MORAINE LAKE – VALLEY OF THE TEN PEAKS

Sit lakeside and absorb the sights and pure mountain air, or explore further by canoeing and hiking. It’s an iconically jaw-dropping place that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

And guess what is the best part about it? No hike required. Park and Walk up – It’s located 8.7 miles outside the Village of Lake Louise. An absolute must see if you’re going to travel along the Ice Field Parkway.

If you ARE looking for a good hike – there are 5 main hikes starting at the lake. (Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail, Eiffel Lake, Wenkchemna Pass, Larch Valley, and Sentinel Pass) We hope to do those one day! This time we just took in its beauty and took portraits of each other that still hang on our walls today. Memories.

WHEN TO GO:

It is best to go and be there before 10am, because the parking lot feels up. However it is pretty busy during peak season…we went in early September and tried to go twice but the road kept saying closed. Turns out once the parking lot fills up, they don’t allow anyone else up to drive up. It’s best to arrive before 11am or after 5pm for the road to be open easy.

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 (the second Monday in October).

COST

FREE – Just park and walk

Canoe Rentals: $70/ hour

You’re also not allowed to put in your own canoe here. You do have to rent them at this lake.

THINGS TO DO:

HIKING
- There are several hikes around the lake ranging from accessible walks to more strenuous hikes. The Rockpile Trail is an easy and short path with switchbacks along the back of the moraine to the top of the natural dam. The vista from the top is known as the “Twenty Dollar View”, as the scene featured on the back of Canadian twenty dollar bills issued between 1969 and 1979.
- Venturing further afield offers solitude from the crowds and a different perspective of the lake and its craggy surrounds. Other trails to explore include Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail, Eiffel Lake, Wenkchemna Pass, Larch Valley, and Sentinel Pass. In the fall the larches light up in rich shades of yellow, gold, and orange and paint a surreal backdrop for a hike.
- During times of high grizzly bear activity there are hiking restrictions in place for many of the trails in the Moraine Lake area. Learn more from the Parks Canada website.

CANOEING
- Can I Bring My Own Canoe Or Kayak To Use At Lake Louise?
  - Yes, you can use your own canoe or kayak at Lake Louise or any of the lakes or rivers within Banff National Park. There’s no public boat launch at Lake Louise. You will have to carry your canoe from the government parking lot area and launch it from shore of the lake. Parks Canada offers more information on paddling in the parks.

LOCATION

It is about a 40 minute drive from Banff to Lake Louise. (80 minutes if you want the scenic route: Bow Valley route 1A.)

From Lake Louise Village, located just off the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), drive uphill on Lake Louise Drive until you see the access road for Moraine Lake on your left. Follow the winding road for 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) to the parking area.