Can You Hike From Lake Louise To Moraine Lake?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Visiting Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in one day is possible on the Parks Canada Shuttle system from June 1 – October 11, 2021

(Lake Louise shuttles operate from May 14). Disembark at the Lake Louise Village and jump on the Parks Canada Park and Ride Connector to the Lake Louise Park and Ride.

How far apart are Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?

Moraine Lake is

14 kilometres (8.7 miles)

southeast of the hamlet of Lake Louise.

Can you hike into Moraine Lake?

And unlike the canoeing,

hiking in the Moraine Lake area is free

, so it’s the best budget-friendly thing to do in the Canadian Rockies.

Which is better Moraine Lake or Lake Louise?

The must see destination in Banff is

Moraine Lake

. It is much smaller than Lake Louise, but it has ten times the scenic impact. So, when you pull off the Trans Canadian Highway and head for Lake Louise, you will see a turn to the left marked as the road to Moraine Lake.

What is the best time to go to Moraine Lake?

Visitors who wish to see the fabulous lake and ten peaks should plan to arrive somewhere

before October 13th

. Around mid-October, Moraine Lake access road will close for the season. Exact dates vary depending on the year and snowfall, but the past few years it has closed around Canadian Thanksgiving.

Is Moraine Lake open now?

Moraine Lake Road is

open mid-June through mid-October

. Arrive before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. in July, August, and September.

How long is Moraine Lake Hike?

Lakeshore Trail Distance: 2.9 kilometers (1.8 miles) return Difficulty: Easy Time:

40-60 minutes

round trip Elevation Gain: 0 meters (0 feet) Starting near the canoe dock, trail weaves through the forested shore of the lake. It is a flat, easy walk that allows for beautiful views of the famous alpine lake.

Is Moraine Lake still open?

Moraine Lake is one of Canada’s most popular destinations and is

open mid-May through mid-October

. The parking lot fills before sunrise. Moraine Lake Road only opens to vehicles as space becomes available in Moraine Lake parking lot.

How hard is Moraine Lake Hike?

Explore this 3.2-mile out-and-back trail near Lake Louise, Alberta.

Generally considered an easy route

, it takes an average of 1 h 41 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and trail running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Do you need a park pass for Moraine Lake?

Do I need a pass?

All visitors to Banff National Park are required to have a valid National Park Pass

, regardless of the mode of travel. Park passes can be purchased online, at the park gates if driving to the park, or in person at the Visitor Center in Banff and Lake Louise.

Is Moraine Lake and Lake Louise the same?

Lake Louise


Not far from Moraine Lake is Lake Louise

– both the village and the lake of the same name. The lake itself is usually a shade of blue-green, and there’s a glacier clinging to a mountain ridge on the far side of the lake.

Do you have to hike to Lake Louise?


Lake Louise is known as the hiking capital of the world, but that doesn’t mean you have to summit a mountain during your visit

. There are walks that allow for casual strolls and trails that have little elevation gain but still allow you to take in the beautiful scenery that the area has to offer.

Can you skate on Moraine Lake?


Moraine Lake isn’t always a good skating spot

, mainly because the road to it usually closes before the ice is fully frozen. However, if you’re down to bike or hike in, be our guest! Though it’s half the size of Lake Louise, its spot in the Valley Of The Ten Peaks might make it even prettier.

Can you swim in lake moraine?

Fishing and swimming are

not permitted

at Moraine Lake. There is no boating allowed except canoeing.

How long does it take to drive from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake?

It takes approximately

20 min

to drive from Moraine Lake to Lake Louise.

Why is Moraine Lake Important?

Moraine Lake is a popular natural attraction site in the Canadian Rockies

because of its beauty and activities

. The area around the lake has several walking/hiking trails which are, from time to time, restricted. The trail most commonly taken by tourists is The Rockpile Trail, which is along the actual moraine.

Can you swim in Lake Louise?


Technically yes, you can swim at Lake Louise, but it probably won’t be for long

. The water temperature rarely gets above 4°C, meaning you only have about 15 minutes or so until you start to become hypothermic.

What time does Moraine Lake parking lot fill up?

What time does the Moraine Lake parking lot fill up? This all depends on the time of year and whether it’s a weekend or not. On average, the parking lot is full by

5:00 am on weekends and 5:30 am on weekdays

.

Is Moraine Lake Open 2021?

The 13 km road to Moraine Lake

opens (subject to weather conditions) the Tuesday after Victoria Day in mid-May

and closes the Tuesday after Canadian Thanksgiving in mid-October. The planned opening day for 2021 is May 25, 2021.

What time does Lake Louise parking lot fill up?

Parking lots at Moraine Lake and the Lake Louise Lakeshore typically fill

by sunrise during the summer and fall

. A reservation on the Parks Canada shuttle is the only way to guarantee visitors ability to see both lakes in one day when visiting Banff National Park.

Is Lake Louise open Covid?

Parks

Canada


National Parks are open

and provide an opportunity for visitors and residents to recreate safely, maintain physical distancing and to enjoy the health and wellness benefits that come with being outdoors.

Can you drive to lake Moraine?


Vehicles will only be granted access to Moraine Lake Road if parking is available

. If the lot is full you will be turned away at the beginning of the road. If you are set on driving to the lake yourself be prepared get there very early. In the summer months and through September the parking lot can be full by 5:30 am.

Can you hike to Moraine Lake in winter?

Moraine Lake in the winter is inaccessible by car, however

you can make the easy hike up to the lake

. Don’t be expecting the famous turquoise waters though; due to its high elevation the lake usually doesn’t beginning thawing until June.

How long is Lake Louise hike?

Trail Distance (one way) Time (return)
Lake Louise Lakeshore


2 km


1 hour
Fairview Lookout 1 km 45 minutes Bow River Loop 7.1 km (round trip) 2 hours Louise Creek 2.8 km 1.5 hours

Do you need bear spray in Lake Louise?

If you’re planning on hiking, camping, or spending any time on the trails in Banff National Park,

you’ll need to carry bear spray

. Rent a canister at Snowtips-Bactrax, Ultimate Sports, Radventures, the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub in Banff, or Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise.

Can I walk around Lake Louise?


One of the easiest trails in the entire Lake Louise area is the Shoreline Trail

. The trail is completely level and ideal for those who are just looking for a relaxing walk along the lake. The views from this short walk are amazing.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.