Outbound Collective logo

Moraine Lake

Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

4.8/5
based on 22 reviews

Description

Added by Julian Brezden

Moraine Lake is one of the most visited and photographed lakes in Banff National Park, in Alberta Canada.

Showing up at Moraine Lake before dawn is a must as to avoid the multitude of tours busses. The morning sun is subtle and magical. The lake, being glacially fed, does not reach its crest until mid to late June. When it is full, it reflects a distinct shade of blue. The color is due to the refraction of light off the rock flour deposited in the lake on a continual basis.

There are viewpoints of the lake a short distance from the parking area (5 minute walk). There is also a trail along the northern edge of the lake.

If you want to stay overnight, the Moraine Lake Lodge is located at the bottom of the lake. Canoe rentals are also available to explore the lake, which is certainly a must do activity.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography
Hiking
Family Friendly
Forest
Lake
Picnic Area
Scenic

Moraine Lake Reviews

Very picturesque place!!! Super easy walk from the parking lot. Only 300 m and you can have a look at the very magic place!

Explorer

05/02/18

I went here in July of 2017 for sunrise and it was amazing. A fair amount of people there in the morning but nothing too crazy. It is one of those places that no matter how many photos you see of it, nothing compares to the real deal.

I proposed to my girlfriend here at the end of a week long trip visiting several US national parks. We finished the trip in Banff. Photography at Moraine Lake was the reason we planned the trip and it did not disappoint. Even though it was 30 degrees, seeing this gorgeous natural wonder lived up to every expectation I had.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Scramble the Tower of Babel

Larch Valley Trail to Minnestimma Lakes

Eiffel Peak

Eiffel Lake via Valley of Ten Peaks

Climb the Tower of Babel

Scramble Mount Temple