From Turquoise Lakes to Majestic Peaks: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
A tour of Alberta’s breathtakingly beautiful Banff National Park
Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 ~ After spending two nights in Banff, we headed to Jasper for the last two nights of our tour.
On our way, we visited the Alberta’s breathtakingly beautiful Banff National Park. Established in 1885 as Canada’s first national park, the park covers more than 2,500 square miles.
One of the most visited and photographed places in the park is our first stop of the morning, picturesque Lake Louise.
Like Glacier National Park, the road to Lake Louise gets so busy during tourist season that Parks Canada restricts traffic to tour buses to those staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
The Canadian Pacific Railway built the first chalet in 1890 to bring in wealthy tourists. Portions of the above lodge were built in 1910. Staying at the Fairmont today starts at about $1,000/night.
In 1899, the CPR brought in Swiss mountain guides to lead hotel guests on hiking and climbing expeditions. There’s over 4,500 acres of skiable terrain in the area.
Speaking of hiking, there are two teahouses providing a respite for weary hikers in the mountains, the Lake Agnes Tea House and the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House.
Accessible only by helicopter or hiking trails from Lake Louise, supplies are helicoptered in at the beginning of the season. Employees hike in to work and they pack out trash when they return. I’d love to come back, take a hike, and visit one of them.
Fireweed adds a contrasting color to the landscape.
The turquoise water is fed from Victoria Glacier.
Have a seat and enjoy the view…
Canoes and kayaks were rented across the lake, but the lake is only about 50 degrees.
People were lined up for this perfect photo op spot. Kate remembers her parents having their picture taken here when they visited Lake Louise.
Next, we traveled to Moraine Lake, just over six miles away from Lake Louise. Moraine Lake’s elevation is more than 6,000 feet above sea level in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
The guide told us that to get the best views, we would need to climb a steep, rocky trail with no handrail. I decided not to risk it, so this was my view from below…
And this was Kate’s view after climbing the steep, rocky path.
Both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are glacier fed.
As the glaciers grind the rock into rock flour, the azure color is created by the light refracting from the rock flour deposits.
It’s amazing the difference in color at a higher elevation. Mother Nature’s artistry at work…stunning!!
Afterward, we traveled to Jasper where we stayed on the shores of the Athabasca River for the last two nights of our tour.
Enjoying my zen spot and reflecting with gratitude on the amazing tour we’re enjoying.
Next up, exploring Jasper National Park.
What a phenomenally beautiful experience. Thanks for sharing.
Gorgeous!! I need me some Moraine.