Moraine Lake in Banff National Park

Probably one of the most photographed places in the Canadian Rockies, if not the Rockies altogether. Moraine Lake is popular for good reason. It is absolutely beautiful and the views are sublime. While it is a gathering spot for hordes of tourons (tourist+moron) it’s a place you just can’t miss while in Banff National Park. It’s an easy 8 mile drive off the same road that leads to Lake Louise. Parking can definitely be a challenge in summer months. But with our Goldwing, we rode right up to the front and found a great spot. Another reason traveling by motorcycle is awesome.

There are some great hikes in the area, the most popular of which is the short stroll up to the vantage point from which we got our photos. It’s well worn, if only because it offers the best views of the lake and the mountains in the background. Early morning shots are the best, but sunset with a nice sky is pretty awesome too.

There’s a beautiful log cabin lodge at the lake (Lake Moraine Lodge), complete with a cafe and restaurant, both with excellent lake and mountain views! It’s not cheap and it fills up fast, so if you do have plans to visit with an eye on staying there, book well in advance. Good thing is that the hotel offers complimentary buffet breakfast, afternoon coffee and tea, and free canoe rentals if you stay there.

You can also rent kayaks and canoes to paddle the shore of Moraine Lake and get to other vantage points the tourists don’t see. There’s plenty of lake to paddle with incredible views. Early mornings are great with still winds, excellent light, and peaceful natural sounds (or none at all). It’s always good to take a camera as one can often see wildlife including mountain goats/sheep, bear, moose, elk, etc.

Moraine Lake is a must see!