Lake Louise and Moraine Lake – A Glacial Paradise
Perhaps the most famous of Canada’s Rocky Mountain glacier lakes, the one-two combo of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake still leaves visitors in shock, just as they did the early Rocky mountain explorers. Their piercing emerald colour and pleasant backdrops have been the muse of painters and landscape photographers alike. In this post I will attempt to take you into one of Canada’s most beautiful locations.
Table of Contents
Entry to the Park, Ski and Accommodation
When you leave the highway and enter Lake Louise, you will be greeted by a small alpine town with a general store, some hotels and restaurants such as the excellent eatery in the old Railway Station. On the north side of the highway you will find the Lake Louise Ski Club.
This is a popular destination for travellers, be sure to plan around for this as parking lots can fill up fast, especially at Moraine Lake (as will be discussed later!). If staying on site you will have many options. One of these is the retro Deer Lodge Hotel, a retro log cabin opened in 1925 and now stands as a moment to a bygone era.
Another (more affordable) option includes camping. This Park Canada campground is beautiful, offering great views of the Bow River, but is unfortunately run by Park Canada meaning that the fun police may pull you over for having a good time. I was here for a long weekend and they had outlawed any alcoholic beverages on the campground (plus the showers were closed due to Covid).
And of course we couldn’t make it though this section without talking about the Fairmont Lake Louise Hotel. Although not as beautiful as one would picture, the 1890’s building occupies a prime location at the edge of the lake, facing the stunning glacier backdrop. The old railway hotel once included stunning wood alpine lodge, but it burned down in 1924 (Rattenbury Wing) to be replace with the structure you see today (Barrot Wing), there is however a section of the hotel, the Painters wing dating from 1913. It is now the oldest part of the hotel.
Lake Louise
Lets start with the closest of the two lakes, Lake Louise. During my first visit to the famed lake a snowstorm had moved in and I could not see the backdrop of the glacier, a big disappointment. You could however walk on the lake and a ice castle had been built for tourists to explore.
The lake has a larger lot than Moraine Lake and finding a spot in the overflow lot is not usually a problem. From the parking lot its only a short walk from the hotel. From here you will find find a string of walking trails leading around the body of water.
Lakefront and The Plain of Six Glaciers
The most popular hike is the Plain of Six Glaciers, a 15km trail that takes you around the lake and up the glacier to a tea house. Before you go take the time to dip your feat or even swim in the lake. I guarantee you wont last long as the water’s temperature is just as advertised, glacial! It will however give you bragging rights!
Walking around the lake will give you the chance to look back at the historic hotel.
Rounding the lake you will find the sandy silt covered spill point of the glaciers runoff, This is an area of pristine natural beauty.
After passing a narrow rock canyon, you will be on your way though the valley and up the mountain via a series of boardwalks and trails.
Here you will see the glacial runoff descending the mountain as a cascade.
Eventually you will begin to gain elevation and the ascent will begin. This is a relatively straight forward hike as the distance is averaged out over many kilometers.
With all that height gained you will eventually be able to look down at the lake.
What was once a multi kilometer walk to circumvent the lake, feels a world away. Below, the lake looks like an emerald spec tucked into the thick forest of the lower valley.
It is at this elevation that you can see the full breath of the erosion created melt-water channel.
I have included a few pictures of the surrounding area for reference. Too many beautiful pictures to choose from.
When you near the top, the road will split in two, one trail going to the tea house and the other up to the glacier itself.
This historic tea house is a favorite among travelers, but do come/start your hike early as the Tea House is only open till 5pm.
Like the Fairmont hotel, the heritage structure was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1901 and will still serve visitors its famous chocolate cake and lemonade.
Nearby you will find a lookout displaying the glacial peaks themselves where you will find a series of placards explaining the history and geology of the area.
Lake Agnes, The Beehive, Mirror Lake and the Devil’s Thumb
Returning from the Plain of Six Glaciers, a branch will take you off the main path and up into the green hills of the lower valley towards Lake Agnes and the Beehives. From here you will get fantastic view of the mountain peaks.
As well as the chateau nestled withing the endless green landscape.
A nice sight on your way is Mirror Lake, with its iconic view of the Little Beehive, a rock outcropping know for its distinct shape.
Your next stop should be the stunning Lake Agnes, with its sharp peaked bowl backdrop.
Here is a few extra pictures of the surrounding landscapes.
By the lake you will find Lake Louise’s second teahouse, a good option for those seeking to avoid the long hike associated with the Plain of Six Glaciers.
From Lake Agnes you have the choice to scale either Little Beehive, Big Beehive of the Devil’s Thumb for a fantastic view of the hotel and lake below. The Devils Thumb is the hardest of the hikes, but comes with the added bonus of seeing Lake Louise as well as Lake Agnes in the same frame.
On your way back down to the Hotel you will get a great view of the ski hill in the backdrop.
As well as those damn beehives.
And this tiny waterfall with a view of the beehive!
I hope you enjoy your visit as much as I did, you may find yourself returning more then once!
Moraine Lake
The most iconic photo location in Canada, Moraine lake is a sight to behold. Although smaller then its cousin Lake Louse, the mountain range is nearer, its crooked peaks offering a perfect backdrop to the deep blue hue of this lake!
Unfortunately parking fills up fast here, especially in the morning as the sun rise coats the lake’s rocky backdrop with a beautiful orange hue. The best view of the area can be found via the Rockpile Trail, a mound created from the Moraine’s most prominent glacial debris. The lake is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks
If you look up off to the side you will find the Tower of Babel, a famed inclined rock scramble that can be difficult to spot/find the trail. This is an advanced hike and should be undertaken by a healthy and experienced individual. For beginners I recommend a visit to the 3km Consolation Lakes trail for a less crowded view of a glacial lake.
For those of you with more time I strongly recommend hiking the Larch Valley and the Sentinel Pass. This hike glows a bright yellow hue from the larch trees in the fall and looks magnificent.
