Moraine Lake Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Moraine Lake. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Tour From Calgary/Canmore/Banff

• Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour

• Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus

• Explore Banff National Park With Our Premium Day Tour

• Banff National Park Tour With Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is within Banff National Park, where daily admission is CA$12.25 for adults, CA$10.75 for seniors, and CA$24.50 for a family (youths are free). An annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass is CA$83.50 for adults, CA$71.50 for seniors, and CA$167.50 for families.

Yes, Moraine Lake is definitely worth visiting while you're touring Banff National Park. It's one of the most beautiful—and photographed—lakes in the park, with its turquoise glacial waters, surrounding pine forest, and snow-capped mountains looming in the background. Whether you're touring the park independently or on a guided tour—ideal so you don't get distracted by beautiful views around every corner—Moraine Lake is a must-visit location in Banff.

Per one customer who booked the Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Tour From Calgary/Canmore/Banff, "Great trip. Bob the guide kept us relaxed with a great sense of humor. Recommended. The color and feel of the lake is not something that one can experience through a computer screen."

The best month to go to Moraine Lake is July, but any time from late June into early August is good. The Canadian summer offers warm days and clear weather—but also bigger crowds. Head there early in the morning to avoid some of the extra people; but no matter when you go, it's worth it.

An hour or two at Moraine Lake can be enough to soak up the views. But if you want to embark on a moderate hike for a better vantage point or take a canoe out on the water, you'll have to allow for half a day or longer.

Moraine Lake is inside Banff National Park, which means you'll need to obtain a Canada National Parks Pass for visiting the lake—either a daily or annual pass. You'll also need to purchase a shuttle pass, as private vehicles are not permitted to access the lake.

No, private vehicles are not permitted to access the lake as of 2023. The only way you can get to the lake is by booking a shuttle or bus or organized tour, all of which operate from May until October when the road is opened and cleared of snowfall.

Yes, technically you can swim in Moraine Lake; however, as the water temperature hovers just above freezing, it's not recommended. But fear not—there are plenty of other ways to experience this pristine alpine lake, such as canoeing or hiking.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Moraine Lake. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Banff:

• Bow Falls

• Johnston Canyon

• Lake Minnewanka

• Banff Gondola

• Sulphur Mountain

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Banff.