Hiking Moraine Lake

With its indigo blue waters surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is another one of Canada’s most iconic lakes. Located in the Lake Louise region at the end of a scenic road that steadily climbs to the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the lakeside view of Moraine Lake once graced the back of Canada’s twenty dollar bill. The hikes in this region vary in length and difficulty and are most popularly experienced in the autumn when the larches turn to a vibrant, golden colour. Due to wildlife activity at certain times of year, hikers may be required to trek in a group of four or more.

Hiking Moraine Lake Trail Map
  1. Moraine Lake Shoreline: The hike around the Moraine Lake Shoreline is the easiest way to appreciate the beauty of this famous alpine lake. A flat, easy trail weaves its way through shoreline trees and offers extraordinary views of the Ten Peaks – a series of encircling summits all over 10,000 feet – that loom dramatically above. Distance: 3km Round Trip, Elevation Gain: 0 Meters, Time Required: 1-2 Hours, Difficulty: Easy
  2. Eiffel Lake: Hike to this beauty of a lake and reap the rewards of its spectacular setting. The magnificence of the turquoise-blue Eiffel Lake is greatly enriched by its surrounding – a desolate, rock filled shoreline encircled by the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks and Eiffel Peak, which dominates the view to the North. Distance: 11.2km Round Trip, Elevation Gain: 400-500 meters, Time Required: 4-5 Hours, Difficulty: Moderate
  3. Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass: The hike into Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass is a must for any hiker wanting to have an experience that closely resembles the backcountry of Banff National Park. This moderate hike offers remarkable views ofthe Ten Peaks and, if you head up Sentinel Pass, the dreamlike vista of Paradise Valley. Distance: 11.6km Round Trip, Elevation Gain: 725 Meters, Time Required: 4-5 Hours, Difficulty: Moderate
  4. Paradise Valley: The name of this hike indicates the sublime nature of the landscape you’ll pass through as you climb your way up to the other side of Sentinel Pass. This rigorous hike will take you to Lake Annette, situated under the North Face of Mount Temple, and eventually to the trail’s highest point, where open views of Mt. Hungabee and the Horseshoe Glacier astound. Distance: 18.2 km Round Trip, Elevation Gain: 400 Meters, Time Required: 7 Hours, Difficulty: Moderate