City Name
Temperature
best-moraine-lake-hikes-banner

The 10 Best Moraine Lake Hikes for Jaw-Dropping Views and Challenging Trails

If you’re ready to put your hiking boots to the test and explore some of Canada’s most striking landscapes, Moraine Lake has your back. From turquoise waters to towering peaks, these trails offer views that feel straight out of a postcard.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for scenic selfies, Moraine Lake has a trail to suit every preference. 

No matter your adventure style, each hike provides a distinct experience. You can enjoy peaceful forest walks or tackle challenging scrambles with steep elevation gains.

You might even forget you’re exercising as you’re too busy gawking at the mountain views (but don’t worry, we’ll keep it between us).

So, lace up your hiking shoes, pack a snack, and get ready for some of the trails for the best Morain Lake hikes. 

1. Moraine Lake Lakeshore

Media credit  samexplores_

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Type of Hike: Out-and-back trail

Time to Finish: 30 to 60 Minutes

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kRpg97fzmz1Bb33A8 

The Moraine Lake Lakeshore is perfect if you enjoy a leisurely walk with stunning scenery. It’s relatively flat and follows the lake’s shoreline, offering fantastic views of the water and mountains.

The trail is easy enough for anyone to enjoy, so take the time to snap some shots. Just be mindful as you’ll share the trail with others since it’s a popular spot for both hikers and bird watchers.

Also, the best time to visit is between June and October, when the weather is most favorable for exploring the area. 

Plus, dogs are allowed, so you can bring your pup, but they must remain on a leash.

2. The Rockpile

Media credit cole_xplor

Elevation Gain: 11 m

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Type of Hike: Out-and-back trail

Time to Finish: 30 to 60 Minutes

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CQACyunedD4pVqzt5 

The Rockpile is a quick but exciting hike leading you up a cool set of stone steps, making it an excellent choice for beginners. 

It can be completed in under an hour. It makes it a perfect pit stop if you’re short on time but still want to take in the views.

At the top, you’ll be greeted with jaw-dropping views of Moraine Lake’s iconic glacial-blue waters. There are also several vantage points where you can fully appreciate the beauty of the lake and the towering peaks around it. 

The best time to visit the trail is from June to October, when the weather is more favorable. However, you can expect a pretty sizable crowd. 

A quick tip: the stairs and ground can be slippery during October due to icy patches, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. 

3. Tower of Babel

Media credit wzylouisey

Elevation Gain: 518 m

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Type of Hike: Out-and-back trail

Time to Finish: 2.5 to 4 hours

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dPjKdVKKcHNsLhzT9 

The Tower of Babel is a popular scramble for beginners. It offers stunning views of Moraine Lake, Consolation Valley, and Bow Valley. 

The climb is relatively short but steep. It begins with a gully right off Moraine Lake, known for its loose, rocky terrain.

The 518-meter ascend is physically demanding too, with a steady uphill grind that can easily be underestimated. So, if you’re a complete beginner, you may want to skip this one. 

But if you’re an intermediate hiker wanting some challenge, give it a try. Just make sure to wear a helmet to avoid loose rocks falling from above. 

It’s also best to start early to beat the crowds, as this is quite a popular trail. 

4. Consolation Lakes Trail

Media credit eri.journey

Elevation Gain: 269 m

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Type of Hike: Out-and-back trail

Time to Finish: 2 to 3 hours

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wBYLDKqU3j1XFGey8 

The Consolation Lakes Trail starts right at the Moraine Lake parking lot, leading you on a beautiful journey from the get-go. 

Just before you climb the Rockpile, the trail branches left into a rocky path. This is an area filled with boulders and even some avalanche debris.

Watch your step as you navigate this stretch. Some of the rocks are big and smooth. Late spring may even bring snow piles, so you may skip this season if you’re not comfortable with the challenge. 

But once you leave the rocks behind, the trail heads into the forest. This section is mostly flat, with just a few short uphill bits. It’s also a peaceful stretch, so it’s a nice area for catching your breath. 

At the end, the Consolation Lakes will greet you with its stunning glacier-fed waters. Swimming is allowed, but it’s freezing, so only the bravest will dare to take the plunge. 

5. Eiffel Lake Trail

Media credit bess.c_explores

Elevation Gain: 606 m

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Type of Hike: Out-and-back trail

Time to Finish: 3 to 5 hours

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ip4UPvm3NoVjxH1J7 

The Eiffel Lake Trail offers spectacular views of the Valley of Ten Peaks as you hike toward two beautiful glacial lakes. 

The trail from Moraine Lake is easy to follow until you reach the fork, where you’ll choose the path to Eiffel Lake or Sentinel Pass.

The first part of the trail is a bit challenging as it climbs 350 meters in about 40 minutes, but the effort is totally worth it. At the fork, you can take the quieter route to Eiffel Lake. 

The trail continues past the lakes, leading you to the Wenkchemna Pass Trail. This takes you through the mountains into Yoho National Park. And if you keep going, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Ten Peaks.

6. Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley

Media credit wyeth_tan

Elevation Gain: 749 m

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Type of Hike: Out-and-back trail

Time to Finish: 2.5 to 4.5 hours

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kwk3iFatMqdkMhgLA 

The Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass trail kicks off just past the Moraine Lake canoe rentals. 

As you make your way along the trail, you’ll eventually reach the heart of Larch Valley. In the middle of this beautiful area, you’ll find the lovely Minnestimma Lakes. It’s where you can catch your breath and take in the views. 

But if you’re craving an extra thrill, keep going up to Sentinel Pass for one of the best viewpoints around.

And if you hit this trail in late September or early October, get ready to be wowed – the larch trees go full golden before they drop their needles. 

It’s a popular spot during larch season, so don’t expect to have it all to yourself unless you’re out there at the crack of dawn. If you prefer a quieter experience, try hitting the trail on a weekday or arriving at sunrise to get a head start.

7. Lake Annette

Media credit thismomlifeab

Elevation Gain: 370 m

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Type of Hike: Out-and-back trail

Time to Finish: 3 to 4 hours

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DD3pDBtXZdoGrKRD6 

Lake Annette is a beautiful stop, especially if you’re looking for a shorter hike without committing to the whole Paradise Valley Trail. 

You can easily access it from Moraine Lake Rd, where the Parks Canada shuttle will drop you off if you let the driver know.

The trail to Lake Annette is easy to moderate, with only a gentle climb of less than 400 meters. 

Much of the hike takes you through a peaceful forest and offers fantastic views of Mount Temple. This is a great opportunity to pause and snap a few photos.

It’s also manageable for most, making it a great choice if you want something relaxing yet still rewarding. 

Once you reach Lake Annette, the relaxed atmosphere and gorgeous surroundings make it a wonderful place to rest and take it all in. 

8. Saddleback Pass

Media credit amelieliedberg

Elevation Gain: 500 m

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Type of Hike: Out-and-back trail

Time to Finish: 3 to 6 hours

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iLvPexNdgNf8uhm98 

Saddleback Pass is a great choice if you’re seeking a bit of solitude surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes. If you have the time (and energy), you can easily make it a full day of exploration.

You start the hike near Lake Louise and make your way toward the Fairview Lookout. From there, the trail continues upward to the summit of Fairview Mountain. 

Once you reach the pass, you’ll be treated to amazing views of Mount Temple, Haddo Peak, and Sheol Mountain.

At the top, you’ll have several options. You can head into Sheol Valley, tackle Saddle Mountain, or take on Mount Fairview for an extra challenge. If you’re up for it all, go for it, but be sure to bring enough food and the right gear.

9. Mount Temple

Media credit une_olive

Elevation Gain: 1,633 m

Difficulty Level: Expert

Type of Hike: Out-and-back trail

Time to Finish: 8 to 10 hours

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LqPGjfUe4UoT2zpC8 

Mount Temple is one of the toughest hikes in Banff National Park, so it’s definitely not for beginners. Only attempt it if you’re in great shape and have plenty of alpine hiking experience under your belt.

To start, the trail is a strenuous climb. It has sections that will really test your endurance. That’s why the trail is ideal for expert hikers. But if you’re an intermediate hiker who’s physically ready for it, the sense of accomplishment at the top is well worth the effort.

From the summit, you get sweeping panoramic views of Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and the surrounding peaks.

10. Giant Steps and Moraine Lake via Paradise Valley Trail

Media credit nick_fitzhardinge

Elevation Gain: 1,128 m

Difficulty Level: Expert

Type of Hike: Point-to-point trail

Time to Finish: 6 to 8 hours

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FTKR7TpahkFsmwBr8 

The Paradise Valley Trail offers a peaceful escape between Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by towering mountains and even pass by stunning lakes and waterfalls.

If you’re craving some solitude, this trail is an ideal choice. Once you drop into Paradise Valley itself, you’ll leave the hustle of the Sentinel Pass trail behind and find yourself in a quiet spot – just as you hoped.

For an unforgettable backcountry experience, starting this hike at Moraine Lake is the way to go. The trail is 20 km long and takes you all the way to Lake Louise.

While it’s a longer trek, the sights make it well worth the effort. It’s also a great way to explore Banff’s wild side and get away from the crowds.

Leave a Comment