Moraine Lake Valley of Ten Peaks

About this spectacle

Moraine Lake sits in the Valley of Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, Alberta, cradled by a semicircle of glacier-draped summits that rise sharply above its turquoise surface. The lake's impossibly vivid blue-green colour comes from rock flour — finely ground glacial silt suspended in the meltwater — that refracts sunlight in a way that makes the scene feel almost unreal. Visitors standing on the Rockpile at the lake's northern end look out across still water mirroring the peaks above, while the smell of pine and cold alpine air fills every breath. Larch trees on the surrounding slopes turn gold in late September, adding a warm contrast to the perpetual blue of the water and the grey-white of the glaciers. The scene shifts subtly through the day as shadows move across the peaks, with morning light casting a warm glow on the eastern faces before full-day illumination reveals the full palette.

When to go

Jun — Oct, peak Jul — Sep

Getting there

Nearest airport: YYC. Nearest city: Banff.

Booking options

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