Moraine Lake — Attraction in Alberta

Visited 9/27/2022

一早從CALGARY 開車出發，喝了1杯 EXPRESSO. 坐巴士到 LAKE MORAINE. 風景優美。冰河後大自然工藝。也有人說是 巴別塔掉下來的石頭。很高興的一天。

FROM CANDIAN PARK MAGAZINE ON MORRAINE LATE

1)Moraine Lake and Walter Wilcox

Walter Wilcox visited Moraine Lake in 1899 said: "I stood on a great stone of the moraine where, from a slight elevation, a magnificent view of the lake lay before me, and while studying the details of this unknown and unvisited spot, spent the happiest half-hour of my life."

He'd actually seen it some six years earlier in 1893, but from a great distance and he was at the time impressed with its surroundings. The lake lies at one end of a great valley, so bleak and rugged, so rock-strewn that he christened it Desolation Valley.

2. Formation

Wilcoxconcluded that Moraine Lake was formed the same way as Lake Louise: by the gouging action of a glacier that hollowed out the lakebed picking up and pushing rock debris before it, then receding and leaving behind the huge debris pile of great boulders known to geologists as a terminal moraine. This moraine blocked the end of the valley and held in the waters of the lake.

Today some geologists think the enormous rubble pile at Moraine Lake was not created by a glacier at all but by rocks spilling down from the nearby 2,360 metre (7,590 foot) Tower of Babel in a huge landslide.

Another current theory holds that landslides farther up the valley to the west dropped the boulders on top of the glacier which then carried them to their present position. The glacier then receded and left them there to hold in the waters of the lake. However it came to be there, the rock pile is impressive.

3. Valley of Ten peaks /Desolation Valley

The lake is surrounded by an array of massive peaks that provide a perfect background for the deep blue waters. No wonder the valley, now seen most often from the east end, is no longer called Desolation Valley but instead, the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

4. Sea creatures

Perhaps Moraine Lake's most fascinating tale is found in the boulders themselves. Looking around in just about any direction, fossil evidence can be seen in the rocks - signs of sea creatures from a time so remote in history that it jars the imagination. Here is visible proof of underwater life.

There are hollows made by a kind of water worm, the tracks of trilobites (ancestors of our present-day horse-shoe crab) who scudded across the bottoms of a great sea 560 million years ago and of sea anemones who anchored themselves to the muddy bottom. These rocks, now 1,885 metres (6,190 feet) above sea level, were once on the bottom of a great sea more than half a billion years ago.

The tracks and burrows were covered and preserved by subsequent mud slides that flowed across the bottom of their ancient shallow sea home. Over time, starting roughly 160 million years ago, the sea floor was squeezed and raised upwards as the result of the crunching together of two continental plates. It did not happen suddenly. The uplift took place at a speed of only a few centimetres a year. Over all those millions of years, the fossils in the rock were carried up to the altitude where...

A SCENIC HIKE FOR ALL AGES

Moraine Lake, located in the stunning Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, offers a breathtaking hiking experience for visitors of all ages. The hike around the lake is perfect for families, with its relatively short distance and moderate terrain. Here’s everything you need to know about enjoying this iconic trail.

TRAIL ACCESSIBILITY AND DIFFICULTY

This hike is suitable for all skill levels, including families with toddlers. However, it’s essential to note that the trail is uneven in places due to exposed roots, making it unsuitable for strollers. A child backpack is a much better option for carrying younger children.

Walking sticks can be a helpful addition for extra stability, especially for those who prefer a little extra support while navigating uneven terrain.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

ICONIC VIEWS OF THE LAKE

Moraine Lake’s turquoise waters are world-famous, and the trail offers multiple points to soak in the lake’s beautiful colour. The reflections of the Ten Peaks in the water make for incredible photo opportunities.

ROCKPILE VIEWPOINT

A short climb up the rock pile at the start of the trail provides a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding peaks. This is the most famous spot for photos and a must-visit before continuing your hike.

PEACEFUL PATHS WITH TREES

The trail winds through peaceful forests of fir and pine, offering a serene environment. The scent of evergreens and the soft crunch of the forest floor underfoot add to the sensory experience.

WILDLIFE SPOTTING

Keep an eye out for wildlife! Birds, squirrels, and even the occasional deer are common along the trail. Be sure to stay a respectful distance from any animals you encounter.

LOVELY STREAMS AND CASCADES

Depending on the season, you might come across small streams and cascades flowing into the lake. These add another layer of beauty to the already picturesque hike.

TRAIL TIPS

1. Timing: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best lighting for photos.

2. Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes to handle the uneven terrain.

3. Gear: Walking sticks can help with balance on the roots, and don’t forget to bring water and snacks.

4. Weather: Check the weather before your trip, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

SUMMARY

The Moraine Lake hike is a family-friendly adventure offering unparalleled views of one of the most beautiful spots in the Canadian Rockies. While even a toddler can manage the trail with help, it’s best to leave the stroller at home and opt for a child backpack. Walking sticks can add stability, making the hike even more enjoyable. From the iconic rock pile viewpoint to the peaceful forest paths, this trail promises a memorable experience for nature lovers of all ages.

Whether you’re seeking beautiful landscapes or a leisurely family outing, Moraine Lake delivers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Banff National Park.

Annie W. Master Reviewer Local Guide...

One more beautiful attraction that cannot be missed. You must have a bus or shuttle ticket to visit though. So pack all your food, coffee and canoe in the backpack unless you want to lighten that plastic in your pockets.

Remember there is no signal and wifi here. And unless you want to test your imagined cardio strength I suggest you book a return shuttle, 3 hours from your arrival would be good. There is nothing much to do here apart from the expensive gold embroidered canoe rentals that cost 160$ per hour. At least they give you a horn to blow, only in emergencies guys.

Cafe closes by 345 pm, they have some wifi to catchup. There is no seating inside the cafe, you just buy and sit outside. Or just not buy and sit outside.

Moraine Lakeshore trail walk is good. You can spend time by the lake taking the same pictures from different angles.

Rock pile is nice, gives a great view of the whole scape. But getting there! phew. Elevators where are you!

Special shoutout to the washrooms that made me puke last years cereal. I cant even imagine what people went through who had to sit on it. “Did i just do it or was it already there?” It gives you a chance to train that bladder of yours which you ignored.

We did the Larch valley trail. And oh my god, doing 50 jumping jacks in 15 mins is not a bar for cardio strength. It’s an imagination. Wake up people. The trail is 2 parts, 2.3kms and 2kms. The first 2.3 kms is the toughest, its steep and strips you off of your strength just a few steps off the information display at the beginning. Wait thats only me I guess. There is a bench at the end of the first part, offers a great view, no recliner can match the comfort it offers. Apparently you cant sleep there, keep moving for the 2nd part chop chop. There is a flat land just for few meters in this 2km stretch and rest of the hike is almost steep again. It took us around 2.5 hrs to finish and get up there. The final view is mind blowing, makes it up for all the hard-work and lost muscles and life. Picturesque views is a small word, so are we in front of that majestic rockies. But our happiness is short lived as you have to get down, but hey thanks to gravity, it’s a little easier now.

“Wait Whats that crackling sound in my knees, did i make it to the bottom alrdy?? no Its just 100 steps!”. I hate Newton.

At this point the radical part of your brain starts generating ideas, that you are superman and can fly, you can just slide your way through the mountain, why did they not build a huge slide just like in water parks, how about i become food for bears! where are they anyway? i paid park entrance so i am entitled to spot one!! By the way there was a grizzly spotted in flat lands just when we crossed it by an other group. So be vigilant and watch out, you might get lucky or unlucky! Praise the lord we...