Looking for the absolute best things to do at Moraine Lake? It’s easy to see why this stunning spot is the most photographed lake in the world! The iconic Ten Peaks surround a bright, large body of blue water. This spectacular view captivates tourists from all walks of life. There’s a reason couples seek to get married here. In fact, Banff wedding photographers drool over the opportunity; the view truly sells itself.

However, once you’ve eloped, what comes next? You’ve wrapped up your photography at this expansive, world-famous lake, but you’ve only scratched the surface!

There’s more to Moraine Lake than meets the eye. Let’s dive into all the other fun activities you can explore.

We’ll start with the basics…

Walk the Moraine Lake Shoreline

Take a stroll along the rocky shoreline of Moraine Lake. Touch the frosty, crystal-clear water right before you. Sit and enjoy a snack on a dried, fallen log washed up on shore. Finally, stare upwards in awe at the peaks towering above you!

If you wish, a marked access trail spans the entire right side of the lake. This trail offers sturdier accessibility for walkers. You can easily jut out to the shoreline at many access points along the way for prime photo opportunities.

Take a short hike to the Rock Pile

For a higher vantage point, walk up a series of stairs. You will enjoy stunning views the entire time! Soon, you will reach the famous “Twenty Dollar View.” This spot offers an uninterrupted sight of the lake and the Ten Peaks in a small semi-circle barrier. The vantage point earned its nickname for a historical reason. The Canadian $20 bill (1969–1979 series) proudly featured this exact landscape on its reverse side!

Once you’ve seen this and taken your photos, take a few deep breaths. Then, continue further to the Rock Pile for an even more elevated view. Don’t forget to check out the other side. It is entirely underrated but seriously stunning. You can look back over the beautiful valley you passed to get here!

Canoe on Moraine Lake

So, you’ve seen Moraine Lake from the shore and experienced the bird’s-eye view. Now, it’s time to hit the water! You can rent a canoe and glide along the pristine waters of the lake. Get your arms moving and really take it all in while feeling weightless. The contrast of the colourful canoe against the landscape creates a staple Rocky Mountain experience. It also provides a dream backdrop for any Banff National Park wedding or elopement.

Grab a coffee and a treat

You might have a full day of activity and sightseeing ahead or behind you. Either way, you may develop a real hankering for a sweet treat! Head to Moraine Lake Cafe to get a little pick-up. Do this before heading out on your adventures, or before catching the shuttle back down Moraine Lake Road. Moraine Lake Lodge runs the cafe. If you’re one of the lucky ones staying there, grab a treat before heading back to your room!

Now, a little something for the adventure seekers…

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More Things To Do at Moraine Lake: LET’S GET HIKING!

Consolation Lakes

This trail spans about 6 km with around 200 m of elevation gain. It takes an average of 2 hours to complete. This relatively flat trail will give you views of Panorama Ridge and Quadra Glacier. Best of all, it shows off not one but two glacier-fed lakes.

Note: At certain times of the year, Parks Canada enforces a mandatory 4-person group minimum. Our furry neighbours—grizzly bears—frequently visit this area.

Tower of Babel

Want to take things a step further? Scramble up to the top of the Tower of Babel! Guidebooks consider this hike a difficult climb. It stretches just over 3 km in length and reaches just under 500 m in elevation. This route requires some scramble experience, as you will use all four limbs. It also exposes you directly to the elements. For best practice, wear a helmet and watch out for loose rocks! While not easy, the views are 1000% worth it.

Eiffel Lake + Peak

The way to this stunning alpine lake is about 12 km long with over 600 m of elevation gain. As you meander through this hike, up-close glacier views will grace your path. You will walk alongside the faces of the Valley of the Ten Peaks right up until you arrive at the lake!

Are you more experienced and seeking a grand adventure? Head up to Eiffel Peak! At around 12 km and 1,300 m of elevation, this technical hike requires real skill. Bring a helmet and trekking poles if you wish. Epic views completely pay for all the effort to get to the top!

Larch Valley + Sentinel Pass

Larch Valley is most popular during larch season, of course. It offers stunning golden colours in the fall but still shows off immense beauty all year round. The trail features forested switchbacks that open up to wide-open sub-alpine meadows. Statuesque surrounding peaks tower over the valley! This hike is 8.5 km long with 535 m of elevation gain. This makes it incredibly rewarding and accommodating for the average hiker.

Level up this hike by heading up to Sentinel Pass! This extended route comes in at around 12 km in length and 800 meters of elevation. The hike can take around 5 to 6 hours to complete round trip. Up top, thin Rocky Mountain spires and panoramic views will completely awe you!

And that’s not all… if you’d like to add even more, check out:

Mount Temple

Not for the faint of heart, Mount Temple spans roughly 16.5 km in length. It covers a massive 1,700 m of elevation gain! No other view quite matches the one from the top. However, Temple requires extra time, mountaineering experience, and stamina!

Lastly, do you want an adventure other than a walk, hike, or canoe? Try biking or skiing instead! Every winter from mid-October to June, Parks Canada closes Moraine Lake Road to vehicles. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get there!

Bike or Ski Moraine Lake Road

Moraine Lake Road measures 12 km long. This makes it a total of 24 km out and back! The way in is mostly uphill. Fortunately, a cruisy downhill ride rewards you all the way back to the parking lot! This offers a great way to see the glory of Moraine Lake with a little more effort and a lot fewer people. Pedal that bike or strap on those skis and get ready for a beautiful day of exercise!

These are just a few ideas to bring a little spice to your trip, elopement, proposal, or general photoshoot. If you want it documented, bring the team at Rocky Mountain Photo Co along for the ride!