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What people say

Kathrine Linstrum
"Moraine Lake’s beauty is like no other. From the majestic blue water to the rugged mountain backdrop, it’s a must see! Because of its popularity, Parks Canada no longer allows private vehicles to drive and park at the lake. The only way to get to Moraine Lake, as of the 2023 season, is by shuttle! I recommend booking your shuttle through the Parks Canada website. Spots fill up fast so it is important to make plans ahead of time! Once you’ve reached this natural wonder, sit back and take in the awe inspiring views! The best view of the lake can be reached via the Rockpile Trail. This easy 15 minute hike will take you to the most iconic viewpoint of the lake! I also highly suggest doing the Moraine Lakeshore trail. This easy, 3.2km, out and back trail, will take you on a scenic journey right beside the lake!"
Holly Baughman
"One of the most popular glacial lakes but it comes with a downfall. The parking situation. In peak season, the parking lot (free) is full by 5 am on weekends, or 5:30 am on weekdays. Here are your options ⬇️ 1) Go SUPER early, or in the evening (after 5-6 pm) 2) Book a shuttle - if early mornings aren't for you, go the link below to book yours 3) Try a guided bus tour 4) Skip it altogether - if this is too stressful, don't sweat it. There's so many beautiful lakes to see. THE ROAD TO MORAINE LAKE IS CLOSED DURING THE WINTER ❄️ Option for hikes at Moraine Lake ⬇️ 1) Consolation Lakes Trail - an easy 2h hike with slight elevation gain and views of the lake and mountains 2) Moraine Lakeshore Trail - a flat easy walk around the lake"
Rachelle Rutgrink
"Nestled within the embrace of towering mountains, Moraine Lake stands as a pristine jewel in the Canadian Rockies, known for its vivid turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding alpine grandeur. A visit to this iconic glacial lake is an invitation to witness nature's masterpiece, where tranquility and awe converge in a place of unparalleled beauty. Tip: be aware of the new transportation system. Personal Vehicles can no longer go here, unless you are staying at the Moraine Lake Lodge. Luckily enough, there are plenty of options to get to this great place! Be sure to book in advance."

Mentioned in these guides

Welcome to the pristine wilderness of Canada's most iconic national parks – Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, and Jasper. Embark on an unforgettable journey through these breathtaking landscapes, where towering mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and verdant forests await your exploration. Lace up your boots, breathe in the crisp alpine air, and let our guide lead you through a tapestry of natural wonders, immersing you in the untamed beauty and rich biodiversity of these remarkable wilderness areas. Your next unforgettable adventure begins here. *** WHAT YOU GET IN THIS GUIDE *** - 70 curated spots. Way more than any traditional guide! - A FREE 7 day itinerary - Discount suggestions where possible - A collection of EASY, MEDIUM and HARD trails for day hiking. - Beautiful pictures of Canada's rocky mountains - A collection of good cafes, restaurants and coffee shops. - A collection of outdoor stores for mountain gear. - Fun trips for beginner and seasoned adventurers. - A packing list for outdoor adventures. - A list of important, must-know information such as a wildlife, seasonal information and useful tips from someone who has hiked the Rockies. *** WHO YOU SUPPORT THROUGH YOUR PURCHASE *** Meet Rachelle, a fervent outdoor enthusiast hailing from Maastricht, whose very essence thrives amidst the beauty of the natural world. With an unyielding passion for outdoor travel and a profound love for hiking, Rachelle has become a modern-day explorer, traversing untamed paths and scaling peaks in pursuit of exhilarating adventures. In sharing her outdoor odysseys, she kindles a spark within others to embrace the allure of the great outdoors. Their adventurous narrative beckons fellow wanderers to heed the call of the wild, lace up their boots, and set forth on the trail of discovery. As we embark on this journey alongside her, their story becomes an anthem to the joys of hiking, reminding us that the path less traveled is often the most rewarding.
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So, you're going to the Canadian Rockies? After living in Montana for many years, I knew and expected the terrain to be quite similar. I was in for quite the surprise when this area of Canada turned out to be one of the most beautiful places I've EVER visited. Below you'll find my favorite stops (separated by location) that we found along the way from Edmonton to Calgary (and a few stops over in BC!), along with tips on the area and an interactive map. I've included the hotels used personally, as well as some additional top rated stays at several price points. I've also included some stops that we didn't make it to this first time around, but we will definitely be heading back for them! Quick Disclaimer: Respect nature and wildlife. Wildlife is WILD and nature is natural. Treat them as such. Leave no trace when outdoors, and respect wildlife by giving them space. Locations included: 🏔️ Edmonton 🏔️ Jasper National Park 🏔️ Banff National Park 🏔️ Banff, Alberta (town) 🏔️ Lake Louise (town) 🏔️ Canmore, Alberta 🏔️ Calgary, Alberta I've added quite a few hotel options, as they all book up extremely quickly and are not cheap. I did highlight the ones we stayed at as well as provided descriptions of those! Pssst. Above is the exact route we drove also! We drove up from Montana, but flying in to Edmonton and renting a car or RV to drive this itinerary down through to Calgary is an awesome option. If you wish to continue this trip further like we did, drive down to Yoho and Kootenay National Parks in BC and Glacier National Park in Montana from Calgary! I have a separate guide for Glacier, but highly recommend if you have the time! I have listed a variety of different things from nature and hiking to food and craft beer to a few select "other" options (that don't involve hiking). However, this guide primarily focuses on the true beauty of nature in Canada. You won't run out of options! We found the Parks in Canada to be extremely accessible, dog friendly, and overall pretty clean. The red Adirondack chairs were the coolest thing, and I'm not going to explain that... You'll see what I mean.
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About Moraine Lake

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