Banff National Park is a place of unparalleled beauty, but nothing quite compares to a day spent at Moraine Lake. Nestled in the heart of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this turquoise lake is a gem, more vibrant and serene than the famous Lake Louise. Smaller in size and only accessible by shuttle, Moraine Lake offers a quieter, more intimate experience for those willing to plan ahead.

Shuttling to Moraine Lake

Reaching Moraine Lake requires a bit of strategy. The only way to get there is by booking a shuttle, all of which depart from the Lake Louise shuttle area. While you can certainly show up and book a same-day ride, it’ll set you back $99 CAD (~$72 USD) per person.

The most economical way is through Parks Canada, where you can book months in advance—or, like us, you can race against hundreds of others for last-minute spots. These reservations open at 8 AM two days before your desired visit. While spots quickly book up, persistence pays off. After 30 minutes of refreshing the page on Sunday, Stephen snagged two spots for Tuesday for just $19 CAD (~$13 USD).

Arriving at Moraine Lake

When our shuttle pulled up to the lake on Tuesday, the first thing that hit us was the crowd. Families, tourists, and adventurers swarmed the area, each vying for a moment with the lake’s stunning blue waters.

And it’s no wonder everyone was here. The second thing that caught our attention was the unique color of the water. It had to be the prettiest shade of blue I’ve ever seen!

The color of the lake is a result of glacier meltwater, which carries finely ground rock particles known as “rock flour.” These particles remain suspended in the water, scattering sunlight and creating that surreal turquoise hue.

Before setting off on our hike, we took advantage of the concession area to refill our water bottles and use the pit toilets—important since there are no facilities or running water on the trail. We then began our walk around the lake, navigating through families, many of whom were negotiating canoe rentals at a hefty $160 CAD (~$118 USD). The scene was chaotic, but as soon as we started up the trail to Larch Valley, the noise and crowds faded away.

That’s one thing we have learned about visiting national parks. Crowds want to see the easy sites, capture the pics that you can get online, especially families with young kids. The moment you step onto any trail, the crowds significantly thin out. Granted, hiking is not for everyone but I’ve always found the additional adventure to be highly rewarding.

The Hike to Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass

We started along the west side of the lake, past the Moraine Lake lodge and small mountain cabins. Side stepping families begging for canoe rides and various tourists speaking in all kinds of languages, we quickly found the upward turnoff for Larch Valley. The trail to Larch Valley is a moderately challenging one, spanning 4.5 km (2.6 miles) with an elevation gain of 535 meters (1,755 feet).

The ascension was challenging but was pleasantly spotted with views of the ten peaks above us and the turquoise water below, as blue as Stephen’s hat!

Larch Valley was exquisite. The larches are best known for turning gold in the fall, but our summer view was still epic. It felt like I had been transported to the majestic Swiss Alps.

While Larch Valley is a stunning destination on its own, we had our sights set on Sentinel Pass. This part of the hike is more challenging, with an additional 1.5 km (0.9 miles) of steep switchbacks that ascend 190 meters (623 feet) up the valley wall.

If you look closely, you can see the zig zagging trail etched into the mountain wall between the peaks.

The trail is rocky and can be tricky, especially if there’s lingering snow, but the effort is well worth it. From the pass, you’re treated to a unique perspective of the Ten Peaks and a view into the next valley called Paradise, a reward that feels almost otherworldly.

We spent a good while at the top, enjoying our packed salad lunches, engaging in deep conversation, and soaking in the solitude since even fewer people dared climb this far. For a while we even had the entire place to ourselves—well, almost. A curious chipmunk kept us company, persistently sniffing around our bags in hopes of a snack.

A Refreshing Dip

Descending from Sentinel Pass was quicker, and by the time we reached the bottom, we were exhausted. It was time for a refreshing dip in Moraine Lake to soothe our aching joints. With the water averaging 10°C (50°F) in the summer, I don’t recommend this for everyone. Even the canoe rentals come equipped with life jackets and an emergency whistle in case you capsize in reportedly “hypothermic waters”.

Signs around the lake also warned of the hypothermic temperatures, but we were undeterred. While most people would think twice about swimming in water this cold, we’ve been practicing cold plunges for a while now. Stephen managed two quick dips, and I stayed in for a solid two minutes, just long enough to feel the heat and swelling in my knees to melt away.

Scenic Finale: The Rockpile

Before heading back to the shuttle, we made one last stop: the Rockpile. The hike to Larch Valley doesn’t offer a full view of the lake like this one. But this short, steep 250-meter trek up a series of stairs leads to a viewpoint that offers the most iconic view. The lake’s vibrant blue color is even more striking from above, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the area.

The color of the lake is a result of glacier meltwater, which carries finely ground rock particles known as “rock flour.” These particles remain suspended in the water, scattering sunlight and creating that surreal turquoise hue.

Wrapping Up the Day

We shuttled back to the Lake Louise Park & Ride where chilled beverages awaited us in the Tesla fridge. We changed our clothes and drove into Banff for an EV charge and a meal. We dined at Zyka, a local spot that boasts “the best Indian food outside of India.”

It was the perfect way to cap off a day filled with natural beauty and physical challenge. Back at our campsite, we drifted off to sleep, already dreaming of our next adventure in Banff.

Moraine Lake and the hike to Sentinel Pass were the highlights of our time in Banff. The journey, the challenges, and the rewards all combined to create an experience that was as memorable as it was breathtaking. If you’re planning a trip to Banff, make sure to include Moraine Lake on your itinerary—it’s an adventure you won’t soon forget!