A Day in Lake Louise & Lake Moraine

Lake Louise is considered the most iconic destination of the Banff National Park. The sight of the emerald green water surrounded by rugged snow peaks of mountains has been pictured in countless travel magazines and lured travelers from across the world. Personally, I felt Lake Moraine is as incredible if not more and deserves more love than it gets.

(Incredible Places...,Confused which is more beautiful? Lake Louise on the left while Lake Moraine on right side) 

Where to Stay

Considering the size of the Banff National Park, it's always a challenge to select the area to stay. I ended up staying in Banff town for all four nights, though splitting the stay wouldn't have been a bad option either. If you are a person who doesn't mind packing your bag often and avoid travel time, spending a night or two in Lake Louise can be a good option. Although keep in mind, some places in Banff may not want to host you / provide a discount for less than 3 night-stay. So definitely a lot of things way in before you make a decision.

How to Reach

It is approximately 45 minutes drive on Trans Canada highway 1 from Banff. The alternate option is through Bow Valley Parkway. The bow valley route approximately takes 1 hour but extra 15 mins may be totally worth the time considering the calmer drive with a chance to spot some wildlife.

Parking

It’s one of the most popular destinations among the tourist. Parking lots get full as early as 8 am in the morning. If you are reaching after 8 am it is not worth time and effort to find a parking spot in the Lake Louise parking lot. There is additional parking available 1 km before Lake Louise which is a good option to park. It also gets full by 9.30. They also have a free shuttle running every 15 minutes from Overflow Parking lot, which is 6 km before Lake Louise on Trans Canada Highway 1. It has plenty of parking spot. It's a great spot to park considering the time and hassle of finding a parking spot in the main lot.

Things to Do

As you will walk towards the lake, you will be able to see the emerald beauty though the viewpoint is always overcrowded.

Do you want to capture a picture without the crowd?

Instead of struggling among the crowd on the viewpoint deck, head right and walk along the lake enjoying its beauty, steadily you will see the crowd getting thinner and you will soon find a spot for yourself to enjoy the lake. One can spend hours exploring the beauty of the lake.

(Lake Louise all by myself)

To explore the beauty there are various trails which will give you a glimpse of Fairmont Hotel and Lake Louise, through different angles and heights. Lake Louise Gondola is also known for great views of the glacier and chances of sighting a grizzly bear is high.

Some of the most famous trails are:

Lake Louise Lake shore: It is a 2km one-way hike along the Lake Louise. It's an easy walk, bit crowded and takes approximately one hour to complete the trail.  There are benches on the way where you can sit and enjoy the lake. It was my favorite walk in the Banff National Park. While on the walk it gives you amazing views of the lake along with the glacier and Fairmont hotel in the backdrop. At the end of the lake, you’ll discover the milky creek that gives the lake a magical color.

(View of Lake Louise at the end of the trail)

Fairview Lookout: It is a one-kilometer short hike up the hills in the forest. Allow yourself one hour to complete the trail. The trail is steep up the hill, as you continue walking in the forest it opens up with a view of Lake Louise and Fairmont hotel from the top. Personally, I felt the view from the top was not as mesmerizing as I expected.

(View of Fairmont Hotel and Lake from the top, unfortunately the mountains are hiding behind the clouds.)

(Mandatory picture from the lookout point)

Lake Agnes: One of the most famous and crowded hikes in the area. It is a 3.5km up the hills walk, approximately takes 2 hours to complete the trail. It will take you to the most famous Agnes Tea house. If you are expecting to enjoy hot tea after reaching be prepared to be a part of huge line.

(Lake Agnes)

(Line up at Lake Agnes tea house)

Big Beehive: 1.6 km one way; 135 m elevation gain from Lake Agnes. Follow the signs of Big beehive from Lake Agnes. Beyond Lake Agnes, use switchbacks to climb the Big Beehive for a stunning panorama of Lake Louise and the Chateau. It opens up with a feel of glaciers just in front of you.

(Bird eye view from the top)

If you are not a trail person, there are various shops and restaurants in Fairmont where you can relax, dine and shop with a beautiful view of the lake.

Lake Moraine

It takes 20 minutes to reach Lake Moraine from Lake Louise. I found the lake to be more scenic compared to lake Louise and less crowded.  It’s situated in the beautiful Valley of The Ten Peaks in Banff National Park. Ten peaks surround lake on one side which makes it more serene and beautiful. Canoe on the lake or walk along the lake side and find a perfect spot for yourself to enjoy its beauty.

(Lake Moraine)

The beautiful deep blue water with a backdrop of towering snow-capped mountains is one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies and possibly in all of Canada.  I would definitely say that this was the most beautiful lake in the entire region. You can just spend entire day admiring the beauty of turquoise lake and snow peaked mountains.

(Beauty of Lake Moraine)

Rockpile Trail

The best view of the lake comes from the Rockpile Trail. It is 800metre short trail to reach the view point.  Starts from the lower end of the parking lot across the bridge on the outlet stream. Take a forested stroll along the shore or climb atop the Rockpile for breathtaking vantage points. Try to follow the rock to reach the highest point for breathtaking view.

(Lets head towards Rockpile Trail)

(View from the top)