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Nestled between the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Moraine Lake is truly one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. Visiting Moraine Lake in May is breathtaking since that is when the lake begins to thaw and reveal its signature turquoise waters, sitting amongst the peaks and snow. This naturally formed lake is situated in the valley of ten peaks. May is really the best time to view the transition from winter to spring, and you can expect fewer crowds as nature opens her spectacle to enthral you.
Quick Details
Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Elevation: 1,884 meters / 6,181 feet
Temperature In May: 5°C to 15°C during Daytime; -5°C to -0°C during Nighttime
Best Time To Visit: May – September
Accessibility: Open late May to mid-October due to snow and road conditions
Location
Photo: Justine Milton / Wikimedia Commons
Moraine Lake is found in Alberta, Canada, in the Banff National Park area, about 14 kilometres second from the village of Lake Louise and a good 70 kilometres from Banff. The Valley of the Ten Peaks is where the lake has its abode at roughly 1,884 m tall. An easy access point to the lake is via the Moraine Lake Road, which branches off from the Trans-Canada Highway near Lake Louise.
How To Reach
Photo: Milan Suvajac / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: Road access to the lake is by way of the Trans-Canada Highway / Highway 1 from Calgary to Lake Louise, from where a 14 km drive on Moraine Lake Road goes straight up to the lake.
By Train: Alternatively, while no direct train goes to the lake, one can use the services of the Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver, which travels to either Banff or Lake Louise, from where car rentals, taxis, and shuttles can access the lake.
By Air: The nearest airport is Calgary International Airport, it is about 195 km from Moraine Lake. Rent a car from the airport, take an airport shuttle to Banff, or go to Lake Louise thereafter.
3 Fun Things To Do At Moraine Lake In May
Here are three fun things to do at Moraine Lake in May, from scenic hikes to canoeing and witnessing the lake thaw:
1. Witness The Thawing Of The Lake
Photo: Dylannother / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the province of Alberta, bordered by the Rocky Mountains, Moraine Lake begins its thawing in May. It is famous for its staggering contrast between the vast expanse of ice floating on the herculean deep blue waters of the lake. It is time to enjoy the marvellous reflections of the Ten Peaks as the lake does not usually get relieved of ice until after the third week of May, offering great opportunities for stunning photography.
2. Enjoy Hiking Trails
Photo: Kimberly Vardeman / Wikimedia Commons
May offers an excellent opportunity to contemplate the hiking trails around Moraine Lake. A few trails may still be covered with snow, although most of them begin slowly to clear, revealing breathtaking panoramic views. Best Trails include Rockpile Trail. A short and easy hike and Consolation Lakes Trail a moderate hike which is more popular among tourists. The best experiences here are stunning viewpoints, peaceful nature walks, and communion with nature.
3. Canoeing On Moraine Lake And Visiting The Rockpile Viewpoint
Photo: Scruffdog1 / Wikimedia Commons
If the lake has sufficient thaw, canoeing becomes an option in late May. It is one of the most popular activities around Moraine Lake. It’s a good way to interact with the beauty of the lake from a different perspective. The price ranges from ₹6,000 – 7,500 per canoe. The best experiences include peaceful paddling, unique viewpoints of the lake, and enjoying the calm waters. The Rockpile Viewpoint provides the ideal panoramic photograph of Moraine Lake in May. It is an easy hike and a must for the best pictures of this iconic location.
5 Places To Visit Near Moraine Lake In May
Visit the following places near Moraine Lake in May and explore other must-visit places in the region:
1. Lake Louise
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Louise is a picturesque glacial lake close to Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, with emerald-green water and a magnificent mountain backdrop. The lake has such colour because of rock flour from the Victoria Glacier. Summer activities include a lot of canoeing, hiking, and photography; winter just turns it into a skiing and ice-skating paradise. The well-known Fairmont Château Lake Louise offers a luxurious stay with views that are genuinely panoramic.
Distance From Moraine Lake: 14 km
2. Bow Lake
Photo: Sergey Pesterev / Wikimedia Commons
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Bow Lake, an exquisite glacial lake located in Banff National Park beside the Icefields Parkway, is among the most beautiful lakes formed by glaciers in the Canadian Rockies. Sitting at some 1,920 meters above sea level, the lake is fed by the Bow Glacier, allowing the water to take on its striking turquoise colour. Towering peaks surround it, making it an ideal site for hiking, photography, and picnicking. Bow Glacier Falls Trail leads directly to a magnificent waterfall whose beauty should be seen to be appreciated, while the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge provides rustic charm.
Distance From Moraine Lake: 50 km
3. Peyto Lake
Photo: KaleighAlysse / Wikimedia Commons
Peyto Lake is a breathtaking glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. The remarkable turquoise colour is because of glacial rock flour that reflects sunlight. It is an elevated lake, at 1,860 meters or 6,100 feet, that can best be seen from the Bow Summit, Alberta’s highest point on the Icefields Parkway. The lake derives its name from Bill Peyto, an early Canadian trail guide and explorer in the Banff area.
Distance From Moraine Lake: 50 km
4. Johnston Canyon
Photo: John Vetterli / Wikimedia Commons
Johnston Canyon lies in Banff National Park close to Moraine Lake and is a spectacular, natural site characterised by an enormous waterfall, limestone cliff, and scenic hiking trails. The canyon features well-built catwalks, which allow visitors to walk through cliffy rock formations and dense forests. The two main attractions in it are the Lower Falls and Upper Falls, where some spectacular views and nice picture opportunities are available.
Distance From Moraine Lake: 73 km
5. Yoho National Park
Photo: KimonBerlin / Wikimedia Commons
It is located in British Columbia, Canada, near Moraine Lake. Yoho National Park is academically acclaimed for its breathtaking views of rugged mountains, waterfalls, and turquoise lakes. This park is home to the Takakkaw Falls, among the highest waterfalls in Canada, and to Emerald Lake, known for its visibly green waters. Yoho contains part of the Burgess Shale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient fossils. Visitors in this national park can hike through pristine camping grounds, view wildlife, and ride mountain scenery.
Where To Stay
Photo: Jack Borno / Wikimedia Commons
There are several accommodation options near Moraine Lake in May to suit different budgets. Moraine Lake Lodge offers luxury stays with stunning views, costing around $500 / ₹41,500 per night. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise ranges from $400 – 900 / ₹33,000 – 74,500. Lake Louise Inn provides cosy mid-range rooms at $150 – 300 / ₹12,500 – 25,000. Budget travellers can stay at HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre from $50 / ₹4,100. Baker Creek Mountain Resort cabins cost $200 – 400 / ₹16,500 – 33,000.
Where To Eat
Photo: Andrew Bowden / Wikimedia Commons
While there are no restaurants directly at Moraine Lake in May, plenty of great dining options are nearby in Lake Louise Village and Banff. Lake Louise Station Restaurant, a charming train-themed eatery, offers meals for $20 – 40 / ₹1,650 – 3,300 per plate. Bill Peyto’s Cafe serves hearty breakfasts and comfort food, priced around $10 – 25 / ₹800 – 2,000. The Fairview at Chateau Lake Louise offers fine dining with gourmet meals at $40 – 80 / ₹3,300 – 6,600. Trailhead Cafe is perfect for coffee and quick bites, costing $5 – 15 / ₹400 – 1,250.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Adam Bishop / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost of a trip to Moraine Lake in May varies based on your travel style. Budget travellers typically spend $150 – 250 / ₹12,500 – 20,500 per day, covering hostel stays, meals, and shuttle transport. Mid-range travellers may spend $300 – 600 / ₹25,000 – 49,500 daily for hotel lodging, dining, and guided tours. Luxury travellers can expect $800 – 1,500 / ₹66,000 – 1,24,000 per day for resorts and private tours. Flights to Calgary range from $300 – 1,000 / ₹25,000 – 82,500 round-trip, and car rentals cost $50 – 150 / ₹4,100 – 12,400 a day. Planning ahead can save you money!
Tips For Travellers
- Check road and weather conditions before your trip, as access roads may be closed due to unpredictable weather.
- Dress in layers to handle sudden temperature changes, and wear sturdy shoes for snow or muddy trails.
- Pack snacks, water, and other essentials, as services at the lake are limited in May.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking, or consider taking the shuttle.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife and carry bear spray while exploring the trails.
Visiting Moraine Lake in May is breathtaking, as the lake begins to thaw and reveals its signature turquoise waters. This is the best time to witness the transitioning weather between winter and spring, hike its trails, capture magnificent sunrise photography, and watch wildlife. Book your trip to Moraine Lake with TripXL today for an experience of a lifetime.
Cover Photo: Gorgo / Wikimedia Commons
