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Situated at an elevation of 1,884 meters in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is renowned for its brilliant turquoise water caused by glacial rock flour. Visitors can climb the short Rockpile Trail to photograph the famous Twenty Dollar View or rent a red canoe to paddle across the 50-hectare surface.
Find Guided ToursMoraine Lake is a glacially fed alpine lake located in Banff National Park, Alberta. Situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, it sits at an elevation of 1,884 meters above sea level. The lake covers 50 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 14 meters, positioned 14 kilometers outside the village of Lake Louise.
The water is renowned for its brilliant turquoise color. This distinct hue occurs when light refracts off rock flour deposited by glacial melt. Primary inflows come from Fay Glacier and Larch Creek, while the massive Wenkchemna Glacier moraine acts as a natural dam. The surrounding peaks consist of sedimentary rocks, including limestone, shale, and dolomite, which folded and uplifted over millions of years.
Long before European contact, Indigenous peoples inhabited the area for millennia. The Stoney Nakoda First Nations traditionally know the valley as a sacred place of healing. In 1899, explorer Tom Wilson cut the first trail to the water. That same year, Walter Wilcox officially named the body of water after the rockpile he stood upon during Samuel Allen's expedition.
Access to the site gradually expanded throughout the twentieth century. A Canadian Pacific Railway trail opened in 1902, followed by a rough motor vehicle road in 1924. Today, the lake is a major natural attraction within a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its famous vista from the Rockpile Trail, known as the Twenty Dollar View, was featured on the reverse side of two separate editions of the Canadian twenty-dollar bill starting in 1969.
Discover the full history and cultural significance on our About page.
A steep 15-to-20-minute climb up uneven stone stairs leads to the famous "Twenty Dollar View" at an elevation of 1,884 meters. From this vantage point, look out over the brilliant turquoise water (colored by glacial rock flour) framed by the towering peaks of the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Rent an iconic red canoe from the Moraine Lake Lodge dock to glide across 50 hectares of glacially-fed water. As you paddle the serene surface, admire the dramatic mountain reflections. The water temperature hovers around a frigid 3-4°C, making life jackets mandatory and swimming highly discouraged.
Booking the 4:00 AM or 5:00 AM Alpine Start shuttle guarantees a spot for the sunrise. Watch the early light hit the mountain crests, casting a golden alpenglow across the mirror-like lake. Temperatures drop to 5°C before dawn, requiring heavy layers, gloves, and a warm hat.
Starting from the lake, hikers can ascend into Larch Valley to walk among high-altitude alpine meadows. Mid-September brings the most striking scenery as the larch needles turn a golden hue, standing out sharply against the rugged limestone and shale peaks of the Canadian Rockies.
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Free Cancellation The ideal time to visit Moraine Lake is between June and September when the access road is open and the turquoise water is fully visible. Mid-September is particularly recommended for viewing the golden larch trees.
The access road remains completely closed due to severe avalanche risks, and the lake is frozen over. Access is limited to experienced backcountry adventurers using skis or snowshoes.
The road opens on June 1. June brings blooming wildflowers, thinner crowds, and early sunrises. The lake thaws to reveal its famous color, though early morning temperatures can drop to 5°C.
September offers striking turquoise waters and golden larch trees. The road closes to all vehicles on October 12 due to returning avalanche hazards, making November completely inaccessible to standard traffic.
Moraine Lake Road is entirely closed to vehicle traffic due to severe avalanche danger. The lake is frozen, obscuring its color, restricting entry solely to highly experienced backcountry skiers.
Moraine Lake is an outdoor natural area, but public access depends entirely on the seasonal operation of Moraine Lake Road. The road opens to approved shuttle traffic from June 1 to October 12, 2026. It closes completely to all vehicles from mid-October to late May due to severe avalanche risks. During the summer operating season, Parks Canada regular shuttles depart every 30 minutes between 6:30 am and 5:00 pm. The final return shuttle leaves the lake at 7:30 pm. For early arrivals, the Alpine Start shuttle operates at 4:00 am and 5:00 am. Licensed commercial operators maintain 24-hour access.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| National Park Daily Admission - Adult | $12.25 CAD |
| National Park Daily Admission - Senior | $10.75 CAD |
| National Park Daily Admission - Youth | Free |
| Parks Canada Shuttle - Adult (18-64) | $12.75 CAD |
| Parks Canada Shuttle - Senior (65+) | $6.00 CAD |
| Parks Canada Shuttle - Youth (17 and under) | $4.00 CAD |
All visitors must possess a valid National Park Entry Pass or Discovery Pass. Because personal vehicles are banned on Moraine Lake Road, accessing the lake requires a reserved shuttle ticket. Parks Canada shuttle bookings incur an additional non-refundable reservation fee of $3.50 CAD online or $5.50 CAD by phone. National Park entry is free between June 19 and September 7, 2026.
For complete schedules and ticket prices, visit our Hours & Fees page.
Personal vehicles are completely banned from Moraine Lake Road as of 2023. Visitors must book an approved Parks Canada shuttle, public transit, or a private commercial tour to access the lake.
📍 Moraine Lake Road, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
This official shuttle departs every 30 minutes from the free Park and Ride lot at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, located at 1 Whitehorn Road. The service operates daily from June 1 to October 12, 2026. Departures run between 6:30 am and 5:00 pm, with the final return leaving Moraine Lake at 7:30 pm. Advanced reservations are required to secure a seat.
Passengers starting in Banff can take the Roam Route 8X express bus from the Banff Heritage Train Station to the Lake Louise Lakeshore. The transit route covers approximately 71 kilometers. Upon arriving at Lake Louise, riders use their Reservable Super Pass to board the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle for free. This connector completes the final leg to Moraine Lake.
This local commercial operator provides direct transportation to the lake from the Lake Louise Summer Gondola or Samson Mall. The company schedules over 30 departures daily, including specialized early morning sunrise trips. Guests receive guaranteed parking at the designated pickup locations. Visitors can also select combination tickets that feature a one-hour stop at nearby Lake Louise.
For detailed transport options and routes, visit our Directions page.
Personal vehicles are banned on Moraine Lake Road. Create a Parks Canada account early and log on exactly at 8:00 AM MDT on April 15, 2026, to book transit. If you miss this window, try again exactly two days before your visit at 8:00 AM MDT when the remaining 60 percent of seats open.
Booking the 4:00 AM or 5:00 AM Alpine Start shuttle requires cold-weather preparation. Temperatures frequently drop to 5°C before dawn. Bring a heavy jacket, gloves, a beanie, and a blanket. Pack a hot thermos of coffee or tea, as the local cafe remains closed until 8:00 AM.
Mid-morning is the best time to capture the famous turquoise water. The sun penetrates the glacial rock flour at this hour, maximizing the color. Attach a polarizing filter to your lens and rotate it to a 45-degree angle. This technique enhances water saturation without losing the dramatic mountain reflections.
Moraine Lake sits squarely in active bear habitat. Always carry bear spray in an easily accessible location, such as a chest harness or hip belt. Make continuous noise by talking or clapping when hiking around blind corners. You must maintain a strict distance of at least 100 meters from bears.
Parking at the Lake Louise Lakeshore costs $42.00 CAD and fills up quickly. Instead, park your vehicle for free at the Banff Train Station. Walk 10 minutes to the Roam Transit hub and catch the Route 8X express bus. This $30.00 CAD pass includes free boarding on the Lake Connector shuttle.
As of 2026, bringing private canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards is strictly prohibited to prevent the spread of Whirling Disease. Do not bring large inflatables or fishing waders either. To paddle the lake, you must rent an official red canoe from the Moraine Lake Lodge dock for $160 CAD per hour.
This world-famous glacier-fed lake features the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Visitors can enjoy classic canoeing, walk the scenic lakeshore trail, or access popular mountain hiking routes.
Located across the highway at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, this gondola offers sweeping views of the Canadian Rockies. It is a fantastic spot to safely view grizzly bears in their natural environment and enjoy a mountaintop breakfast.
This mountain town features local cafes, restaurants, and shops along pedestrian-friendly Bear Street. Visitors can park for free at the train station and easily access transit to major park attractions.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Moraine Lake — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Personal vehicles have been completely banned from the 14-kilometer Moraine Lake Road since 2023. Visitors must use the official Parks Canada shuttle, public transit from Banff, or commercial tours to access the lake.
You need a National Park Entry Pass, which costs $12.25 CAD for adults, plus a mandatory shuttle ticket to reach the lake. The Parks Canada shuttle costs $12.75 CAD for adults, $6.00 CAD for seniors, and $4.00 CAD for youth, along with a $3.50 online reservation fee.
Shuttle reservations open on April 15, 2026, at 8:00 am MDT, releasing 40% of the season's available seats. The remaining 60% of tickets become available on a rolling basis exactly two days before your departure date at 8:00 am MDT.
Moraine Lake Road is open seasonally from June 1 to October 12, 2026. The road is completely closed to vehicle traffic from November through May due to severe avalanche risks, making June through September the best months to visit.
No, private watercraft including paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are strictly prohibited as of 2026 due to the threat of Whirling Disease. You can only rent canoes directly from the Moraine Lake Lodge, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis starting at $160 CAD per hour.
If you take the 4:00 am or 5:00 am Alpine Start shuttle, pack a heavy jacket, gloves, a beanie, and a blanket. Morning temperatures can drop to 5°C at the 1,884-meter elevation. You should also carry bear spray and sturdy footwear for climbing the 15-to-20-minute Rockpile Trail.
The lake has accessible features, but the gravel paths are uneven and require assistance for manual wheelchair users to approach the water. Visitors with accessibility placards cannot drive themselves in 2026 and must book a regular shuttle ticket, then request accessible transport from Parks Canada staff on-site.
You can take the Roam Route 8X public transit from the Banff townsite, which is approximately 71 kilometers away from the lake area. The Reservable Super Pass costs $30.00 CAD for adults and includes a free transfer onto the Lake Connector shuttle to reach Moraine Lake.
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