Moraine Lake/ Valley of Ten Peaks, Banff National Park, Canada – Insider Tips

Things to Do in Banff National Park Moraine Lake/ Valley of Ten Peaks

The Moraine Lake and its surroundings are absolutely gorgeous and well worth a visit. There are numerous hiking trails around the lake with different levels of difficulty.

Getting Around Lake Moraine

To avoid huge crowds and long lines, arrive at Lake Moraine fairly early in the day. There are kayaks and canoes to rent, but the lines will be longer as the day goes on. Hiking the trails around the lake are much nicer when they are not crowded. The length of the central trail around Lake Moraine is less than a mile each direction, ending at the river feeding in from the mountains. The trail is flat and peaceful, with several spots to enjoy stunning views of the lake.

Rockpile Trail

There is a short and steep hike that goes up to a pile of rocks. Starting over a stream, the path leads upwards for about a quarter of a mile. Markers point out environmental features and give a short history of the Ten Peaks. At the top there are fantastic views of the lake, which makes the steep hike worth it. Since tour buses stop at the top, there can be a wait to see the views.

Grizzlies Around Lake Moraine

According to the season, the area around the lake can be visited by a large number of grizzlies. When berries are ready for picking, the grizzlies arrive. For this reason, park authorities may suddenly close off an entire area to hikers or restrict hiking to groups of four or more.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Banff National Park Moraine Lake/ Valley of Ten Peaks.