The Best Moraine Lake Hikes for Families
Best Moraine Lake Hikes
Several of the Moraine Lake hikes have been at the top of my family’s hiking bucket list for years. And for good reason! Said to be one of the most photographed places in Canada, Moraine Lake has the most spectacular views around! We couldn’t wait to strap on our hiking boots and begin the adventure.
Best Way to Get to Moraine Lake in 2023
🚌 Looking for the best way to get to Moraine Lake for your hike? The Moraine Lake Bus Company is the best option to get to Moraine Lake in both comfort and ease.
What is Moraine Lake?
Moraine Lake is a glacier-fed lake located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The lake is fed by the Fay Glacier and Larch Creek, with the water then flowing out via Moraine Creek.
The word “moraine” actually refers to an accumulation of glacial debris, which is how the lake got its name. In fact, the incredible turquoise colour of Moraine Lake is due to the rock flour deposited by the surrounding glaciers. The colour is usually at its prettiest in mid-to-late- June when the lake reaches its crest.
The lake sits at an elevation of 1,884 meters above sea level, has a surface area of 50 hectares (120 acres or 0.19 square miles), and has a maximum depth of 14 meters.
Where is Moraine Lake?
Moraine Lake is located in Banff National Park. You will find it just a short distance away from Lake Louise and the Lake Louise Village.
Banff National Park is not only Canada’s first National Park, but it is also part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Keep in mind, that you will need a parks pass from Parks Canada to visit.
Distances to Moraine Lake
- Banff to Moraine Lake Distance: 70 km or 58 minutes
- Canmore to Moraine Lake Distance: 94 km or 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calgary to Moraine Lake Distance: 200 km or 2 hours 15 minutes
- Jasper to Moraine Lake Distance: 239 Km or 2 hours 59 minutes
How Do You Get to Moraine Lake?
Driving
If you are thinking of driving to Moraine Lake, you will need to plan ahead! Moraine Lake is quite popular, and as a result, is one of the hardest places to score a parking spot!
Moraine Lake is located just outside of the village of Lake Louise in Banff National Park. And the village of Lake Louise is conveniently located just off the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1).
Once you have arrived in the village, the signs to Moraine Lake are fairly easy to follow. Just continue along Lake Louise Drive until you see all the pylons indicating the entrance to Moraine Lake Road!
Shuttle Buses
The easiest way to get to Moraine Lake would be to take the shuttle buses. For the 2021 Season, the shuttles run every 15 minutes between 8 am and 5 pm, from the Park & Ride (just off the TransCanada Highway) to Moraine Lake.
The cost is $10 per adult and $5 per youth. You will need to pre-book your shuttle time online prior to arrival, as reservations are required.
Parks Canada will also be running “Early Bird” shuttles to Moraine Lake. These buses run every half hour between 6 am and 8 am from June 22nd to September 20th, and will also require reservations.
There is no return service on the Early Bird shuttles, so you would have to wait until after 8 am to return on the regular shuttles.
When is the Best Time For Moraine Lake Hikes?
You can only visit Moraine Lake between late May and mid-October when the road is open for the season. The road is closed during the rest of the year because it is snow-covered and crosses avalanche paths.
Wondering What to Pack?
Easy Moraine Lake Hikes for Families
We loved exploring Moraine Lake on foot. Banff National Park truly is an incredible place to experience, and hiking should be on everyone’s bucket list! Here are 5 of the most well-known Moraine Lake hikes that are family-friendly:
The Rockpile Hike
The Rockpile is definitely a Moraine Lake hike that you don’t want to miss! Not only is it very family-friendly, but it is perfect for even the most inexperienced of hikers.
- Trailhead: Begins at the canoe docks.
- Distance: .8 km return
- Elevation: 30 meters
- Time: 25 minutes
Fun Fact: Did you know that from the top of the Rockpile, the “Twenty Dollar View” can be seen? It is the exact location pictured on the old Canadian Twenty Dollar bills, issued between 1969 and 1979? Pretty cool!
To start this hike, follow the trail that goes behind the big rockpile. The trail is more like a walking path, with steps for the steeper portion of the ascent.
Along the way, you will find plaques that explain native species and rock formations that can be found in the area. This interpretive trail is the perfect way to learn all about the history of the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Once you reach the top of the Rockpile, you will be rewarded with the most amazing and iconic views! Have a seat and enjoy the scenery, or grab the most Instagrammable selfie!
The Moraine Lakeshore Trail
This flat trail works its way along the shoreline of Lake Moraine, in an out-and-back hike. The trail takes you in and out of the forest and has great views of both the lake and the mountains.
- Trailhead: Begins at the canoe docks.
- Distance: 2.9 km return
- Elevation: 162 meters
- Time: 45 to 60 minutes
You will be interested to know that few visitors to Moraine Lake venture on the Shoreline Trail! As a result, you will find fewer crowds but still find some pretty spectacular scenery.
This trail is the easiest of the Moraine Lake hikes, making it easy and very accessible for people of all abilities. It’s definitely a wonderful place for a stroll, and to do a little photography.
The Shoreline Hike starts on a forested path, which follows the lakeshore. This path eventually gives way to a really nice boardwalk.
And at the far end of the lake, you will find a small waterfall flowing from the glaciers and Wenkchemna pass, down the mountain into Moraine Lake.
There were also beautiful views of the glaciers and mountain peaks from this spot. This is the turnaround point for the hike.
Consolation Lakes Hike
This hike was beautiful! The trail takes you through a lush green forest, following a glacial-fed stream that eventually leads to a large boulder field and a magnificent crystal-clear lake.
- Trailhead: Begins from the Rockpile Trail
- Distance: 5.8 km return
- Elevation: 255 meters
- Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
This hike starts from the bottom of Moraine Lake, at the same place where the Rockpile hike begins. Follow the path up to the Rockpile, but instead of going all the way up the steps, stay left and head into the forest.
The Consolation Lakes hike is a step up from the Lakeshore Trail. The terrain is a little more difficult with greater elevation gain. And the only area that may be a little difficult for some kids to maneuver, is a short section that crosses over a boulder field.
This hike is typically covered in snow well into June. You can either pack snowshoes or wait until a little later in the season (August/September).
Grizzly bears are known to frequent the Moraine Lake area. So often this trail requires people to hike in groups of 4 or more. Something to keep in mind if you are planning to see the Consolation Lakes with younger kids.
Those without the minimum number of hikers often wait by the sign for the next group and offer to hike together to meet size requirements.
Moderate Moraine Lake Hikes for Families
The following two trails are rated as moderate. The trails are longer, with more elevation gain, but there is no difficult scrambling involved.
Larch Valley
Not only are the Canadian Rockies famous for their incredible views and beautiful lakes, but they are also known for their Larch Pine trees.
- Trailhead: Begins at canoe docks
- Distance: 8.6 km return
- Elevation: 520 meters
- Time: 3 to 4 hours
Larches are special high-altitude pine trees that turn bright yellow and orange during the Fall season. Every year, people in the thousands, come from all around the world to witness it.
Normally Larches are quite high up and take a lot of hiking to reach. The Larch Valley hike, however, is one of the few places where they’re accessible to almost everyone, regardless of your fitness level.
And although this makes the hike very tempting, keep in mind, the window for seeing the leaves turn is quite short. The colours are at their most vibrant for only 2 or 3 weeks in mid-to-late September. Expect crowds during this time!
The hike starts at the base of Moraine Lake. You can expect pretty steep switchbacks from start to finish, which is one of the reasons why this hike is classified as moderate.
Eiffel Lake
This hike has amazing views of the Valley of Ten Peaks as you climb to two gorgeous glacial lakes on the Continental Divide. The trail from Moraine Lake is pretty easy to follow up to the fork for Eiffel Lake or Sentinel Pass.
- Trailhead: Begins at canoe docks
- Distance: 11.7 km return
- Elevation: 570 meters
- Time: 3 to 4 hours
This hike takes you through prime bear country. So once again, during certain times of the year, Parks Canada requires hiking in groups of four or more to limit bear encounters.
Once you get on the trail, it immediately starts to climb through the forest with a steady and demanding grade. The trail is well-maintained and offers gorgeous views of the blue waters of Lake Moraine, as well as the incredible Valley of the Ten Peaks.
About 40 minutes into your climb, you will reach a fork in the road. Take the route going towards Eiffel Lake, not Sentinel Pass. You will find pretty clear signage, so don’t worry about getting lost!
Another 20 minutes will take you out of the forest and onto a rocky, barren slope. From here, you can enjoy a pretty incredible view of the Ten Peaks.
Continue along this mainly flat trail until you reach Eiffel Lake. This is the turnaround point!
Hiking Tips For Moraine Lake Trails
Just like with any other hike, there are a few things to consider when heading to Moraine Lake. A little advance planning will help make your hike a positive experience for the whole family.
First and foremost, you should always let someone know that you are heading out for a hike. Let them know where you will be hiking and your expected return time.
Even though the trails are well marked and travelled, you just never know when you may get lost or injured – especially if you are attempting one of the longer trails. And cell service in the area is non-existent!
Clothing
Make sure that you are wearing comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes. We recommend hiking boots for most of these trails, as the terrain is uneven. We would also recommend hiking poles for extra stability.
Wear a comfortable backpack! If you plan on hiking for several hours, you will need a well-fitted backpack to carry all your gear. It will need to be big enough to carry all your essentials, while at the same time, not being so heavy that it gets to be too much.
Packing enough water, as well as some food and snacks is also important, especially when hiking with kids. We make sure to pack reusable water bottles, and snacks that the kids enjoy.
This is especially important for those times when they begin to get ‘hangry’ or need that extra treat to get them through the hike.
And of course, this should go without saying. Make sure you pack out everything you bring on your hike. There are garbage cans conveniently located near the trailhead.
Lastly, make sure you have sunscreen and bug spray with you, as well as a basic first-aid kit in case of small mishaps. When we hike with kids, we never leave home without!
Things to Know Before You Go – Moraine Lake Hikes
Moraine Lake Hikes Parking
As we mentioned earlier, Moraine Lake is very popular and therefore parking can be a problem. Your best bet is to arrive as early as possible to secure a parking space, or to visit much later in the day.
And if all else fails, you will need to take a shuttle bus. If it is not peak season during peak times, you should be able to jump online and book your spot on the shuttle, without having to wait for too long before your departure.
During peak times, however, all bets are off as these seats book up very quickly and often days in advance.
Be Mindful of Wildlife
Moraine Lake is known as a hotspot for grizzly bears. Be aware and alert while you’re hiking!
Our best advice is to hike in groups of four or more for safety and carry bear spray. We also attached Bear Bells to our backpacks, which help to alert wildlife of our presence.
Of course, if you are hiking in the summer months, you will also need to be aware of the ticks and large mosquitos you will encounter on the trails. The worst times are between early July and mid-August. Make sure you spray plenty of repellent to avoid nasty bites.
Be Mindful of Smoke
Anytime you are travelling in the mountains during late summer and early fall, there is a risk of wildfires. And unfortunately, Banff National Park is no exception.
The smoke from the fires will not only obscure the amazing views but may cause difficulty in breathing when you are hiking. Something to keep in mind, especially if you have any health conditions such as asthma.
Moraine Lake Hikes Closures
Always check ahead to make sure Moraine Lake’s hiking trails are open before you head out. There can be last-minute closures due to bears, rockslides, or fires. Some trails are also seasonal and will only be open during certain times of the year.
Limited Facilities at Moraine Lake
The only option to purchase food or drinks at Moraine Lake is in the café at the Moraine Lake Lodge. This Lodge gets quite busy and the food tends to be on the pricey side. Your best bet is to pack your own snacks and drinks.
Inside the Lodge, you will also find a small gift shop selling souvenirs.
Moraine Lake does have restrooms available. These can be found right next to the parking lot. Expect a wait as there are plenty of visitors during the day.
Other Things to Do at Moraine Lake
Although hiking and photography tend to be what most people visit Moraine Lake for, there are other things you can do there!
Renting a canoe or paddleboarding in the lake is also quite popular. Canoes can be rented from the Moraine Lake Lodge, although it is a little on the expensive side. You will need to bring your own SUPs, however.
Fishing, swimming, or boating (except for canoeing) are not allowed in Moraine Lake, however.
Where to Stay Near Moraine Lake
An easy, though pretty expensive, way to get to Moraine Lake without any hassle at all, is to stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge. This is the only hotel located right at Moraine Lake.
You will literally be able to step out your door and have access to the lake. No parking worries at all!
There are several other hotel options available in Banff National Park. These hotels are not on Moraine Lake, but they are within easy walking distance of the Park and Ride Connector. This shuttle bus leaves from Lake Louise Village and has stops at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
- Mountaineer Lodge: This is the closest hotel to the Lake Louise Village, and is very family-friendly.
- Lake Louise Inn: This Lake Louise hotel is also budget- and family-friendly.
- Post Hotel and Spa: One of the higher-end hotels in Banff National Park, but very family-friendly.
- Chateau Lake Louise: A luxury hotel located right on the shore of Lake Louise.
Final Thoughts on Moraine Lake Hikes for Families
There are several other Moraine Lake hikes that we have not included in this list, as we feel they would be too difficult for the average family with kids. We would also recommend that you set aside a full day to take advantage of all that Moraine Lake has to offer.
All in all, Moraine Lake is a wonderful place to go hiking with the family. With a little advance planning, maybe a little luck, and plenty of energy, you will be able to cross off a few Moraine Lake hikes from your bucket list!
Best Way to Get to Moraine Lake in 2023
🚌 Looking for the best way to get to Moraine Lake for your hike? The Moraine Lake Bus Company is the best option to get to Moraine Lake in both comfort and ease.
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