Moraine Lake, Banff National Park

A conflicting feel on the effort of what you have to do in order to experience this beautiful place. We did a good amount of research before attempting here. We woke at 3:30am and ventured out for an hour drive here. Coming down Lake Louise Drive, you will not be allowed to make the left into Moraine Lake Rd so need to drive to lake Louise and double back and HOPEFULLY they allow you to get into Moraine Lake Rd. if the lot is full then the attendants there will wave you off and you will have to go back in town, double back and try again. Arriving here at 5am, luckily there was 2 parking spots left on this tiny parking lot. We thanked the gods and then slept in the car until sunrise. You can take the short climb up to the rockpiles left of the lake but it will be a mod of people and picture takers here that will stay for longer times, but the view of the lake here is breathtaking. Afterwards you can take the path on the right side of the lake and enjoy a less-people experience of lake side or venture into the lake bed for more grounded shots. It can be a once in a lifetime thing but for me once in a life time is enough. Perhaps you may get a better chance of finding a parking spot if you come later when the morning crowd is finished and they are leaving and freeing up spots. Bathrooms here are pit toilets only so prepare mentally.

Best lake near Banff! The parking lot does fill up fast but we did get lucky in finding a spot, perhaps it was low season. The lake is a beautiful turquoise blue and the little hike up the top of the rocks gave us a nice view from above. Would highly recommend the hike if you’re somewhat physically capable.

Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever been to! The lake is serene and the powder blue water is absolutely surreal! The mountain range surrounding the lake looks like jagged arrowheads and adds a great dynamic to this wonderful place. It does get crowded and people will definitely get in the way of pictures. It was surprising how easy it was to get here from the parking lot. That being said the parking lot fills up quick and they close down the road when it fills up so get there as soon as you can. We tried going multiple times and only got in once due to the closures so keep that in mind. Of all the places I visited in Canada I would put this up on the list due to the sheer beauty of this lake!

One of the most photographed, most viewed, most visited lakes in the world and it is not an exaggeration. First the Logistics: You can pretty much take it for granted that even if you plan to reach the lake by your car by 5 AM, you will not get the parking. Additionally, I came to know that from this year (2022), Parks Canada has completely stopped allowing the cars. They also started paid-for shuttle buses. The price is not bad at all. You go to the Parks Canada website, pay $8 and pick a time slot and viola! You are in business. Peak summer time sees at least one bus every 15 minutes making trips between the parking lot (where you park your car, which is Lake Louise Village), Lake Louise parking, and Moraine Lake parking. And you can do any combination throughout the day. Now, the lake itself. There is a reason it is most viewed and most photographed. If you arrive there in a sunny day, your day is made. Climb up the small hill (you will know because all the ants (the humans :-) will be heading up that way), locate a nice place, and click away. Bluest of the blue colors is what you see of the lake and the 10 peaks (it's called the valley of 10 peaks). There comes a time where you are tired of clicking the pictures because you know you cannot capture the sheer beauty of it all. Sit back, relax, enjoy the nature. You won't regret visiting this lake. Warning: You will find that there are many travelers who are inconsiderate and jerks. They scream, they cut you off, and what not. Just ignore and enjoy the moments. Cheers!

Gorgeous lake! A must see. We visited in early July weather was beautiful. Attempted to go earlier in day but access was blocked due to lack of parking availability. Returned later in day. Parking lot wasn't too crowded in late afternoon. Beautiful place for photos when the crowds leave the waters edge.