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Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail: What to Expect and How to Plan Your Visit
- andrewsco3
- 5 days ago
- 9 min read
Moraine Lake is one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies, and the Shoreline Trail provides a unique perspective that’s different from the classic Rockpile viewpoint.
The Shoreline Trail at Moraine Lake is an easy, mostly flat trail that follows the edge of the lake, giving you up-close views of the turquoise waters and the surrounding peaks.
The trail is short and accessible for almost all visitors, including families and people of all ages, and you have the option to turn around whenever you like.
The Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail is a great alternative to the Rockpile Trail for anyone looking for a gentler walk, visitors with accessibility needs, or those who want to see the lake from a different perspective.
This past summer we were lucky to bring our parents along, and sharing the experience with them made it even more special.
We’ve seen some incredible landscapes on our travels, but the view of Moraine Lake with the Valley of the Ten Peaks reflected in the water, remains one of the most memorable.
As a consequence of its beauty, Moraine Lake is one of the most visited lakes in the world, so you almost certainly won’t have the trail to yourself.
However, walking the Shoreline Trail does help you get away from the crazy crowds you'll find at the Rockpile, and the further you go, the more likely you are to be able to find a quiet section of the lake to dip your toes in.
Whether you are here for the scenery, photography, or a gentle outdoor adventure, the Shoreline Trail is a perfect way to experience one of the Rockies’ most iconic lakes.
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Table of Contents:
Key Information
In a rush? Here's some key information about the Shoreline Trail at Moraine Lake.
Distance: Around 3.7 km return (depending on how far you walk along the shoreline)
Elevation Gain: Minimal, mostly flat
Difficulty: Easy
When to Visit: Late June through mid-October when Moraine Lake is open
Time Required: 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on how far you go and how long you stop to enjoy the lake
Permits Required: A valid Parks Canada Pass is required for entry to Banff National Park
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on leash (but difficult to get them there)
Kid Friendly: Yes, the trail is flat and suitable for families of all ages
Add-On Option: Combine with a visit to the Rockpile Trail for a classic Moraine Lake viewpoint
Getting to Moraine Lake
Access to Moraine Lake has changed in recent years, so planning ahead is essential.
From mid-October through early June, the road to the lake is closed to all vehicles, including tour buses, making it inaccessible for much of the year.
During the summer, personal vehicles are not allowed on the road, except for visitors with a valid accessible parking hang tag.
This leaves a few options for reaching Moraine Lake:
Getting There by Shuttle
The official Parks Canada shuttle is the most dependable way to get to Moraine Lake in summer, though securing a ticket is competitive.
Tickets are released in two phases and usually sell out quickly, so planning ahead is crucial.
Local Tours to Moraine Lake
Several private tour operators provide transportation to Moraine Lake, often including guided services or extra sightseeing along the route. There are lots of great tour options (for pretty much every budget) here.
While private tours cost more than the Parks Canada shuttle, they guarantee access if you’re unable to get a shuttle ticket and want to ensure Moraine Lake is part of your trip.
Cycle Along Moraine Lake Road
Cycling from the start of Moraine Lake Road is popular whenever the road is open, and buses are used to sharing the route with cyclists.
It’s a rewarding option, but the ride is challenging and requires preparation.
There are special windows just before the road opens and just after it closes when you can bike in and enjoy the lake with far fewer people, weather permitting.
Stay at Moraine Lake Lodge
For a memorable experience, Moraine Lake Lodge offers reserved parking and the chance to visit the lake with fewer crowds in the evening.
It is only open during the road’s open season and costs between $500-$1000 per night in summer, but for those who can splurge, the experience is unforgettable.
Hike or Ski the Road
Hiking the 14 km road in spring or fall is possible but uncommon due to the distance and lack of facilities.
In winter, the closed road is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Anyone attempting this should be prepared for changing conditions and avoid the area during avalanche risk periods.
Accessible Lake Access
Visitors with a valid accessible parking hang tag are the only personal vehicles that are able to drive directly to the lake. Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you’re figuring out how to fit Moraine Lake into your trip, our two-week Canadian Rockies itinerary shows the best ways to include it in your route. route.
The Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail
When you step off the shuttle or tour bus at Moraine Lake, you’ll arrive at one of the drop-off points close to the lakeshore.
From there, follow the main path toward the lake. You’ll pass two washrooms as well as the turnoff for the Rockpile on your left. The Rockpile Trail leads to the famous $20 viewpoint, as well as the Consolation Lakes trail, and the Tower of Babel scramble, among others, but to get to the shoreline trail, head directly towards the lodge.
As you walk past the lodge, you’ll come across the canoe rental station by the lake. Paddling here is a bucket-list experience that’s worth trying at least once, though it comes at a steep price of $160 per hour.
Whether you decide to take a canoe out on the water or not, this spot offers one of the classic Moraine Lake views.
Shortly after the canoe rental station, the trail enters the trees and follows the edge of the lake. It’s mostly flat, though a few sections have tree roots and other obstacles to watch for, especially if you’re hiking with young kids.
Along the way, there are plenty of spots to step off the path and get closer to the water. Along the trail, you’ll find small pebble enclaves, many with fallen logs to sit on and enjoy the view and watch the kids paddle in the water.
The farther you go, the quieter it gets. Most visitors head to the Rockpile Trail, snap the classic $20 viewpoint photo, and hop back on the bus.
Hiking along the Shoreline Trail really allows you to fully appreciate the lake’s color and the scale of the surrounding mountains from a perspective you don’t get from the Rockpile.
Along the trail, you’ll often spot small wildlife among the rocks, like chipmunks and pikas, so keep your eyes open
Once you’ve finished taking in the view, you can return the way you came toward the lodge, or continue on to another hike along the way, such as Sentinel Pass or Eiffel Peak.
Moraine Lake - FAQ
How Difficult is the Shoreline Trail?
The Shoreline Trail is considered easy for Canadian Rockies standards. The trail is mostly flat, with only a few sections that have tree roots or uneven ground, so most people can manage it comfortably. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a gentler walk than the Rockpile Trail.
Can you Access the Shoreline Trail with a Wheelchair?
Parts of the Shoreline Trail are fairly accessible, though it is not fully wheelchair friendly due to uneven surfaces and natural obstacles. All-terrain wheelchairs may be able to navigate most sections.
Can you Hike the Shoreline Trail with a Stroller?
Yes, the trail is mostly stroller friendly. There are a few tree roots and rougher ground to navigate. When our kids were younger, we used to prefer to use a baby carrier to give us more flexibility.
What Wildlife Might You See at Moraine Lake?
Small wildlife is common along the trail, including chipmunks, pikas, and occasionally marmots. Moraine Lake is bear country, so always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Birds and other small mammals are frequently spotted along the shoreline as well.
Why is Moraine Lake Called the $20 View?
Moraine Lake earned the nickname “$20 View” because this iconic view of the lake with the Valley of the Ten Peaks was featured on the back of the Canadian twenty-dollar bill in the 1969 and 1979 series.
Are There Washrooms on the Shoreline Trail?
There are no washrooms directly on the Shoreline Trail, but facilities are nearby at the Moraine Lake parking area and near the lodge at the start of the trail, close to where the shuttle stops
Are Dogs Allowed?
Dogs are allowed on the Shoreline Trail, but getting them there can be tricky since pets generally aren’t permitted on the shuttle buses unless they are service animals.
Do You Need a Parks Canada Pass for Moraine Lake?
Yes, a valid Parks Canada pass is required to visit Moraine Lake. The pass covers day access to Banff National Park and can be purchased online, at park gates, or at visitor centres.
We also have a detailed Q&A blog post that answers all your questions about the passes required to visit Moraine Lake, and Banff National Park in general.
What Services are Available at the Moraine Lake Lodge?
Moraine Lake Lodge has a cafe where you can grab a snack or drink, though it closes at 4 pm. After that, the lodge shop sells bottled water for around $4, but there are no other food options. Bringing your own snacks is a good idea if you plan to stay later along the Shoreline Trail.
Best Things to do at Moraine Lake
The Shoreline Trail doesn’t take long to complete, so if you want to truly experience Moraine Lake, it’s worth spending some extra time exploring other activities.
Here are a few of our favourite ways to enjoy the lake:
Hike to the Rockpile
The Rockpile Trail is a short but slightly steeper trail that rewards you with the iconic “$20 View” of Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
It’s a must-do for anyone visiting the lake, though it does get crowded, especially during peak season. The trail is relatively quick, making it easy to combine with other activities at Moraine Lake.
Hike to Consolation Lakes
A bit more challenging than the Shoreline Trail but still fairly easy, this trail winds through a scenic valley to two glacier-fed lakes. It’s even quieter than the lakeshore trail in summer. Like Moraine Lake, Consolation Lake may be shallow or still frozen early in the season.
Paddle on the Lake
Canoe rentals are available, and for many, paddling on Moraine Lake is a bucket-list experience. At $160 per hour, it’s not cheap, and canoes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can’t reserve in advance.
Take on Longer Hikes
If you’re prepared and conditions are suitable, several longer trails start near the lake:
Larch Valley Trail – 8.9 km round-trip with some elevation gain. Stunning in fall when the larches turn golden. Moderate difficulty.
Eiffel Lake – 11.9 km round-trip leading to a peaceful alpine lake. Moderate difficulty.
Sentinel Pass – 11 km round-trip with significant elevation gain. Offers spectacular views, especially during fall larch season. Hard difficulty.
Paradise Valley – 16.9 km round-trip through valleys and peaks. Best for experienced hikers. Hard difficulty.
Scramble the Tower of Babel - Short but very challenging. Should only be attempted by experienced hikers or scramblers with the proper gear. Hard difficulty.
Keep in mind that trails around Moraine Lake are at high elevation, so even shorter hikes can feel more demanding if you’re not acclimated.
Moraine Lake is a must-see destination in the Canadian Rockies, offering unforgettable views, accessible trails, and activities for every type of visitor. Whether you’re snapping a quick photo from the Rockpile Viewpoint, strolling along the Shoreline Trail, or paddling across its turquoise waters, Moraine Lake is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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