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Moraine Lake

Deep within the mountains of Banff National Park lies a lake so beautiful it doesn’t even seem real. With the brightest turquoise water I’ve ever seen, Moraine Lake is sure to captivate anyone lucky enough to witness it!

As a Canadian who has traveled the Canadian Rockies extensively, I can truly say that Moraine Lake is special – and that’s not just because it’s where Dan and I got engaged! The lake’s vibrant waters, framed by towering mountain peaks, create a unique and breathtaking scene.

But Moraine Lake isn’t just a pretty sight – it’s an adventurer’s paradise. Whether you’re hiking along its shores, canoeing on the water, or exploring the surrounding trails, there’s always something new to discover. And make sure to bring your camera, because everywhere you turn is an epic photo opportunity!

Since Moraine Lake is such a rare gem, it’s no surprise there is such a huge demand to visit. The road to the lake is only accessible from June to mid-October and on top of that, Parks Canada has restricted personal vehicle access at the lake, making it even more difficult to get there. But don’t worry, our detailed guides will walk you through everything you need to know about getting to Moraine Lake and what to do once you get there!

Planning Essentials

There are many important things to consider when planning a trip to Moraine Lake – from what activities to do, to your type of transport, to the time of year you visit. This is why we created the posts below to help guide you through the entire planning process and make it as easy as possible!

Getting to Moraine Lake

Ever since the personal vehicle ban in 2023, reaching Moraine Lake has become more difficult. Luckily, there are still many ways you can access the lake, you just have to plan in far advance. We outlined all of the best ways you can visit Moraine Lake in the articles below, so make sure to give them a read to find the option that works best for you!

Moraine Lake Tours

Honestly, if you want to avoid all of the confusing planning (I don’t blame you!), then a tour is the way to go! These amazing organized tours will take care of all of the little details for you, so you just get to show up and enjoy your time in the mountains. Plus, you’ll visit more than just Moraine Lake, meaning you can check multiple places off your bucket list!

Hiking at Moraine Lake

If you have the time, we highly recommend you check out some of these amazing hikes around Moraine Lake!

Where to Next?

Moraine Lake is located in Banff National Park, meaning it is super close to many other towns, attractions, and natural wonders. While you’re in the area, we recommend checking out some of the other great things this stunning area of Canada has to offer. We’ve outlined some of our favorites below!

Top Nearby Attractions

Top Lake Louise Blogs

Lake Louise is located conveniently close to Moraine Lake. In fact, many people choose to see both lakes on the same day! It is only 40 minutes from Banff town and is one of the best lakes in Banff National Park!

Banff Town

The most popular area for people to visit and stay in Banff National Park is Banff Town itself. It is full of great shopping, activities, restaurants, and scenery. These top blog posts are certain to help you start planning your time there!

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is a scenic stretch of highway that connects Banff National Park to Jasper National Park. Known as one of the most scenic roads in the world, this 227 km (141 miles) route has some seriously unbelievable stops along the way. It’s best experienced on a road trip or a tour!

Other Nearby Places

Did you know that Banff is surrounded by multiple National and Provincial Parks? There is so much to see in this area of Canada that we highly encourage you to go beyond Banff to check out some of these other awesome places!