Enjoying the Peace and Quiet During a Stay at Moraine Lake Lodge in Banff National Park
- Brooke
- Feb 2, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: May 24, 2022
There are some places in the world that defy description. That are just so beautiful that pictures, words, blog postings, and all the eloquence in the world simply won't do them any justice.
One such place is Moraine Lake, high up in the Canadian Rockies, far from major population centers, peacefully positioned as one of Mother's Nature's greatest masterpieces. Moraine Lake, with its turquoise waters, upon which mirrored images of the Valley of the Ten Peaks reflects back towards viewers, dusted with some snow and tall pines is one of those vistas that stop people in their tracks. It really is that awe-inspiring.
Moraine Lake gets its name from the moraine located at the bottom of the lake. What is a moraine, you may find yourself asking? Google defines it as "a mass of rocks and sediment carried down and deposited by a glacier, typically as ridges at its edges or extremity." At the bottom of the lake is a huge pile of debris, and the peaks also show evidence of sediment left behind when the glacier that carved Moraine Lake retreated long ago.
Some people take a day trip to Moraine Lake, either on their drive from Banff to Jasper National Parks along the Icefields Parkway. That, or maybe they take a wander up from its more famous sister down the mountain at Lake Louise. All of this will do the trick - you'll see the lake, be in awe, and cross it off your bucket list.
But for those who are looking for something a bit more...soul satisfying, staying a night or two at Moraine Lake Lodge is the best way (in my humble opinion) to get all of the joy and serenity that only these types of locations can provide.
Ben and I stayed there in the summer of 2008, so it's been a while. Sadly, I've lost a lot of my pictures in my computer file migration over the years, including the pictures of us canoeing on the lake (though thankfully I posted a few to social media back then), which was included in our room price. This was the place we opted to splurge too, by getting our own unit in the Deluxe King Cabin category. 100% worth the extra money - we made our own fires in our fireplace, had plenty of room to spread out, and clear views of the lake.
I've thought of this place on a regular basis for the past 11 or so years, wishing to one day to return. I hope it's in the cards - so far elusive, but always a dream worth holding on to. But when I do return, I won't hesitate to stay at the base of the lake, looking out over perfection, creating new memories to cherish for the years to come. And hopefully someday soon you will know that same feeling as well.
Moraine Lake Details
Moraine Lake is located about 20 minutes uphill from Lake Louise, or about an hour drive from Banff. Staying at Moraine Lake Lodge puts you further from the main action of Banff, but closer to nature. There is canoeing and hiking to be done around the lake, but to really enjoy the peace and serenity of this scenic gem, you'll want to stay the night. Or maybe two. Hey, who am I to judge if you stay longer? Your bank account might judge, but I certainly won't.
Moraine Lake Lodge
(Image borrowed from here)
Located right along the banks of the lake, this upscale property has a few different room categories, from more traditional style hotel rooms in the lodge building, to slightly more private cabin style rooms, providing options for those who don't want to fork over their entire bank account in one go. However, if you're looking to splurge, this is a great place to do it.
Even though the prices are hefty (at least they were when we stayed there in 2008, I imagine that is still the case), their website says they still include a few freebies that definitely make the splurge more than worthwhile. Free breakfast, afternoon tea, canoe usage, and guided hikes are a few complimentary services that come with the room price.
We opted for the Deluxe King Cabin that had a fireplace, its own lanai facing the lake, and was a bit more private than staying in the main lodge building. The other rooms options are a bit more economical, and to be honest, whatever option you go with, as long as it means you get to wake up to and drift to sleep with that lake in your backyard, it will be perfect. You'll notice the crowds descending on the lake throughout the day, but to have it all to yourself with only a few other guests makes the experience quite memorable.
There is a restaurant that serves dinner nightly, but make sure you arrange reservations once you book your room. We had dinner here one night, and though I don't recall exactly what we ate (though I suspect we might have gotten baked brie, I would have likely gotten a steak, and Ben claims to remember getting the venison), I remember walking out of there with a good opinion of the food, atmosphere, and the service. The menu reflects its environment, serving up mountain cuisine, from steaks, lamb, chicken and seafood. To view a sample menu, click here.
Overall, we had a lovely stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge, and I think of the experience often and fondly. I want to hear all about any trips out to that corner of the globe, so please tell me about it in the comments below!