Moraine Lake, located in Banff National Park, is a stunning destination known for its bright blue waters and breathtaking mountain views as its framed by the Ten Peaks.

Accessible only by Parks Canada shuttle or licensed commercial vehicles, this popular spot is a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With limited parking and seasonal closures, planning ahead is key to experiencing the beauty of Moraine Lake.

To reach Moraine Lake, you'll either need a Parks Canada Shuttle Reservation or a spot on a commercial shuttle such as the Moraine Lake Bus Company. The former is more affordable, but typically sells out months in advance. Parks Canada releases some additional shuttle as dates approach, but these tickets are usually swallowed up in seconds online.

This is my favorite lake to canoe on in the Banff area. Canoes are on a first come first serve basis and in general there's enough availability so that you won't be standing around waiting in line. A 1-hour rental is usually sufficient to do a lap around the lake, since it isn't too large.

Moraine Lake is also a great place to take a cold plunge. If you're up for it, be sure to bring a swimsuit and towel. The mineral rich water is always cold, so don't anticipate lasting too long.

There's a nice gift shop here along with a cafe, but it can be crowded around midday during the summer.

Moraine Lake serves as the jumping off point for two of my favorite hikes, Consolation Lakes (Easy) and Sentinel Pass (Hard).