Moraine Lake Tours

Lake Minnewanka featuring a lake or waterhole, kayaking or canoeing and mountains
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka which includes landscape views, mountains and a lake or waterhole
Moraine Lake which includes mist or fog, mountains and a lake or waterhole
Banff National Park which includes snow, landscape views and tranquil scenes
The view of this turquoise lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks has been immortalized on countless postcards and on the back of 20-dollar bills in Canada.

Moraine Lake is one of the most photographed scenes in Canada. The “Twenty Dollar View” takes in the turquoise lake and ten surrounding mountains. The vista was once the picture on the back of 20-dollar notes in Canada, and the nickname stuck.

Most visitors spend several hours soaking up the views and snapping pictures. The scene of rugged snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear water surrounded by larch trees is postcard-perfect. There are hiking trails around the lake and canoes for rent. The lake is only accessible June through September, as the road is blocked by snow in winter.

The lake is 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) from Lake Louise and about 1 hour’s drive west of Banff. From the parking lot, it’s a short walk, roughly 980 feet (300 meters), up a rocky hill to a viewing platform, where you’ll get the best view.

The glacial lake gets its startling blue color from the minerals in the water that come down from the surrounding mountains. The Valley of Ten Peaks has the third-highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. The peak of Mount Temple is 11,500 feet (3,540 meters) high. Take all this in from the viewing platform.

The lake is brightest during the day when the sun is directly overhead. This is also when the lake is the most crowded, and it can be hard to find parking. Come before 10 a.m. and stay to watch the changing colors on the lake – the water’s surface reflects the ten peaks.

There are miles of hiking trails surrounding the lake. Hiking can be dangerous, because there are often bears roaming the area. Call Parks Canada for a safety update before you set out. Always walk in groups of four or more.

Reviews of Moraine Lake

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
244
5 - Excellent 82%
4 - Good
43
4 - Good 14%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Climb up the rockpile trail (takes 1 min) and enjoy a scenic view of the lake.. For experience climbers, hike up to the tower of Babel.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Too crowded with no parking!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful lake! Definitely our favorite!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful lake close to Lake Louise. Amazing colors. Definitely worth a visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I saw a lot of gorgeous blue lakes on my trip to Banff and Jasper, and Moraine Lake was the prettiest and most breathtaking.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Take the first bus out to Lake Louise and then buy a shuttle pass to Lake Moraine IMMEDIATELY. Otherwise, you may as well skip it. But you cant skip it because lake moraine is the absolute BEST. If you want to drive there, the parking lot is full by 5AM. You'll have to camp overnight the night before in your car.

Popular places to visit

It’s not a complete secret, but many people are not aware there is a second tea house in Lake Louise. In the summer months hundreds of people visit the Lake Agnes Tea House each day, but only a fraction of those numbers hike to the Plain Of Six Glaciers, and shown in the pic is about 3/4 way up to the tea house. #BVSblue #TakeAhike, #NationalParks #HikingTheGlobe #GreatOutdoors

Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse

4.5/5(13 reviews)

Enjoy the mountain views and explore Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse, a lovely green space in Lake Louise. Wander the area's lakeside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse
Lake Louise is probably one of the nicest lakes in Alberta, take the road from the village up here and park your car and walk the 100-150m to the lake edge. Get here for sunrise and just stand in awe at the majestic beauty of nature that surrounds you. #Nature

Lake Louise

Explore the great outdoors at Lake Louise, a lovely green space in Lake Louise. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Lake Louise
Can't believe its actually snowing atop of this mountain right now. Just leaving Lake Louise and almost at the BC border.

Samson Mall

You can do some window-shopping at Samson Mall during your stay in Lake Louise. Stroll along the lakeside or seek out the hiking trails.

Samson Mall

Minnestima Lakes

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Minnestima Lakes during your travels in Lake Louise. Discover the area's mountain views and top-notch restaurants.

Minnestima Lakes

Ice Lake

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Ice Lake during your travels in Lake Louise. Discover the area's mountain views and top-notch restaurants.

Ice Lake

Temple Lake

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Temple Lake during your travels in Lake Louise. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Temple Lake

Best Lodging Options Near Moraine Lake

Lake Louise Inn

Lake Louise Inn

3 out of 5
210 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB
Lake Louise Inn
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

4 out of 5
111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, AB
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Baker Creek By Basecamp

Baker Creek By Basecamp

3 out of 5
Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Louise, AB
Baker Creek By Basecamp
Mountaineer Lodge

Mountaineer Lodge

2.5 out of 5
101 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB
Mountaineer Lodge
Paradise Lodge & Bungalows

Paradise Lodge & Bungalows

2.5 out of 5
105 Lake Louise Drive, Box 7, Lake Louise, AB
Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
Post Hotel & Spa

Post Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
200 Pipestone Rd, Lake Louise, AB
Post Hotel & Spa
Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake Lodge

3.5 out of 5
Emerald Lake Road, Field, BC
Emerald Lake Lodge
Beaverfoot Lodge

Beaverfoot Lodge

2.5 out of 5
4220 Beaverfoot Rd,, Golden, BC
Beaverfoot Lodge
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
See all 227 properties in Moraine Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake offers a variety of activities for visitors, including skiing, hiking, and canoeing. There are numerous hiking programs and trails suitable for all levels, along with opportunities for horse riding. In winter, ski lifts provide access to scenic slopes, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're exploring the stunning landscapes or enjoying water activities, Moraine Lake promises an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

In Moraine Lake, check out Wilsons Mountain Sports, a great store located 11.3km away, perfect for outdoor gear. Also, visit Samson Mall, a shopping area 11.3km away, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with various shops and local goods.

Recreation

The Ink Pots Hiking Trail, located 17.7km from Moraine Lake, offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views and soothing natural springs. Sunshine Meadows, 37.0km away, features tranquil hiking paths surrounded by wildflowers, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and rejuvenation in nature's embrace.

Adventure

Lake Louise Mountain Resort offers thrilling skiing experiences with breathtaking mountain views, located 12.9km from Moraine Lake. For a family-friendly adventure, ride the Lake Louise Gondola, also 12.9km away, providing stunning scenery. Hike the Helen Lake Trail, 9.7km away, and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.

Nightlife

Moraine Lake is serene at night, but nearby Lake Louise offers nightlife options. Visit the Lake Louise Inn for cozy cocktails and a warm atmosphere. For a lively evening, check out the pubs in Lake Louise Village, where you can enjoy local brews and occasional live music.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Moraine Lake

At Moraine Lake in Alberta, Canada, visitors can enjoy breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. Popular attractions include the stunning Moraine Lake itself and nearby Lake Louise, perfect for romantic getaways. Explore lookout points for panoramic views and discover attractions near Moraine Lake Lodge. For additional insights, check out Lake Louise on TripAdvisor for tips on making the most of your visit to this beautiful destination.

  • Minnestima Lakes: Located 3.2km from Moraine Lake, Minnestima Lakes offers a serene beach atmosphere perfect for relaxation and romance. Enjoy stunning scenery as you take in the crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush landscapes.
  • Panorama Peak: Situated 4.8km away, Panorama Peak provides breathtaking views that are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike to the summit for panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and lakes that will leave you in awe.
  • Valley of the Ten Peaks: Also 4.8km from Moraine Lake, this valley is a paradise for adventurers. Explore diverse trails that lead you through stunning landscapes, showcasing majestic peaks and pristine nature.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Moraine Lake

To save money on your trip to Moraine Lake, consider visiting during the shoulder months of February, April, or November for lower hotel rates. Booking your stay about a month in advance can yield better deals, and Saturday is typically the cheapest night. Check Expedia for last-minute deals and package discounts that combine flights and accommodations. For budget-friendly travel, explore free activities around the lake and utilize public transport options to minimize expenses. Always filter hotel prices from lowest to highest on booking sites to find the best value.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Moraine Lake is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Moraine Lake are February, April and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Moraine Lake is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Moraine Lake is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Moraine Lake is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Moraine Lake with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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