The Best Hikes to Do at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park
Hiking at Moraine Lake is one of the most iconic experiences in Banff National Park. Stroll along the lakeshore, hike to larch forests, or trek to distant mountain ridges. With trails for all experience levels, here’s everything you need to know for your Moraine Lake hike, from the most popular routes to getting there.
Moraine Lake hiking trails deliver on show-stopping viewpoints that will take your breath away. See the brilliant blue lake up close, then climb into the mountains for panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies.
This guide brings you the inside scoop on how to experience this must-do hiking destination in Banff National Park.
A Guide to Hiking in Moraine Lake
- What and where is Moraine Lake in Banff National Park?
- Best hikes at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park.
- How to get to Moraine Lake for hiking in Banff National Park.
- What to know before you go hiking at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park.
- Indigenous experiences to do after hiking in Banff National Park.
What and Where is Moraine Lake in Banff National Park?
With its glacier-fed turquoise waters and gigantic Valley of the Ten Peaks mountains, Moraine Lake is one of the most famous areas in Banff National Park.
You’ll find hiking in Moraine Lake approachable, whether you’re a casual wanderer or a seasoned alpine trekker. Moraine Lake hiking trails are relatively easy to access, inviting strolls around the lakeshore, all the way to steeper ascents through larch forests that bring storybook mountains into frame.
Did you Know?
- Nearest Town: Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.
- Trails: 8+ major hiking trails.
- Skills: Easy, Moderate, Difficult.
- Time to visit: June to October.
- Tallest Mountain: Mount Temple at 3,543 meters (11,626 feet).
- Indigenous Lands: Treaty 6, 7 and 8, Rocky View Métis District, and the Métis Homelands.
Best Hikes at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park
Throughout hiking season, June to October, Moraine Lake’s hiking trails and landscape transform, from snow-capped peaks in June to colourful wildflowers in July and August to vibrant golden larches in fall.
Here are the top hikes at Moraine Lake you’ll want to add to your list:
Moraine Lake Lakeshore
- Distance: 1.3km one way (0.8 miles).
- Elevation gain: Minimal.
- Time required: 45 minutes.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Trailhead: The trail begins near the transit drop-off.
- Best for: Those looking for a short, easy hike in Banff National Park that offers iconic mountain and lake scenery.
It’s hard to believe that one of the most famous views in Banff National Park is so easily accessible.
Moraine Lake Lakeshore is a well-maintained dirt trail along the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake, with breathtaking views of Mount Fay and the Fay Glacier. This relatively flat and short route brings you to a waterfall at the back of the lake. Pair this out-and-back hike with other routes in the Moraine Lake area.
Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail
- Distance: 0.7km loop (0.4 miles).
- Elevation gain: 35m (115 feet).
- Time required: 30 minutes.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- When to go: June to early October.
- Trailhead: Begin at the Consolation Lakes trail, located at the Moraine Lake Day-Use Area, and turn right at the first trail junction.
- Best for: Hikers of all skill levels looking for a short trail with big rewards and accessing one of the most famous viewpoints in Canada.
The stunning view from the Rockpile Trail is so iconic that it was once featured on the Canadian $20 bill, inspiring the playful moniker "Twenty Dollar View.”
This casual hike leads to a lookout of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, towering over the majestic blue waters of Moraine Lake. The trail goes over a bridge before reaching 120 stone steps built into the rockpile that inspired its name.
Keep your eyes open for pikas and chipmunks along the way.
Consolation Lakes
- Distance: 2.9km one way (1.8 miles).
- Elevation gain: 135m (443 feet).
- Time required: 2 hours round trip.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Trailhead: The Consolation Lakes trail begins at the Moraine Lake Day-Use Area. Continue along the trail instead of taking the Rockpile Trail route.
- Best for: Casual hikers who want to venture a little farther for mountain and lake views beyond Moraine Lake.
The Consolation Lakes hike winds through a boulder field and forest before bringing you to two lakes. Take an easy stroll to the Lower Lake, with sweeping views of alpine meadows, the Quadra Glacier, and Babel Mountain.
Continue on to the Upper Lake, where more spectacular views unfold, as well as the chance to see a hoary marmot. Due to higher bear activity at certain times of year, Parks Canada may restrict the trail and require you to hike in groups of four.
Eiffel Lake
- Distance: 5.7km one way (3.5 miles).
- Elevation gain: 560m (1,837 feet).
- Time required: 4 to 5 hours round trip.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Trailhead: Walk from the transit drop-off area toward the lakeshore, where the trail begins. At the trail junction with Larch Valley, keep left.
- Best for: Hikers looking for a moderately challenging hike with fewer crowds and rewarding views of the Ten Peaks.
Eiffel Lake Trail is a little less travelled than some of the other Moraine Lake hiking trails.
The route ascends steeply along switchbacks for the first 2.5 km, then becomes more gradual after you reach elevation, traversing the side of a valley. Along the way, look for a sneak peek of vibrant blue Moraine Lake as it contrasts with the evergreen forest.
You’ll also enjoy commanding views of the 10 rugged mountain peaks in the area, including Wenkchemna Peak on Mount Hungabee. Eiffel Lake itself is small, but serene, standing in the shadow of the striking Fay Glacier.
Larch Valley
- Distance: 4.5km one way (2.8 miles).
- Elevation gain: 570m (1,870 feet).
- Time required: 3.5 to 4 hours round trip.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Trailhead: Access the start of the trail near the lakeshore, close to the Moraine Lake Day-Use Area. When you reach the junction with Eiffel Lake, keep right.
- Best for: Hikers who want to gain a little elevation, get a different view of the Ten Peaks, and experience the magic of golden larches in the fall.
The aptly-named Larch Valley Trail in the Moraine Lake hiking area begins along the lakeshore and climbs steadily through the forest until it reaches Larch Valley. Look out at the jaw-dropping Ten Peaks, all of which are over 3,000m (9,843 feet).
From here, walk a little farther to Minnestima Lakes, small alpine tarns set amidst an alpine meadow, or continue to Sentinel Pass.
Although it is beautiful all season long, autumn is especially spectacular when the larch needles turn golden yellow, contrasting with the turquoise lake and grey mountains.
Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley
- Distance: 5.6 km one way (3.5 miles).
- Elevation gain: 750m (2,461 feet).
- Time required: 4.5 to 5.5 hours round trip.
- Difficulty: Difficult.
- Trailhead: Access this trail via the Larch Valley Trail. Once you reach Minnestima Lakes, continue hiking to Sentinel Pass.
- Best for: Seasoned hikers looking for a more challenging ascent into rugged alpine terrain with views of dramatic Banff National Park scenery, including the Valley of Ten Peaks and Paradise Valley.
Sentinel Pass brings you to some of the most awe-inspiring views in Banff National Park. Take your Larch Valley hike to new heights by continuing on to Sentinel Pass, a steep ascent into rugged alpine terrain with narrow mountain traverses and switchbacks.
Once you reach the ridge, you’ll be rewarded by panoramic views of Paradise Valley to the north and the Valley of Ten Peaks to the south. If weather allows, hang out on the ridge to enjoy a packed lunch before descending back across the pass and into the larches.
Getting Around Banff National Park
How to Get to Moraine Lake for Hiking in Banff National Park
The most important thing to know about getting to Moraine Lake is that Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. From June to October, access is only permitted for commercial transportation operators.
You can get to Moraine Lake without a car by booking a shuttle service through Parks Canada or a local operator. They run daily and offer early morning services for a sunrise hike, with some options for bringing your pet. Space is limited, so book ahead.
Guided hiking tours at Moraine Lake include transportation, as well as insider knowledge of the area.
You can also bike to Moraine Lake from the community of Lake Louise, a 28-km (17.4-mile) round trip with over 250 meters of elevation gain.
What to Know Before You Go Hiking at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park
Choose a hiking trail that suits your fitness levels and abilities. Remember to buy your Banff National Park Pass in advance to access the whole park. Moraine Lake is in the backcountry, and there is no cell service or Wi-Fi.
Research before you head out for the hike, and don’t forget to tell someone where you’re going. Check the weather and Parks Canada trail bulletins, and carry a backpack with extra layers, food, water, and essential hiking gear, including bear spray and knowing how to use it.
Get your full summer checklist to prepare for your Moraine Lake hike, and pick up all your hiking equipment in Banff or Lake Louise.
Get into Park Mode for your Moraine Lake Hike
The stunning landscapes in Moraine Lake and Banff National Park need our protection. Leave them better than you found them by respecting wildlife, staying on marked trails, reducing your waste, and packing out what you pack in.
Learn more about how you can care for Banff and Lake Louise.
Indigenous Experiences To Do After Hiking in Banff National Park
Moraine Lake and Banff National Park are located on the territories of Treaty 6, 7 and 8, Rocky View Métis District, and the Métis Homelands.
Take the time to learn their stories, about their cultures, and how they connect deeply with the lands and waters of this area.
There are several authentic Indigenous experiences that will immerse you in the human and cultural connections to the mountains, from e-bike tours and medicine walks to museums.
Things to Do in Banff and Lake Louise in Summer
Plan Your Moraine Lake Hiking Adventure
Moraine Lake is one of Canada’s most iconic places to hike.
Whether you wander the easy Moraine Lake lakeshore trail or work your way up to the ridge at Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley, each route here invites you to immerse yourself in the landscape.
The turquoise water. The majestic ten peaks. The golden larches in autumn. These are the kinds of landscapes that stay with you long after you've left.
To get the most from your time at Moraine Lake, consider joining a guided hike. Local experts can safely lead you to the best viewpoints at the best time of day.
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