Moraine Lake • Guide to Visiting Canada’s Most Beautiful Lake
There is no image more iconic of the Canadian Rockies, or Canada for that matter, than Moraine Lake. The alpine lake is a wild turquoise blue fed by glacier melt and set against a backdrop of the Ten Peaks. This pristine piece of wilderness draws in millions of visitors a year and once graced Canada’s twenty-dollar bill.
Finding a more majestic and awe-inspiring place than Moraine Lake is hard. The scenery is astounding, and the tranquility of the place descends on every visitor. Its grandeur and wonder inhale the hum of its crowds and leave almost every visitor speechless. After taking in the spectacular scenery, go hiking, climbing, skiing, or canoeing in Banff National Park. Moraine Lake (or Lac Moraine) is an image that will last with you for a lifetime.
Is Moraine Lake Open?
The road will be open to vehicles on June 1st, 2024. Continue reading for all the information about this stunning lake.
About Moraine Lake (Lac Moraine) in Alberta
Moraine Lake (Lac Moraine) is 14 kilometers southeast of Lake Louise. Like many other blue lakes in Banff, the lake can attribute its brilliant blue color to glacier waters full of rock flour (fine particles of rock) that refracts the sunlight.
The best time to witness this brilliant color is relatively short-lived, as it remains frozen most of the year. The lake’s waters only thaw from June to October. This is due to its elevation of 1,885 meters or 6,183 feet.
There are several fantastic hikes and walks around the lake. The most famous is a short walk up The Rockpile Trail that leads to the “Twenty Dollar View.” The scene is featured on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill and is the vantage point for almost every photograph of the stunning lake.
Tips To Visit Moraine Lake
When Is The Best Time To Visit Moraine Lake?
Unless you’re an experienced adventurer with avalanche knowledge and snowshoes or skis, you can only visit Moraine Lake from June to October. The road is closed the rest of the year because it is snow-covered and crosses avalanche paths.
You can cross-country ski, fat bike, or snowshoe in the winter, but please do so with some avalanche knowledge as the area is surrounded by huge mountains and prone to avalanches. Since the lake sits at a high elevation, it remains frozen until late May. We recommend planning any visit to Moraine Lake for June to late September.
Since the lake is fed by Glacial melt, its water level and color change based on temperatures. The water level upon first melting remains low until Fay Glacier begins to melt in June. During this time, Moraine Lake reaches its highest water levels and beauty. Visiting Moraine Lake from mid-June to August is best to ensure warmer weather and vivid turquoise water.
That being said, the color never leaves, and you can still see the lake’s colors until early October before the road to the lake closes. However, the lake will recede by then, and there will likely be snow and ice. At the season’s end, the lake does lose some color, but it is a spectacular sight if you catch the Ten Peaks in a fresh layer of snow.
What Time of Day Should I Visit Moraine Lake?
We’re sad to say that Moraine Lake’s beauty and popularity are also its downfalls. The demand to see the lake for almost every visitor to Banff National Park on a narrow mountain road with a small parking lot means that driving to Moraine Lake used to require arriving around 5 a.m. or earlier in the summer months to guarantee a parking spot.
However, Parks Canada banned all personal vehicles from driving up to Moraine Lake in 2023, and now the only way to see the lake is to use the Moraine Lake Shuttle, Roam Transit, Moraine Lake Bus Company, hire a private tour operator, have a blue accessibility car tag, hike, or bike in. We detail everything you need to know about getting to Moraine Lake here.
Getting to Moraine Lake is particularly tough for those who plan to tackle some of Moraine Lake’s more arduous hikes/scrambles, such as Eiffel Peak or Mount Temple. However, don’t fret too much. You have some options with shuttles and public transport that we will break down.
How to Get to Moraine Lake
The Parks Canada Park & Ride
The parking concerns at Moraine Lake have gotten worse each passing year, not better. Because of this, Parks Canada stopped all personal vehicles from accessing the road. Now the cheapest option for most visitors to see the lake is the Parks Canada Moraine Lake Shuttle.
It is the best way to guarantee you get to see Moraine Lake. This new system reduces the harmful impacts of crowds and ensures visitors do not have to deal with the stresses around parking at the lake. It cuts back on congestion and emissions too!
The Park and Ride parking lot is located at Lake Louise Ski Resort/Summer Gondola with direct buses to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. It is recommended that you make a shuttle reservation in advance.
Shuttle reservations will be made available in the spring of 2024. Parks Canada will release 40% of the operating season. If you don’t get a reservation don’t fret – The remaining 60% will be released on a rolling window at 8 am, 2 days before departure day, throughout the entire season.
**The 2024 Reservation Launch date for Moraine Lake shuttle reservations is April 18, 2024 at 08:00 a.m. MDT.**
Pro Tip: Late afternoon/ evening shuttles are less busy than morning shuttles. You are able to reserve a shuttle day of, if there is space available.
Shuttle reservations are for one specific bus route. Once at Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, you can connect between the lakes on a first-come-first-serve basis via the Lake Connector shuttle.
The Lake Connector Bus is free of charge for those with a shuttle ticket, making it easy to see both lakes in one day. The shuttle is for reservation holders only. You can not park at Lake Louise and hop on the Lake Connector.
Certified service animals are allowed on the shuttle buses. All other pets must be crated and kept on their owner’s lap while riding the shuttle. No large pets are permitted on the shuttles.
Park And Ride Shuttle Fairs (Return Trip)
(prices listed in CAD)
- Adults: $8
- Seniors (65+): $4
- Youth (17 and under): Free
- *There is a $3 non-refundable transaction fee per reservation when purchasing shuttle tickets on the Parks Canada Reservation System. $6 when booking by phone.
The shuttle to Moraine Lake run from June 1 to October 14, every 30 minutes between 6:30 am to 6 pm. The last return bus from Moraine Lake to the Park and Ride is 7:30 pm.
It’s important to note that these fees are in addition to your National Parks entry fee. Parks Canada changes times and rules often, we try to update this article as much as possible but encourage you to Check the Parks Canada Reservation System Here.
Lake Connector Shuttle Frequency
- Lake Louise to Moraine Lake: Every 30 minutes between 7 am to 7 pm
- Moraine Lake to Lake Louise: Every 30 minutes between 7 am to 7 pm
Check out the map to better understand the layout and where to park. If you’d like more info, such as schedule and up-to-date fairs, check out the Parks Canada Website.
Shuttle Reservations For Moraine Lake In 2024
Parks Canada shuttle reservations are required. The 2024 Reservation Launch date for Moraine Lake shuttle reservations is April 18th, 2024 at 08:00 a.m. MDT, and you’ll be able to book your seat on a shuttle bus in advance. The shuttle to Moraine Lake will begin on June 1 and run until mid-October.
A portion of seats will also be released on a rolling basis, 48 hours before departure day at 8am MST, starting in May 2024. You can reserve a seat up until the end of your timeslot this year. Walk-up seat sales may be permitted if there are still seats available. Book your seat reservation on the Parks Canada website. We find the shuttle system very easy to use, which is an excellent solution to the parking issues at Moraine Lake.
What Shuttle Do I Take If I’m Staying in Lake Louise?
If you stay at a hotel in Lake Louise Village or the Lake Louise Campground, you can use the Park & Ride Connector shuttle for free as it stops in the village and campground.
The Park and Ride Connector shuttle loops between the Lake Louise Campground, the Community of Lake Louise (Samson Mall), and the Lake Louise Park and Ride located at the Lake Louise Ski Area.
Staying in a Lake Louise hotel does not get you special access to Moraine Lake. Some hotels and lodges around Lake Louise village offer private shuttles, though. You will have to call the Lake Louise hotel you have booked to confirm if they offer a free shuttle to Moraine Lake.
*Guests staying at Deer Lodge, Paradise Bungalows, and Chateau Lake Louise are within walking distance to Lake Louise, and are welcome to get directly on the Lake Connector Shuttle rather than driving to the Park & Ride lot. These guests still need a Park & Ride shuttle reservation for that day, and they must provide proof they are staying at one of the above hotels.
Learn More About Moraine Lake Parking & Transport
ROAM Transit to Moraine Lake
The Roam Transit bus does not run to Moraine Lake except between September 19 – October 10 (tentative 2024 dates) for the larch season. You can catch the Roam Route 10: Moraine Lake Express from Banff to Moraine Lake during this time.
The Roam Transit Route 8x runs daily to Lake Louise from Banff, but not to Moraine
Lake. The Roam Route 8X: Lake Louise Express runs from Banff to Lake Louise Lakeshore along the Trans-Canada Highway, stopping at Lake Louise Village. The cost is $10 per adult; reservations are recommended. However, you can walk- up to the fare boxes. Roam buses accept US and Canadian currency as small as a nickel and up to $20. Children 12 and under are free but still require a reservation.
The Roam Transit Super Pass. Roam has a One Day Super Pass, which allows travel on any/all Roam routes – From Canmore to Banff to Lake Louise for just $25. The Super Pass is sold only on the bus, at the Roam office in Banff, or through the Token Transit App.
The Super Pass comes with free access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle. With the new Roam Transit Super Pass, visitors will receive free access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle from the Lake Louise Lakeshore or Moraine Lake. Show a valid Roam Super Pass to Parks Canada staff at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake to receive your Parks Canada boarding pass.
Bike To Moraine Lake
There is one short week in Banff when Parks Canada plows Moraine Lake Road (it’s now snow-free – yay), but it leaves the road closed to vehicles. This is when all the locals take advantage of biking Moraine Lake and seeing the beauty without the crowds. If you want to bike to the road in May before Parks Canada plows it, it might be possible until the Ten Peaks Viewpoint, as they plow this part first. After this viewpoint, you may encounter some snow.
The exact timing of road clearing depends on snowpack and avalanche conditions above the road. This is not announced and typically is only known through local know-how. We’ve biked to Moraine Lake a few times in the past. From Lake Louise, it’s approximately 14 km uphill. This takes me about 50 minutes on a mountain bike and 40 minutes on a road bike. It’s all uphill, but the fun ride down makes it all worth it.
There are a few spaces to park your car at the start of Moraine Lake Rd, but those often fill up in bike season. If you can’t get parking here, one of your options is to park at Samson Mall. This adds a lot of elevation and distance to your bike ride, so pack extra snacks.
If you’re a domestic traveler, make sure to bring your bike to Banff. It’s possible to rent bicycles for the day in either Banff at Bactrax, Rebound Cycle in Canmore, or Wilson Sports in Lake Louise Village. We recommend reserving the bikes in advance, as they do sell out in the high season.
**You can always bike to Moraine Lake during any season, but you will be biking next to buses when the road opens to vehicles.
Stay at Moraine Lake Lodge
If you can secure a stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge, you have guaranteed access to Moraine Lake. Since room rates range between $900-1100 per night, rightfully so. Moraine Lake Lodge is the only lodging at Moraine Lake, so if it’s in your budget, make sure to book well in advance.
Book an Organized Tour
Another way to guarantee that you will see Moraine Lake is by booking an organized tour or utilizing the Banff Hop on Hop Off Bus. Tour operators have access to park at Moraine Lake.
Radventures offers guided tours for small groups (max 14 guests), starting and ending with hotel pick up in Banff, with local interpretation and an amazing guide on hand to answer questions. Enjoy complimentary hot drinks, see the best spots at Moraine Lake to view the sunrise, and get our guests set up for sunrise photos (as their guiding team has photography training). After guests can get an optional hot cafe breakfast at Trailhead Cafe, before heading to Lake Louise, where you get front-of-the-line access to canoe rentals (something unique to only a Radventures tour). Book that tour here.
Sunrise Shuttle to Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake Bus Company is a local family-run company that emerged last summer as one of the top operators of sunrise shuttles to Moraine Lake. This point-to-point shuttle service is solely bus transport, not a guided tour. They run sunrise shuttles every day in the summer and are one of our favorite companies in the Bow Valley.
Shuttles transport guests to Moraine Lake pre-dawn, as early as 4am, and guests can choose how long they want to stay. This is a fantastic option for hikers and climbers who wish for an alpine start. Unlike tours with a set time at Moraine Lake, you can select your return time to stay for as long or as little as you’d like. If you’re looking to do any hikes after sunrise, or have an important event to get back to, this is the best option for you.
This service starts at $49 for a round-trip ticket and utilizes variable pricing, with tickets at 4am starting at $99. Long weekends, holidays, and last-minute weekend tickets are priced higher. The Moraine Lake Bus Company allows small dogs on their shuttles if in a crate, inflatable paddleboards, and kayaks, so bringing your pet to witness the sunrise is a great option.
In high season, they have over 30 departures a day, with options that go directly to Moraine Lake, directly to Lake Louise, or to Moraine Lake with a 1-hr stop at Lake Louise. Check their schedule here.
Hike To Moraine Lake Via the Paradise Valley Trail
This option should only be reserved for those with experience hiking in the Rockies as it is a long hike, with a very steep section up Sentinel Pass (photo below,) so you have to be pretty determined for this method.
The Park and Ride allowed us to cross a point-to-point hike off our list. The Paradise Valley trail connects Moraine Lake to Lake Louise via a 20km hike. As we only own one car, we could never complete it. However, a few years ago we took the Park and Ride to Moraine Lake, hiked to Lake Louise, and took the shuttle back to the Park & Ride from Lake Louise for a truly epic day.
For those dead set on seeing Lake Moraine, it’s possible to hike there on the Paradise Valley Trail from either Lake Louise or the trailhead for Lake Annette, which you still need a shuttle reservation to get here as it’s along Moraine Lake Rd.
This trail is 20 km that is a point-to-point hike through the stunning Paradise Valley. During the larch season, it’s one of the most incredible hikes in Alberta!
Along the way, you’ll pass Lake Annette, Mount Little Temple, and Mount Temple before ascending to Sentinel Pass the back way. Once at Sentinel Pass, you’ll descend down to Moraine Lake.
If you have a shuttle reservation (park at the Park & Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Area), you can utilize the buses to complete this point-to-point hike. This hike had been on our list for a long time, and we finally checked it off last season. Even during the busiest time in the park, we didn’t see a soul for most of the trial.
Hike the Moraine Lake Highline Trail
A slightly easier alternative to the Paradise Valley Trail is the Moraine Lake Highline Trail, which almost runs parallel to Moraine Lake Rd. Start your hike at the Paradise Valley Trailhead, which after a kilometer will fork. Take the left trail to get on the Moraine Lake Highline Trail.
Canoeing at Moraine Lake
Beyond walking around the lake, canoeing is the most popular activity at Moraine Lake. It’s a fantastic experience to paddle across the alpine lake with the mountains towering high above. The dock is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm from mid-June to mid-September.
Canoe Rentals are run by the Moraine Lake Lodge, and rates start at $140 CAD an hour. Guests of the lodge have complimentary access to canoe rentals. The canoes include paddles, life jackets, and some basic instructions. Each canoe can accommodate two or three people, and pets are not permitted.
Reservations are not accepted, and the canoes operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, the dock is weather dependent and can shut down in inclement weather, such as heavy snow, rain, or wind.
Can you Bring a Private Canoe, Kayak, or SUP to Moraine Lake?
Visitors can bring their own watercraft to any lakes or rivers within Banff National Park. All the photos in this post were of our personal canoe when you were still allowed to park at Moraine Lake. Now if you’d like to canoe on Moraine Lake, you will have to rent one by the hour from the lodge. Or you can bike one up (I’ve never biked a canoe up to Moraine Lake, but I’ve heard of people doing it!).
You can not drive to Moraine Lake for parking if you want to take your own watercraft. The Parks Canada shuttles can take several types of watercraft, including packrafts, inflatable kayaks, paddleboards, and some small hard-sided kayaks (but not canoes for obvious reasons).
Remember to Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft and water-related gear before entering any river, lake or stream in Banff. Anyone launching non-motorized watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, inflatables, and water-related gear are required to complete a self-certification permit every time you enter a new lake, river or stream in Banff National Park. Learn more.
The Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail
The Moraine Lake Rockpile trail brings you to the aptly named “Twenty Dollar View” because it is the scene used on the former Canadian twenty-dollar bill and shot by almost every photographer.
We like to consider it one of the best views in the world. Moraine Lakes’ deep blue is backed by the famed Ten Peaks – ten towering snow-capped peaks.
It’s a short walk up to the top of the rockpile trail that almost anyone can accomplish. The trail switchbacks along the backside of the rocky moraine. Stone and log steps make it accessible to most able-bodied people. Keep an eye out for pikas and chipmunks frequently seen darting in and out of the rocks.
- Trailhead: Begins at the end of the parking lot and over the bridge.
- Distance: 350 meters
- Elevation: 30 meters
- Time: 20 – 40 minutes (return)
Hiking Around Lake Moraine
There are some very popular hikes around Lake Moraine should you want to get more activity in! I’ve ranked them all here in terms of difficulty. You can also find all the best Lake Moraine hikes summed up here as well.
Moraine Lake Shore Trail
From the Canoe docks, this is a flat trail that works its way along the lake’s shoreline and back. It’s a beautiful trail that moves in and out of the forest with great lake views and mountains. You’ll be shocked at how few visitors to Moraine Lake go just a little further to hike along one of the most accessible trails in the area. At the end of the hike is a boardwalk near the waters flowing down from Wenkchemna Pass.
- Trailhead: Begins at the canoe docks.
- Distance: 2.9 km
- Elevation: Minimal
- Time: 45 to 60 minutes (return)
Consolation Lakes Trail
This is a family favorite as it can be paired with the Moraine Lake Rockpile, and it’s pretty easy with a bit of elevation gain. It’s an excellent step up from the Lakeshore Trail as the terrain is more difficult with more significant elevation gain and a short section that crosses over a boulder field.
Along the hike, you get views of the scree slopes from the Tower of Babbel. The hike passes through the old-growth forest before arriving at an alpine field and wetlands with the Consolation Lakes at their end. You get tremendous views of the backside of the Ten Peaks, Mount Babbel, and Mount Fay, topped by glaciers from the lakes.
- Trailhead: Begins from the Rockpile Trail
- Distance: 5.8 km
- Elevation: 65 meters
- Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (return)
Eiffel Lake Trail
Witness amazing views of the Valley of Ten Peaks as you climb to two mesmerizing glacial lakes on the Continental Divide. The trail from Moraine Lake is pretty easy to follow up to the fork for Eiffel Lake or Sentinel Pass.
The route up to the fork is pretty demanding as it climbs 350m at a relatively high grade for about 40 minutes. From the fork, you take the less-traveled path to the Eiffel Lakes. Past the lakes lies the Wenkchemna Pass Trail, which passes through the mountains into Yoho National Park. The top of the pass provides stunning views of the Ten Peaks.
- Trailhead: Begins at canoe docks
- Distance: 11.7 km
- Elevation: 370 meters
- Time: 3 to 4 hours
Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley
Sentinel Pass is the quintessential Canadian Rockies hike. It’s relatively challenging, hugely popular, and offers a fantastic view of the Ten Peaks. The hike follows a route similar to the Eiffel Lakes hike but departs at the fork and up into the Larch Valley.
The pass is the most well-known and attracts hundreds of photographers and hikers during the larch season in late September. During this period, the valley trees turn to a bright golden color, and the mountains are topped with the first signs of the new season’s snow. It’s a soul-stirring scene that can easily be considered one of the best day hikes in the world.
- Trailhead: Begins at canoe docks
- Distance: 10.9 km
- Elevation: 725 meters
- Time: 2.5 to 4 hours
Scrambles Around Lake Moraine
These scrambles are for experienced hikers and people who have spent their fair share of time in the outdoors. These hikes are easy to moderate scrambles but come with mountain hazards that can result in death.
Every year, tourists are evacuated by Search and Rescue on one of these hikes/routes. If you plan to tackle any of these, please plan accordingly and be prepared for the elements — also, wear a helmet.
- Tower of Babel
- Eiffel Peak
- Mount Temple
Moraine Lake Lodge Accommodation
There is only one place to stay at Moraine Lake, which is the aptly named Moraine Lake Lodge. It was closed for two years and is now newly renovated – reservations are open! Staying at the lake allows you to take advantage of it at all times of the day, and they have a private parking lot, so you’re guaranteed a spot to park.
The Moraine Lake Lodge is open from early June to early October. It does cost upwards of $1000 per night, but hey, at least it comes with a free canoe rental! You can find a cafe, restaurant, and gift shop at the lodge. Note there is no camping at Moraine Lake.
Frequently Asked Moraine Lake Questions
Is Moraine Lake open?
The road to Moraine Lake is currently open for the season. The road to Moraine Lake closes for the winter yearly due to avalanche risk. On average, the road to Moraine Lake is open every year from Early June to Mid October — weather-dependent. In 2024, the road is scheduled to open on June 1st.
Where is Moraine Lake?
Moraine Lake is located in Banff National Park, 14 km south of Lake Louise in Alberta. It is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, with an elevation of 1,884 meters or 6,181 feet.
How Far is Moraine Lake from Lake Louise?
Moraine Lake is on Moraine Lake Road and 14 km from the Lake Louise lakeshore. The drive from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake takes around 20 minutes. Read about how to connect Lake Louise to Moraine Lake here.
Can You Fish in Moraine Lake?
You can fish in many bodies of water in Banff National Park. However, there are better places for fishing, and given the crowds, we’d recommend anglers head elsewhere, like the Bow River, for a quiet experience.
Can You Drive to Moraine Lake?
No, parking at Moraine Lake is officially closed to personal vehicles. This new policy will help alleviate some safety, preservation, and congestion concerns around the Moraine Lake site.
Visitors can now visit the lake through the public shuttle bus system known as Park & Ride. It is also possible to access the lake via bike, public transport from Banff, or a private tour company. Disabled visitors can still access the Moraine Lake parking lot.
When Does The Road To Moraine Lake Open And Close?
Since the lake lies at a high elevation and is accessed by a tiny road, it is prone to high avalanche risk. For safety, the road is closed to all vehicles during winter. So if you’re wondering if the road to Moraine Lake is open, consider the month.
Moraine Lake Road usually opens around late May/early June and closes the Tuesday after the Canadian Thanksgiving Holiday (the second Monday in October). Yes, Canada has its own Thanksgiving.
There are no set dates regarding the opening and closing of the road as it’s entirely subject to the weather/snow conditions. When Parks Canada feels the route is safe, they will plow the road and open it to the public. For reference, last year, this was after the first significant snowfall on October 13th. Typically speaking, Moraine Lake Road is open from June 1st to October 14th.
Is it Easy to Get Parking at Moraine Lake?
You can no longer park at the lakeshore at Moraine Lake. Visitors must take advantage of the Park & Ride system with Parks Canada or look into the other methods previously listed. The parking lot for the shuttle system is located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
It depends upon conditions, but the summer season at Moraine Lake runs from June to Mid-October. Parks Canada shuttle reservations ensure visitors can reach Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, eliminating the risk of not being able to park a personal vehicle upon arrival.
There is an exception to this rule for disabled visitors. Those possessing a disabled hang tag may proceed to the road to Moraine Lake, and staff will permit access to Moraine Lake Road.
Can You Bike to Moraine Lake?
Yes, you can bike to Moraine Lake. However, we would not advise doing so unless you are a comfortable road biker due to the traffic on the narrow road.
There is an occasional time in late May when the road is free of snow but closed to vehicles. During this time, it can be a great way to visit the lake if the avalanche conditions are safe. It’s best to check with Parks Canada in advance.
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 3-4°C. If you do decide to take a plunge, make sure to have a way to get dry and stay warm afterward.
Can You Walk to Moraine Lake?
You can walk to Moraine Lake – and I’ve seen people do it (although I never have). Prepare for a 14 km walk one way uphill, following a boring paved road.
I would plan at least 2.5 hours to walk to Moraine Lake from the start of the road. To get back would be a little shorter as you are going downhill, but not much. You may be able to hitch a ride if you get tired.
Can You Visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on the Same 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 try hiking up to Lake Agnes and the Beehives. You can see a complete list of example Banff itineraries here.
Are There Bears Around Moraine Lake?
If you plan to hike around Banff, you need to go to the local outdoor store (there’s a big one in Banff called Atmosphere) and purchase a canister of bear spray. This will set you back around $50, but it is more than worth it in the event of a threatening encounter with a bear.
Before any hike in Banff National Park, pack bear spray, check the park websites for wildlife information (Parks Canada and AB Park), and check again for notices at the trailhead. The valleys around Moraine Lake are well known for their bear sightings.
When on the trail, make noise by banging hiking poles, talking, whistling, clapping, or singing. This is particularly important around blind bends and corners. It’s also a busy trail, so you generally don’t need to make too much noise, but always be bear aware. This means staying alert, traveling in a group, minding children and pets, and finally, carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it.
Can You Visit Moraine Lake During the Winter?
Simply put, you can not visit Moraine Lake during the winter months, at least not the average visitor. No vehicles are permitted on the road during this time, and no tour operators are allowed to operate, so no sleigh rides, snowshoes, or dog sled tours will bring you to the lake. This is due to the avalanche risk on the road as it crosses avalanche paths.
There are several cross-country ski trails in the winter, including one that utilizes Moraine Lake Road. However, it stops short of the Lake when it approaches the first avalanche path. You can see the Ten Peaks in the distance at its trail end. Occasionally, experienced skiers make the trek as they are equipped to travel in avalanche terrain. We do not recommend anyone travel in such terrain without proper training and equipment.
How Can I Escape the Crowds at Moraine Lake?
Even in the heat of summer, having some alone time at Moraine Lake is possible. Most visitors to Moraine Lake congregate at the rockpile 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, or try one of the hikes suggested. The more complex and difficult the hike, the fewer people you will see.
Your other option is to head to Lake Moraine for sunset when crowds die down in the shoulder season. It’s also best to avoid holidays and weekends if possible.
When are the Holidays at Moraine Lake?
Moraine Lake is always busy in the summer, but you should note the following holidays as it’s even busier.
- Victoria Day Long Weekend – Monday before May 25th each year.
- Canada Day – July 1st
- Heritage Day Weekend – First Monday of August.
- Labour Day Weekend – First Monday of September.
How Do You Get To Moraine Lake?
Moraine Lake Parking is officially closed to personal vehicles. This new policy will help alleviate some safety, preservation, and congestion concerns around the Moraine Lake site. Visitors can now visit the lake through the public shuttle bus system known as Park & Ride. Accessing the lake via bike, public transport from Banff, or a private tour company is also possible. Those with a blue accessibility tag can still access drive and park at the Moraine Lake parking lot.
Parking at Moraine Lake presents its own problems, so we created this parking guide to help you navigate them.
How to Get to Moraine Lake (Updated for this year)
Fly into Calgary or Edmonton
Calgary (YYC) is the closest international airport, located around 200 km from Lake Louise, a two-hour car ride. It’s one of our favorite airports as it’s modern, not too busy, and has several flight connections within Canada.
It’s also well connected to several major hubs in the United States and directly to Europe. If you’re coming from Europe, we like to connect through London Gatwick Airport as Westjet offers an affordable flight with excellent service.
The alternative is to fly into Edmonton and make a road trip to Jasper and down the Icefields Parkway to Banff. From Banff, you can drive to Calgary and depart from that airport. It’s a spectacular drive and is considered one of the best road trips in the world! Of course, you can route from Calgary to Jasper and out of Edmonton.
Get a Car Rental for Banff
While public transport is significantly improving around the park, it’s still tough to explore without your own car. So we recommend you pick up a car rental to best explore Banff National Park and the surrounding area.
Public Transportation
You’ll probably be surprised to learn that although Banff and Canmore are small towns of 8,000 and 14,000 people, they have a public bus system that runs year-round to many of the most popular attractions around the two towns and connects them. The Roam Transit runs a direct bus to Lake Louise and Lake Louise Village.
If you do not feel comfortable driving or do not have your license, it is possible to vacation in the Canadian Rockies without driving using Roam Transit. In fact, if you plan to visit the most popular attractions, we even recommend it.
How to Visit Banff Without a Car
Banff Airporter
The Banff Airporter offers a shuttle service for visitors to Canmore and Banff. They have multiple daily departures and will deliver you to the Coast Hotel in Canmore or your hotel in Banff. They drive in modern vans or buses and have prompt, friendly service. Even as locals, we used them to avoid parking our car at the airport and were very happy with the service.
Private Operators
You also have the option to use one of the countless tour operators in Banff who offer tours that include Moraine Lake. Some options include booking an organized tour like this, an early bird explorer tour, utilize the Banff Hop on Hop Off Bus, or check out the open top tour that ensures you see Moraine Lake.
If you want to explore Moraine Lake on your own time, without dealing with the Parks Canada shuttle, we recommend using the Moraine Lake Bus Company to get you there!
Hopefully, this guide to Moraine Lake will help you plan your trip to Banff. I know that it is A LOT of information and the shuttles are particularly confusing, but it’s all worth seeing the most beautiful lake in the world!
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Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Recommended Experiences: There are so many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommended experiences include the Banff Gondola, taking a cruise on Lake Minnewanka, and enjoying a cruise on Maligne Lake out to Spirit Island in Jasper. If you are looking for a stress free way to get to Moraine Lake, we highly recommend looking into Moraine Lake Bus Company.
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car: The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. Or embark on an epic campervan trip, we like to compare camper prices on Outdoorsy.
- Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals and like to use travel credit cards to hack our way into free flights and hotels! Our favorite cards are the Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire, which both work well in Canada and have no foreign transaction fees.
- Hop On, Hop Off: This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!
This is an amazing post, so helpful, thank you so much!
But I’m still VERY confused about the shuttle service which seems to be needed to visit Moraine Lake. So I have to know exactly the day and slot of time I want to visit it before hand in order to book the shuttle? Oh my god, it’s a nightmare. Should I try my luck trying to find parking?
I’m so confused!
We don’t blame you! Yes, it is a little confusing. You do need to know your day and time window for booking the shuttle. I would recommend you wait until you arrive for your trip and then book when you know your plans/weather. Parking is a slim possibility, but it is hard to come by.
I AM STILL CONFUSED, HOW TO TAKE SHUTTLE TO LAKE MORAIN, THEY GIVE YOU TIME SLOTS.
Please see here: https://thebanffblog.com/moraine-lake-parking/
Hey! Where did you find the new tentative date of 8th June? 🤞🏼
We are often in touch with Parks Canada
Is moraine lake still frozen at the moment?
It is not frozen currently.
Thank you!
Lake Moraine is beautiful. However, the parking is very frustrating. We visited as family and had two cars. We were able to enter the park but the parking staffs wouldn’t let the other car in even if there are over 10 parking spots available. They loop three times, seen 3 cars left down the road, pointed to parking staffs that there were three cars that just left but they still wouldn’t let them in.
I think it’s high time for the staffs of the park to come up with a better system using any available technology to be more efficient with the parking issues.
Hi Cameron/Natasha,
If we head to Moraine Lake on summer weekdays around 7:00 AM, what are the chances of getting a parking spot? Also, what other times would you think are good times for getting a parking?
I don’t think you will get parking arriving that late. Many have been reporting they need to be there well before 5am, even on the weekday in the summer. We highly recommend taking the shuttle and not dealing with trying to park at Moraine.
If you have to pick one, should we canoe on Lake Louise or Lake Moraine?
If I had to choose one I would opt for Moraine.
Is there anyway to see Moraine Lake the last week of May?
You can rent a bike and bike to Moraine Lake. Here’s more details: https://thebanffblog.com/how-to-get-to-moraine-lake/