Moraine Lake

About Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a stunning glacially-fed lake located in Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada. It is one of the most famous and iconic destinations in the Canadian Rockies and is renowned for its breathtaking turquoise-blue waters and stunning surrounding mountain peaks.

Moraine Lake Features

Moraine Lake's Turquoise Waters

The lake's mesmerizing turquoise color is due to the presence of rock flour, which is finely ground rock particles that are suspended in the water. These particles reflect sunlight and give the lake its striking color.

Valley of the Ten Peaks

Moraine Lake is situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, which is named after ten prominent peaks that encircle the lake. Mount Fay, Mount Babel, and Mount Wenkchemna are among the notable peaks in the area.

Glacial Origins of Moraine Lake

The lake is primarily fed by the runoff from the nearby Wenkchemna Glacier. As the glacier grinds against the rock, it creates the fine particles that give the lake its unique color.

Moraine Lake Accessibility

Moraine Lake is easily accessible by car during the summer months. The lake is approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) from the popular town of Lake Louise. The road leading to Moraine Lake is open from mid to late June until late September or early October, depending on weather conditions.

Activities

Visitors to Moraine Lake can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, canoeing (rentals available on-site), photography, and simply taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Rockpile Trail

The Rockpile Trail is a short and easily accessible hiking trail that leads to an elevated viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views of Moraine Lake and the surrounding peaks. It is one of the most popular spots for taking photographs of the lake.

Moraine Lake's Seasonal Variations

Moraine Lake's appearance can vary significantly depending on the season. During the summer, the lake is surrounded by lush greenery, while in the fall, the surrounding forests change to vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.

Moraine Lake is a very popular destination, and the parking lot often reaches capacity quickly during peak times. To avoid crowds, it's best to visit Moraine Lake early in the day or later in the afternoon. While Moraine lake is awe-inspiring, visitors are encouraged to respect the natural surroundings and practice responsible tourism to help preserve this beautiful natural gem for generations to come.