Are you an adventure junkie on the lookout for the best hikes near Lake Moraine? If you have yes for an answer, then we have you covered with our expert recommendations. Additionally, you can experience the breathtaking beauty of the turquoise-colored water of the lakes, surrounding mountains, and beautiful glaciers on these hikes. Let’s take a detailed look:
Here are some amazing hikes near Lake Moraine:-
Lake Moraine Lakeshore
Starts at: Canoe docks
Distance: 3 km
Elevation: Minimal
Time taken: 1 hour
The Moraine Lake Lakeshore trail doesn’t get much footfall and can be your perfect choice for enjoying nature in solitude. The flat trail goes along the lake’s shoreline, moving both in and out of the forest. Moreover, you will come across a boardwalk at the end of the hike. And this is in close proximity to the waters flowing down from Wenkchemna Pass.
Consolation Lakes Trail
Starts at: Bottom of Rockpile Trail
Distance: 6.6 km round trip
Elevation: 150 meters
Time taken: 2.3 hours
This family-favorite trail gets comparatively fewer visitors due to its difficult terrain. Further, a small segment of this trail crosses over a boulder field. You will pass through old forest growth and finally arrive at the wetlands and alpine field. At last you will reach the Consolidation Lakes. Next, prepare to cross a large talus field to reach the shoreline. Moreover, this route does not suit those with mobility issues. From the first lake, you will enjoy beautiful, mesmerizing views of Mount Babbel, Quadra Mountain, and Mount Fay. Finally, if you still have energy left, then you can proceed towards the second lake.
Eiffel Lake Trail
Starts at: Canoe docks
Distance: 11.7 km
Elevation: 370 meters
Time taken: 3 to 4 hours
As you embark on this hike, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Valley of Ten Peaks. You will climb up to two beautiful glacial lakes on the Continental Divide, and from here the views are the best.
A trail starts from Moraine Lake, and you can follow it easily. Furthermore, the trail forks into two trails for the Sentinel Pass and Eiffel Lake. There is an elevation gain of 350 m for about 40 minutes while proceeding towards the fork. Additionally, from here, follow the sign pointing towards Eiffel Lakes.
The Rockpile Trail
Starts at: parking lot
Distance: 0.8 km
Elevation: 30 meters
Time taken: 45 mins (return)
Starting from the parking lot when facing towards Lake Moraine, look on your left hand side for the Rockpile Trail. It takes less than 10 minutes to the top of the Rockpile. There are several stone and log steps that makes it accessible to most able-bodied people. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best views in the world. Most of the vistors to Lake Moraine will hike up the Rockpile trail. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the deep blue colour of the lake and surrounding Ten Peaks.
Wenkchemna Pass
Starts at: Canoe docks
Distance: 19.4 km
Elevation: 720 meters
Time taken: 6 to 8 hours
The Wenkchemna Pass trail lies beyond Eiffel Lake. The trail takes you through meandering mountain paths toward Yoho National Park. At the top of the pass, travelers can fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery of the Ten Peaks. You will cross a beautiful alpine meadow on this trail and finally climb up a rocky slope. While most of the trail is easy, the last portion towards the pass can be a bit challenging. Don’t be surprised if the end bit leaves you short of breath. It’s more of a scramble, and you can easily lose sight of the way ahead amidst the large-sized boulders.
Paradise Valley Trail
Starts at: begins at canoe docks
Distance: Approx 20 km
Elevation: 800 meters (from Lake Moraine to Lake Louise)
Time taken: 6-8 hours
During the larch season, the Larch Valley trail up to Sentinel Pass is very crowded. So as to avoid the crowds, you can consider Paradise Valley however, this hike take 6-8 hours. The Paradise valley connects Lake Moraine to Lake Louise. In the larch season, you will get to enjoy plenty of golden larches while hiking. Lake Annette is the best stop to recharge and eat lunch on the way between lakes. There are 2 options to hike Paradise valley either from Moraine Lake to Lake Louise or vice versa.
Lake Annette
Starts at: Lake Moraine Road
Distance: 11.4 km
Elevation: 400 meters
Time taken: 3 to 4 hours
You will come across Lake Annette while hiking the Paradise Valley trail. Moreover, the easy-to-moderate trail mostly winds through the forest. Finally, upon reaching Lake Annette, you can relax and take in the beautiful scenery, with Little Temple directly ahead and Mount Temple rising to your right.
Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley
Starts at: begins at canoe docks
Distance: 12 km
Elevation: 725 meters
Time taken: 2.5 to 4.5 hours round trip
To explore the Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass, the best time would be to start the hike early in the morning. The place to start would be near Moraine Lake. I recommend visiting the Larch Valley in the autumn/ fall season, not a minute late, or you’ll miss out on the real deal. When you see leaves turning from green to golden, you’ll realize why the Valley is called Larch. And why people are in love with this place. Not kidding, but the Larch Valley in the Fall is straight out of a fantasy book. And it’s not just me, but the opinion of many who have visited this magnificent valley.
Saddleback Pass/Sheol Valley
Starts at: Lake Louise and heads out to the trail towards Fairview Lookout
Distance: 14 km
Elevation: 500 meters
Time taken: 3 to 6 hours
Saddleback Pass is the best place to enjoy the brilliant views of Haddo Peak, Mount Temple, and Sheol Mountain. Moreover, there are signboards guiding travelers towards Sheol Valley, Saddle Mountain, or Mount Fairview. Additionally, you can hike to all these three places in a single day’s time.
