Photo by Peter Thody
Such is the wealth of beauty along Canada's Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper that there can be a risk of 'scenic overload', but there's no danger of that at Moraine Lake. Take the easy - and therefore very popular - trail from the parking lot up the Rockpile and you'll be greeted by a vista that is genuinely breathtaking. With its vivid turquoise waters - the color varies depending on the position of the sun and the time of year - this is a view that's hard to walk away from. Other trails will quickly take you away from the crowds: the Shore Trail takes less than an hour and offers wonderful views, more challenging treks take you to nearby peaks and other lakes.
If you go:
Moraine Lake's beauty is no secret. This means that demand for parking will usually exceed supply from sunrise onwards during the high season so access is very often restricted to official shuttle buses. You are therefore strongly advised to book ahead at the Lake Louise Park and Ride.
Links:
Moraine Lake Road
Lake Louise, Alberta T0L 1E0 Canada
pc.information.pc@canada.ca
Mailing address:
Parks Canada National Office
30 Victoria Street
Gatineau, QC J8X 0B3 Canada
Phone Numbers:
Parks Canada
+1 (888) 773-8888
+1 (888) 773-8888