5 Activities at Moraine Lake That Aren’t Paddling (+ Shuttle)

Visit Moraine Lake with Banff Adventures' convenient shuttle service. Explore scenic hiking trails, the Rockpile, Moraine Lake Lodge, and experience one of Banff's most iconic destinations.
Banff has some of the most breathtaking lakes in Alberta, and Moraine Lake is high on the list! This lake is currently under a paddling ban, but there are still plenty of ways you can enjoy this natural landmark, from hiking the lakeshore trail to staying overnight at the Moraine Lake Lodge. Keep reading to learn how you can access this must-visit site with our Moraine Lake shuttle from Banff Adventures!
Hike the Shoreline Trail
If you love nature walks but don’t want to do anything too intense, the Moraine Lakeshore is an easy, low-elevation trail that you can traverse and get some beautiful views of the water and the forest! This trail is 5.15 km, starts at the canoe docks, and moves in and out of the forest for a through tour of this beautiful area.
Scramble the Tower of Babel
“Scrambles,” if you’re unfamiliar, kind of bridge the gap between hiking and rock climbing, which makes it the perfect activity if you can’t choose between the others! The Tower of Babel is one of the most well-known scrambles in Banff, and also one of the easiest to complete. All you need is a helmet, a pair of good hiking boots, and about five hours free in your schedule.
Take Photos at the Rockpile
You can’t visit Banff without getting photos of the Rockies, and one of the best spots to snag a view is the Rockpile Hike at Moraine Lake! From this high elevation point, you can see the blue beauty of Moraine Lake against the Ten Peaks. This is a great spot for engagement photos or even just a snapshot of your adventures.
Grab a Bite at the Moraine Lake Cafe
There’s nothing better than drinking coffee with a great view, so make sure to rest between activities and pay a visit to the Moraine Lake Cafe. This cafe is run by the Moraine Lake Lodge and offers outdoor patio seating to all cafe patrons!
Stay Overnight at Moraine Lake Lodge
If you didn’t get to do everything you wanted to at Moraine Lake or simply want a change of scenery for the night, extend your visit and stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge! You can either stay in a cabin or one of their higher-end lodge rooms, and wake up to the gorgeous lakeside and mountainside views!
You can enjoy a delicious breakfast in the Walter Wilcox Dining Room, which serves regional breakfast food from 6:45 am to 10:15 am, perfect if you have some early morning activities booked through Banff Adventures.
How to Access Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake no longer allows tourists to park their vehicles on-site, so how can you access this landmark? You can use the Moraine Lake Shuttle, offered through Banff Adventures! We offer several different shuttle options depending on the type of outing you’re looking for, including:
- Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle: Early morning shuttle from Samson Mall in Lake Louise; departs at 4 am and 5:05 am.
- Moraine Lake Day Shuttle: Departs from Lake Louise Ski Area with departure times from 6:20 am to 4:25 pm (check out the full schedule here).
- Shuttle to Moraine Lake with a 1-hour stop in Lake Louise: Departs from Lake Louise Ski Area and includes a detour to Lake Louise. This is a great pick if you want to get in as many lake visits as possible!
Enjoy Lakeside Activities with Banff Adventures
There’s so much to see and do at Moraine Lake that doesn't involve getting on the water. If you want to get the most out of this landmark, book your trip with Banff Adventures! Check out our other Moraine Lake tours and activities to see what else we have in store, and contact us to book your next adventure.