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Get Chills Hiking and Photographing the Landscape at Moraine Lake
Not yet published by Aaron JacksonCrabb
Country: Canada 
The Experience
Pulling into the parking lot at 9:30am to beat the crowds and behold the magnificent Valley of Ten Peaks you grab your backpack locking the vehicle and head for Moraine Lake. The trailhead starts on the nearside of the lack known as Rockpile trail. This trail gradually ascends 24 meters of elevation over a 300-meter stretch giving you a birds-eye view of the lake. However upon reaching its end you will notice a second trail called Consolation Lakes trail heading further up the mountainside. Knowing you have your camera and tripod, you will continue up the trail after taking a suitable amount of photographs of all the wildflowers and Douglas fir trees. Hiking further up the trail you will search for a better location to suit the morning landscape photo opportunity. The guidebook states two hours on the trail to reach an outcropping of boulders overlooking the westerly edge of the lake. From this amazing location you can spot those curious marmots ducking behind rocks investigating your presence on the mountain. Pulling out your water bottle you nip a couple of swigs of water before chewing down on a granola bar to gain strength for the long hike up the trailhead to the peak.
Fourteen kilometers southwest along Moraine Lake Road sitting at an elevation of 6,183 feet (1,885 m), Moraine Lake is glacially fed from the Valley of Ten Peaks. One of the most photographed lakes in all of Canada, Moraine Lake is known as the sister lake to Lake Louise. Not only is it the most photographed lake but also it once captured the hearts of print makers and adorned the Canadian $20 bill for over a decade.
Setting up your camera gear along the hiking trail on your tripod will help you as the air is thinner this high up. Stabilizing your camera will eliminate any shakes you might encounter this high up the side of the mountain. Enjoy the splendid array of colors bouncing along the edge of the valley. Wildflowers gloriously hang to the edge of alpine meadows as the cloud cover gives you a bit of shade as the early morning sun penetrates the mountain. Jagged peaks along the Great Divide will begin to glow splashing shadows across this brilliant landscape.
Sitting back you will have plenty of time to capture images of Mount Fay 10,613 feet (3,235m), Mount Little 10,131 feet (3,088m), Mount 10,079 feet (3,072m) and the impressive Mount Temple 11,624 feet (3,543 m). The Valley of the Ten Peaks will have an impact on you as the remaining six peaks tower over your position. It will be a spectacular beginning to a terrific summer day for you and one you wont soon forget.
Fourteen kilometers southwest along Moraine Lake Road sitting at an elevation of 6,183 feet (1,885 m), Moraine Lake is glacially fed from the Valley of Ten Peaks. One of the most photographed lakes in all of Canada, Moraine Lake is known as the sister lake to Lake Louise. Not only is it the most photographed lake but also it once captured the hearts of print makers and adorned the Canadian $20 bill for over a decade.
Setting up your camera gear along the hiking trail on your tripod will help you as the air is thinner this high up. Stabilizing your camera will eliminate any shakes you might encounter this high up the side of the mountain. Enjoy the splendid array of colors bouncing along the edge of the valley. Wildflowers gloriously hang to the edge of alpine meadows as the cloud cover gives you a bit of shade as the early morning sun penetrates the mountain. Jagged peaks along the Great Divide will begin to glow splashing shadows across this brilliant landscape.
Sitting back you will have plenty of time to capture images of Mount Fay 10,613 feet (3,235m), Mount Little 10,131 feet (3,088m), Mount 10,079 feet (3,072m) and the impressive Mount Temple 11,624 feet (3,543 m). The Valley of the Ten Peaks will have an impact on you as the remaining six peaks tower over your position. It will be a spectacular beginning to a terrific summer day for you and one you wont soon forget.
When to Go
Heading to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise be sure to come in June or September, to avoid the summer crowds. During July and August expect both lots to be full from 11am to 4pm daily. To avoid summer crowds arrive before 10am or go in after 5pm.
Odds n' Ends
Always check ahead with park rangers about bear sightings.
If you encounter a bear be sure to stay tight in a group of four or more.
The best hours to visit Moraine Lake is before 10 am or after 5 pm to avoid the crowds during summer months of July and August.
The road to Moraine Lake closes annually in early October and reopens in late May.
Please remember weather in the Canadian Rocky Mountains can change dramatically throughout the day. The best way to prepare for changing weather conditions is to carry a small backpack with a sweater, rain gear, food and water.
Dryness of the air causes temperatures to vary considerably from night to day. Even in summer temperatures in the upper twenties can drop as low as a few degrees above freezing at night.
If you encounter a bear be sure to stay tight in a group of four or more.
The best hours to visit Moraine Lake is before 10 am or after 5 pm to avoid the crowds during summer months of July and August.
The road to Moraine Lake closes annually in early October and reopens in late May.
Please remember weather in the Canadian Rocky Mountains can change dramatically throughout the day. The best way to prepare for changing weather conditions is to carry a small backpack with a sweater, rain gear, food and water.
Dryness of the air causes temperatures to vary considerably from night to day. Even in summer temperatures in the upper twenties can drop as low as a few degrees above freezing at night.
Want a Guide?
- Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Tour
- This seasonal tour operates from April through November. Join us for an afternoon of sightseeing as you visit the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies", Lake Louise, and world renowned Moraine Lake. Learn the history of mountaineering and how an accident at Lake Louise shaped Rocky Mountain culture. Walk to the Valley of Ten Peaks viewpoint overlooking Moraine Lake to capture fantastic photos. Tour Highlights: Bow Valley Parkway Castle Mountain Lake Louise Chateau Lake Louise Moraine Lake
- Discover Lake Louise
- Enjoy an afternoon at world renowned Moraine Lake, Lake Louise both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies," you will explore shorelines, climbing short elevations and walking to viewpoints in order to capture exceptional Canadian Rocky Mountain keepsakes while enjoy crisp, cool, refreshing mountain air.
Places to Eat
- Laggan's Mountain Bakery & Delicatessen
- Located in the Samson Mall just off the Trans Canada Highway nearing Lake Louise, Laggan's Mountain Bakery & Delicatessen is a nice relatively inexpensive bakery/deli serving up tasty baked goods, breakfast, sandwiches and beverages. Worth the wait during its busy times and a great spot for people watching, too.
- Cilantro
- An upscale casual restaurant for twenty years our luscious cozy and quaint atmosphere will entice you. The creator behind our menu, Chef Ken Canavan is the reason for our unconventional Californian-Southwestern flare. Daily and nightly features including our infamous flat bread style pizzas, and homemade pastas. We offer an extensive bottle wine list with 250 selections and feature up to 25 different wines by the glass. Cilantro now offers our full menu until midnight, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- The Restaurant at Painted Boat
- Open for lunch and dinner, our casually elegant restaurant has a distinct modern, coastal feel. Focused on fresh ingredients from the Sunshine Coast, we are creating a vibrant regional menu. Featuring tiger bamboo flooring, espresso tables and chocolate brown leather chairs we are the newest in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts. We have become a popular haunt with locals and visitors alike; our patrons enjoy taking in stunning views while sipping on our fine selection of wines.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Moraine Lake Lodge
- The ultimate romantic getaway for your honeymoon, anniversary, hiking experience or relaxing. Spend time nestled into the Canadian Rocky Mountains at Moraine Lake Lodge. Our dramatic architecture puts you inside the wilderness encompassing Banff National Park where you can explore Lake Louise on foot or drive to picturesque town of Banff.
- Paradise Lodge and Bungalows
- Owned and operated by the Pedersen family for over 5-decades come enjoy our world-famous location next to Lake Louise. Our facility boasts luxury cabins as well as cozy suites. Comfort and convenience let our charm and charisma provide you with spectacular services while you enjoy the finest Banff National Park has to offer. Come for the natural ambiance and let the magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountains treat you to breathtaking views every day.
- Baker Creek Chalets
- Nestled in a peaceful wooded setting along the Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise. We offer serenity living inside Banff National Park. Bring your appetite as our bistro takes care of your hunger while the majestic mountains strengthen your outdoorsman. Relax by a campfire each night enjoying the star-filled night sky before retiring to one of our luxurious chalets. Create mountain memories that last a lifetime.
More Experiences Nearby
- Get Locked into History at the Elmina Slave Castle
- As the door slammed shut, a wave of claustrophobia enveloped the thirty-two people crammed into a dingy cell at the Elmina Castle on the Ghanaian Gold Coast. The cells here are no bigger than an average closet, and the only light which can be seen from the inside is a small square of light at the door. Everything inside the cell was black and quiet except for the breathing of those people around me. A few moments later, the door swung open and my lungs breathed in fresh air with relief. The staggering moment came when our tour guide informed ...364 miles away.
- Catch a Bird's Eye View of the Rainforest in Kakum National Park
- My heart pounds as I look over the landscape. Taking the first step is key to one of the greatest experiences I'll have in Ghana, if I can just get over the height. One deep breathe in and I'm going for it. Stepping onto the first bridge feels like freedom in the sky. It's a shaky freedom for me but freedom nonetheless. Exploring Kakum National Park in central Ghana provides an exhilarating close look at African nature. At 40 meters high in some areas, taking a canopy tour over the Kakum rainforest feels like a walk in the clouds. North ...386 miles away.
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