Highlights of Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is a glacial lake near Lake Louise in Banff National Park. The mountain range of the Valley of the Ten Peaks and the lake’s blue-green surface form a single landscape, which was once also depicted on a Canadian 20-dollar banknote.
Ten Peaks and the Turquoise Lake
From the rocky heights, you can look across to the Ten Peaks stretching through the glacier-carved valley and the lake framed by coniferous forest. Red canoes along the shore and peaks reflected on the water complete this iconic Moraine Lake composition.
Rockpile and the Lakeside Trail
Rockpile Loop is a short 0.7 km circuit with 35 m of elevation gain and an estimated walking time of 30 minutes. It climbs to a viewpoint overlooking the lake, giving you an overall view of the Ten Peaks and the water even on a short visit. Lakeshore Trail is 1.3 km one way and takes about 45 minutes round trip; as you continue toward the far end of the lake, the viewing angle of Mount Fay and Fay Glacier changes. Choose Rockpile if time is limited, or combine it with Lakeshore Trail if you want to walk close to the lake, allowing you to enjoy the same lake from both above and the water’s edge.
Basic information about Moraine Lake
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- The official Parks Canada page provides information on transportation, shuttles, and reservations.
Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine LakeTake Parks Canada shuttles or public transit to visit. Book your shuttle in advance. There is limited Lakeside park...parks.canada.ca - 📍 Location
- Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
- 🕒 Operating hours
- The regular shuttle in 2026 operates from June 1 to October 12, with departures from 06:30 to 17:00 and the last return at 19:30 (MDT, Mountain Daylight Time). ⚠️ Service is weather-dependent.
- 🚫 Closed days
- Moraine Lake Road is closed to private vehicles year-round, except for registered guests of Moraine Lake Lodge. The shuttle operates seasonally.
- 💶 Banff National Park admission
- A 1-day national park admission pass is required and is separate from the shuttle fare.
- Adults (ages 18–64) CA$12.25
- Seniors (65 and over) CA$10.75
- 17 and under free
- Family/group CA$24.50. Up to 7 people in the same vehicle
⚠️ Shuttle fares and reservation fees are charged separately.
- 🎫 Moraine Lake shuttle ticket
- Advance reservations are required.
- Adults (ages 18–64) CA$12.75
- Seniors (65 and over) CA$6.00
- 17 and under CA$4.00
- Online reservation fee CA$3.50 for 1 reservation (non-refundable)
The ticket includes round-trip travel from Park and Ride and the Lake Connector between the two lakes.
- ⏱️ Recommended time
- Allow 1–1.5 hours for the Rockpile viewpoint and lakeshore walk, or 1.5–2 hours if walking the Lakeshore Trail. ⚠️ The time varies with shuttle waits, crowds, and how far you walk.
Getting to Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake Road is closed to private vehicles year-round, so use the Parks Canada shuttle, Roam public transit, or authorized commercial transportation. The Parks Canada shuttle departs from the Park and Ride at Lake Louise Ski Resort, where reservation holders can park for free. You can travel between Moraine Lake and the Lake Louise lakeshore on the Lake Connector, which is included with the ticket.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Canadian Rockies: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transportation, and Suggested Itineraries”.
