Canada's Most Iconic View

Canoe on Moraine Lake

It’s one of Canada’s most famous and iconic views. Snowcapped mountains, postcard perfect evergreen trees, a turquoise lake as clear and magical as the teardrop of a fairy. Moraine Lake is one of the must-see stops on the Icefields Parkway, deserving of its own entry, especially if you can hop aboard a canoe to paddle into its scenic glory.

Length of Trip : 60-90 minutes for the canoe, a weekend if you’re overnighting in the lodge.

Cost : Canoeing is complimentary if you spend the night at the Lodge. Follow the links for accommodation rates and special packages.

Best time to go : June to September

Wheelchair friendly : Yes

Family friendly : Yes

Where to eat : The highly-rated Walter Wilcox Dining Room is located within the Moraine Lake Lodge. Signature dishes include buffalo carpaccio with roasted pine nuts and deer tenderloin with red currants and juniper berries.

Official Site : http://www.morainelake.com/

Where to Stay : The only accommodation on the lake is the highly-rated Moraine Lake Lodge. Skip the crowds and parking woes and treat yourself to one of their packages. The Lodge is open June to early October.

Getting There : When you turn off Highway 1 towards Lake Louise Village, follow the road until you see signs for Moraine Lake, taking an access road. Stay on the road for about 11kms until you reach the parking lot. There is also a seasonal shuttle in summer from Lake Louise Village to Moraine Lake.

Note from Robin : For that iconic view, follow the signs to the Rockpile. It’s a short, easy hike from the parking lot. Watch out for the squirrels, chipmunks, marmots and birds. The Lake gets really busy in summer. By mid-morning, the parking lot is usually full. Note that the access road is closed in winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanche danger.

Great Canadian Trails