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Moraine Lake

Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

4.8/5
based on 22 reviews

Description

Added by Julian Brezden

Moraine Lake is one of the most visited and photographed lakes in Banff National Park, in Alberta Canada.

Showing up at Moraine Lake before dawn is a must as to avoid the multitude of tours busses. The morning sun is subtle and magical. The lake, being glacially fed, does not reach its crest until mid to late June. When it is full, it reflects a distinct shade of blue. The color is due to the refraction of light off the rock flour deposited in the lake on a continual basis.

There are viewpoints of the lake a short distance from the parking area (5 minute walk). There is also a trail along the northern edge of the lake.

If you want to stay overnight, the Moraine Lake Lodge is located at the bottom of the lake. Canoe rentals are also available to explore the lake, which is certainly a must do activity.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Family Friendly
Forest
Lake
Picnic Area
Scenic

Reviews

This place is a photographer's dream, likely on many peoples bucket list. My two visits were not the most conducive to photography but were still absolutely amazing. Even with haze in the sky from BC wildfires, it was still a sight to see.

The mountains are so grand and beautiful here, it makes for a great back ground for any kind of pictures. Get there early to avoid the crowds. It gets really busy and people will hang out on the frozen part of the lake which is hard to get a photo without people in it

Beautiful place, easy hike and enjoy the view

Filters can’t even make this look better. We reserved a spot on the park & ride shuttle, since the parking lot was full by 5:15a. We did a short hike up to the rock piles for picture taking by 7:15a. It wasn’t crowded at that time and the light/color of the lake was outstanding!

Another beautiful lake in Alberta. The water is an unreal blue.

Moraine Lake is a spectacular spot to visit. It's a short walk to the scenic spot where you can take photos of the beautiful vista and color of the lake. This is a really iconic landscape and one you shouldn't miss!

Very picturesque place!!! Super easy walk from the parking lot. Only 300 m and you can have a look at the very magic place!

Explorer

05/02/18

I went here in July of 2017 for sunrise and it was amazing. A fair amount of people there in the morning but nothing too crazy. It is one of those places that no matter how many photos you see of it, nothing compares to the real deal.

I proposed to my girlfriend here at the end of a week long trip visiting several US national parks. We finished the trip in Banff. Photography at Moraine Lake was the reason we planned the trip and it did not disappoint. Even though it was 30 degrees, seeing this gorgeous natural wonder lived up to every expectation I had.

Unbelievable night photography spot. Bring some blankets up, enjoy the stars, and get out there

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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