Hemmed in by the dramatic Valley of the Ten Peaks, Banff National Park’s glacier-fed Moraine Lake is renowned for its bright blue-green waters. The surreally vivid color results from light refracting off of tiny glacial rock particles. Stunning Lake Moraine was famously featured on the back of Canada’s $20 bill between 1969 and 1979.
An early start, but SO worth it. Sunrise at Moraine Lake is serene, surreal and beautiful beyond imagining. The whole day was a great trip. Tess, the guide with Radventures was knowledgeable and fun, and gave us opportunity to sleep on the bus on the way to and from Banff. Lake Louise was also lovely.
Simon was a fantastic guide, he had a good knowledge of the area and we were able to see Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the autumn sunshine, we even had a close encounter with a moose. Great trip.
All in all it was a phenomenal tour! From the pick up in Calgary to our return, I don't have a bad word to say. Everything was well planned out and executed. Even though the road to Moraine Lake was closed, I was definitely not disappointed by the other locations chosen by the company. I want to thank Denis our tour guide for being so knowledgeable and funny!! Thanks for the awesome day!!
Very very expensive for a ride out to lake louise and moraine lake. We did have 2 hours at each lake which was great, however driver did not keep us informed while driving about interesting facts en route. Even if he did he couldn’t be heard at back of bus. No lunch was provided and we had to ask driver to make a stop so that we could grab a quick takeaway lunch. We had one other stop for about 10 minutes but this excursion really is only a bus ride out to both lakes
We had a great trip to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with Jeff. He was a great guide and provided us with lots of history on mountaineering and mountain rescues.
Outstanding. Moraine Lake is truly a sight to behold. Words cannot describe the beauty of the place and the surrounding mountains. It has to be seen to be appreciated.
A great way to see these lakes. Especially as Moraine Lake isn't accessible to personal vehicles and for me it was the better of the two lakes. Buck our tour guide/driver was a fountain of knowledge and made the experience really great.
The friendly, knowledgeable guide/driver, who, being a local, could give extra colour to the trip.
Kasondra was always considerate of our safety on the icy ground and made sure I had a memorable day in a breathtaking setting
This trip was exactly what I hoped it would be. The sights were beautiful with just enough time to enjoy each one. Our driver was knowledgeable and helpful. We had a great time.
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ:What's the best way to experience Moraine Lake?
People Also AskQ:What is the best month to go to Moraine Lake?
A:The best month to go to Moraine Lake is July, but any time from late June into early August is good. The Canadian summer offers warm days and clear weather—but also bigger crowds. Head there early in the morning to avoid some of the extra people; but no matter when you go, it's worth it.
Q:Is it worth going to Moraine Lake?
A:Yes. Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Banff National Park. While it's incredibly crowded in summer, this is for good reason. The stunningly bright turquoise waters of the glacier-fed lake reflect the surrounding white snow-capped peaks for picture-perfect views.
Q:How long do you need at Moraine Lake?
A:An hour or two at Moraine Lake can be enough to soak up the views. But if you want to embark on a moderate hike for a better vantage point or take a canoe out on the water, you'll have to allow for half a day or longer.
Q:Do you need a Banff pass for Moraine Lake?
A:Moraine Lake is inside Banff National Park, which means you'll need to obtain a Canada National Parks Pass for visiting the lake—either a daily or annual pass. You'll also need to purchase a shuttle pass, as private vehicles are not permitted to access the lake.
Q:Can you drive your car to Moraine Lake?
A:No, private vehicles are not permitted to access the lake as of 2023. The only way you can get to the lake is by booking a shuttle or bus or organized tour, all of which operate from May until October when the road is opened and cleared of snowfall.
Q:Can I swim in Moraine Lake?
A:Yes, technically you can swim in Moraine Lake; however, as the water temperature hovers just above freezing, it's not recommended. But fear not—there are plenty of other ways to experience this pristine alpine lake, such as canoeing or hiking.