Moraine Lake - a quick summary!
Moraine Lake is one of the most frequented gems that you can find within Banff National Park. It is in very close proximity to Lake Louise (a mere 14 kilometers) and both lakes share a lot of similar traits such as the breathtaking turquoise color of their water, particularly vibrant during the summer months as the glacier that feeds it melts. The secret behind the color lies in the rock flour that makes its way down into the lake as the glacier is melting, which usually does not begin until June. This has a lot to do with the fact that the lake sits at an elevation of over 1800 meters. With the summer and the melting of the glacier also comes an increase in the level of water, at which point the lakes reaches its peak.
Moraine Lake is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and it has an amazing view of mountains that makes for a unique view, especially if you are in the water canoeing or hiking around it.
Making your way there and just sitting and admiring what surrounds you is plenty, but there is so much more to do at Moraine Lake. It is a particularly popular spot for hikers and there are plenty of choices around, from easy to more challenging hikes.
The easiest trail that you can hike is the Rockpile Trail which leads to an astonishing view which is known as the “Twenty Dollar View” (it was once featured in the CAD$20 bill hence the name).
If you are however up for a more challenging hike and would like to explore the area around there is a host of trails including the Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail, Wenkchemna Pass, Larch Valley, Sentinel Pass and Eiffel Lake. If you happen to be in the area in the fall and during the larch season, make sure you hike around and take in the “Thanksgiving views” with tons of gold tones and painted-like backgrounds. And if you are visiting during the winter and are an avid skier, the area offers one of the most beautiful cross-country skiing trail (15 kilometers back and forth). It is also important to note that Moraine Lake is closed during the winter months as the risk of avalanches in the area is very high (November-April) .
As with any other natural habitat, there is a number of animals that call the area home so it is always best to be aware of this fact and keep an eye as you hike to make sure that you avoid any unpleasant encounters. Parks Canada has tons of information on bear season and it is advised that the website be consulted before to take on your hike to see if there are any restrictions in the area.
This is certainly a place that never gets old. Every time I go, I feel as if it has evolved to become more astounding. The changes that the lake and the surrounding area go through during season changes is something to behold and not miss. It offers a very different panorama each time.
If you are a photograph aficionado, this is a wonderful place to put your camera to good use. I think it is really difficult to take a “not so impressive” photo here.
Since Moraine Lake is one of the most visited lakes in Canada, parking is extremely limited and the parking spots tend to fill up before the sun is up. The best option is to park your car in the Park and Ride area and then hop on the shuttle. Information on shuttles and transit is available here.
