The Best Way to Experience Moraine Lake
Experiencing the best of Moraine Lake involves immersing yourself in the unparalleled beauty of one of the most iconic destinations in the Canadian Rockies. The adventure begins with the Rockpile Trail, a short but rewarding ascent that gives you panoramic views of Moraine Lake. After marveling at the breathtaking vista from the Rockpile, continue your journey with the Shoreline Trail. This trail offering a closer encounter with the crystal-clear waters and the surrounding mountains. Continue reading for a complete guide on the best way to experience Moraine Lake!
Getting to Moraine Lake
No commercial vehicles are able to travel to Moraine Lake so you’ll need to book a shuttle ahead of time. In the summer, the only way to travel there with Roam is by getting the Super Pass which takes you to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Parks Canada is your other option to reserve ahead of time, with additional slots opening up 48 hours before the day, starting at 8am MDT. Reserving shuttle passes can be very stressful, especially if you want the earliest time slots. Reservations open at 8am and at 8:02 am the earliest two time slots were full. This isn’t to say it’s impossible to get shuttle tickets, I’d just recommend being flexible about what time you want to go! There are other private options available to get to either lake, however, these two are going to be the cheapest options.
Also, if you weren’t able to secure tickets, it helps to randomly check back to see if anyone has canceled and more spots opened up. We were lucky enough to get two seats for the 7:00 am shuttle the night before. If you book with Parks Canada, you’ll park at the Lake Louise Ski area then take a 20 min shuttle from there to Moraine Lake.
Rockpile Trail
The rockpile trail is a great option to get a view of the lake from a higher angle than just on the shore. The short trail is only 0.5 miles total but is uphill with multiple stairs to get there. There are two separate viewing areas once you reach the top, so be sure to check out both of them. Some people try to climb down the rocks to get closer to the shore or away from the crowds: don’t do this. Park rangers were continually coming around to make sure people don’t do this for their own safety, it might be easy to go down, but not as easy to get back up.
To find the trailhead, head to the trail on the left side of the parking lot, on the right side of the bathrooms. Once on this trail you’ll continue straight/to the right, there will be a few times where the trail branches off to the left but that is not the trail you want to be on.
Shoreline Trail
To experience the lake another way, be sure to do the shoreline trail too. This trail is 2.4 miles round trip and is mostly a flat and easy walk, making it a great option for hikers of all levels. The trail starts at the Moraine Lake Lodge and follows the shoreline of the lake for the entire length of the hike. Sometimes the trail takes you through the trees a bit but always reunites with the shore line. This trail allows you to experience Moraine Lake up close and take in its beauty. You will also have the opportunity to see some of the iconic peaks of the Canadian Rockies, including Mounts Temple, Victoria, and Lefroy.
After finishing these trails enjoy a picnic by the lake or warm up with a cup of coffee from the Lake Moraine Cafe. The line was pretty long when we were there, but the latte was just what I needed to warm up and give me some energy.
Longer Trails at Moraine Lake
If you’re looking for a longer hike with more views of the surrounding mountains check out one of these:
- Larch Valley Trail: This moderate 5.3-mile out-and-back trail leads to a beautiful alpine meadow with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is especially popular in the fall, when the leaves of the larch trees turn a brilliant yellow color.
- Sentinel Pass Trail: This challenging 7.2-mile out-and-back trail leads to a high mountain pass with stunning views of Moraine Lake, the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and Paradise Valley. The trail is steep and strenuous, but the views are worth it.
- Eiffel Lake Trail: This moderate 7.6-mile out-and-back trail leads to two beautiful alpine lakes, Eiffel Lake and Lower Eiffel Lake. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Things to Know Before Visiting Moraine Lake
- During some parts of the year, hikers are required to travel in groups of 4 or more on longer trails. This is because bears are in the area and groups of 4 people are going to make more noise to deter bears. Like for any hike you do in Banff, always have your bear spray on you and be ready in case you need to use it.
- The best time to hike the trail is during the summer months, when the weather is warmer and sunny. However, the trail is also open during the winter months, but be sure to check the weather conditions before you go.
- Bring water and snacks. Like with any hike, so it is important to stay hydrated and fueled.
