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Are you looking for the ultimate travel guide to Moraine Lake? Then, all aboard this article train, which is all about Moraine Lake only.
“Travel brings power and love back into your life.”
Rumi
Have you considered going on a vacation right after all these crises end? I missed those days when we used to go on vacation with the family or on road trips with friends.
After planning on traveling and searching for so many spots, I found one that is so beautiful that there’s no chance of missing out on it.
Moraine Lake is a glacially-fed lake located in Banff National Park. It is situated 14 kilometers away from Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.
Moraine Lake is located amidst the Valley of the Ten Peaks, which means it is elevated at approximately 1,884 meters (6,181 ft.). It has a surface area of 50 hectares.
Another fun fact about Moraine Lake is that it carries water of a fantastic turquoise shade, making it look surreal. Its depth changes throughout the year, especially during summers when glaciers melt.
The lake is set in a perfect location in the Valley of Ten Peaks, surrounded by scenic views.
Moraine Lake is encircled by waterfalls, rocks, and mountains all around, creating an overwhelming natural view. Your eyes might not see what is in front of you for a moment because it is that beautiful.
The feeling will make you feel alive, breathing the fresh mountain air and leaving an imprint on your mind, body, and soul that will last long.
There are a few fun, adventurous activities that an individual can pursue, such as hiking, kayaking, and canoeing by way of canoe rentals at the private canoe.
It is situated right inside the Banff National Park to talk about its location and nearby canoe docks. Banff National Park is one of Canada’s oldest parks, constructed in 1885.
Banff Park is located on the western side of Calgary amidst the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada. The Banff National Park consists of large numbers of glaciers, deep forests, ice fields, and alpines.
The commercial hub of Banff National Park is a well-known and significant tourist-attracting Town of place in the Bow River Valley.
Banff National Park is connected to various other National Parks. In the north, it is linked with Jasper National Park, and in the west, to Yoho National Park.
In the south and the southeast, it is connected with Kootenay National Park and Kananaskis Country, respectively.
1. The Incredible Moraine Lake
1.1. Walking/ Hiking Trails
You will witness some mind-blowing, beautiful trails leading you to Moraine Lake. These walks are surrounded by natural beauty.
As we already know, Moraine Lake is spread over hundreds of acres of mountain terrains, etc. The large area surrounding the Lake includes various walking and hiking trails.
The trails are sometimes restricted and sometimes not due to safety measures. Here are some famous trails.
The Rockpile Trail
The famous trail most tourists hike is The Rockpile Trail, which follows the actual Moraine Lake. The path is estimated to be around 300 meters long, which elevates 24 meters as you move on.
As argued, it is a beautiful place to visit. And on top of The Rockpile Trail is the most visited location. Due to the mesmerizing magic view it offers its spectators.
It is believed to be one of the most photographed places in Canada.
The view is of the mountains visible behind the Valley of Ten Peaks, also known as the ‘Twenty Dollar View.’ It is known as the “Twenty Dollar View” because it was advertised on the backside of the Canadian Twenty Dollar Bills in 1969 & 1979.
The top of the trail is filled with large rocks and boulders, where one can sit and enjoy the incredible views of the mountainous and Canadian Rockies landscape.
The Consolation Lakes trail (also called the Eiffel Lake Trail), which is about 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) long and has an elevation gain of 90 meters (300 ft), begins at the same trailhead.
Lakeshore Trail
After the Rockpile Trail comes the second most hiked trail, the Lakeshore Hiking Trail. The Lakeshore Hiking trail is not as long as the Rockpile Trail but is somewhat around 18.0 Kilometre long.
The trail is not very crowded and consists of a back trail nearing Highlands East, Ontario.
Past tourists have rated the trail neutral/medium. However, the path does offer various fun-filled activities for its visitors, such as cycling, nature observation, and others.
The trail has been designed considering the comfort of the hikers and offers various uses.
The Town of Lakeshore has multiple linkages with other trails. In simple terms, various trails within the Lakeshore trail conjoin the massive chunk of the town.
For instance, it has off-road trails, roadside trails, and closed railway corridors linking to the surrounding parks, schools, and other community-based resources.
Furthermore, the Colter Bay area offers habitat and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. For example, it has great blue herons, bears, beavers, martens, moose, and others.
To make things more convenient, the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission and Parks Canada declared a public transit roamed route direct from Banff National Park down to Moraine Lake in September 2019.
Giant Steps
Another hike up to the rightly named Paradise Valley involves witnessing pretty streams flowing, walking through beautiful meadows, and taking in the stunning view of nature all around.
The hike ends with a fantastic and captivating waterfall, giving you a transcendental experience.
For one to see, the entire Valley should be ready for a long, hard day of walking around, but trust me, my friend, it will be worth your time and effort.
The feeling of not feeling your legs due to all the walking will be overpowered by the deep, tranquil impressions the nature of Paradise Valley will leave on you.
The hike to Paradise Valley begins with an easy clambering to the valley floor. One has to walk through the bridged intersection of Paradise Creek, awarding us with the view of ice-capped Mount Temple on the south side of the Valley.
One of the 3rd creek crossings passes through the lovely Lake Annette below Mount Temple.
One can continue further or make your hike by making Lake Annette your final destination, which would be a friendly option. One should descend these giant steps.
You could take these giant steps further if you’re a challenging hiker. Walking through the Sentinel Pass, you can visit paradise and the Valley of 10 Peaks. The place has the best views, which are rewarding and relaxing due to its natural beauty.
This beautiful place offers such incredible views that people will have the best time of their lives and make beautiful memories to never forget.
2. How to Get to Lake Moraine?
The distance from Lake Moraine to Lake Louise is not much. One must drive up from Lake Louise Village, taking the Trans-Canada Highway, also known as Highway One.
Once you reach up on the Lake Louise drive until you come in front of the Moraine Lake access road on the left side, the distance from this point to reach the parking lot would be around 6.8 miles.
The lake and the parking lot next to it are jam-packed due to the high number of visitors during summertime. Be on time to avoid missing anything from the heavenly Moraine Lake.
However, due to terrible weather conditions, the roads leading to Moraine Lake are entirely shut down during the winter.
During the winter, weather conditions are worse due to heavy snowfall and falling avalanche risk. Please make a note of the fact that the roads to Moraine Lake open sometime in late May or early June.
And the gates are closed in October, immediately after the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday week.
3. Best Time to Visit
When the roads are open in May, one wouldn’t be able to witness the turquoise water of the Lake if they were visiting for the first time.
The lake might stay frozen until late May or even June, as it is located at a high elevation and temperature. It is only when the glaciers start melting that the temperature increases and the lake melts.
As one might have already calculated, Moraine Lake is open to visitors only six months a year. There is no point visiting it when you won’t be able to devour everything it has to offer.
To name a few, the mountain terrains & towns, turquoise lakes, large boulders & rocks, and much more. There are specific points and things one needs to consider while planning the trip, such as the best time to make this trip.
The one vantage point of making this trip between early July and October is that one won’t miss out on anything. So, all the visitors should make this trip in July-October.
Millions of people visit every year to enjoy these natural relics. Some of the best activities here include mountain biking, cross-country skiing, camping, kayaking, and canoeing.
The view this place offers is breathtaking. Its calming effect is so strong that it almost becomes therapeutic, making you forget all your problems.
4. Things to Consider
Some areas are marked as protected areas because the wildlife is its inhabitants and depends on it. Forceful entry would be invading their life and home.
Some local tips you would like to follow are:
- Book a hotel close to the Lake Louise ski resort when you visit Lake Louise.
- Must try canoeing. So, don’t forget to rent a Canoe.
- Try to include all major lakes and other notable places in your trips; we recommend Bow Lake, Lake Agnes, Rock Flour, Johnston Canyon, and Peyto Lake.
- Book a good moraine lake lodge if you are interested in stargazing.
- Take a small road trip on the other lake roads to Moraine Lake and take advantage of the Lake Louise gondola.
- Please follow the visitor’s guidelines when you reach Moraine Lake. Read/ listen to them thoroughly because they are meant for your safety. Not anyone else’s.
Some wildlife outposts have been created, which you shouldn’t try to cross. If you want to watch the wildlife, please do so from afar through the viewing platform.
It’s essential to consider the weather conditions before visiting. But natural beauty is most mesmerizing in real-time.
As mentioned, the shoulder season to visit this place falls between the beginning of July and mid-October. The ideal approach is to schedule a Parks Canada shuttle in advance.
Visitors can transit between lakes and have free use of the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle.
Closing Thoughts
Anyone who visits here will never leave this place. Physically, yes, but the experiences, impressions, and imprints it will leave on their minds and bodies will be everlasting.
When you visit moraine lake, don’t forget to take advantage of the ride shuttle bus, dog sled tours, Samson mall, and cross-country skiing.
Last Updated on by Apeksha Soni, B.Tech
