Important Update To Moraine Lake Access in 2023. Starting in 2023 Moraine Lake will no longer be accessible by personal vehicles during any time of the year. The overwhelming traffic and the environmental and wildlife impacts are the main reasons for the ban. The days of easily driving yourself to Moraine Lake are gone. The options to get to the lake are the Parks Canada shuttle service and commercial shuttle companies, the Roam Transit bus, guided tours, taxi and bicycles. The only exceptions where personal vehicles are permitted to drive to the lake are guests of Moraine Lake Lodge and vehicles with a proper accessibility parking permit. Information about the change and more detail on why it was implemented can be found here: Private vehicles banned at Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is only half the size of its nearby neighbour Lake Louise, but perhaps even more scenic. It’s situated at an elevation of 1883 meters in the beautiful Valley Of The Ten Peaks in Banff National Park. This glacier-fed lake becomes the most intense and vivid shade of turquoise blue. The setting of the surrounding majestic mountain peaks makes the scene almost surreal.
Rent a canoe or try one of the trails in the area that range from casual walks to more strenuous hikes. Or just sit and take in the beauty of the lake.
When Does The Road To Moraine Lake Open And Close Seasonally?
The drawback to this beautiful lake is that it’s access road is only open to vehicle traffic for part of the year. The road crosses through an area of high avalanche risk. For safety it is closed to all vehicle traffic through the winter and early spring. Parks Canada opens the road when the risk of avalanche has passed, usually in early June.
The road closes for the season after the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday (the second Monday in October).
The timing for opening and closing the road can be subject to change depending on the conditions. Once the road is closed for the winter season there is no way to access the lake by vehicle.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Moraine Lake?
When the road opens to Moraine Lake for the season don’t count on seeing the turquoise water that Moraine Lake is famous for. Due to the lakes high elevation it can remain frozen until late May or into early June depending on the temperatures. When it first thaws the water level is very low. As the temperatures warm up the glacier melt from above the lake starts to feed into it. The lake water level crests in mid to late June and from this time through September is it’s peak of blue colour.
The weeks of October leading up to the road closure are a still a great time to visit but the colour of the water may not be as intense at this time.
The photos below were taken in different years just shortly after the road to Moraine Lake was opened for the season in mid to late May. The setting is still undeniable beautiful, but it’s too early to see the stunning colour of the glacier water.
How Does The Water Of Moraine Lake Get To Be So Blue?
When the melt water from the glacier up above starts to flow into the lake it brings with it glacial silt, also referred to as rock flour. The silt particles are so fine that they are suspended in the meltwater. It’s the light reflecting off the silt that gives the lake the intense blue colour.
The two photos below were each taken in early October in different years. As you can see the weather and views can be quite different.
The Twenty Dollar View
It’s more like a million dollar view, but the iconic image of Moraine Lake and the Valley Of The Ten Peaks was used on the back of Canadian twenty dollar bills issued between 1969 and 1979. The beautiful deep blue water with a backdrop of towering snow-capped mountains is one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies and possibly in all of Canada.
The Rockpile Trail Offers The Best View Of Moraine Lake
The Rockpile trail switchbacks along the back of the moraine with several sets of stone steps. It brings you to the top of the rock moraine where there are fantastic views overlooking the lake.
As you make your way along the trail watch for pikas, marmots, squirrels, chipmunks and variety of birds that are frequently spotted in the area.
You won’t be disappointed with the views. Keep working your way up to the highest viewpoint levels to get different vantage points.
- Trailhead – Starts from the lower end of the parking lot across the bridge on the outlet stream.
- Distance – 350 meters
- Elevation – 30 meters
- Time – 40 minutes return trip
Moraine Lakeshore Trail Will Leave The Crowds Behind, Even On Busy Days
Starting near the canoe docks there is a fairly flat trail that works its way along the shoreline to the back of the lake. As the trail weaves in and out of the trees it offers glimpses of the water and mountains.
Only a dent of the crowds will venture onto the Lakeshore trail and even fewer still will go the full distance of it. A boardwalk is located at the end of the lake where a stream of rushing water flows from the Wenkchemna. It’s a total of 2.9 km’s, returning back on the same trail. Allow approximately 45 minutes.
Other Trails At Moraine Lake And Seasonal Travel Restrictions
Due to bear activity some of the trails accessed near Moraine Lake have seasonal restrictions to maximize safety. During these times it is mandatory that hikers travel in a tight group of four or more. It’s typically from mid-July to mid-October. Occasionally trails may be closed off completely. It is always best to check ahead with Parks Canada for the current trail conditions. Information and a map of the Moraine Lake Group Access area can be found here: Bear Management Moraine Lake Group Access Restrictions
Larch Valley And Sentinel Pass
The Moraine Lakeshore Trail branches off to hikes to Sentinel Pass and Larch Valley Trails and to Wenkchemna Pass And Eiffel Lake.
Sentinel Pass and Larch Valley are one of the premier hiking areas in Banff National Park, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd week of September when the larch trees are displaying the peak of their golden colours. You can choose to do the easier Larch Valley hike or continue on to the more challenging trail to Sentinel Pass. The summer months are another great time to hike in this area. It’s not as crowded as when the fall colours are taking place. In late July wildflowers are usually at their peak bloom.
Larch Valley/Minnestimma Lakes
This hike is rated as moderate. It’s 8.6 km’s return trip with an elevation gain of 535 meters. Allow up to 4 hours depending on how long you spend taking in the views.
The trail head is located at Moraine Lake, follow the lake shore to the trail marker sign. It is a continuous ascent through a thick forest that offers occasional glimpses of Moraine Lake. A long series of switchbacks into higher elevations opens up into the meadows of the Larch Valley. In the background are the famous Ten Peaks. You can turn around at this point or continue through the valley. As you start to leave Larch Valley there are views of Mount Temple and Pinnacle Mountain and one of the Minnestimma Lakes comes into view, the other is behind a ridge near the base of Sentinel Pass.
Sentinel Pass
The first part of the Sentinel Pass trail is the same as the Larch Valley trail noted above. From the Larch Valley there are challenging switchbacks ascending to Sentinel Pass. The pass sits at an elevation of 2611 meters between Mount Temple and Pinnacle Mountain. This hike is rated difficult. It’s 11.6 km’s round trip with an elevation gain of 725 meters. Allow 5 to 6 hours.
During the fall colours these trails can be overwhelmed with people. To avoid some of the crowds hike on a weekday if possible. Start your hike very early in the morning or later in the day. See more info here: Larch Valley And Sentinel Pass
Moraine Lake Lodge Accommodation
Moraine Lake Lodge is the only accommodation at the lake. Considering it’s a luxury resort sitting meters from the water the nightly rates are at a premium. If your budget allows a stay you can take advantage of enjoying the lake at any time without having the frustrations of getting a parking spot. Simply stroll out of your room to witness the sunrise or enjoy the lake later in the evening when most of the tourists have left the area. The lodge is open from early June to early October. The amenities include a gift shop and a restaurant.
Below is a view from the top of the rockpile trail looking at the lake shore. On the right you can see the Moraine Lake Lodge accommodations.
Accommodations Near Moraine Lake
As mentioned above there is only one accommodation at Moraine Lake. The next closest options are approximately 12 to 14 km’s from Moraine Lake and very close to Lake Louise. To get to these properties you continue heading uphill on Lake Louise Drive past the turn off to Moraine Lake and towards Lake Louise.
- The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (located at Lake Louise)
- Deer Lodge (5 minutes walking distance from Lake Louise, less than 1 km)
- Paradise Lodge and Bungalows (2.5 km’s from Lake Louise)
There are also accommodation options in the village of Lake Louise that are approximately 14 km’s from Moraine Lake. There are a variety of price ranges with the lowest being the HI Hostel Lake Louise to the luxury Post Hotel and Spa.
Moraine Lake Canoe Rentals
The dock hours change slightly throughout the season, but are generally from 9am to 5pm from mid-June to mid-September, with the last canoes going out between 4pm and 430pm. Rentals costs start at $140CAD per canoe for an hour rental. It’s best to check hours and prices directly with the Moraine Lake lodge as they are subject to change. Paddles, life jackets and basic instruction are provided. The canoes available can accommodate two or three people. No pets are allowed. Reservations are not accepted, the canoes available on a first-come, first served basis. Guests of the Moraine Lake Lodge take priority.
The operation of the canoe dock is weather dependent. It can shut down without notice due to inclement weather such as snow, rain or strong winds.
Can I Bring My Own Private Canoe, Kayak Or Paddle Board To Moraine Lake?
The answer is sort of yes. You can bring your own kayak, canoe, paddle board or inflatable watercraft to the lakes and rivers within Banff National Park. However, there will be limitations to what can be brought to Moraine Lake now that private vehicles have been restricted from driving there. Inflatable watercraft such as kayaks and paddleboards can be accommodated on the Parks Canada shuttles to Moraine Lake. If you’re booking with a commericial shuttle check with each individual company to see what they allow.
There’s no public boat launch at Moraine Lake, you will have to launch from the shore. Some rules have to be followed to bring your own watercraft to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species. They can be found here: Parks Canada Banff Clean Drain Dry Regulations
A self certification permit is required to be filled out and kept with you while you are using any watercraft in the park. It can be found here: Banff Self Certification Permit For Watercraft
Parks Canada offers more information about using water watercraft is available here: Paddling in the parks.
Is It Possible To Visit Both Moraine Lake And Lake Louise In The Same Day?
Absolutely, these two beautiful attractions are not that far from each other. Both Lakes are accessed from Lake Louise Drive. Keep reading further for bus and shuttle options that are available to get you to both lakes.
How Long Should I Plan To Spend At Moraine Lake?
You could spend as little as an hour at Moraine Lake if all you plan to do is climb the Rock Pile trail or take a short walk along the lakeshore, but likely you’ll want to allow a bit more time to soak in the stunning beauty. You may want to spend a half or full day to do one of the many hikes in the area. Check the average length of hiking time for any particular trail you are interested in and plan accordingly.
Directions To Moraine Lake
Note: Personal vehicles are no longer permitted to access Moraine Lake. For bicycling or general informational purposes the directions are below:
From the Lake Louise Village located off Trans Canada Hwy #1 follow Lake Louise drive uphill for approximately 3 km’s. Look for the turn on the left hand side for Moraine Lake Road. Follow the winding road for 12 km’s to the parking area at the end. If you keep going past the turn off to Moraine Lake Road and continue up Lake Louise Drive you will reach the parking area for Lake Louise within a few minutes.
Tips For Avoiding The Summer Crowds At Moraine Lake
Recent restrictions in 2023 which have banned access to the lake by private vehicle are going to create changes. It’s not yet known how this new implication will effect the number of people at the lake. However, it’s probably safe to say that the following holidays will continue to have larger volumes of visitors.
- Victoria Day long weekend – the first Monday of May.
- Canada Day – July 1 and the entire weekend if the holiday falls on a day that creates a three day weekend.
- Heritage Day Weekend – the first Monday in August.
- Labour Day Weekend – the first Monday in September.
The Larch hiking season is another crowded time at Moraine Lake. This is when the trees in the Larch Valley are showing off their golden coloured needles. The peak of the colours usually occur in the 2nd and 3rd week of September and can continue to retain some colour through the end of the month. Locals come from all around the area to hike and its become very popular with visitors as well. Expect the surrounding trails that are accessed from the Moraine Lake area to be extra busy at this time. You can try to avoid some of the crowds by planning your hike for mid-week.
The photo below shows the small parking area for Moraine Lake. These spots will no longer be available to private vehicles, except those with proper accessibility hanging tags. The parking will be limited to tour buses and shuttles.
Options For Getting To Moraine Lake
Starting in 2023 personal vehicles are banned year round from Moraine Lake Road. This leaves four options for getting to Moraine Lake.
- Reserve a seat on the Parks Canada shuttle
- The Roam Transit bus
- A commercial transportation provider, such as a guided tour, taxi or chartered bus.
- Bike via Moraine Lake Road
More information is provided on each of these options below.
Parks Canada Shuttles To Moraine Lake And Lake Louise
The Parks Canada shuttles leave from a parking area located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort at #1 Whitehorn Road. Advance reservations are required. You can book the shuttle to Moraine Lake or Lake Louise.
Once you are at either lake you can visit the other lake by taking the Lake connector shuttle. This lake connector shuttle is available on a first come, first serve basis. There is no additional charge for lake shuttle reservation holders. Your reservation includes a return trip back to the Park and Ride area at the ski resort from either lake.
There is a bus that connects the village of Lake Louise and the campground to the Park and Ride shuttle area at the ski resort. If you are staying in the village or the campground you are encouraged to leave your vehicle at your accommodation and take the bus to the Park and Ride area. It is on a first come, first serve basis and is free if you have a lake shuttle reservation.
How Do The Advance Lake Shuttle Reservations Work?
In the spring 40 percent of the seats for the Parks Canada Moraine Lake shuttle are released for reservations. The remaining 60 percent are released on a rolling basis at 8am, 48 hours prior to the departure day.
Are there any same day shuttle reservations available?
In peak times it’s a slim chance you would get a spot on the shuttle, but Parks Canada staff can assist with making a reservation on the next available time slot for that day. If any are available they would generally sell out by 9am.
Time schedules, routes and pricing information for the shuttles can be found here: Visiting Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
Additional Transportation Options To Moraine Lake
Hop On Hop Off Shuttle
From late May to the end of September the HopOnBanff company has a shuttle bus that offers options for accessing Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, the Lake Louise Village, Lake Louise Gondola and Johnston Canyon. Schedules, fares and information can be found here. HopOnBanff
WowBanff Explorer Tour Bus
WowBanff operates an open top double decker bus from early June to early October. It runs between the parking lot at the Lake Louise ski resort and Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Advance reservations are recommended, but you can take your chances and try to buy a ticket at the bus. More information can be found here: WowBanff
Mountain Park Transportation Private Shuttle To Moraine Lake
Mountain Park Transportation offers a shuttle to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise with bookings available from June to mid-October. Advance booking is highly recommended, otherwise you can take your chances with a spot being available on a first come, first served basis. The shuttle does pick ups and drops offs in the village of Lake Louise near Wilson’s Sports in the Samson Mall and at a few of the village hotels. More information can be found here: Mountain Park Transportation Moraine Lake Shuttle
Private Taxi Service To Moraine Lake
For one or two people this is not an economical option. However, it may be worth the price for a small group of people. Inquire with Rocky Mountain Transit at 403-522-2525
Banff Public Roam Bus – Moraine Lake Express Fall Season Service
The public Banff Roam bus only operates in the fall to Moraine Lake for the Larch Valley Fall hiking season. There are daily shuttles from Banff that run directly to Moraine Lake from the 3rd week of September to mid-October. Schedules and fares are available here: Roam Transit Bus
Booking A Tour To Moraine Lake
Another option is to visit Moraine Lake as part of a tour. This way you can sit back and let someone else take care of all the details. Many tours offer a narration about the area and it’s history.
Some of the companies that offer pre-organized and customized private tours to Moraine Lake are below:
Bicycling To Moraine Lake
Bicycles and pedal-assisted e-bikes are an option to reach Moraine Lake. Keep in mind that it’s 30 km’s round trip from the village of Lake Louise. The route is along Lake Louise drive uphill for 3km’s at a moderate elevation to the turn off to Moraine Lake Road for the additional 12 km’s. Both roads are narrow and have minimal or no shoulders. Use extreme caution as you will encounter traffic on Lake Louise Drive and even though private vehicles have been banned from Moraine Lake road there will be bus and shuttle traffic. Heavy traffic on Moraine Lake Road can be avoided by riding early or late in the day.
Note: There is no parking available at the connection point of Lake Louise Drive and Moraine Lake Road. Your bicycle journey to Moraine Lake will not be able to start here unless you can have someone drop you and your bicycle off.
If you want to bike to Lake Louise, skip the turn off to Moraine Lake Road and continue another 1 km uphill along Lake Louise Drive until you reach the Lake Louise Parking area where bike racks are provided.
If you plan to start your bike ride from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake note that it can be difficult to obtain a parking spot at Lake Louise.
More information for road and trail riding can be found here: Road Cycling in the Lake Louise area
In some years the road to Moraine Lake is still free of snow for a short period after being closed for the winter season and before it opens to the shuttle bus and commercial tour buses. This makes for a peaceful ride uninterrupted by traffic. If you choose to ride a bike to the lake at this time check first with Parks Canada for the most current road and avalanche conditions.
Is There Any Way To Get To Moraine Lake During The Winter Road Closure?
This is the most frequent question we get about Moraine Lake. To clarify there are no vehicles of any kind permitted on the road once it is closed for the season. There are no tour companies, shuttles, dog sleds or any other type of transport that is available to get to the lake. The road is closed for good reason. There’s an extreme avalanche risk on the last few kilometers near the lake. Visitors are so eager to see the lake they contemplate walking through the deep snow or attempting to snowshoe. It’s not recommend. Not only would you be crossing through hazardous avalanche terrain it would be an exhausting return distance of 25 km’s from the connection point at Lake Louise Drive and Moraine Lake Road. If you are a cross country skier you can enjoy the tracks that are set on the first half of the road. See below for more information about skiing.
Moraine Lake Road Cross Country Skiing
In the winter the road becomes a popular spot for cross country skiing. Once there’s enough snow Parks Canada sets tracks, but they end at the viewpoint for the Consolation Valley and the Ten Peaks which is well before you reach Moraine Lake. The total distance is 15.6 km return. The trail has a steady climb with gentle rolling and hilly stretches. It’s rated as easy/novice.
Going past the track sets the road crosses large avalanche chutes and is not recommended. Anyone attempting to go past the end of the grooming should be equipped and trained in avalanche rescue and first aid. There is a high avalanche risk from November to late April.
Thank you so much for this informitave post! I just wanted to ask, what are the canoe rental times at Moraine Lake? And can I book in advance or is it first come first serve?
The rates have apparently gone up to $50 an hour. The dock is open 10am to 6pm. I don’t believe they take any reservations, it’s first come first serve.
Is it possible to rent kayaks (as opposed to canoes) on either Moraine Lake or Lake Louise? Thank you!!!
Both lakes only have canoe rentals, unless they have made a recent change.
Thank you, we’re glad our site helped you out. Sounds like you had a wonderful trip and got to experience a lot of the wonderful sights in the parks.
Hello Audrey,
I was curious what canoe/kayak rental prices are at lake louise.
Have you ever had to use bear spray in your years in Canada?
Where is the best place to eat in the area?
Is car camping permitted?
Thanks a bunch,
Stephanie
You can find rates and info for canoe rentals at Lake Louise on our site here: https://banffandbeyond.com/canoeing-on-the-turquoise-waters-of-lake-louise/
No, we have never had to use bear spray and we hope to never be in a situation where we have to! We have posts for our favourite places to eat in Banff and Lake Louise if you take a look through those sections. Camping is only permitted in designated areas in the National Parks, there is no free camping in the parks if that is what you are asking. I suppose you can pay to park your car in a tent spot and camp if you wish.
Cheers
Hi Audrey,
Your site is more than helpful. Thank you so much! I’ve been to Lake Louise and Banff numerous times in the winter, but never in the summer months.
I just wanted to get your opinion on coming this year from September 24th-28th and if you thought it was just a little bit too late to come? The top 3 on my list are Lake Louise, Peyto Lake and Lake Moraine. The only one I’m worried about is Lake Moraine, but it seems it’s USUALLY October? but I want to be safe.
If you had to pick between Louise and Moraine to canoe on, which would you go with?
Also, do you think we could do two of those lakes in one day?
Thanks so much for your time!
Not sure what you mean by is it too late? If you want to experience the mountain ins summer then yes September 24 to 28th is far too late. It’s supposed to stay a bit warmer and drier for into the fall this year, but the mountains are totally unpredictable so you never know what might happen. The Icefields Parkway just caught a bunch of people off guard with a snowfall on August 15th. The higher elevation mountains around Banff got some as well.
The road to Moraine Lake stays open usually until mid-October but it all depends on the weather conditions. Both Moraine and Lake Louise are nice to canoe on, it’s really personal preference, take a look at photos of both lakes and see what appeals to you most. Moraine Lake generally has less people, especially by the end of September. There’s no guarantee the canoes will still be operating by the end of September on either lake. If it gets colder not many people want to be out on the water, so they shut the boathouse down. You can definitely go to two lakes in one day, it depends on what you want to do there. You can spend half an hour or several hours at each. Moraine and Lake Louise area only a 10 minute drive apart, and Peyto Lake is about 40 minutes away.
Hi Audrey,
Thank you so much for your response.
I was just afraid that late in September would be too close to the end of the season that we might miss out on the canoeing and other activities, like you had mentioned.
Thank you for your help! I appreciate it very much.
Hello:)
I am so glad to see all of beautiful pictures you have taken and get helpful information from this website.
I am planning to visit Banff national park from November 25th to 29th, Are the lake moraine and other sightseeing places completely closed? If likely so, is it not the best idea to visit the park during that time if there is nothing that we can really see?
The road to Moraine Lake closes for the season do to the risk of avalanche. There’s still things to see, but you have to be okay with driving in winter conditions and check the status of some roads before driving on them such as the Icefields Parkway. It’s not the same as visiting in the non-winter months, you won’t be able to see all the same places. For instance Peyto Lake, the trail would be covered in snow. It might be packed down if others have hiked up to the viewing platform, or it might be easier to access it with snowshoes. You might be better off to visit one week later if you are interested in doing winter actvities. Most don’t start up until the first week of December, such as skating on Lake Louise or horse drawn sleigh rides, etc.
Your website is so helpful, thanks! We are planning to visit in early September. My question is whether it is safe to arrive at the Lake alone just before sunrise to take pictures.
I’ve edited my first reply, I was getting mixed up and thinking you were asking about Lake Louise. As far as bears it’s always best to follow bear safety practices such as making loud noises as you hike. If you’re going to be alone I would carry bear spray as an extra precaution, even if it is just on the rock pile trail. It’s usually on the trails going further into the areas beyond Moraine Lake that bears are more likely to be present, but you never know where they might decide to be.
Thanks for your reply! Just checking back. I was mostly thinking about bears. I am not planning to venture into the trail but may think about getting up on the rocks for the twenty dollar view.
Dear Audrey,
First of all your website is absolutely amazing and so are the pictures!! Im planning on going to Banff around christmas this year with a friend. We’re not fervent hikers but we’re sporty so i think we’ll be allright. I was just wondering which places are open during that time and how we can get there? Also looking for an accomododation is quite hard since we don’t know where to go exactly! If you have any suggestions that would be fantastic!
Thank you in advance!
Kind regards,
Micha
You will need to check on trail conditions right before you decide to do any hiking, the conditions can change daily. I always recommend stopping in at the information center on Banff Avenue and talk to the helpful staff, they will let you know what options are available according to your hiking abilities and what trails are safe. Unless you are prepared for full winter hiking you’ll need to stick to the lowest elevation trails like the ones close to the Banff townsite.
Hi Audrey,
We are a couple from Australia visiting the area in late January.
We would like to stay at Lake Louise, but would somehow like to visit Lake Moraine. Is it possible to get dog sled tours to help us reach the destination, and could we imagine the site to still be picturesque?
What would you advise would be our best bet?
Many thanks!
Joss
Unfortunately there are no dog sled options to get to the lake, no transport is offered due to the extreme avalanche risks on the last few km’s closest to the lake. This is why the road is closed. You can cross country ski on the set tracks for total return distance of 15.6 km’s, those tracks end at the viewpoint for the Consolation Valley and the Ten Peaks, beyond that is where the road crosses the avalanche chutes.
Looking into an early summer trip week and half long trip to Canada, with Moraine Lake being a 4-5 Day stop…Flying in from Kuwait to Calgary. What method of transportation is the best from Calgary? Should we rent a car? or is there bus service to the lake?
There are shuttle options from the Calgary airport, but it’s going to take you several steps of transport to get to Moraine Lake. That’s not a place you want to be staying without a vehicle. It’s out in an isolated area. There is a shuttle that runs during the peak of summer to get visitors back and forth from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake and from the village of Lake Louise to Moraine Lake, that we’ve talked about in the post if you read down near the bottom. You would be finding it very time consuming and difficult to get around to see other places. You are going to want to consider staying somewhere else or renting a vehicle if you choose to stay at Moraine Lake.
We’ve written a detailed post about the various public transportation in the Rocky Mountains: https://banffandbeyond.com/how-to-get-around-the-rocky-mountains-without-a-vehicle/
Cheers
Hi Audrey,
Thanks for the wonderful website.
1) What will be best time to visit Banff/LL/Jasper area? (Mid/end June or late September)??
a) To see turquoise water in the Lake.
b) To see snow capped Mountains.
c) To see scenic beauty.
2) What will be the temperature in June 15-22) and September – (20-27). in
LL/Jasper/Banff.
3) Autumn is my attraction to visit Rockies in Late September, so what will be most suitable days of September to visit above areas.
Thanks,
Regards.
It’s not possible to answer what time is best to visit, mid/end June or late September or what is the best time to see the scenic beauty. It is beautiful all year round, it depends on what you want out of your trip. By looking at your list your trying to see things that are happening at different times in the mountains, you’ll need to decide what your priority is. We’ve written detailed posts about what each season of the year in the parks that will answer all your questions. Then you can choose which time of year appeals to you the most. You can google average temperatures for June and September, but there’s no way to narrow down what a temperature will be for a specific week. Temperatures can be all over the map in the mountains, they are very unpredictable as you can see here: https://banffandbeyond.com/sometimes-mother-nature-forgets-its-summer-in-the-rocky-mountains/
https://banffandbeyond.com/category/banff-lake-louise/banff/
https://banffandbeyond.com/when-do-the-rocky-mountain-lakes-thaw-and-get-their-beautiful-turquoise-colour/
https://banffandbeyond.com/a-taste-of-the-fall-season-in-banff-national-park/
Cheers
You can download the backcountry guide for Banff National park from here: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonee-backpacking.aspx
It has the areas marked where backcountry camping is allowed in the park. I think you are allowed in parts of Paradise Valley, but keep in mind when the seasonal group access restrictions are put in places each summer the backcountry campsite in that area is closed down. The restrictions start sometime in July usually to early October, but it changes each year depending on when bears are in the area. There’s a link to the restricted group access in our post above.
Cheers
Since we had such a mild winter and early spring, I am wondering if the road to the lake is open a bit earlier?
If the road to Moraine Lake opens earlier it’s maybe by a few days or week at most. The opposite effect could occur due to the warm weather and actually increase avalance risk. As with every year we just have to wait and see. Parks Canada will open it when they deem it safe.
I can’t say for sure, but it seems they are being offered each year now to help with the limited parking at Moraine Lake and keep the traffic volume down.
HI,
Thank you for all the helpful information about Moraine Lake. One question i have is for the canoe rental, are the canoes only good for 2 people? I was hoping to rent a canoe but for 3 people (3 young adults).
I am not sure about the canoes at Moraine Lake, the ones at Lake Louise are allowed 3 adults. If you send an email to Moraine Lake Lodge I’m sure they will confirm if their canoes are the same.
Cheers
Hi Amy, thank you so much for de tips!
Do we need to pay to park in the lakes? Do you think its possible to visit boths lakes (Moraine and Louise) in the same day?
Thanks again
You do not pay to park at Moraine Lake parking lot or at the parking lot for Lake Louise. You do need to have a valid park pass displayed on your vehicle. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are only 15 minutes apart so you can easily visit both in one day.
Hi Audrey
Loving your photos!!!
Coming through the Lake Louise area July 25. Excited to see Morraine Lake. We are in a large motorhome. I understand there’s tour bus parking available do you think it can also accommodate our rig? Also can you recommend anywhere to camp near there, thanks.
There is parking at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake parking lots for RV’s. Keep in mind as big as the parking lot is for Lake Louise is does fill up during the summer months and Moraine Lake parking is very limited in comparison. You’ll want to get there as early in the day as possible or try later in the evening. There’s a campground in the village of Lake Louise. I think that one is reservation, so likely booked. The next closest would be Mosquito Creek down the Icefields Parkway, first come/first served. Otherwise there’s camping further east towards the townsite of Banff.
We are looking for lake-side cabin at any of the lakes in the Banff area in early July. Really want seclusion, a great view, and the ability to canoe/fish in the lake. Any recommendations?
The accommodations at Moraine Lake is going to be one of the few places at a lake, but you will be sharing the lake with tons of other visitors during the day in July so not sure that meets the definition of seclusion. There’s not really any other lake accommodation in Banff other than the large Chateau hotel at Lake Louise. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are the only places where you can rent a canoe right at a lake in Banff. Otherwise you would have to rent a canoe from one of the companies in the town of Banff and take it to a lakes yourself. The only other accommodation at a lake in Banff National Park that I can think of is Num-Ti-Jah Lodge at Bow Lake. In Jasper National Park there is Pyramid Lake Resort and Patrica Lake Bungalows. The location of where accommodation can be built is restricted by Parks Canada. Most of it is located within the town site of Banff and the village of Lake Louise, there’s only a handful of other places around the park.
There’s not going to one form of transportation that will get you from Calgary to Moraine Lake, unless you find and book a tour that does so. Depending on when you visit in September there are the shuttles to Moraine Lake as mentioned in the article. You would have to first get transportation to either the village of Lake Louise or the lake itself and then use one of those shuttle options. Our post here: https://banffandbeyond.com/how-to-get-around-the-rocky-mountains-without-a-vehicle/ will give you options of how to get from Calgary to Lake Louise and the Banff town site area with the available transportation options.
Hi,
I booked a trip to Banff June 29 to July 4. I am hoping to visit lake louise and moraine lake and drive the icefields parkway to jasper and back. I also want to hike mount jimmy Simpson. I’m staying at the lake louise alpine centre on village road. do you believe I can accomplish all of this in roughly 4 days? I see the best chances of parking at moraine lake are early in the morning. would you suggest getting there at 8am or earlier? also if you could provide me with any information on how to rent a kayak once I’m at Moraine lake that would be appreciated. plus I want to do the rockpile trail to get pics of the lake is that easy to identify the trail? plus any other sites I must see or any other popular hikes?