Photograph Moraine Lake

Beat The Crowds, Go in the Fall

Go in the fall (late September, first week of October) to truly enjoy Moraine Lake at its finest and to avoid most of the crowds. If you're lucky, you'll get to see the larches in their full yellow beauty during about a week in late September. In early October, Moraine usually gets its first snow. Do bear in mind that they usually close the road to Moraine for cars on or around Canadian Thanksgiving or so, and does not open until spring. Some daring cross-country skiers might want to make the 20-mile round trip trek from Lake Louise in the winter.

Do it early morning

I made a point of showing up early on a summer morning, at around 6am. This gives you incredible light and the parking lot is not too busy.

Rock Pile

The most magnificent lake in all if Banff. Author doesn't really state, but hike up to the rock pile for your shots!

Best Lake in the Rockies

Do not miss this gem if you are in the area. We stopped here for an extended period and just marveled at its beauty. Nothing can compare to its blues with the peaks behind it. The water level was high, mind you there is a path that leads to the top of the rocks for a good view point, we followed the tourists that were crossing the logs and scaling the rocks... there is a much easier way. The path that leads along the lake shore is also great. I will definitely be returning to this area for future hikes.

Amazing

This lake as an amazing, breathtaking color and I would highly recommend it to anyone

W😍W

This is my fav lake in Banff !! Go early on in the day though as the area is popular with tourists. Make sure you rent the canoes it's amazing !

The Most Photographed for a Reason

It is Beautiful. I got here at 6am and was all alone for about 10 minutes. Well worth getting up and making the early morning drive from Calgary. Those 10 minutes alone gave me the best chance for an uninterrupted shot.

Great Opportunity To Be Present

Moraine Lake is as beautiful as it is photographed! My choice of activity here is to find a spot to sit down and just take it all in. A lot of people try to get the best shot, but it serves as an excellent backdrop for a conversation with a good friend.

This is the location that first made me want to visit the Canadian Rockies. Yes the crowds are crazy, but there are usually very few people at sunrise.

It's a must see in Canada ! Come early or after 6 PM is the best option for parking and getting a nice shot of the lake from the Rock Pile (trail starts on the parking lot next to the lodge). Keep in mind that the road to Moraine Lake is closed from early October until the end of May.

Despite the fact that this is one of the most photographed spots - its is really incredible and worth seeing for yourself. If you are looking to beat the crowds try going in off-season, like early spring. I went the first week in June when the road opened for access and spent a night - sundown to sunrise out on the rocks and was one of the only people out there.

Much like Lake Louise, this is a great view with zero effort, but the crowds are ridiculous. Sunrise is probably your best bet.