Moraine Lake | Canada | Best Place, Hotel, Restaurant & Food

Moraine lake, the frost-fed lake of the Banff National Park. It is situated 14 kilometers outside the Village of Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada. It is located in the Ten Peak Valley, at an altitude of about 6,183 feet. The lake did not reach its crest until mid-June. It reflects a distinctive shade of azure blue when it is full. The rare color is due to the refraction of light off the rock flour accumulate in the lake on a continual basis by surrounding glaciers.

Hiking trails:

The area around the lake has several walking/hiking trails that are restricted. Also, the Rockpile Trail is most commonly taken by tourists, which is along the actual moraine. The trail is about 300 meters long and, its height varies from 24 meters. From the top of the rockpile, The view of the lake is one of the most photographed locations in all of Canada. This view of the Valley of the Ten Peaks is known as the “Twenty Dollar View”, as Moraine Lake was featured on the reverse side of the 1969 and 1979 issues of the Canadian twenty-dollar bill.

The Consolation Lakes trail starts along the same trail-head, which is almost 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) long, with an elevation change of 90 meters (300 ft). In Consolation Lakes hikers may continue along to the upper lake, which is not visible from the end of the lower lake. There is, however, no clearly notable trail, and can often be a scramble over large rocky areas.
Along the same trail-head, the Consolation Lakes trail starts, which is approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) long, with an elevation change of 90 meters (300 ft). Reaching the consolation, hikers on the lake may continue with the upper lakes, which cannot be seen from the bottom of the lake.

Canoe docks:

There is another trail-head near the canoe docks of Moraine Lake Lodge This trail-head is the start of two trails, one of which branches out into four different trails – so there are in total, five trails starting at that trail-head such as Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail, Eiffel Lake, Wenkchemna Pass, Larch Valley, and Sentinel Pass.

The Beauty of Moraine Lake:

Moraine Lake is nicknamed the Valley of the 10 Peaks. The name is straightforward, when you hiking around it, there is 10 beautiful mountain towering over the turquoise glacier water. It is Moraine Lake that is specific for this reason and offers its guests a view like no other lake. And that nicely vibrant water comes from the silt created when the rocks at the underside of the lake chore together, they emanate a powder. It is a must-see place in the world. This spectacular lake is absolutely a Canadian gem. Also, there is a Wildlife viewing. Here you can see some amazing wildlife. If you go for a hike you can spot elk, moose, coyotes, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and more. In the summer months, you will also spot Grizzly Bears and Black Bears. This is perfect for tourists who want to explore both lakes because Louise tends to be more well-known.

You must have lunch at one of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise restaurants and you would like an amazing view while you eat. In Downtown Baniff, you can do anything and everything. There is also a number of amazing mountains, like Castle Moutain and sulfur Mountain. You can get some wonderful photos and also walk the boardwalk along the mountain. The outdoor seating areas and eating areas are surrounded by natural scenery. There is a break from technology, which is a blessing in disguise. this forced you to relax and soak in the serene feeling of being ringed by the mountains. Moraine Lake gives you a genuine excuse to do so.

Location and Map of Moraine Lake:

Located 5 km (7.7 miles) outside Banff National Park, Canada, this moraine lake is located in Ten Peak Valley, approximately 6,183 feet (1,885 m) high.

Map:

Roads in Moraine Lake:

Lake Louise Village, a short distance from the Trans Canada Highway. Continue on Lace Lace Drive until you find the access road to Twist Lake on your left. In the summer And the road to Moraine Lake is very busy in September. Roads to Moraine Lake are closed in winter due to heavy snowfall. The road opens between May and June. And closes in October.

Best Hotels in Moraine Lake:

There are many beautiful hotels nearby Moraine lake.

Mountaineer Lodge.
Lake Louise Inn.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Banff Park Lodge Resort and Conference center.
Banff Inn.
Bow View Lodge.
Hidden Ridge Lodge.
Tunnel Mountain Resort.
Fox Hotel and Suites.
Canalta Lodge.
Red Carpet Inn.

Best Restuarant Nearby Moraine Lake:

Poppy Brasserie
Walliser Stube
Fairview Bar & Restaurant
Lago Italian Kitchen
Alpine Social
Deer Lodge – Mt. Fairview Dining Room
Cathedral Mountain Lodge Riverside Dining Room
Mount Burgess Dining Room – Emerald Lake Lodge
Juniper Bistro – The Juniper Hotel
Forte Restaurant – Mountain View Hospitality LP
Maple Leaf Grill
The Keg Steakhouse
The Eddie Burger +
Sky Bistro, Mountain Top Dining @ Banff Gondola
Magpie & Stump
Bear Street Tavern
The Bison Restaurant
Pacini – Banff
La Terrazza
Crave Mountain Grill

How to Get in Moraine Lake:

Lake Louise to Moraine Lake
Go to Lake Louise Drive from the parking lot, turn right onto Moraine Lake Rd, the Moraine Lake is about 12.2 km from the start of the Lake road.

From Banff or Calgary
Turn the exit towards Bow Valley Pkwy from Trans Canada Highway /AB1 W. Turning left enter Bow Valley Parkway and merge on to Lake Louise Drive. Turn left onto Moraine Lake drive.

From Jasper

Travel south of Parkway, take the exit east of AB1, and head towards the Trans Canada Highway Calgary. Take the exit towards Bow Valley Pkwy. Turn right on Lake Louise Drive. Turn left onto Moraine Lake drive.

Best Things to Do in Moraine Lake:

You’ll find plenty of choices, ranging from canoeing to more photography and scenic drives to Morain Lake and Lake Louise. Our list below will help you to make your tour so easy…
We suggest many things to do. That will work great if you plan to visit in late summer, spring, or early fall. you can also visit in the winter as well if you love winter activities.

Drive the spectacular Icefields Parkway in Moraine Lake:

The scenic drive on Icefields Parkway is considered one of the drives in the world. A 144-mile long road connecting the villages of Lake Louise and Jasper Township. In good weather, the minimum drive time is about three hours. The journey is so magnificent so you don’t want to get into a rush. from Lake Louise up to the Saskatchewan Crossing, there are several places where you must stop to explore. Herbert Lake comes up in a couple of miles after you get on Icefield Parkway. Early in the morning and If it’s a clear day a stop at Herbert Lake will honor you with awesome photos of Mt. Temple reflected completely in the waters of the lake. you can dip your feet in the water, or you can walk the trail to the back if it’s a warm day.

Crowfoot Glacier in Moraine Lake:

Crowfoot Glacier, You’ll see lots of dandelions and other wildflowers here in the spring and summer. One toe of the glacier is lost but you can still see the rest of the two toes. Be sure to check out the Crawfoot Glacier from the pullout from Icefields Parkway.

Bow Lake:

You can capture dazzling reflections on a clear calm morning at Bow Lake. Walk along the shores of the lake and see if you can see the Croft Mountain and the Left Summit just above the lake. Find Num-ti-Jah Lodge in Lakeshore. The lodge offers those benefits to guests who are looking for a solitude place to stay.

Peyto Lake:

Then there is the amazing Peyto Lake, the size of its wolves and the surreal blue color that will amaze you. Park your car and take the ascent and descent, from where you can get a great view of the lake below. Take the trail further up to the regional Peyto Lake, from where you can get stunning views. If you are ready for it. The Bow Summit can actually take about 3 hours. It is about 3.6 miles.

Mistaya Canyon Moraine Lake:

The Mistaya Canyon is a 0.3-mile forested walkway from Icefields Parkway. Just like the view of the mountains in the background, the view of the roar of the water through the ghats below is also a sight to behold. The valley has been carved by the Mistaya River for thousands of years. Return to the parking lot where you came after visiting the canyon.

Saskatchewan Crossing:

In Saskatchewan Crossing you will see the river meandering in the shadow of the mountains. Travelers to British Columbia cross over from Alberta is called “The Crossing”. Saskatchewan joins the Mistaya and Haus rivers. There is a resort here and food is available.

Icefields Parkway Moraine Lake:

There’s also the ride to Icefield’s Parkway, with longer hills and glaciers, gem green forests and sparkling mountain lakes at every turn of the road. Admire the wildflowers on the streets and look out over the wildlife. And the view from north to south is somehow different from going south to north again, so you’ll be happy on the way up and back!

Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre in Moraine Lake:

You will drive to Jasper but be sure to check out the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center, the mighty Athabasca Falls, and the sunken waterfalls. You can take all the sights of Icefield Parkway, but you have to take a one-way trip from Lake Luise to Jasper.

The Bow Valley Parkway Moraine Lake:

It’s in Banff National Park is the alternate route that connects the town of Banff with the village of Lake Louise, the Trans-Canada Highway being the main one. The Bow Valley Parkway is about 30 miles or so, but very scenic. Be sure to keep your eyes open to see wildlife on the streets. On the Trans-Canada Highway, it is rare that you have not seen any animals. Because there is no fence next to this parkway to keep wildlife away from the road. You will likely see black bear, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, coyote, or deer, especially early in the morning or at dusk. There are numerous pullouts where you can stop to enjoy the scenery or take photos. You must stop because there are some sights along the route. And of course, don’t forget to stop at these scenic spots.

Johnston Canyon Moraine Lake:

Johnston Canyon is one of the main attractions of the National Park. It is hugely popular, so plan on arriving early to get a parking spot. If you do the entire trail, it is located about 6.6 miles away and will have a unique ride opportunity for the catwalks lined with limestone straw. You will come to lower canyon waterfalls first, then higher canyon waterfalls, and finally ink pots.

Muleshoe Picnic Area:

This pullout is about 3 miles from Banff. You can stop here for a picnic at a table overlooking the namesake lake. It is a famous birding area. Find your zoom lenses and look for asparagus, gray jay, hummingbirds, or walnuts.

Enjoy wildlife sightings:

One of the most fun things to do in Banff National Park is to watch for wildlife. During the visit, you will see black bears at several locations along the Icefields Parkway and at other places in the park. You will see grizzlies when riding the Lake Louise Gondola up the mountain. We saw elk numerous times, sometimes in herds, as well as bighorn sheep, mountain goats, pika, and marmots. Fox, coyote, wolves, and cougars also live here. So, if you love viewing wildlife, definitely consider a dedicated evening wildlife tour. Certainly, your best chance of seeing wildlife is early in the day or late in the evening.

Enjoy a spa treatment:

Add in some spa time to your itinerary, when considering what to do in Lake Louise. All you need is a great spa, both the Post Hotel and Spa and the Fairmont Chateau Hotel. Also, The Post Hotel’s Temple Mountain Spa is lovely. You will find a variety of therapies for both men and women. The Fairmont Chateau also has a host of treatments available, including a special foot treatment for hikers.

Do a day trip to Yoho National Park:

A day trip from Lake Louise to Yoho National Park is easy. On the other hand, Yoho National Park is part of the Canadian Rockies UNESCO World Heritage site, and small enough that you can see the major highlights in just one day. Yoho National Park is less crowded and offers a true desert experience. It’s as beautiful as Banff and Jasper. However, in one day in Yoho National Park, you can easily cover the top things to do.

Emerald Lake & The Takakkaw Falls:

See the magnificent natural bridge over the Kicking Horse River, explore the small town grounds, enjoy the beauty of Emerald Lake and soak in Canada’s second-longest waterfall, the Takakkaw Falls. As its name suggests, Emerald Lake looks gem green. However, you can take a boat or canoe out on to the water for an hour or two of complete bliss, or walk the shore trail that goes all around the lake. Also, The Takakkaw Falls are magnificent, and so is the road leading up to the falls. This road tends to open later in the season than other surrounding areas, so call ahead to make sure you can access the falls if they are high on your list.

Parker Ridge Trail:

The Parker Ridge Trail is 3 miles away and the back trail which is about 900 feet high. This is a medium to easy trail depending on the conditions you hire. You will cross multiple switchbacks before you start to see the spectacular views of the valley and the Saskatchewan Glacier. On the way, you will see a fountain.

Glacier Skywalk:

From the Discovery Centre, take the shuttle to the Glacier Skywalk. Walkout onto the glass platform suspended high above the Sunwapta Valley for views of the surrounding glaciers. There is a glass-bottom next to the platform and it is located more than 900 feet above the valley.

Best Places Nearby Moraine Lake:

The village of Louis Lewis is very interesting. In addition, there are several other famous attractions to visit. The village is small but very beautiful. So, travel to Lugandola and enjoy the beauty around it. Also, traveling to the top, you can see the bears below. Also, be able to enjoy wildlife.

Experience the magic of Lake Louise:

You will not want to miss a stunning lake which is in Banff National Park Lake Louise. It is the top site in the area and the number one tourist attraction, so in season, Lake Louise is very crowded. The setting is gorgeous and the color unreal, so it’s no wonder that everyone makes a beeline to the shore for photos as soon as they set eyes on it! To spend some quiet time here, you need to wake up a few mornings and arrive early because Lake Lewis is very popular. In the morning light, the turquoise lake looks magical and somewhat mysterious, the surrounding mountain ring is still dark.

Plain of Six Glaciers Trail:

This trail leads to a teahouse as well! The trail is classified as difficult and it is about 8.5 miles away. In the beginning, the trail follows the arrow of Lake Louise for a while. At the edge of the lake, you will see the blue groove of milk that makes up the lake.

The second half of the ascent is basically uphill and downhill. Along the way you will find sights, looking back at the lake and glaciers. Find wildlife including squirrels, pike, mountain goats, and bears. You can continue the tea house from Abbott Pass Overlock to see some awesome views. Stop on the way back to have a cup of tea and eat at the tea house. The teahouse was built in the early part of the 20th century.

This is the only trail where you can hear and see the glaciers in the glaciers. You can see and hear the ice crack from the porch of the tea house.

Consolation Lakes Trail:

An easy out and back trail that totals about 3.6 miles, the Consolation Lakes Trail starts at Moraine Lake. The trail goes past the Rockpile at Moraine Lake, a very popular spot for photos, before following Babel Creek towards Mount Babel. The stunningly beautiful trail is rocky in places, and clearly defined paths in others. You go through forests, past little ponds, and mossy areas to an open rocky field at the foot of Mount Babel and Fay Glacier. Because this trail is both easy and beautiful, it is very popular in season. Arrive very early in the day for a parking spot at Moraine Lake and fewer people on the trail.

Bow River Loop:

The Bow River Loop is a flat and easy walk. Also, the gravel path loops around the edge of the Bow River and is a little less than 4.5 miles in length. So, you can walk as much of the loop as you like and retrace your steps or do the full loop along the rushing waters.
The Bow River starts at the Bow Glacier in the Wapta Icefield and flows into the Hudson Bay. So, bridges afford great photo opportunities, and you can learn about the flora and fauna of the area if you pause to read the interpretive plaques along the way.

Fairview Lookout Trail:

This is a short but uphill trail, about 0.6 mile each way. It is classed as an easy trail but maybe moderate for some hikers because of the quick elevation gain. This is a perfect hike if you are short on time but want to see the lake from above.

Getting Around:

In the village of Lake Louise, you can walk everywhere. Also, Parks Canada offers shuttles to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Lake Louise Gondola. Consider using the shuttles to avoid the hassle of trying to find parking at these popular spots if you visit during the day. But, to do scenic drives and day trips, and to explore outlying areas, a car is your best option. Also, you can rent a car for the day in the village of Lake Louise. However, you can also rent bikes in the village.

How long to spend In Lake Louise?

You can spend a few months in Lake Louise and never finish. Spend a week enjoying a good sampling of almost everything in the beautiful region this season.
If you want to do a few scenic drives, spend time on the water at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, and do a few of the hikes on Lake Louise.

Conclusion:

However, Moraine Lake is restricted for many things, but the beauty of Moraine lake is remarkable. Also, there is a lot to do again in Lake Louise. Because travel to Lake Louise is a must to remember. However, these two lakes are very popular around the world. Also, every year many visitors gather here to enjoy the beauty of these two lakes. In short, Those who love traveling should travel at least one in life and explore the real beauty of nature.