Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Banff National Park
And if you can, give yourself the time to really feel this place. I’ve hiked through the golden glow of larch trees in fall, and I’ve stood in the quiet of morning when the only sound was a loon calling across the water. I’ve sat on the edge of Moraine Lake with a thermos of coffee in my lap and watched the sun crawl down the peaks like a spotlight. You don’t need a full-day itinerary to enjoy Moraine Lake. However, the experience varies significantly depending on when you visit. Moraine Lake isn’t open year-round – the road typically opens late May and closes right after Thanksgiving in October.
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. MDT, and you’ll be able to book your seat on a shuttle bus in advance. You are able to reserve a shuttle day of, if there is space available.
- This is one of the most scenic trails in Banff National Park.
- Pit toilets are available at the lake.
- If you’re planning to go hiking, check out our Hiking packing list for summer in the mountains.
Moraine Lake Travel Guide: Iconic Canada
Visitors can also bicycle or walk the road, which is 10 km / 6 miles long one-way. The road to Moraine Lake is only open during the summer months (June-Sep). The unique colour is due to the khelaghor-bangladesh.com/ refraction of the blue end of the spectrum of sunlight off the rock sediment deposited in the lake on a continual basis in summer by the surrounding glaciers. The lake, being fed almost completely by snow-melt and glacial-melt, does not reach its crest until middle to late June. Moraine Lake is a snow and glacially fed alpine lake in Banff National Park, 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) outside the village of Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.
Moraine Lake: The Rockies’ Most Photogenic Secret (That Everyone Knows About)
You can bike when the road is open during summer as well, but nothing beats the silence and freedom of having the road to yourself. The lake fills up in June when the gorgeous colour starts to appear. Biking the Moraine Lake Road is a treat for cyclists, especially before the road opens for vehicle traffic. Click here to book your tickets for the Moraine Lake sunrise shuttle Another option for sunrise is with the Moraine Lake sunrise shuttle. Click here to book your tickets for the open-top shuttle to Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake Hike Guide 2026: Epic Trails & Booking Tips
You can fill up water while biking/hiking the Moraine Lake Highline Trail or right from Moraine Lake if you use a filter. If you’re planning to go hiking, check out our Hiking packing list for summer in the mountains. That’s what we keep hearing from locals and visitors alike. They have a limited selection of snacks; you’re better off bringing your food and having a picnic by the lake.