LAKE MORAINE, A SURREAL BEAUTY IN ALBERTA, CANADA

LOCATION

Lake Moraine is located in the Valley Of The Ten Peaks, inside the Banff National Park, at an elevation of 1883 meters (6,183 feet) and it spreads on a surface of 50 hectares (120 acres).

Its turquoise blue colour made it famous. These spectacular sights of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and its surreal beauty attract visitors from all over the world.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Between May and October. Generally the road opens somewhere in mid to late May, depending on the weather conditions. Keep in mind that during winter the access to the lake itself it is closed.

Though visitors won't be able to see its vivid shade of turquoise until the end of the June, sometimes even July, when the ice would melt and reveal its beauty. The mesmerizing shade of blue green peak in late June when the water levels will reach its crest.

Lake Moraine is glacially fed. Its fabulous colour is due to light refracting off the deposits of rock flour (fine particles of rock) or silt that flew from the glacier into the lake.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Assuming you start this trip from Lake Louise Village in Alberta, on Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), you will need to drive uphill to Lake Louise Drive.

On your way, on the left side of the road you will meet the access road to Moraine Lake. From that point, you'll have only 11 km(6.8 miles) left until the parking area of Lake Moraine.

During summer there are lots of tourists visiting the lake, which means that there might be a waiting time before being granted access to the parking lot. Last summer I had to wait almost one hour to be able to go on Moraine Lake road. It was annoying because we were already tired and we wished to get there before the sunset.

When we saw the lake, we knew it was worth waiting, as the view was breath taking.

HIKING TRAILS

There are several trails going around the lake. There are seasonal trail restrictions at certain times of the year in order to keep hikers safe and to minimize disturbance to bears. Yes, there are grizzly bears in here!

• The Rockpile Trail which is about 300 metres (980 ft) long and has an elevation change of 24 metres (79 ft).

• Consolation Lakes trail is 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) long, with an elevation change of 90 metres (300 ft). On this trail you'll get some fabulous views of high alpine meadows, huge talus slopes and the Quadra Glacier.

• Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail has a minimal elevation gain and is only 1.5 km one way. While strolling on this trail you'll have an amazing of Mount Fay and the Fay Glacier.

• Eiffel Lake
• Wenkchemna Pass
• Larch Valley
• Sentinel Pass.

SAFETY MEASURES FOR HIKERS

• You are legally required to travel in groups of four or more when the Group Access is in effect.
• Always carry bear spray. Be prepared to use it.
• Get yourself informed on how to handle an encounter with a bear prior to hiking
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Walk slowly, look ahead, pay attention to noises, watch for tracks, droppings, and diggings.
• Let bears know about your presence. Travel in a small group and make noise.

SHUTTLE SERVICE AVAILABLE

There is a shuttle connecting Lake Moraine with the Village of Lake Louise, Banff and the ski resort. You can find more details here.

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