Moraine Lake
A glacial lake cradled by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, once printed on Canada's 20-dollar bill. The “Twenty Dollar View” from the rock pile at dawn shows ten snowy peaks reflected in the blue lake.
Moraine Lake lies 14 km south of Lake Louise, at an altitude of 1,884 m, in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The lake is only half the size of Lake Louise, but it is widely regarded as the most photogenic lake in the Rockies. Its water shows a saturated cobalt blue due to glacial rock flour, and behind it ten peaks over 3,000 m stand in a row. The Canadian 20-dollar bill issued from 1969 to 1979 featured this scene.
The key viewpoint is the Rockpile trail by the lake. From the parking lot, it is a 10-minute walk up the moraine rock pile to the observation platform, which is the “Twenty Dollar View.” Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise to capture the classic photo: the ten peaks glowing red in the rising sun, with the still lake reflecting them. This is also why the sunrise shuttle (departing at 5 a.m.) is so popular.
Other activities: the lakeside trail (3 km round trip, to the lake's head to see glacier streams), canoe rental (about CA$140/hour), the Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass hike (11.6 km round trip, 730 m elevation gain; in late September, when the larches turn gold, this is the most famous autumn hike in the Rockies; go in a group of four or more for bear safety), and the Consolation Lakes hike (6 km round trip).
Transport rules: Since 2023, private cars have been prohibited year-round on the Moraine Lake road. Visitors can only take Parks Canada shuttle buses (from the Lake Louise Ski Resort Park & Ride, about CA$8, reservations required at reservation.pc.gc.ca; 40% of spots are released before the season and 60% at 8 a.m. two days in advance; includes a free shuttle between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake), the Roam Route 10 bus (from Lake Louise village), commercial buses such as Moraine Lake Bus Company (including sunrise departures, about CA$40–50), or tours. Cycling is allowed (14 km uphill).
The lakeshore has Moraine Lake Lodge and a small café.
Notes: The road is closed from mid-October to early June. Near the lake in the early morning, temperatures are close to 0°C, so dress warmly. Viewpoints get crowded in peak season; do not climb over the railings onto slippery rocks. In early June, the lake still has floating ice and looks grayish.
Opening hours
Open all day early Jun–mid Oct (shuttle bus approx. 05:00–19:30)
Nearby sights
- Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass
- Morant's Curve
- Lake Louise
- Lake Agnes Tea House
- Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
- Lake Louise Gondola & Ski Resort
- Marble Canyon, Kootenay National Park
- Lake O'Hara