Moraine Lake — The Postcard Image★★★
Moraine Lake is only 14 kilometers from Lake Louise — and may be even more beautiful. The small glacial lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks is the image that adorned the old Canadian 20-dollar bill, and when you climb the rock pile on the eastern shore (the so-called "Rockpile" — 5 minutes, easy), you'll see exactly why: Ten snow-capped peaks are reflected in water so blue it almost hurts.
Moraine Lake is smaller and more intimate than Lake Louise — and its color is, if possible, even more intense. The turquoise changes depending on the time of day, weather, and season: In the early morning, when the sun just reaches the peaks but the lake is still in shadow, the color is at its richest. In July, when the glacier melt is at its peak, the blue is at its most intense.
Activities
- Rockpile Trail: The shortest and most rewarding trail (300 meters, 5 minutes) — the viewpoint for THE photo.
- Canoeing: Rent canoes at the boathouse (130 CAD/hour for 2 people) and paddle on the turquoise water — unforgettable.
- Sentinel Pass Trail: 11.6 km, 725 meters elevation gain. The most challenging but rewarding trail from Moraine Lake — panoramic views worth every drop of sweat.
- Consolation Lakes: Easy trail (5.8 km, 65 meters elevation gain) to two quiet mountain lakes — the "secret" alternative when everyone is flocking to the Rockpile.
💡 Tipp
If you visit only one lake in the Rockies, make it Moraine Lake. Lake Louise is more famous, but Moraine Lake is — as most visitors say — the more beautiful of the two.
Achtung
Moraine Lake is ONLY accessible from June to October (the access road is closed in winter). From 2023, access is only possible by shuttle or bicycle — private cars are prohibited! Be sure to book shuttle reservations weeks in advance on the Parks Canada website.
