Moraine Lake

Up a winding road, 14 km apart from Lake Louise, is the object of longing for travellers: the Moraine Lake. Disengaging from the embarrassing comparisons to its more visited neighbour Lake Louise, I will rather use this space detailing the phenomena that it is. Occupying a rather petite half a km of surface, its teal coloured water is contained within the Valley of Ten Peaks, a true Canadian special. Referred to as the ‘Twenty Dollar View,’ for it found its way on the Canadian Bill of a corresponding amount, the view is something I wouldn't dare put a price to. It changes colours, it thaws in late June, it freezes by November, Moraine Lake really does have a temperament after all.Having gawped enough at the Canoes moored to its shores, do use them for incursion into its crystal clear serene waters, and unfold the mystery that engulfs it.
Tread the Lakeshore Trail running along the east shore of the Moraine Lake. Slicing through thick forests it offers sumptuous lakeside vistas and visuals of the towering peaks, and with most visitors amiss beyond its first leg, your moments of solitude are guaranteed. The Rockpile Trail is another crowd puller; running along the Moraine, this 300 m long walk concludes with a literal Rockpile. Dodge the crowds and get atop the heap, whilst the instruction may sound clichéd, won’t say likewise for the views it offers.