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Kayaking Canada’s Most Famous Lakes: Lake Louise, Lake Moraine & Bow Lake
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posted by Vitaliy Deputat
Artcile Navigation
If you’ve ever seen a photo of Canada’s Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, you’ve probably imagined a serene, untouched paradise. The truth? They’re stunning — and absolutely packed with people.
But here’s the twist: with my own folding kayak packed into a suitcase, I skipped the rental chaos, saved a small fortune, and still got to paddle those jaw-dropping turquoise waters on my own terms. This wasn’t just a trip — it was a little experiment to see if travelling with a kayak is worth the hassle. Spoiler: it paid off the second my kayak hit the water.
The Key To The Popularity Of Glacial Lakes: The Incomparable Colour Of The Water
The turquoise and milky-blue shades of lakes like Louise and Moraine aren’t the result of any artificial dye or camera trick — they come straight from the mountains themselves.
These lakes are glacier-fed, meaning their main water source is melting ice from nearby glaciers high in the Rockies. As the glacier moves, it grinds against the bedrock underneath, creating an ultra-fine powder called rock flour (or glacial silt). The particles are so small they don’t sink quickly; instead, they remain suspended in the water, even on calm days.
When sunlight hits the lake, these microscopic particles scatter and refract the light. The shorter blue and green wavelengths bounce back to our eyes, while longer wavelengths are absorbed. On overcast days, the colours are softer and more muted; on sunny days, the effect can be so intense it almost looks unreal — a vivid, opaque turquoise that seems to glow from within.
The Plan: Four Lakes, One Folding Kayak
The plan was to see some of the most beautiful spots in Canada and to demonstrate how a folding kayak can give you unique access to places that are otherwise tricky to explore.
The trip started with a flight into Calgary, which is roughly 130–140 km from Banff National Park (depending on the route you take). Banff is home to two of the most famous and photographed lakes in the country: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
My first goal was to visit popular Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Even the drive along the highway was breathtaking — turquoise rivers winding through the valleys, snow-capped peaks, and plenty of designated viewpoints where you can pull over to take photos or simply soak in the scenery.
However, the thing with Lake Louise and Lake Moraine is that they’re always packed with people. For anyone looking for solitude or simply wanting to enjoy the scenery quietly, it’s a big issue. They feel like the most touristy, over-photographed spots you can imagine.
That’s why my first thought was: there must be equally beautiful lakes that are easier to access and less crowded. So, I sat down at my computer and quickly found exactly that: Lake Emerald and Lake Bow.
Bringing Your Own Kayak: What You Need to Know
In short, you can bring your kayak to these lakes — but there’s a catch. Alberta’s national parks require you to fill out a self-certification form before launching. It’s a short declaration confirming that your boat is completely dry and free of any plants, algae, or other organisms.
The reason? Invasive species. Even microscopic hitchhikers from one body of water can disrupt another lake’s ecosystem. Across Canada, the rule is clear: before moving from one lake to another, you must drain, clean, and dry your kayak completely. Given the sheer volume of visitors here, the policy isn’t just bureaucracy — it’s a serious environmental safeguard.
The Emerald Lake “Fiasco”
My first lake on this trip was actually Emerald Lake, across the border in British Columbia. Fresh off my flight to Calgary and checked into my Airbnb, I couldn’t wait to get my kayak on the water. The drive was gorgeous, the weather was perfect, and I was already picturing those emerald-green reflections.
But my excitement sank fast. Right at the shore, clear signs announced: “No Personal Boats Allowed” — a rule meant to prevent cross-contamination between lakes. I had no choice but to leave my kayak in the car.
I still made the most of it — walked along the shoreline, took a few photos, and enjoyed the view. But my paddling plans for Day 1 were done before they even started.
The New Reality: How to Actually Get to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake
So the next day I planned to paddle on Lake Louise. Reaching these lakes is no longer as simple as driving up to them. In the past, you could park your car right there, but due to overwhelming tourist numbers, the park administration completely reorganized the access system. Now, the main way to get there is by shuttle bus.
By the way, when I was planning my trip, I couldn’t quite figure out how flexible the shuttles were. In reality, they run on a set schedule — every half hour starting in the morning — but you’re not locked into a return time. You can arrive on the 8:00 AM shuttle, spend the whole day at the lake, and take the last bus back if you want.
However, getting shuttle tickets is a challenge. Tickets are released two days in advance at 8:00 AM local time, and they typically sell out within two hours. That means you have to be online and ready to book the moment they become available.
If you miss out, there’s a “Plan B”: what they call a limousine, but in reality it’s more of a minibus service — and it costs around $100 CAD for a ride to the lake.
For Lake Louise, I managed to grab a 5:00 PM shuttle ticket. It turned out to be perfect — enough time to see the lake, paddle across it, and return without feeling rushed.
Weather Roulette in the Rockies
One thing you learn quickly in Banff National Park: the weather changes faster than you can unzip your jacket. On the shuttle ride to Lake Louise, the scenery kept shifting like a slideshow — rain, then sunshine, then mist rolling in, all within minutes.
So here’s the rule: don’t panic if it’s raining when you arrive. When I got to Lake Louise, the drizzle stopped, the sun came out, and I ended up with some of my best photos from the entire trip. The constantly changing light actually makes for incredible shots — you just have to be patient.
The “Limousine” Ride and the Sunrise Gamble On Moraine Lake
The next morning’s plan was Moraine Lake. But I missed the shuttle ticket release — I was mid-flight when sales opened — and by the time I checked, everything was gone. My only option was the so-called limousine service (read: minibus).
The only departure available? The Sunrise Tour. At 4:00 AM, they picked us up, loaded our gear, and drove us to the lake in time to watch the first rays break over the mountains. On a good day, it’s pure magic: the peaks glow pink, the water mirrors the sky, and the whole scene feels cinematic.
But my day wasn’t a “good day.” Just before sunrise, thick clouds rolled in. The lake disappeared into a heavy mist, visibility dropped to about five meters, and all that pre-dawn excitement fizzled. I’d paid the high price, woken up at 2:00 AM, and ended up with… well, a white wall of fog.
I didn’t even unpack the kayak. Without the mountain backdrop, the scene was just water and mist. By 9:00 AM, I was back on the bus, slightly grumpy but still laughing at the absurdity of it.
Discovering Bow Lake: A Hidden Gem in the Canadian Rockies
Bow Lake surprised me in the best way possible. Just a short 40-kilometre drive from the bustle of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, it felt like stepping into a quieter, more peaceful world — one where you could actually hear the water ripple and the wind rustle through the pine trees without shouting over crowds.
Getting there was easy. There are two parking options: a small lot right by the shore, and a larger lot about 200 meters away. Arriving a bit later in the day, I found the smaller lot full, but the larger one still had space. I pulled in, unloaded my kayak gear nearby, and then parked properly before making the short walk down to the water.
The lake itself is a classic glacial lake: surrounded by towering mountain peaks dusted with snow, its surface a mesmerizing shade of turquoise. The water is so clear and still, it feels almost unreal. Thanks to the rock flour — that finely ground glacier sediment suspended in the water — the colour seemed to glow, especially when sunlight peeked through the clouds.
I spent about four hours on Bow Lake, paddling slowly along the shoreline, stopping often to capture photos from every angle. Unlike the crowded scenes at Lake Louise, here I could actually take my time. The quiet moments on the water felt restorative, as if the lake was a secret waiting to be discovered rather than a tourist hotspot.
If you’re looking for a glacial lake experience that combines jaw-dropping beauty with relative solitude and easy access, Bow Lake is a must-visit. It’s the perfect place to unwind, paddle, and soak in the raw mountain energy — without the crowds and rental queues.
Off the Beaten Path: Glacier Lake Alternatives
For those craving a quieter, more personal connection with nature, there are several stunning alternatives just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re up for a short hike or a quick drive, these hidden gems provide a perfect balance of accessibility and serenity.
Herbert Lake
Herbert Lake is a hidden gem known for its mirror-like surface that reflects the surrounding peaks perfectly. It’s smaller and quieter than many of the other glacier lakes, making it a peaceful spot to relax or enjoy a calm paddle. Located close to the Icefields Parkway with easy parking, it’s a great option if you want a quick nature escape without the crowds.
Chephren Lake
Tucked away near Mount Chephren, this lake is less visited and offers dramatic mountain views that rival the more famous spots. A short hike from a nearby parking area takes you to its vibrant turquoise waters. The lake’s remote feel and striking scenery make it a favourite for photographers and kayakers looking for solitude and pristine conditions.
Waterfowl Lakes (Upper and Lower)
These twin lakes are connected by a short channel and sit along the Icefields Parkway, making them some of the easiest glacier lakes to reach by car. While they aren’t as famous as Lake Louise, their transparent waters and mountain vistas create stunning scenery with far fewer crowds. The lakes are ideal for gentle paddling, wildlife spotting, and photography, especially during quieter hours.
Lake Agnes
Nestled in a forested bowl high above Lake Louise, Lake Agnes is reached by a popular 3.5 km hiking trail. Its smaller size and sheltered location give it a cozy, intimate feel. A charming historic teahouse on the shore adds character, and the lake’s turquoise water shimmers beautifully surrounded by pine trees and rugged cliffs. Kayaking here is more for the adventurous since you’ll need to carry your kayak up the trail.
Why Bringing Your Own Kayak Makes Sense — Even on a Flight
Folding the kayak into a bag and checking it in as extra luggage cost me just $56 CAD. At Moraine Lake, a canoe rental goes for $170 CAD per hour — meaning my kayak “earned” its keep within minutes of launching.
And that’s just one lake. Multiply those savings by the four lakes I visited, and the numbers get silly. But cost wasn’t the only win:
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No queues — I could start paddling the moment I arrived.
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No time limits — rentals push you to return after 60 minutes, but I took my time.
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Full freedom — I could explore without anyone telling me where to go or when to stop.
In Conclusion
Honestly, this trip was a mix of everything — some moments were amazing, others frustrating. Packing my kayak onto planes, dealing with crowded lakes, and chasing good weather wasn’t always easy. But that’s what made it real. I got to see places most people just snap photos of and moved at my own pace. Not every day was perfect, but every day was worth it. If you’re thinking about doing something like this, just know it’s not always smooth sailing — but the good stuff, the quiet water, the stunning views, those moments? They make all the hassle worth it.
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