Destination

Moraine Lake 2027 Guide: Access, Shuttles, Dates & Tours

Promotional banner for the Moraine Lake 2027 Complete Visitor Guide featuring a hiker overlooking the lake and photo cards for canoe rentals, hikes, and travel tips

Moraine Lake is a glacier-fed lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, 14 km above the village of Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta. In this Moraine Lake 2027 guide, you’ll find the one rule that shapes every visit: you can’t drive your own car there at any time of year, so you’ll need a shuttle seat, a transit pass, a bike, or a guided tour to get in.

We run day trips to the lake from Calgary, Canmore, and Banff, and these are the questions our guests ask most. Below you’ll find the expected 2027 season, every shuttle option side by side, real costs in CAD, the best photo spots, the hikes worth your time, and honest advice on choosing a tour. If you’re still deciding when to travel, our guide to the best time to visit Moraine Lake goes deeper on months and light.

Facts at a Glance

DetailWhat you need to know
LocationValley of the Ten Peaks, Banff National Park, Alberta (not BC)
Distance14 km from Lake Louise village · about 200 km from Calgary
ElevationAbout 1,884 m above sea level
Maximum depthAbout 14 m
Expected 2027 seasonAround June 1 to mid-October, weather permitting (Parks Canada confirms each spring)
2026 seasonParks Canada shuttles ran June 1 to October 12, 2026
Personal vehiclesNot allowed on Moraine Lake Road, year-round
Parks Canada shuttle (2026 fares)$12.75 adult, $6 senior, $4 youth, return, plus a reservation fee
Park passRequired; $12.25 per adult per day in 2026, youth 17 and under free
FacilitiesPit toilets; no cell service, running water, or lighting at the day-use area
Booking needed?Yes. Shuttle seats and tours sell out in summer and larch season

Where Is Moraine Lake? Location, Elevation and Why It’s So Blue

Snow-capped peaks reflecting in turquoise water at twilight from the Moraine Lake Rockpile viewpoint

The lake sits in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, at the end of a 14 km road that branches off Lake Louise Drive. It is about 58 km northwest of the Town of Banff and roughly two hours west of Calgary by highway. It is not in British Columbia, although the BC border at Kicking Horse Pass is only a short drive away.

You’ll see it written as Moraine Lake, Lake Moraine or, in French, Lac Moraine (and misspelled as “Morraine Lake” more often than you’d think). It’s the same small lake: about 50 hectares of water at roughly 1,884 m, with a maximum depth of about 14 m.

Why Is Moraine Lake So Blue?

The colour comes from rock flour. Glaciers above the lake grind bedrock into fine silt, meltwater carries it into the lake, and the suspended particles scatter sunlight, which is why the water glows turquoise rather than looking dark like most mountain lakes. Because the lake is fed mostly by snow and glacier melt, it doesn’t reach its full level until mid to late June, and the colour is usually richest from July onward.

The Valley of the Ten Peaks and the “Twenty-Dollar View”

The jagged wall behind the water is the Valley of the Ten Peaks, a row of summits that includes Mount Fay, Deltaform Mountain and Wenkchemna Peak. The view from the Rockpile appeared on the back of Canada’s 1969 and 1979 twenty-dollar bills, which is why locals still call it the Twenty-Dollar View.

The lake’s name is a small geological mix-up. Early visitors assumed the Rockpile at the north end was a glacial moraine; it is now generally thought to be debris from a rockslide.

Banff National Park lies within Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples including the Stoney Nakoda, the Blackfoot Confederacy and the Tsuut’ina Nation, whose connection to these valleys long predates the park.

Moraine Lake 2027 Season: Opening and Closing Dates

The lake is closed for the rest of 2026. Parks Canada shuttles ran from June 1 to October 12, 2026, and Moraine Lake Road is now in its winter state. Based on recent seasons, the road should reopen to shuttles and licensed operators around June 1, 2027, weather permitting. Parks Canada usually confirms the dates and the reservation launch in spring.

If you’re searching “is Moraine Lake open today” or “is Moraine Lake open now”, check the Parks Canada Lake Louise and Moraine Lake transit page on the day. Late snow can delay the opening, as it has in heavy-snowpack years, and an early storm can cut the autumn short.

Best Tour company in Banff

Book in Advance

Don’t want to juggle shuttle release times, park passes, and a 2-hour mountain drive? Our guides handle the transport and include your park entry.

When Does Moraine Lake Open and Close?

The pattern since the personal vehicle ban began in 2023 has been consistent: opening on or near June 1 and closing around Canadian Thanksgiving in mid-October. In 2026, the last shuttle day was Monday, October 12, which was Thanksgiving Monday. Plan 2027 dates around that window, but don’t book flights around a specific closing date until Parks Canada publishes it.

Is Moraine Lake Open in May?

No. Moraine Lake Road stays closed to shuttles and buses through May, and the lake is normally still frozen. If you’re in the area in May, Lake Louise is your best bet: the Parks Canada shuttle to the Lake Louise Lakeshore started on May 15 in 2026.

Is Moraine Lake Frozen Right Now?

From roughly November to early June, expect ice and snow. The lake typically thaws in June, and early-June visitors often see a mix of ice and open water. That partial-ice look has its own appeal, but the famous turquoise usually needs a few more weeks.

Season-by-Season Overview

PeriodRoad and shuttle statusWhat it’s like
Mid-October to MayClosed to shuttles; groomed winter trail on the lower roadFrozen lake, deep snow, avalanche terrain near the lake
Early to mid-JuneShuttles runningIce breaking up, snow on upper trails, fewer crowds
Late June to AugustPeak seasonFull turquoise colour, warmest weather, busiest weeks
SeptemberPeak larch season later in the monthCool mornings, golden larches, very high demand
Early OctoberFinal weeksPossible snow, short days, last shuttles around Thanksgiving

Moraine Lake Access: Can You Drive There in 2027?

No. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round, and nothing announced so far suggests that will change for 2027. The only vehicles allowed on the road are Parks Canada shuttles, licensed commercial operators with a Moraine Lake Road licence, and registered guests of Moraine Lake Lodge.

The rule came in on June 1, 2023, after years of chaos. Parks Canada says the change removed roughly 900 cars a day from a road that runs through the Fairview wildlife corridor, and before the ban, thousands of vehicles a day were being turned away once the small lot filled.

Is There Parking at Moraine Lake?

There is no public parking for visitors at the lake, and no accessible parking either. Instead, Parks Canada shuttle riders park free at the Lake Louise Park and Ride (Lake Louise Ski Resort, 1 Whitehorn Road), where vehicles can enter between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Accessibility

Visitors with mobility needs can use Parks Canada’s accessible shuttle. Show your pre-purchased shuttle ticket at Park and Ride check-in and ask for an accessible vehicle. They’re dispatched on demand, each one holds up to two wheelchairs, and Parks Canada sets a maximum wait of 30 minutes. The accessible service isn’t offered on the early Alpine Start shuttle. At the lake, the shoreline near the lodge is the easiest ground; the Rockpile has stairs and rough steps.

Can You Bike or Hike to Moraine Lake?

Yes, with caveats. You can bike Moraine Lake Road, including on pedal-assist e-bikes, but it’s about 14 km uphill one way with steady bus traffic from June to October, and there are bike racks at the lake (bring a lock). Experienced riders can also use the Moraine Lake Highline Trail, which starts 2.5 km up the road.

Walking is a different story. Parks Canada doesn’t recommend hiking up from the village: the route is about 14 km one way with 527 m of elevation gain and no pathway along the road.

Moraine Lake 2027 Shuttle Options

Shuttles are the backbone of every visit. Here’s how each option works, using the 2026 rules as the baseline for 2027.

Golden sunrise illuminating the Valley of the Ten Peaks above the calm turquoise waters of Moraine Lake.

Parks Canada Shuttle (Best Value)

The Parks Canada shuttle leaves the Lake Louise Park and Ride every 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last return from the lake at 7:30 p.m. One ticket covers Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, the Lake Connector bus between the two lakes, and your ride back. The Lake Connector runs every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and its last run back from the lake leaves at 6 p.m.

How booking worked in 2026:

  • Reservations opened April 15, 2026, at 8 a.m. MDT through the Parks Canada Reservation Service (1-877-737-3783).
  • 40% of seats went on sale that day. The other 60% were released at 8 a.m. MDT two days before each departure.
  • A non-refundable reservation fee of $3.50 online or $5.50 by phone applies per booking, for up to 10 seats.
  • You choose a one-hour departure window and must check in at the Park and Ride kiosk during it.

Expect a similar launch in spring 2027, and set an alarm. Morning slots in July, August, and late September go fast.

Alpine Start Shuttle (Sunrise)

Parks Canada’s Alpine Start runs daily at 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. from the Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot, not the Park and Ride. You pay to park at the Lakeshore, and that fee isn’t included in the ticket. It’s built for climbers and long-day hikers, but it’s also the cheapest way to see sunrise at the lake. Our Moraine Lake sunrise access guide covers timing in detail.

Roam Transit Super Pass (From Banff, No Car)

If you’re staying in Banff, Roam’s Reservable Super Pass bundles a reserved round trip on Route 8X from Banff to the Lake Louise Lakeshore with the Parks Canada Lake Connector to Moraine Lake. In 2026, it costs $30 for adults and $15 for seniors and youth 13 to 18, with children 12 and under free but still needing a reservation, plus a $3 booking fee. You must start in Banff; the last connector to Moraine Lake left the Lakeshore at 4:30 p.m.

Licensed Commercial Shuttles

Several licensed companies run shuttles from Lake Louise, and some pick up in Banff or Canmore. They cost more than Parks Canada, but you get extra departure times, sunrise runs, and, with some operators, bookable return times. Banff & Lake Louise Tourism keeps a current list of licensed Moraine Lake shuttle providers.

Guided Tours

A guided tour is the easiest option for visitors without a car or anyone coming from Calgary or Canmore. You don’t deal with seat releases, Park and Ride check-in, or the park gate, and most tours pair the lake with Lake Louise and other stops. More on tour choices below.

Shuttle Options Compared

OptionStarts from2026 price (adult)Best forWatch out for
Parks Canada shuttleLake Louise Park and Ride$12.75 return + reservation feeDrivers on a budgetSeat releases sell out; you still need a car to reach the Park and Ride
Alpine StartLake Louise LakeshoreSame fare + Lakeshore parkingSunrise, long hikes4 a.m. or 5 a.m. only; not wheelchair accessible
Roam Super PassBanff town$30Banff stays without a carMust start in Banff; online only; limited seats
Commercial shuttleLake Louise (some from Banff/Canmore)Higher, varies by operatorFlexible timing, sunrisePrice varies by time and date
Guided day tourCalgary, Canmore, BanffFrom $129 with Banff Trip PlannerNo car, first-time visitorsSet time at each stop

Moraine Lake Directions From Calgary, Canmore and Banff

Every route funnels through Lake Louise. Take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west, exit at Lake Louise, and follow the signs to the Lake Louise Ski Resort for the Park and Ride. You’ll need a valid park pass the moment you enter Banff National Park at the east gate near Canmore.

Starting pointApprox. distance to Lake LouiseApprox. drive timeThen
Calgary (city or YYC)183 to 200 kmAbout 2 hoursShuttle from the Park and Ride, 14 km to the lake
CanmoreAbout 80 kmAbout 1 hourSame
Banff town58 km40 to 45 minutesOr Roam 8X with a Super Pass

Canmore to Lake Moraine is the trickiest trip without a car, because Roam’s Super Pass only works if you board in Banff. That’s one reason our Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttle guide compares the Canmore options separately.

Coming from Calgary or Canmore? Our Banff and Yoho day tour picks up at 7:30 a.m. at the Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown, 9:10 a.m. in Canmore, and 9:40 a.m. in Banff, with national park entry included and small groups of up to 14. Book Your Seat

What Does a Visit Cost in 2027?

Parks Canada adjusts most fees every two years, and the last adjustment took effect on January 1, 2026, so 2026 prices are the best guide for 2027. Confirm before you go.

Cost2026 price (CAD)Notes
Park pass, daily$12.25 adult · $10.75 senior · $24.50 family/group · youth freeValid until 4 p.m. the next day
Parks Canada Discovery Pass$83.50 adult · $71.50 senior · $167.50 family/groupWorth it for longer trips
Parks Canada shuttle$12.75 adult · $6 senior · $4 youth (return)Plus $3.50 online reservation fee
Roam Super Pass$30 adult · $15 senior/youthPlus $3 booking fee
Canoe rentalFrom $160 plus tax per canoe, per hourFirst come, first served; mid-June to mid-September
Banff Trip Planner day tourFrom $129 per personPark entry included

Do You Need a Moraine Lake Pass in 2027?

There’s no separate “Moraine Lake pass”. You need two things: a Parks Canada park pass for every person (or one family/group pass per vehicle) and a way in, meaning a shuttle ticket, a Super Pass, or a tour. Park admission isn’t included in shuttle fares.

Free summer admission under the Canada Strong Pass ran from June 19 to September 7, 2026. A renewal for summer 2027 was proposed in the November 2026 federal budget but wasn’t final when we wrote this; our Canada Strong Pass 2027 guide tracks it. Even in free periods, shuttles, parking, and tours are still paid.

Best Photography Locations at Moraine Lake

Most people take one photo from the top of the Rockpile and leave. Spend an extra hour, and you’ll come home with a much better set.

1. The Rockpile Summit

This is the Twenty-Dollar View. The loop to the top is short (about 0.7 km with roughly 35 m of climbing) but steep in places. At sunrise, the peaks catch pink and orange light while the water stays calm. Get there early to claim a spot on the upper ledges, and stay on the marked trail and viewing areas.

2. The Lower Rockpile Ledges

Halfway up, the angle drops closer to the water, so the reflection fills more of the frame. It’s quieter, and the logs at the lake outlet make strong foreground lines.

3. The Canoe Dock

From mid-June to mid-September, the rows of canoes at the lodge dock add colour and scale. Shoot from the shoreline path just past the dock, looking toward the peaks.

4. The Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail

This flat path runs about 1.3 km along the west shore. Partway along, turn back toward the Rockpile for a view few people shoot, and look for calm bays where the peaks reflect cleanly in the morning.

5. Larch Valley Switchbacks

In late September, the climb toward Larch Valley gives you gold larches in the foreground and the Ten Peaks behind them. It’s the defining Moraine Lake fall shot.

Photo Tips

  • Timing: Sunrise and the first two hours after it bring the calmest water. Midday sun brings out the strongest turquoise.
  • Lenses: A wide-angle covers the full Rockpile scene; a short telephoto picks out individual peaks and canoes.
  • Polarizer: It cuts surface glare and deepens the colour, but don’t overdo it on the sky.
  • Drones: Recreational drones aren’t permitted in national parks without Parks Canada authorization.

Hikes at Lake Moraine and Other Activities

Hiking at Moraine Lake ranges from a 20-minute stroll to a full alpine day. Distances below are one-way unless noted, with times for the round trip.

TrailDistanceRound-trip timeDifficultyGroup access rule?
Rockpile0.7 km loopAbout 30 minutesEasy, some stairsNo
Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail1.3 kmAbout 45 minutesEasyNo
Consolation Lakes2.9 kmAbout 2 hoursEasy to moderate, rocky endYes, in season
Larch Valley4.5 km3.5 to 4 hoursModerate, steady climbYes, in season
Eiffel Lake5.7 km4 to 5 hoursModerateYes, in season
Sentinel PassVia Larch Valley4.5 to 5.5 hoursChallenging, steep final climbYes, in season

Larch Valley and the Group-of-Four Rule

Larch Valley is the showpiece hike here, and in the second half of September the alpine larches turn gold. It’s also prime bear habitat. When Parks Canada’s group access restriction is in effect, often from mid-July to mid-October, hikers must travel in a tight group of four or more on Consolation Lakes, Larch Valley, Sentinel Pass, Eiffel Lake, Wenkchemna Pass and Paradise Valley. The Rockpile and lakeshore trails aren’t affected. Solo hikers often team up at the trailhead.

Canoeing

Moraine Lake Lodge rents canoes from mid-June to mid-September, from $160 plus tax per canoe for one hour, with two to three people per canoe. There are no reservations, and the dock can close in high winds. The lake is a Parks Canada Water Preservation Zone, so you can’t launch your own canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.

Can You Swim in Moraine Lake?

You can, but very few people do. The water stays only a few degrees above freezing even in August, and cold shock can hit within seconds. Wading at the shoreline is as far as we’d go.

Biking Moraine Lake Road

Biking Moraine Lake Road is an option from late spring through the shuttle season. It’s a steady climb with buses on the road, so ride early or late. Biking is banned on part of the Highline Trail when the group access rule is on.

For gentler options around the region, see our list of Banff’s easy hiking trails.

Moraine Lake Weather and Temperature

Weather in Moraine Lake country changes fast. The nearest Parks Canada climate figures are for Lake Louise village at 1,524 m; the lake sits about 360 m higher, so expect it to be a few degrees cooler.

MonthAvg high (°C)Avg low (°C)What to expect at the lake
June17.22.1Ice-out, cool mornings, snow on high trails
July20.43.6Warmest month, afternoon storms possible
August20.13.1Warm days, chilly sunrises, possible wildfire smoke
September14.3-0.8Frosty mornings, larches, first snow possible
October7.9-5.3Snow likely, short days

Source: Parks Canada climate averages for the Village of Lake Louise.

For the live Moraine Lake weather forecast, use Environment Canada’s forecast for Lake Louise and check the morning of your trip. Even in July, a sunrise visit can start near freezing.

What to pack: a warm layer and toque for sunrise, a rain shell, sturdy shoes for the Rockpile, sunscreen, water, snacks, and bear spray if you’re hiking beyond the lakeshore. Our travel kit list has the full checklist.

Planning Essentials: Food, Facilities, Safety and Cell Service

Moraine Lake Food and Facilities

The day-use area has pit toilets and nothing else: no running water, no lighting and no Wi-Fi. The lodge offers some food and day-visit services in season, but hours and options change, so don’t count on them. Bring lunch and water. Samson Mall in Lake Louise village is the closest place to stock up.

No Cell Service

There’s no cell service at the lake. Reception returns about 5 km down the road. Screenshot your shuttle confirmation and agree on a meeting point before you split up.

Wildlife and Safety

Grizzly and black bears use the valley, which is why the group rules exist. Carry bear spray on any trail past the lakeshore, make noise, and never approach wildlife. Our guide to wildlife viewing ethics in Banff explains safe distances.

Don’t Miss the Last Bus

If you miss the final shuttle, you’re on your own. There’s no taxi service on Moraine Lake Road, and you’d have to arrange and pay for licensed on-call transport.

Where to Stay Nearby

Moraine Lake Lodge is the only accommodation at the lake. It’s a seasonal, high-end lodge; registered guests are allowed to drive the road, and overnight guests have had complimentary canoe use. Reservations for 2027 are open, and minimum-night stays apply across all room types. There’s no camping at the lake.

For most travellers, Lake Louise village, Banff, or Canmore is the practical base. Check our Lake Louise from Calgary guide if you’re weighing a day trip against an overnight stay.

Moraine Lake vs Lake Louise: Which Should You Prioritize?

If you can only see one, we’d pick Moraine for sheer drama: the Ten Peaks rise straight out of the water, and the Rockpile gives you a raised view Lake Louise doesn’t have. Lake Louise is easier to reach, has more trails (including the Lake Agnes Teahouse), and offers far more services.

You don’t have to choose. One Parks Canada shuttle ticket covers both lakes through the Lake Connector, and most guided tours include both. Our Lake Louise vs Moraine Lake tours comparison breaks it down.

Moraine LakeLake Louise
Can you drive there?NoYes, with paid parking
Signature viewRockpile over the Ten PeaksVictoria Glacier from the shore
CanoeingYes, mid-June to mid-SeptemberYes, in summer
Winter visitNot practicalYes, skating and winter trails
CrowdsConcentrated on the RockpileSpread along a busy shoreline

Moraine Lake Tour Choices With Banff Trip Planner

Booking a Moraine Lake tour for 2027 takes the shuttle maths off your plate. Here’s how our options fit different travellers.

Self-Drive vs Guided Tour

Self-drive + Parks Canada shuttleGuided tour from Calgary/Canmore/Banff
Cost for one adultLowest (fuel + pass + $12.75 fare)Higher, but transport and park entry included
Booking stressHigh; seats release in batchesLow; one booking
Time at the lakeFlexibleSet by the itinerary
Mountain drivingYes, about 2 hours each way from CalgaryNo
Extra stopsUp to youLake Louise, Emerald Lake, Johnston Canyon and more

Not sure which fits? Our team can help on the contact page.

Mistakes to Avoid on Your Visit

  • Driving to the lake: Moraine Lake Road is closed to cars. Head straight to the Lake Louise Park and Ride instead.
  • Parking at the Lake Louise Lakeshore for a regular shuttle: Only Alpine Start riders board there. Regular shuttles start and end at the Park and Ride.
  • Forgetting the park pass: Shuttle tickets don’t include park admission.
  • Missing the 60% release: If launch day sells out, log in at 8 a.m. Mountain Time, two days before your date.
  • Hiking solo on restricted trails: When group access is in effect, groups of four or more aren’t optional.
  • Underdressing for sunrise: Mornings near freezing are normal, even in summer.
  • Leaving no buffer for the last bus: Aim to queue 30 to 60 minutes before the final departure.

Moraine Lake FAQs

Is Lake Moraine open in 2026?

For the rest of 2026, no. Shuttles ran from June 1 to October 12, 2026. Moraine Lake Road is now closed for winter and should reopen around June 1, 2027.

What is the best month to visit Moraine Lake?

Early September is our pick: the lake is fully thawed, summer crowds ease, and larches turn gold later in the month. July and August bring the warmest hiking weather.

How much does it cost to stay at Moraine Lake?

Moraine Lake Lodge is the only place to sleep at the lake, and its rooms sit firmly in luxury territory. For 2027, minimum-night stays apply. Lake Louise village costs less.

Is Moraine Lake hard to get to?

Not hard, but it takes planning. You can’t drive there, so book a Parks Canada shuttle, a Roam Super Pass, a commercial shuttle, or a guided tour well ahead.

Which is nicer, Lake Louise or Moraine Lake?

We find Moraine Lake more dramatic, thanks to the Valley of the Ten Peaks and the Rockpile view. Lake Louise is easier to reach, with more facilities and trails.

How many hours to spend at Moraine Lake?

Plan two to three hours for the Rockpile, lakeshore trail, and photos. Add a canoe paddle or the Larch Valley hike, and you’ll want four to six hours.

Can I just drive to Moraine Lake?

No. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. Only Parks Canada shuttles, licensed commercial operators, and registered Moraine Lake Lodge guests may drive the road.

How long is the walk to Lake Moraine?

From the shuttle drop-off, the shore is steps away, and the Rockpile viewpoint is about 10 minutes. Walking from Lake Louise village is 14 km uphill, which Parks Canada discourages.

Can you swim in Moraine Lake?

Swimming isn’t banned, but the glacier-fed water stays only a few degrees above freezing all summer. Cold shock is a real risk, so most visitors simply wade at the shoreline.

How deep is Moraine Lake?

Moraine Lake reaches a maximum depth of about 14 m. It covers roughly 50 hectares and sits at an elevation of about 1,884 m in Banff National Park.

Is Moraine Lake in BC or Alberta?

Moraine Lake is in Alberta, inside Banff National Park, about 14 km from Lake Louise village. The British Columbia border at Kicking Horse Pass is a short drive west.

When does Moraine Lake open in 2027?

Parks Canada hasn’t published dates for the Moraine Lake 2027 season yet. Recent seasons opened June 1 and closed in mid-October, with shuttle reservations launching each spring.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Moraine Lake in 2027

Moraine Lake 2027 will reward the people who plan: book your shuttle or tour early, sort your park pass, and give yourself time beyond the Rockpile for the lakeshore, a canoe, or Larch Valley. If you’d rather skip the logistics, our guides will get you there from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff.

Ready to see the Ten Peaks for yourself? Check Tour Dates. See you on the Rockpile.

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