Morraine Lake is Real.
And so are these pictures.
It certainly didn't seem real when I saw pictures of this magical destination in Alberta, Canada. To have such a striking backdrop of the mountains with the most amazing blue (color-changing) water I've seen, it is a sight to behold.
It was a long countdown to the day my family and I would visit the amazing mountain lake. Morraine Lake, located in Banff National Park situated in the Ten Peaks valley, is considered by many to be the most beautiful lake in the world, and I can certainly understand why.
It might be the most beautiful location I've visited in my life.
Fortunately, we saved and splurged to stay at Morraine Lake Lodge, and I spent many hours just sitting there, admiring this place. Since the sun rose early at 5am and didn't set until 10pm, I found myself exploring every single angle to appreciate how perfect it was.
Morraine Lake is now only accessible via shuttle (or if you stay at Morraine Lake Lodge.) They no longer allow you to park there.
If you're making a special trip to Banff, I recommend spending at least a half day at Moraine Lake, ideally arriving at sunrise. The light is spectacular as it slowly lights up the peaks of the mountain. I got super lucky and saw one of the most spectacular sunrises of my life on the last morning there--camera in (nervous shaking) hand, of course.
I'll state the obvious and say that staying at Morraine Lake Lodge is an indescribable, delectable, bucket list item.
Here's the itinerary I'd recommend:
Take the first shuttle of the day (or a sunrise shuttle if available). Again, personal vehicles are no longer allowed on Moraine Lake Road, so you'll need to use a Parks Canada shuttle, Roam Transit, or a licensed commercial shuttle. Reservations are highly recommended.
Walk the Rockpile Trail first.
- It's only about 5–10 minutes uphill.
- This is the iconic viewpoint you've seen in postcards and calendars.
- Spend 20–30 minutes here, especially if you arrive near sunrise. There will be a big crowd, so just get in the mindset.
Walk the shoreline trail.
- It's an easy, mostly flat path along the lake.
- The reflections of the Valley of the Ten Peaks are incredible in the morning.
Rent a canoe (if it's in your budget).
- It's expensive but my most memorable experience in Banff.
- Early morning usually has the calmest water.
If you enjoy hiking, consider:
- Consolation Lakes (easy to moderate, about 2 hours round trip)
- Larch Valley (excellent in September when the larches turn golden)
- Sentinel Pass (one of the premier hikes in the Canadian Rockies if you're fit)
The first light rays appear over the mountains to reveal the amazing surface and rocks beneath Morraine Lake.
As I explored every surface, I found this beautiful shot from atop the famous rockpile. I loved the way the canoes were scattered about on the shoreline.
The first morning brought a beautiful sunrise that illuminated the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks.
The overcast skies with rain in the forecast allowed me to capture a much quieter and contemplative composition. I think this might be one of my favorites.
It was early in the season as the frozen snow was still filtering into the lake, and I captured the beautiful lakeshore.
Weather moved in to create a dreamy and misty landscape.
As I waited for the morning sun to illuminate the peaks, I experimented with some abstract slow shutter (ICM) photography.
This rare scene of the road leading to Morraine Lake can be captured by only those who bike in or stay at the lodge.
This picture reminds me of a screensaver. Morraine Lake just doesn't look real--but I assure you it is!
The stay at Morraine Lake ended with the most spectacular sunrise I may have ever seen.
No words can describe this moment.
As they weather changed over, it presented me with a magical, ethereal landscape that truly is Morraine Lake.
If these pictures don't sell you on visiting Morraine Lake, I give up ;-) I am forever grateful of this amazing journey to see it.
