Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a sightseeing and activity destination located south of Lake Louise, Alberta Canada in the Banff National Park. It is one of the most visited, easily accessible glacial lakes in the region and is, often, busy with people during the peak months.

Moraine Lake is located in the Rocky Mountains near the Valley of Ten Peaks, Fay Glacier and the Wenkchemna Glacier. The lake is best known for its activities, aqua blue color and the surrounding mountain and glacier views.

During the summer months, at the entrance of the lake, is a reception area with a large boardwalk viewing deck, information signs, many sightseeing benches, picnic tables, picnic shelter and some flowering areas. Not far away are some canoe rentals, boat docks, an outdoor patio, concession and washrooms.

Moraine Lake welcomes all ages and abilities. People arrive for relaxation and activity. Some come to picnic, take pictures and walk the Moraine Lakeshore Trail. The more active enjoy the opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on Moraine Lake and for the hiking trails leading further into the mountains.

The Moraine Lakeshore Trail is an easy going walking and sightseeing trail measuring about 1.5 kilometres one-way. It travels south along the western edge of the lake and experiences very little elevation gain.

The trail is a combination of well maintained boardwalk and dirt trails. The trail begins on a dirt trail exploring the shoreline and wandering in and out of the forest. You pass by run off creeks, walk over foot bridges, high step exposed tree roots and stop every now and then for views of the surrounding mountains and the aqua colored lake. It can get muddy.

The last part of the Moraine Lakeshore Trail follows a well maintained boardwalk section. The boardwalk ends at a creek and bog located on the south end of the lake near a wooden lookout deck.

Moraine Lake/Larch Valley is the same location for accessing some of the other hiking trails in the region. The other trails in the region include the Consolation Lakes, Larch Valley, Eiffel Lake, Sentinel Pass, Minnestimma Lakes, Paradise Valley and Wenkchemna Pass Trails.