Moraine Lake: Day Trips and Tours from Banff

While you may have seen the iconic view of Moraine Lake on Canadian banknotes, admiring the emerald lake in person is a far superior experience.

Nestled between numerous soaring peaks and surrounded by snow-frosted pine forests, the lake is one of the most enchanting, and visited destinations in Canada.

A day trip to Moraine Lake from Banff enables you to get up close to the dazzling waters and stretch your legs on a challenging hike in order to explore more of this area of Banff National Park.

Here's all you need to know about Moraine Lake, one of the most exciting day trips from Banff.

How to get to Moraine Lake from Banff?

Moraine Lake is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park. It is approximately 80 kilometers from Banff town.

From Banff to Moraine Lake by car

One of the easiest ways to make the journey to Moraine Lake from Banff is by car. The route takes an hour and follows the Trans-Canada Highway — also known as Highway 1 — as far as Lake Louise.

Moraine Lake Road — the main route to the lake — is now closed year-round to all personal vehicles. You can park at Lake Louise and take the Parks Canada shuttle service to Lake Moraine.

However, to secure a parking spot at Lake Louise, you’ll need to arrive before sunrise. This shuttle service runs every 20 minutes from 6:30 AM to 6 PM between May and October.

From Banff to Moraine Lake by bus/public transport

Alternatively, you can use the Roam public bus service to make the jaunt to Moraine Lake, which serves this destination at select times of the year.

In order to reach the lake, you’ll use Line 10, which departs from Banff High School Transit Hub.

Guided tour to Moraine Lake from Banff

Another option is to embark on a guided excursion to Moraine Lake. By doing so, you won’t need to worry about parking or public transportation schedules and everything will be arranged for you.

Most day trips meet in Banff town between 7 AM and 8:30 AM, although several tours provide a convenient hotel pickup service. These excursions typically last between 4 and 8 hours.

How much does the entrance ticket to Moraine Lake cost?

While there is no specific entrance fee for Moraine Lake, it is part of Banff National Park for which you’ll need a pass to enter. This can be purchased on arrival and is valid for one day.

• Adults: CA$10.50 (US$8)
• Children under 18: Free
• Seniors aged 65+: CA$9 (US$7)

You can also purchase a family/group pass, which enables up to seven people traveling in the same vehicle to access the park for a total fee of CA$21 (US$15.)

What is the typical itinerary?

Most Moraine Lake day trips typically combine multiple destinations to give you an overview of Banff National Park. The most popular itinerary includes Lake Louise, which you’ll usually visit first.

After leaving Banff, it takes less than an hour to reach this location by road and you’ll have the opportunity to explore its famed hotel or walk around the edges of the lake at your own pace.

The next spot on most itineraries is often the main attraction — Moraine Lake. Some excursions provide you with free time to discover the magic of this body of water independently, while others encourage you to participate in a guided hike.

You may take a short walk along the Rockpile Trail or attempt a longer trek, such as the Larch Valley Trail.

Many Moraine Lake day tours head back to Banff after this so that you can spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing.

However, it is possible to travel further afield after visiting both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, to Yoho National Park, located less than half an hour away.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Moraine Lake?

There are several different Moraine Lake day tours to choose from, depending on your travel style.

Guided tours to Moraine Lake plus Lake Louise from Banff

Most day trips to Moraine Lake enable you to visit two of Alberta’s most iconic bodies of water. Leaving Banff, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive filled with mountain vistas and dense pine forests all the way to Lake Louise.

Once there, you’ll enjoy some free time to take a stroll down to the lakeshore, explore the fairytale hotel located next to the water or simply admire the sensational landscape.

Moving on, you’ll make the short journey to Moraine Lake, where you can ascend its iconic viewpoint for dramatic views or follow a hiking trail around the water.

Private tour to Moraine Lake plus Lake Louise from Banff

A private tour guarantees you a more personal experience and enables you to explore each destination more thoroughly.

Alongside your local guide, you’ll make your way to Lake Louise where you’ll learn about its aboriginal history and can opt to participate in a leisurely hike.

You’ll also have the opportunity to board the Lake Louise Summer Gondola, which takes you on a thrilling sightseeing adventure with panoramic views over the lake and into the Rockies beyond.

Day trip to Moraine Lake plus Larch Valley hike from Banff

Nature enthusiasts that visit Banff National Park during September or October can select a tour that captures the magic of the fall season by hiking the Larch Valley trek.

You’ll travel to Moraine Lake from Banff with your group where you’ll don your hiking boots and begin your walk, which travels high above the lake toward Larch Valley.

Along the way, you’ll pass Minnestimma Lakes as you ascend to the viewpoint of Sentinel Pass. This outlook provides majestic views over the Valley of Ten Peaks and Paradise Valley.

Throughout your hike, you’ll be treated to scenic vistas of fiery yellow and orange forests set against a backdrop of lofty mountains.

Day tour to Moraine Lake plus Lake Louise and Yoho National Park from Banff

If you want to see more of the natural wonders that Canada has to offer, you can combine your day trip to Moraine Lake with an excursion to both Lake Louise and Yoho National Park.

You’ll start by visiting the famous Lake Louise, which is named after the daughter of Queen Victoria and features many invigorating hiking trails.

Continuing on, you’ll head to Moraine Lake if you plan your excursion during the summer months.

If you visit outside of this season, you’ll journey to Vermillion Lakes instead, which is a series of three bodies of water, known for their abundance of wildlife and extraordinary sunsets.

Relax as you travel to Yoho National Park where you’ll visit a handful of striking locations, including Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge.

How much does a day trip to Moraine Lake from Banff cost?

A day trip to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise costs approximately US$80 per person, and typically lasts half a day.

Excursions that include Yoho National Park cost US$90 each, while you can expect to pay just over US$100 per person for a trip that includes a hike through Larch Valley.

Alternatively, you can opt for a private Moraine Lake day tour, which includes a ride on the Lake Louise Summer Gondola. You can expect to pay around US$180 per person for an adventure of this nature.

What will you see and do?

Moraine Lake is situated within the Valley of the Ten Peaks, which, as its name suggests, is home to ten lofty mountains.

These include Mount Fay, which is the tallest peak in the valley and measures over 3,200 meters, as well as Mount Little, and Mount Bowlen.

During the summertime, the lake turns to a vivid turquoise color, which is one of the main reasons tourists visit the destination.

The reason for this hue is that rock flour is transported into the lake through glacial melt as the weather warms each year and the icebergs dissipate.

There are several hiking routes that surround the lake, of which the Rockpile Trail is the most popular with those on a Moraine Lake day tour.

This trail is just 300 meters long, making it suitable for all walkers, and leads you to a viewpoint over Lake Moraine, and the surrounding Canadian Rockies. The view from this lookout point featured on 1969 and 1979 CA$20 bills.

Keen hikers can use Moraine Lake as a starting point for a trek to Consolation Lakes. Alternatively, outdoor enthusiasts can opt for the Larch Valley Hike or take a stroll along Wenkchemna Pass.

While Moraine lake may look enticing to sweaty hikers, swimming in this stretch of water is not recommended for public safety. This is because the lake is glacially fed and as such, rarely reaches over 4 degrees Celsius.

However, those who are used to swimming in extreme conditions can choose to take a dip in the frosty waters.

These waters provide the perfect climate for chain pickerels — a member of the pike family — as well as several other species of fish.

Lucky hikers may have the opportunity to see a grizzly or brown bear in the wilderness that surrounds Moraine Lake.

When is the best time to visit Moraine Lake?

Moraine Lake is only accessible via snowshoe or skis during the wintertime and only those with advanced avalanche knowledge should attempt to visit the destination.

However, once the snow melts, the site becomes accessible to all tourists for the summer season — from June to October.

During these months, the stretch of water attracts an abundance of local and foreign tourists, making it an extremely busy destination from as early as 5 AM.

Because of this, the best time to plan your day tour to Moraine Lake is during the shoulder months of June, September or October.

It’s worth noting that while daytime temperatures during the summer months hover between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, the weather cools to around 6 degrees Celsius during October.

Travel tips

• It’s advisable to wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip for your day trip to Moraine Lake. In order to ensure maximum comfort, you should consider wearing your boots in before your vacation.
• The weather can change very fast at Moraine Lake so you should dress in warm, easy-to-remove layers, and ensure you have spare clothing packed in your bag.
• Dining options are limited at Moraine Lake so you may wish to consider preparing yourself a packed lunch for your day tour.