Is Moraine Lake Worth It? The Ultimate Visitors Guide

It used to be you couldn’t find parking at Moraine Lake, now you can’t even drive there. Today, if you don’t want to hike or bike, your only option is to take a Moraine Lake shuttle.

Let’s be real, Moraine Lake isn’t the only beautifully coloured lake in Banff National Park – so why struggle to get there at all?

I’m sorry to say, that the struggle is well worth it!

We visited many beautiful lakes in Banff National Park, but Moraine Lake came out on top as one of the best.

So, here’s the ultimate visitors guide to Moraine Lake. I’ll go over how to get there (dealing with the new moraine lake shuttle), what to do while you’re there, and some general tips for visiting!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Where is Moraine Lake?

Moraine Lake is in Banff National Park in Alberta Canada, near the infamous Lake Louise.

It’s just under a 25 minute drive from Lake Louise, or a 1 hour drive from Banff city centre.

Today, you can only reach it through an organized shuttle, or you can hike or bike the 14 km trail.

P.S. That’s about a 3 hour hike!

Why Skip Moraine Lake?

Let’s just say that lakes in Banff National Park are not exactly uncommon. And the other lakes aren’t ugly either. Plus, getting to Moraine Lake adds a few extra complications compared to the others…

There Are Many Beautiful Lakes In Banff

Take Peyto Lake for example (P.S. it’s pronounced Pee-toh!). It’s a very similar colour, and it may even be more vibrant!

Or even Lake Louise, just a short drive away. It has large mountains and glaciers surrounding it. Plus it also a beautiful emerald glow with a surreal reflection.

It’s Complicated To Get To Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake also adds extra complications for visiting, especially now. It used to be you could drive up and struggle to find parking.

But, in 2023 they closed off the road and now only shuttles can drive there. At least they solved the parking issue… right!?

I’ll go into more detail about how you can get to Moraine Lake in a bit, just know that you want to book in advance. But, if you can’t get tickets, just know there are other options.

So, with all these factors in mind, my family was on the edge of visiting. In fact, my dad was ready to pass altogether.

What Is So Special About Moraine Lake?

In the end, I booked the last four tickets and took my family with me to Moraine Lake. And – everyone was thankful I did!

There are a few things that are unique to Moraine Lake and well worth the bit of a struggle it takes to visit.

It’s The Iconic Image Of Banff (And Even Canada!)

For starters, Moraine Lake is one of the most iconic image of Banff. If you’ve seen any photo of the National Park, it’s most likely taken at Moraine Lake.

It’s even quite the iconic image for Canada – at one point it was even on the back of the Canadian twenty dollar bill (not anymore unfortunately!).

So, you might leave feeling a bit empty having not seen and taken that picture of Banff.

The Colour Of The Lake Is Just Magical

Moraine Lake Canada is known for the deep blue colour of the water, and it’s very different from Lake Louise.

That’s because there’s less rock flour that comes into the water from the melting glaciers (the rock flour is what gives both of these lakes their unique colour!).

It is very similar to Peyto Lake, but you have such different vantage points of both that their both worth visiting.

The Rock Pile

There’s a completely natural rock pile that has been there for centuries. You can actually hike up to the top, giving you the best view of the lake.

It’s so unique that scientists still aren’t 100% sure how it actually got there. Some believe it was from an avalanche, but there are a few theories going around.

Today, it gives you the best vantage point of the lake and even an activity to do while you’re there (it’s a short hike up to the top!).

The 10 Peaks

There are 10 mountain peaks that surround Moraine Lake giving you the picture perfect view.

This is where it first got its name and originally why it became such a hot spot in the Canadian Rockies.

Peytoh Lake is the only one I can think of that comes close to this colour lake with a lot of mountain peaks, but they’re much further so it still doesn’t really compare.

Why It’s The Best Lake To Visit?

On top of Moraine Lake having unique features that other lakes don’t have, there are also a few other factors that made it the best visit for us while in Banff National Park.

Multiple Activities At The Lake

Moraine Lake is more than just a quick photo op (like Peyto Lake and most others in the area).

You could easily spend hours here, which makes it more similar to Lake Louise in that regard. You have hikes for every level that lead you to different vantage points of the lake.

Plus, you can rent a canoe and go further out on the lake, or sit at the cafe to watch the canoes go by to give yourself a much needed break!

The Best Vantage Point Of Any Lake

Not that the other lakes in Banff National Park aren’t beautiful, but you get the best vantage point at Moraine Lake (thanks to the natural rock pile.

At Lake Louise you’re often too close to the water, you want to be a bit higher up. And Peyto Lake, you’re WAY too high!

Moraine Lake gives you the best of both worlds, you can walk higher up to the top of the Rock Pile, or walk along the lake as well.

Moraine Lake Felt Less Crowded Than Lake Louise

This was the case for us, but we visited in June, just a week before high season really kicked in. But, we found Moraine Lake to be much less crowded than Lake Louise – probably because it’s just harder to get to.

Lake Louise is like a brick wall of people standing around.

Moraine Lake is far from deserted, but you were also able to walk a few steps to a person free zone. You could often find a place to sit just to take in the view without anyone getting in your way (especially along the Lakeshore trail).

We didn’t rent canoes at either lake, but I noticed there also wasn’t a line to rent a canoe at Moraine Lake (unlike Lake Louise).

Logistics Of Visiting Moraine Lake

Like I said, one of the biggest downfalls of visiting Moraine Lake is actually getting there.

The only cars allowed on the road from June to October are commercial buses, shuttles, Roam Public Transit, vehicles with handicapped placards, or guests of the Moraine Lake Lodge.

You can bike or hike from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake as well… but that’s pretty exhausting (it’s 14 km… that’s a 3 hour hike!). And don’t forget you still want to have energy to explore the lake once you arrive.

Alternatively, you can also book an organized tour for a completely stress free visit. Check it out on Viator here.

Moraine Lake Shuttle Options

There are two types of shuttles you can take to Moraine Lake: Parks Canada Shuttle, or a private shuttle company.

The Parks Canada Shuttle

This is the cheaper option, if you can get a ticket that is.

The tickets are about 8$, plus there’s a $3 bus reservation fee per booking (we booked 4 tickets and only paid that once).

You can pick up the shuttle in the Lake Louise Parking lot, or at the Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.

The only problem – only 40% of the tickets are released in the Spring (around April) and they go fast!

We were traveling during low season and only realized mid-April that we had to book. We ended up getting the last 4 tickets that worked for our dates – all the other time slots were sold out.

If you miss them, don’t worry, the remaining 60% of the tickets are released last minute released two days before at 8:00 A.M.. But obviously thats a lot more stressful to plan your trip around, not knowing when and if you’ll even be going to Moraine Lake.

You can book the Moraine Lake Shuttle through Parks Canada here.

P.S. make sure to click day use, and then choose Lake Louise/ Moraine Lake.

Private Shuttle Companies

If the Parks Canada shuttle is sold out, and you don’t want to wait until two days before you want to visit, you can also book a private shuttle to Moraine Lake.

There are a few companies. For example, you can book the Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle here, or the Moraine Lake Bus Company here. Or you can book through Viator here.

Keep in mind, these will be quite a bit more expensive than the Parks Canada Shuttle. Once you’re already paying the higher fee, I would take advantage and book a sunrise ticket (Parks Canada shuttle doesn’t operate for sunrise). At least you can see Moraine Lake at one of the best times of the day (with a lot less people!).

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Shuttle Service

If you’re staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, they offer their own shuttle service to Moraine Lake. It’s an additional fee, of course, but it’s still cheaper than the private shuttle company.

Hiking Or Biking From Lake Louise To Moraine Lake

Instead of paying for a shuttle and worrying about getting tickets, you can also hike or bike up to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise.

Keep in mind though, it’s a 20 minute shuttle ride, so it’s almost a 3 hour hike all uphill! It’s over 13 km from Lake Louise. And remember, you still want your energy for activities at Moraine Lake as well.

Can You Go From Banff To Moraine Lake?

If you’re coming to Moraine Lake from Banff, there are also a lot of shuttle options and buses. For example, this one from Viator has an option to leave from Banff city centre.

Or you can even opt for an organized tour that will take you to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the same day from Banff (like this one from Viator here).

What Should You Do At Moraine Lake?

Just like at Lake Louise, the top thing to do at Moraine Lake is to just take in the views!

There are several hiking options depending on your level as well and I recommend doing at least two!

And, of course, you can also rent a canoe to float above the crystal blue water.

The Rockpile Hike

If you only have time for one hike at Moraine Lake, you have to, without a doubt, do the Rock Pile hike.

Like I mentioned, this is a naturally formed rock pile at the end of the lake.

Parks Canada has set it up so that you can actually hike up to the top, and it’s not long either.

The Rock Pile gives you the best vantage point of Moraine Lake. Plus, even though it might seem over crowded, it really isn’t. There seemed to always be a spot to sit, or just take a picture without anyone in your way.

Other Lake Moraine Hikes To Do

If you have a bit more time, I also recommend doing the walk around the lake itself (the Lakeshore Trail). It’s also not long, about 20 minutes each way. It did take us about an hour one way though just because we kept having to stop for pictures.

The trail ends at the waterfall on the other side of the lake, taking you around half of the lake through the forest.

If you have even more time, and are looking for a longer hike there’s also the Consolations Lakes trail.

Although, they recommend having at least half a day planned for it and being at least 4 people in your group – you’re in bear country after all!

Rent A Canoe

I’m not big on water sports, but of course the main thing to do in is to rent a canoe on Moraine Lake.

The maximum is three adults in the canoe (or two adults and two children). I noticed it was way less busy than the canoe rentals at Lake Louise as well. But I don’t know what it would be like during high season (we travelled at the end of June).

Enjoy Coffee at the Cafe

There’s nothing better than enjoying a cup of coffee or tea for a treat at the end of a long day.

Instead of going back to Lake Louise right away, go to the cafe at Moraine Lake instead.

P.S. It the cafe closes at 4… we didn’t make it here in time.

Tips For Visiting Moraine Lake Canada!

Make the most of your time at Moraine Lake with these tips I learned from my visit!

Sit On The Right Side Of The Shuttle Bus

If you’re taking the Moraine Lake Shuttle, you’ll want to make sure you’re sitting on the right side of the bus for the best views (and you’re in Banff National Park, there’s always a view!).

On the way up, you’ll want to sit on the left side. On the way back down to Lake Louise, sit on the right side of the bus!

Getting Back To Lake Louise…

If you’re taking the Parks Canada shuttle, make sure you keep your ticket for the way back down.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re getting on the right bus… there are two! One will take you to the Park and Ride (in the village), the other will take you to Lake Louise (the Fairmont).

If you go up later in the day, it’s important to know that the last shuttle is at 6:00 P.M. You’ll want to head back a bit before, we were told that there can be a long line up.

The bus comes every 20 minutes or so, and tends to wait for the bus to be full before leaving.

How Long Is The Shuttle From Lake Louise To Moraine Lake?

From Lake Louise, the shuttle is just under 25 minutes. Keep in mind though, you might have to wait a bit depending on when you get on the bus.

They leave about every 20 minutes, but sometimes the wait will be a bit longer depending on how full the bus is.

How Long Do You Need At Moraine Lake?

We spent around 3 hours at Moraine Lake. This included the Rock Pile hike, and the Lakeshore Trail.

We spent a lot of time taking pictures though, so you might be faster!

We got to the bus for 1:00 at Lake Louise, and arrived around 1:25. We were back on the bus at around 4:30 for the way back.

Can You Do Lake Louise & Moraine Lake In The Same Day?

I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again – it really all depends on what you want to do!

We combined Moraine Lake with a hike to Lake Agnes tea house in the morning. We were exhausted, but we had more than enough time for both (and even time for a relaxed for 2 hour lunch break… which was also very much needed!).

I would say a half day at each is doable if you want to do a small hike and take in the views at each. But this won’t include doing all the activities at Lake Louise (see my full post here on what you can do at Lake Louise…coming soon!).

As I mentioned, Viator has a tour from Banff that does include both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the same day. Check it out here.

Stay At Moraine Lake

The best way to visit Moraine Lake is to actually stay at the lake.

Unfortunately, there’s only one hotel, the Moraine Lake Lodge, and there’s a 2 year wait list!!

We met someone who was staying at the Lodge and mentioned that she didn’t have to wait as long because she was on the cancellation list.

But, just think what it would be like… waking up to that view… that’s heaven! Plus, you can sleep in to watch the sunrise. And! You can enjoy it after hours with even less crowds!

If that’s not worth staying at the Moraine Lake Lodge, I don’t know what is!

At the time when I looked to book it, your reservation also included breakfast and a canoe rental as well! No surprise though, it was sold out! Visit their website here, or see availability on Booking.com.

Stay In Lake Louise – Hotel Recommendations

If the Moraine Lake Lodge is already booked for when you’re visiting, you can also opt to stay in Lake Louise.

Hotels in Lake Louise book fast and are expensive and there aren’t that many options! We booked our hotel for June in February of that year and we were already late.

The place to stay is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – but it will cost you (see current rates). Instead of staying the night, we opted to enjoy an afternoon tea at the hotel.

We stayed at the Deer Lodge which was a 5 minute walk to Lake Louise . Despite the lower reviews, it is in the middle of renovations so we booked a newly renovated rooms and it was perfect! They provide breakfast and pre-made sandwiches that we bought for lunch before we headed out every day! See it on Booking.com.

For a more budget friendly option, in the town of Lake Louise, stay at HI Lake Louise Alpine Hostel. The common room screams cozy cabin vibes! View updated room rates and availability on Booking.com.

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Last update on 2024-05-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API