and those staying at Moraine Lake Lodge.

How Do You Get to Moraine Lake Then?

Although the road is closed to personal vehicles, there are still plenty of ways to get there. The Parks Canada shuttles are the most affordable and popular way. Then, there are numerous private operators, such as the Moraine Lake Bus Company, Fairview Limo, and Via Via, that can get you there. It’s also possible to bike the road to Moraine Lake. It can be a complicated question, as there are still many ways to get there, so I broke them all down for you here.

Can You Get to Moraine Lake When the Road is Closed?

The only way to access Moraine Lake when the road is closed is to bike the 15km+ and 400 meters up in the spring. The only time when this is safe is late May and mid October.

How Long Does it Take to Get to Moraine Lake?

If you are taking the Parks Canada shuttle or an alternative option, it takes approximately 30 minutes to travel to Moraine Lake. If you choose an adventurous option, such as biking to Moraine Lake, plan for the ride to take approximately 2 hours one way.

How to Avoid Crowds at Moraine Lake?

Even on the busiest summer day, having some alone time at Moraine Lake is possible. Most visitors to Moraine Lake congregate at the Rockpile Trail and don’t venture past that.

To get away from that, walk the Lake Moraine Lakeshore Trail, hike to Consolation Lakes, get out on a canoe, hike the Larch Valley Trail, or scramble up the Tower of Babel.

Try to avoid holidays and weekends. We find the quietest time at Moraine Lake to be between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Can You Stay Overnight at Moraine Lake?

There is no camping at Moraine Lake. The only place to stay is the Moraine Lake Lodge, which books up well in advance.

What’s the Most Popular Thing to do at Moraine Lake?

The most popular thing to do at Moraine Lake is to hike up the famous Rockpile Trail.

How Long Should You Spend at Moraine Lake?

Generally, most people spend 1-2 hours at Moraine Lake. However, if you plan to hike or canoe, you should allocate more time accordingly.

• One Hour at Moraine Lake: Walk around the lakeshore, or head up the Rockpile Trail and take in the view from the top.
• Two Hours at Moraine Lake: Walk around the lakeshore AND head up The Rockpile Trail, have a coffee at the cafe and enjoy the gift shop.
• Three Hours at Moraine Lake: Head up the Rockpile Trail and enjoy a canoe on Moraine Lake.
• Four Hours at Moraine Lake: Hike back to Consolation Lakes
• Five Hours Plus: Combine a canoe and a hike at Moraine Lake. Head up to Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass for a long and epic day out.

Can You See Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in One Day

Yes, visiting both lakes is easily doable. If you aren’t planning any big hikes, you can easily see Moraine Lake in an hour and then head down to Lake Louise and spend another hour there. The Lake Connector Shuttle makes this incredibly simple. Or you can spend longer in the area and try hiking up to Lake Agnes and the Beehives at Lake Louise, or head up the Larch Valley Trail at Moraine Lake.

Can You Canoe on Moraine Lake?

Yes! You can canoe at Moraine Lake. It’s one of our favorite places to get out on the water. Canoes can be rented at the Moraine Lake boat dock and operate by the hour on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can You Bring Your Own Watercraft to Moraine Lake

Visitors can bring their own watercraft to any of the lakes or rivers within Banff National Park. However, keep in mind that it’s challenging to access Moraine Lake with your own watercraft due to the parking restrictions. In theory, you could bike your own canoe up – we’ve seen people do it! The Parks Canada shuttle buses allow for inflatable stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Moraine Lake Bus Company also allows for this.

Why Is Moraine Lake So Blue?

The lake can attribute its brilliant blue color to glacier waters full of rock flour (fine rock particles) that refract the sunlight.

When is the Best Time to See Moraine Lake at its Bluest?

Moraine Lake will be at its absolute bluest from mid-June to mid-September. It’s incredibly blue throughout the entire day, but I find it really sparkles from 10-4 on a sunny day.

What Facilities are at Moraine Lake?

There are basic drop toilets near the parking area. There’s also Moraine Lake Lodge, a canoe dock, a small gift shop, and a small cafe. That’s it. Enjoy the nature!

Can You Swim in Moraine Lake?

You can swim in Moraine Lake, but you probably won’t want to, as the water temperature ranges between 3 °C and 4 °C. If you do decide to take a plunge, make sure to have a way to get dry and stay warm afterward.