How to Spend a Day at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park
- Two and a Ute
- Mar 9
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 17
We have been fortunate to visit Moraine Lake in Canada several times while living in the Rockies. It very quickly became one of our favorite destinations in Banff National Park after we were completely captivated by the glacier-fed, turquoise/blue water and stunning surrounding landscape. After beholding Moraine Lake for the first time, the muddy brown and yellow lakes of home, in outback Western Australia, quickly became, almost hilarious, distant memories. Moraine Lake was unlike anything we had ever seen before, and still, after many visits, we continue to be enthralled by its beauty.
Spending a day at Moraine Lake Banff should be a top itinerary item for all those who plan to visit Banff National Park during the Summer. Now, I understand time might not allow you to have an entire day here; however, if your schedule permits, we have a suggested itinerary of how you can spend an entire day here, which it could easily be modified to a half-day by opting for shorter hikes.
MORNING
We, as always when visiting popular destinations and attractions, like to start the day nice and early. Whilst this might not be for everyone, we always find the dreary eyes and hauling ourselves out of bed is well worth it for the reward of fewer crowds and serenity in the mountains, especially in such a beautiful location like Moraine Lake.
After making yourself a nice hot drink before you leave your hotel, and maybe packing a small thermos of coffee and some breakfast to go into your day packs, head for the Lake Louise park-and-ride where you can catch your pre-booked, early morning shuttle. We suggest taking the sunrise shuttle with Moraine Lake Bus Company, who start their shuttles at 4:00 am during the Summer months.
Once you have arrived on the shuttle (you can not drive your private vehicle to Moraine Lake), head towards the top of ‘The Rock Pile,’ located at the end of the Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail, a short walk from the shuttle drop-off point. Find yourself a comfortable spot to sit and take in the incredible panoramic view over Moraine Lake.
If you’re lucky, you will get to witness the tops of the Valley of Ten Peaks turn a vibrant red as the sun hits the sides of the mountain range lining the far side of the lake.
By 8:00 am, the cafe at Moraine Lake Lodge opens to the public. Here, you can get yourself a beverage or snack before beginning your activities for the day. This is the only cafe facility available at Moraine Lake, so if you don't want to wait in what can be an exceptionally long line, we suggest bringing your own food and beverages for the day. Whilst the crowds are still smaller, now is the perfect time to meander along the lake-shore and soak in the incredible scenery that surrounds you as you see it in a new light, with the sun beginning to illuminate the pristine water of the lake.
It’s soon time to hit one of the many trails that begin from Moraine Lake. There are plenty of hikes at Moraine Lake, with some of the more popular trails being the Consolation Lakes and the Larch Valley Trail. No matter your experience or skill level, there is something on offer for everyone. If you’re new to hiking in Banff National Park, just as we were when we first arrived, we have some great tips on trail use, navigation and packing recommendations, which you can read here.
Whilst out on the trails, take time to slow down and look around, keeping an eye out for beautiful wildflowers such as Glacier Lilies and wild mushrooms that grow bigger than your hand! The dense woods of the surrounding landscape are also teeming with native wildlife, including Pikas, Hoary Marmots and Bears. Both grizzly and black bears frequent the area, so be sure to always carry bear spray with you, follow any trail closures and hike in groups.
MIDDAY
Once you’ve explored one of the many trails, it’s time to have a bite to eat. A small selection of hot food, along with snacks and beverages, is available from the Moraine Lake Cafe. This is a cashless cafe, so be sure to bring the plastic-fantastic to swipe away if you do make use of this facility. There is limited seating available at the front of the cafe should you wish to eat here.
If you’re not eating on the trails or at the cafe, there are numerous beautiful spots to sit around the lake or up The Rockpile, to enjoy your lunch. We like to move further around the lake, away from the immediate crowds at the lake shore, which by this time of day are teaming. By this time in the day, if the sky is clear, the iridescent blue of the lake will be on full display as the sun sits high above the mountains, illuminating the water below.
While enjoying your lunch, beware of the thieving mountain chipmunks! These sneaky little guys are cute but quick to steal the food from your, being so brazen to steal straight off your lap! We quickly discovered their ninja-like speed on our first trip to Moraine Lake, as one scooted up from behind the wooden bench we were seated on and pulled an entire date-slice from my lap! As cute as these guys are, it is illegal to intentionally feed or entice wildlife with food in Banff National Park. Parks Canada takes the protection of wildlife very seriously, and violators can be charged and face fines up to $25,000! So, although their cute little faces might say ‘feed me,’ it is very important you keep food close by and avoid contributing to the growing issue of animal dependency on human food. Please, do not feed wildlife.
AFTERNOON
By the afternoon, it’s time to take to the water, and we mean on it, not in it, with the temperature of the Moraine Lake sitting at about 2-4 degrees celsius (approx 40F). From mid-June to September, when the water levels have risen enough, canoes are available for hire from the lake shore. Canoes are rented on a first-come, first-served system; it is not possible to reserve canoes ahead of time. This is a service provided by Moraine Lake Lodge, not Parks Canada, so their guests do get priority with canoe rentals.
Canoes are available for 1-hour hire and can accommodate a maximum of 2-3 people (4 people are not permitted to use a single canoe, including a 2-adults-2-children combination; for this, you will need to hire two separate canoes). Keep in mind that Moraine Lake is located at an elevation of 1,884m above sea level, and as such, the weather can change rapidly and impact operations of the canoe dock at any time. If you have more questions about canoe rentals, check out up-to-date information on Moraine Lake Lodge's website.
After spending the day exploring this incredible part of the world, your pre-booked shuttle (if using Moraine Lake Bus Company) will be waiting for you at your selected time, ready to take you back to your car at the park-and-ride. It is always comforting to know that the long journey down Moraine Lake Road isn't yours to drive after a day adventuring at Moraine Lake, an additional perk of the enforced ‘shuttles-only’ system. If you are looking for more information of how you can access Moraine Lake or Moraine Lake Bus Company, check out the links below.
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