Moraine Lake's Million Dollar View

Travel Brief by: Elaine Vanderwerf

Moraine Lake at sunrise. (Photo: Silvana Aceto)

One of the most picturesque spots in all of Banff National Park is gorgeous Moraine Lake.

It's only half the size of its nearby and better know neighbour Lake Louise, but Moraine Lake is arguably even more scenic. The view is so captivating, it was featured for ten years on the Canadian twenty dollar bill (1969-79).

This glacially fed lake is 14 kilometres outside the village of Lake Louise in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, at an elevation of approximately 1,884 metres.

Travelers tip: For a breathtaking experience, hike the Rock Pile trail to the look-out and watch the sunrise.

Beware: The parking lot at Moraine Lake often fills up before sunrise between June to the end of September. This means between 5-6am in the summer. Once the parking lot is full, the road is closed to vehicles.