I’ve always dreamed of wandering the wild places in Banff National Park. This year, I finally made it. If you love blue lakes surrounded by huge mountains, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are the true stars—so of course they were both on my list. What no one told me is just how different these two magical spots feel once you arrive. Let me share my story, so you can decide which one calls to you.

My First Look at Lake Louise

I started my adventure at Lake Louise, and wow—nothing really prepares you for that colour. The water is bright turquoise, almost unreal, with the fancy Château Lake Louise hotel perched right on the edge. There were a lot of people around, chatting in every language you can imagine, taking photos, just like me. It was busy but cheerful.

I wandered the easy path along the lake and found a quiet bench to just take it all in. The Victoria Glacier looked massive at the far end, its ice sparkling in the sun. I didn’t try the canoe rentals (they’re pretty expensive), but I watched a few brave rowers float across the cold water. I learned the lake is named after Princess Louise, and the colour comes from sunlight bouncing off tiny bits of rock carried down from the glacier.

Even with the crowds, being there felt special—like joining in a long tradition of travellers seeing the world’s beauty.

The Magic of Moraine Lake

The next morning, I hopped on the shuttle bus to Moraine Lake. You can’t drive there yourself any more, so you have to plan ahead, but the reward is totally worth it. As the bus pulled up, all I saw were sharp, wild mountains wrapping around a deep blue lake. The air felt cooler and quieter.

Early morning is the best time here. I hiked up the Rockpile Trail for the classic view that was once on the Canadian $20 bill. From up there, the world felt perfectly peaceful—the ten peaks lit up by sunrise, their reflections shining in the calm water. The colours of the lake shift with sunlight; sometimes blue, sometimes almost green.

No big hotels or busy paths—just me, a few photographers, and nature in all its glory. It felt like a secret, wild spot, apart from everything else.

Choosing Between Two Gems (Lake Louise vs Moraine Lake)

If you’re planning your own Banff trip, here’s what I learned: Lake Louise is easier and has lots of comforts. Moraine Lake is wilder and quieter, with jaw-dropping views—and a bit more adventure to reach. If you have time, do both! But if you must pick, decide whether you want comfort and classic scenes, or raw nature and peace.

Here are some fun facts I picked up:

• Both lakes are glacier-fed and always cold—no swimming here!
• Lake Louise was named for a princess; Moraine Lake’s famous view was once on Canada’s $20 note.
• Moraine Lake is higher up and only open in the summer months.

Leaving Banff, I thought about how lucky I was to visit both lakes. Each gave me something: Lake Louise, a place to join travellers from all over the world; Moraine Lake, a quiet moment of wonder under sunrise peaks. I hope you get to have your own adventure and see what makes each lake so unforgettable.

Happy travels!