10 EPIC Things to do at Moraine Lake, Canada +2024 Guide

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Looking for a day of outdoor adventure and scenery that will make you stop in absolute awe? Of course, you are! You’re visiting Moraine Lake after all.

I’ve been to this turquoise lake more times than I can count and explored the area thoroughly. I can say, with confidence, that there are more things to do at Moraine Lake than first meets the eye!

In this blog, I’ll tell you about my favorite activities you can do and places to explore at Moraine Lake. I’ll also let you in on my top tips for visiting because it’s, as it turns out, a super popular place to explore.

Let’s not spend all day reading, though, let’s get into it!

Getting to Moraine Lake

Before we get into our list of things to do, we have some essential parking information. I mean, you have to get to the lake before you can start on the fun activities I have for you!

Driving to Moraine Lake and Parking (Not Allowed in 2024!)

Parking at Moraine Lake was always a nightmare. In fact, most of the time, you couldn’t get a spot and people would try and park there overnight just to have a spot for sunrise. It got so out of hand that Parks Canada has officially closed the road to Moraine Lake to the public.

As of 2023, you are no longer allowed to drive to Moraine Lake in your own private vehicle at any time (unless you have a special disabled permit).

So, you should consider other options like a Moraine Lake shuttle, bus, or tour. I’ll go through all these options below!

Privately-operated Shuttle Bus

A brand new company called the Moraine Lake Bus Company has just started offering shuttles to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise. Unlike the tours mentioned below, this option is transport only. So, no tour guide. However, that does make it a lot more affordable than the tours starting at only $49 CAD per adult.

After taking this shuttle last year (read our review here!), another thing that we love about it is that it offers early morning departures at both 4 am and 5 am, which means you’ll get to enjoy sunrise at Moraine Lake! But even if you aren’t an early riser, this shuttle is super convenient because your spot on the shuttle is booked, meaning no waiting around in long lines like you would with the Parks Canada shuttles. We walked past the HUGE lines for the Parks Canada shuttles and it saved us so much time having a guaranteed spot.

When you book the shuttle, you can also choose to add on a quick hour-long stop at Lake Louise Lakefront. This is the perfect choice for anybody who also wants to check out Lake Louise for a few photo ops without the stress of trying to get parking.

One thing to note about this shuttle is that it departs from Lake Louise (either Lake Louise Village or the Lake Louise Gondola, depending on the departure time that you book.) So, you will have to get yourself to the meeting point.

This shuttle is super popular (for a reason!) – book it online here to secure your spot.

Related Read: Learn all about the details of the Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle here!

Parks Canada Shuttle (Park and Ride) to Moraine Lake

Parks Canada operates a shuttle, called the Park and Ride, that departs from the Lake Lousie Ski Resort parking lot and will take you to both Lake Louise Lakefront and Moraine Lake.

These shuttles are cheap (adults $8 CAD, seniors $4 CAD, youth and children 17 and under are free) and start running as early as 6:30 am. You can find all the info on the Parks Canada website. They also offer a new Alpine Star shuttle that departs at 4 or 5 am, if you want to catch the sunrise!

Overall, the Park and Ride Shuttle is a very convenient and affordable option. The only downside is that the shuttle MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE. Unfortunately, this means that it is often fully booked. Advanced bookings for this year begin on April 18, 2024.

Insider Tip: 50% of the spaces on the shuttle are saved for “last minute bookings”. These spaces open exactly two days before at 8 am MDT. For example, if you want to visit Moraine Lake on Thursday, be online on the reservation system at 8 am on the Tuesday before. This way, you might still have a chance at getting a reservation.

Another thing to note is that even if you want to only visit Moraine Lake, book the shuttle to Lake Louise if that’s all that is available. The reason is that with your reservation you’ll get free access to the Lake Louise Connector Shuttle. The Lake Louise Connector shuttle runs between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake all day and is available to people who have a Park and Ride reservation or ROAM Superpass.

ROAM Transit (Public Bus)

ROAM Transit is the public bus system. You can buy a bus pass with ROAM that will get you to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from either Banff or Canmore.

Roam bus from Banff:

The Roam Transit bus is an efficient and reliable way of getting around in the Canadian Rockies, and you can take a direct bus from September until mid-October by catching the #10 bus from the Banff High School Transit Hub directly to Moraine Lake.

The direct journey takes around an hour and 15 minutes, and costs $10 CAD each way for adults, or $5 CAD each way for 13-17 year-olds and seniors, while those under 13s can ride for free. There are 7 buses per day, which depart from 6:30 am and go roughly once per hour, and the last bus back to Banff leaves at 5:30 pm.

However, if you want to take the Roam bus between June and August, you’ll need to take the 8X or 8S bus to the Lake Louise lakeshore, change to the LL route to transfer to the Park and Ride, and then take the shuttle to Moraine Lake from there. This last step is free if you have a Roam Superpass or have pre-booked a Park and Ride ticket (but more on that in a moment).

The 8S is the scenic route and takes you along the Bow Valley Parkway for some beautiful views, while the 8X route is faster and takes around an hour, so we think it’s better if you’re pressed for time. Buses leave from 7:30 am onwards and there are at least seven departures throughout the day at 2 or 3-hour intervals, but we recommend taking either the 7:30 am or 9:30 am bus to get there decently early to beat some of the midday crowds.

Once you reach the lakeshore, the connecting bus to the Park and Ride takes another 15 minutes. The route fares are the same as for the express bus, and the 8X bus runs year round while the scenic route is only available from July onwards.

There are fare boxes on the bus that accept both US and Canadian currency, but if you’re paying with cash then remember to bring exact change. Alternatively, you can get a Roam Smart Card online or register for one at the Roam Customer Service Centre in Banff town center. The buses also have free WiFi on board, which we think is a nice bonus!

Roam bus from Canmore:

If you’re looking to take Roam Transit from Canmore to Moraine Lake, then you’ll need to take the Route 3 bus from Canmore to Banff, which costs $6 CAD each way for adults or $3 CAD for seniors and youths.

Buses depart twice per hour from both Canmore 9th Street bus station and the Canmore Shoppers Drug Mart from 6:20 am onwards, with the last bus leaving from Banff High School Transit Hub at 10:15 pm. The journey to Banff takes roughly half an hour but you’ll have free WiFi on board to keep you entertained.

Once you arrive at Banff High School Transit Hub, you can change to the 8X route which will take you to Lake Louise, where you can then get on the LL bus to go to the Park and Ride departure for the final leg of your journey. Or, if you’re traveling in September, you can take the 10 route which will take you directly to Moraine Lake.

As we mentioned above, tickets for this portion of the journey cost $10 CAD each way or $5 CAD for seniors and youths. We definitely recommend purchasing a day Super Pass if you’re traveling from Canmore to Moraine Lake on the Roam bus because it costs $25 CAD for the whole day for adults (or half that for seniors and youths). This means that adult riders will save $7 CAD, as well as the trouble of purchasing separate tickets.

Organized Tour

One of the easiest and hassle-free ways to guarantee that you get to see the lake is on one of the guided tours of Moraine Lake.

Hop-on hop-off bus

We highly recommend booking the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus from Banff. Similar to other hop-on buses throughout the world your ticket includes stops at 7 popular places within Banff National Park. Stops include Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Samson Mall, and the Lake Louise gondola. With the flexibility to hop off at all the above stops or simply select a few favorites, we rank this among the top bus tours in Banff. Tickets for the hop-on-hop-off bus cost from $85 CAD.

Reserve your bus ticket with free cancellation 24 hours before you go.

Half-day tour

Another good option is this 4-hour guided tour starts in Banff and includes a tour of both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Your experienced local guide will tell you all about the history of the area as well as take you to a secret viewpoint of Moraine Lake. What we like about this tour is that it’s a small group tour, which means you’ll be getting a more personalized experience. This tour operates from April to November and is $113 CAD per person, including round-trip transportation from Banff. 

Check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book this guided tour online here!

Related Read: If you’re coming from Lake Louise, read about the best ways to get to Moraine Lake here.

10 Things to do at Moraine Lake

1. Walk the Lakeshore Trail 

The Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail is arguably the most popular hiking trail at Moraine Lake. I love this trail as you get to enjoy magnificent views of Moraine Lake from angles you simply don’t get from the viewpoints near the parking lot.

The trail starts at Moraine Lake Lodge and follows the edge of Moraine Lake for about 1.5 kilometers/0.93 miles. Once you reach the end, you must turn around and return via the same trail. In total, it takes around an hour to walk the trail and admire the views.

The Lakeshore Trail is a great option for those who don’t consider themselves hikers, families, and even those with sturdy strollers. The path is both well-maintained and flat, so it’s super easy!

2. Take in the views of the lake from the Rockpile

There’s one photo of Moraine Lake that everyone who’s visiting has most likely seen before – it’s the most famous view of the lake and the Ten Peaks. Well, that photo was taken from the Rockpile, and it’s also where I proposed to Bailey!

The Rockpile is exactly what the name suggests, a huge pile of rocks. However, this pile of rocks has been turned into the ultimate viewing platform of Moraine Lake and EVERY visitor should walk to the top of the Rockpile to enjoy the view.

To reach the Rockpile, take the trail next to the bathrooms in the parking lot. Follow this trail and cross a small wooden bridge. Once you cross the bridge, keep walking up the trail and keep right (left goes to Consolation Lakes) and this trail leads up to the Rockpile where you can find lots of small viewpoints of the lake. This trail is signposted so you don’t need to worry about getting lost.

It only takes 5 minutes to walk to the top of the Rockpile and although not flat, it’s an easy walk!

3. Canoe on the lake

Can you imagine anything more mesmerizing than taking in the views of Moraine Lake and the Ten Peaks from a tiny canoe?! Me either!

This has to be one of the most iconic activities you can do at Moraine Lake and it’s actually an iconic activity in Canada too. So, if you’ve ever wanted to canoe in a Canadian lake, I don’t think there’s a more perfect place to do it than at Moraine Lake!

Canoes can be rented from the Moraine Lake Lodge and they start at $140 CAD+tax for one hour. The canoes can fit up to three people so if you’re in a group, this is actually a relatively cheap activity in Banff National Park!

Rentals include life jackets and because of the stability of Canadian canoes, even those with no or limited experience can give it a try.

4. Enjoy coffee with a view 

The Moraine Lake Cafe serves all your favorite treats, including delicious coffee. Even in the summer, it can be bitterly cold at here and there’s no better way to warm up or wake up, than with a hot brew in your hand. If it’s raining in Banff National Park (which it’s known to do), then escaping to the cafe for a little while is a good idea too!

The Moraine Lake Cafe is located in Moraine Lake Lodge and besides coffee, also sells plenty of food items that are perfect to-go. They have breakfast foods such as quiches and croissants, or if you want, sandwiches for lunch too. My best advice is to grab a coffee and a bite to eat and go for a walk. Find a nice quiet spot along the Lakeshore Trail and enjoy a picnic!

5. Hike the Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass

During fall in Banff National Park, the Larch Valley Trail is one of the most spectacular hikes you can do. The entire valley erupts into a sea of yellow Larch trees with an epic backdrop of the famous Ten Peaks.

However, what many people don’t realize is the Larch Valley Trail is also a spectacular trail near Lake Louise in the summer months. In fact, wildflowers blossom in the valley during this time, and to some, it’s their favorite time to hike the trail.

The Larch Valley Trail starts from the Moraine Lake parking lot and follows the Lakeshore Trail before you reach a sign for the track telling you to go left. Once on this track, the trail quickly begins to climb high above the valley up a range of switchbacks (there are 10 to be exact.)

The initial climb gains around 450 meters (1,476 feet) in elevation which is not a walk in the park. But once you reach the valley, the trail flattens out until the end and you can finally enjoy the views! The total elevation gain of the track is 535 meters (1,755 feet.)

It takes around 4 hours to finish the 8.6-kilometer/5.3-mile, out-and-back hike. If you’re feeling up to it you can also continue on to Sentinel Pass. Hiking to the pass not only gives you great views of the Larch Valley but also Paradise Valley on the other side. The extra hike to Sentinel Pass is 1.5 kilometers/0.93 miles each way and takes around 1.5 hours.

Read our full guide to hiking the Larch Valley Trail before you go!

Hot Tip: If you want to see the fall colors, visit around the end of September to mid-October. There are also lots of other fun things to do in Banff in September, so make a full trip of it!

6. Eiffel Lake Trail

Eiffel Lake is a remote alpine lake situated not far from the Larch Valley. The beginning of the trail to Eiffel is actually the Larch Valley Trail, however, after you conquer the ten switchbacks you hit a fork in the road with one path heading to Eiffel Lake.

The Eiffel Lake Trail then continues on in the Valley of the Ten Peaks with stunning scenery everywhere you look. In some parts, you can even peer down at Moraine Lake and see her shine bright blue – especially on a sunny day! Eiffel Lake is only a small lake but it’s the surrounding landscapes that make visiting so rewarding.

From Moraine Lake, it’s a 12-kilometer/7.5-mile out-and-back hike to Eiffel Lake that takes around 4 hours to complete. The trail is moderately difficult but those with hiking experience could join both the Larch Valley and Eiffel Lake into one long hike. In total, this would take around 7 hours!

7. Stay at Moraine Lake Lodge 

If you’re still thinking about where you want to stay when you visit Banff National Park, consider spending a night or two at Moraine Lake Lodge.

Moraine Lake Lodge is the only hotel at Moraine Lake and although from the outside the rooms look a little outdated, on the inside you’ll find freshly renovated modern rooms with all the luxuries you could want. Of course, such an amazing hotel isn’t cheap and a room can set you back upwards of $1,000 CAD + per night!

Besides staying so close to the amazing view, staying at the lodge means you don’t need to battle for parking to take the shuttle/bus to see Moraine Lake. You’ll be able to enjoy sunrise at Moraine Lake right from your room!

I’ve personally never been able to stomach the cost so I haven’t stayed myself, but it’s definitely an experience I have on my bucket list – I’m sure I wouldn’t want to leave!

Don’t miss out on this bucket-list stay – book your room at Moraine Lake Lodge here!

Related Read: Looking for more accommodation options? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Banff National Park – we did all the research for you!

8. Scramble up the Tower of Babel

This next hike isn’t actually a hike at all. In fact, it’s not even an “official” trail (if you ask Parks Canada). However, it’s one of, if not the most popular scrambles in Banff National Park.

The scramble to the top of the Tower of Babel is iconic. It’s those panoramic views of the mountains that have made the trail so famous and a must for any beginner scrambler.

The trail is short at only 2.9 kilometers/1.8 miles, however, it involves a 518-meter (1,700 feet) climb on some pretty rough terrain. Once you reach the top the views of Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks are out of this world! You’ll quickly see why so many people make the hike to the Tower of Babel.

Hiking the trail requires a little planning and knowing exactly where to go. I could try to explain it, but this Tower of Babel hiking guide does it really well and it’s actually the blog I used to hike the trail.

9. Walk to Consolation Lakes

If you’re looking for an easy hike at Moraine Lake that’s a little more adventurous than the Lakeshore Trail, then Consolation Lakes Trail is a great option.

This 2.9-kilometer/1.8-mile one-way trail gets you far away from the crowds of Moraine Lake and out to two beautiful alpine lakes with epic mountain backdrops. The trail is relatively flat and rated as easy so it’s perfect for the whole family.

After the first lake, there is a bit of a scramble over some rocks to get to the second, but if you’re not comfortable with it you can just visit the first lake. In my opinion, it’s the most beautiful anyway! All up, it only takes just over two hours to hike the trail there and back.

The trailhead starts at the bathrooms at the Moraine Lake parking lot. From there, just follow the path to the small wooden bridge and continue on until you reach a bear warning sign. Here, turn left and you are on the trail!  

Related Read: Consolation Lakes is one of the easiest hikes near Canmore – find out what the others are!

10. Bicycle to Moraine Lake

A great alternative to booking public transportation or joining a tour is to cycle here from Lake Louise. The ride from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake is around 13 kilometers (8 miles) in length and takes you along Moraine Lake Road. It’s rated as moderate in difficulty level, that’s because you are cycling uphill most of the way!

In fact, you will gain over 160 meters (525 feet) in elevation, so, it’s recommended to have a good level of fitness. It will take around an hour and 15 minutes to get there and about 30 minutes to return (because you will be cycling downhill on your return!).

From your bike, you can truly enjoy the incredible views along Moraine Lake Road, which include glimpses of Temple Mountain and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

You can rent bikes from Wilson Mountain Sports located in Lake Louise Village. A mountain bike costs $49 CAD for the whole day, and an electric bike costs $99 for the entire day.

It’s important to note too that you can cycle this road from mid-May to mid-October because, in the winter months, this road is actually used for cross-country skiing.

About Moraine Lake, Canada

Located in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Moraine Lake is easily one of the best places to visit in Alberta. The water of the lake is a brilliant blue color, and with the iconic Ten Peaks as its background, this lake is nothing short of breathtaking. It should come as no surprise that most tourists in Canada (or even Canadians themselves) have Moraine Lake on their bucket list.

Moraine Lake is located only 14 kilometers/8.9 miles from the village of Lake Louise, and as such, people often visit them together! The lake is located at 1,884 meters/6181 feet above sea level. You can get to it by shuttle, bus, or tour or you can hike or cycle there too, as mentioned above.

Visiting such a popular place doesn’t come without its challenges though, so it’s important you properly plan and prepare before you go. First and foremost, the Moraine Lake Access Road is no longer open for public vehicles in 2023 which means you cannot park at the lake so you must have an alternative plan for getting to the lake.

Here are some of the most common questions we get (and had ourselves) before visiting Moraine Lake:

The Best Time to visit Moraine Lake

If you really want to see Moraine Lake for yourself then you need to consider both the time of year to visit and the time of day.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Moraine Lake

The best time of year to visit Moraine Lake is when the lake is melted because when it is frozen and covered in snow, you won’t get to see the bright blue watercolor! For that reason, you shouldn’t plan to visit before mid-June (if it is even open). By October, the lake starts getting frozen sections typically as well. With that said, this is completely dependent on the weather and changes every year.

To guarantee the lake won’t be frozen, visit Moraine Lake in July, August, or early September.

One of my personal favorite times of year to visit Moraine Lake is in the Fall when all of the Larch trees turn bright orange and yellow. This time of year is referred to as “Larch Season.” Larch Season also varies each year because of the weather, but generally speaking, you can expect to see these beautifully-colored trees between mid-September and early October.

It’s important to note that the road to get to Moraine Lake closes to vehicle access from mid-October to the end of May each year due to avalanche risk. So, during these months it is not possible to take a shuttle, bus, or tour to Moraine Lake. You can, however, hike, cycle, or ski there. With that said, there is a big risk of avalanche so you should have the proper equipment and training. Parks Canada doesn’t advise going all the way to the lake during the winter months.

Moraine Lake Road is typically set to open on June 1, however, it can be delayed due to weather/road conditions. Be sure to check before you go because it always changes and you might need to change the booking dates of your transport method!

The Best Time of Day to Visit Moraine Lake

The most beautiful time of day to visit Moraine Lake is without a doubt at sunrise. As the sun rises, it lights up the mountains and lake and makes for the brilliant scene you’re probably hoping to see. On top of that, first thing in the morning is when your chance of having clear weather is the best. Clouds can cover the mountains and really impact your view.

However, now that the road to Moraine Lake is closed to the public and the Parks Canada shuttles and public transport have very limited sunrise shuttles (if any at all!) the best way to visit Moraine Lake at sunrise is on a guided tour or with a privately-operated sunrise shuttle. This specific tour departs Banff super early to ensure you make it for the epic sunrise! Or, this shuttle departs from Lake Louise at 4 am and 5 am.

We have personally done both and they are equally good options, for different reasons. Read our full guide to visiting at sunrise to get all the details.

Visiting Moraine Lake at mid-day is a good time of day for hiking so if you want to visit during the day, be sure to arrange transport in advance.

If you want to visit Moraine Lake without a crowd of people, go a couple of hours before sunset. By this time of day, most people have gone back to their hotel for the day.

Hot Tip: If you can, visit Moraine Lake mid-week. It is always busier on the weekends!

Sunrise at Moraine Lake

If you’re not a big morning person, a sunrise tour to Moraine Lake is by far, the easiest way to do it!

The tour begins at 4 am in Banff, and because they are a licensed tour operator, they can access Moraine Lake for sunrise. The tour costs $288 CAD and includes not only a visit to Moraine Lake with hot chocolate and coffee to enjoy but also an early morning visit to Lake Louise. That means you can visit two of the busiest lakes in Canada without the crowds or the stress of parking/shuttles.

Book the tour here with free cancelation up to 24 hours before! 

If the guided tour is a little too pricey for you, you can book a transport-only shuttle instead. This particular privately owned shuttle company offers departures from Lake Louise Village to Lake Moraine at both 4 am and 5 am so that you can watch the sunrise. The cost is also only $99-119 CAD per person. We have gone on his shuttle and had a wonderful experience – they are punctual, friendly, and the shuttles were super clean!

Reserve your seat on the sunrise shuttle to Moraine Lake!

Other Things to do While You’re in Banff

Visiting Moraine Lake is just one of the top things to do in Banff. But with so much to choose from, it might feel overwhelming. So below, I’ve picked some of my other favorite activities in the area to help you out!

• Hike Johnston Canyon – There are tons of amazing hikes in and around Banff, but I especially loved hiking Johnston Canyon and seeing its spectacular waterfalls. You can drive to the trailhead on your own or book a tour. This e-bike and hiking tour is excellent for those who want to combine both activities. Or if you just want transport, take the hop-on, hop-off bus we mentioned earlier, it also stops here! If you visit Johnston Canyon in winter, this Icewalk tour will show you ice formations and frozen falls!

• Look for wildlife – Banff is home to some pretty incredible wildlife. You might just spot elk, bears, deer, foxes, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and more! The best chance you have of seeing the most critters is on a wildlife tour in Banff. We really liked this small group tour where the guides tailor the itinerary to recent wildlife spottings, and you get to see highlights of the national park along the way.

• Ride the Banff Gondola – If you want the best vantage point in town, ride up the Banff Gondola! You’ll climb 698 meters (2.292 feet) to the top of Sulphur Mountain where you’ll have a view of six different mountain ranges. Tickets for the Banff Gondola do sell out in the busy season, so make sure to purchase yours ahead of time!

• Explore Banff town – While many nature-based activities are nearby, you shouldn’t neglect Banff town itself! Start your morning by visiting one of the cute local cafes, or grab patio drinks along Banff Avenue in the afternoon. To avoid traffic, check out the pedestrian-only Bear Street, with even more restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Where to Stay near Moraine Lake

There’s only one actual hotel at Moraine Lake. The Moraine Lake Lodge is beautiful, but books up months in advance and is often $1,000+ CAD per night! Because of that, I recommend finding a nice place to stay in Lake Louise Village. My favorite options are below:

Fairmont Château Lake Louise – $$$

For those with a bigger budget, you can’t look past the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. The hotel sits on the shoreline of Lake Louise with epic views in the most stunning of locations. I’ve added spending a night or two here to my personal bucket list! There are also a few restaurants in the hotel that are only available to hotel guests, not to mention the onsite spa! A night here will set you back at least $550 CAD but typically it will be even higher in peak season. You can book the Fairmont online here!

Lake Louise Inn – $$

The Lake Louise Inn is still a budget-friendly option but a little fancier than the above hostel. The hotel features an indoor pool, an onsite restaurant and bar, modern rooms, and even apartments for larger groups. It basically has all the comforts you’d expect at a standard hotel and the reviews are really good. Its location is also ideal, right in the heart of Lake Louise Village and you can grab a room for an average of $150 CAD a night. You can book the Lake Louise Inn online here!

Hi Lake Louise Alpine Center – $

For budget travelers, the Hi Lake Louise Alpine Center is the best option in Lake Louise Village. The location is right in town, they have a shared kitchen, basic but comfortable rooms, and friendly staff. You can choose between dorm rooms starting at $33 CAD a night or private rooms for around $100 CAD a night. It is by far the cheapest place to stay in Lake Louise, and honestly, it’s a nice hostel and we’ve actually stayed there a few times. You can book it online through Hostelworld.com or Booking.com!

Renting a Car in Alberta

If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.

Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia.

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter.) Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and using crown land and campsites, you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable!

Thanks for reading!

Moraine Lake really is one of the most magical places to visit in Canada. Not only is it stunning, but there are so many amazing things to do at Moraine Lake! I hope that I’ll get to visit many more times during my adventures across Canada – it’s safe to say I never get sick of the views!

Thanks so much for reading! If you found this guide on the best things to do at Moraine Lake helpful then be sure to browse all our Canada blogs! We have lots of awesome guides to the Rocky Mountains including these:

ONE Day Icefields Parkway Itinerary: 15 Epic Quick Stops

12 Absolute Best Lakes in Banff You NEED to Visit

9 BEST Hikes that Start from Moraine Lake