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Lake Moraine Kayaking: Tips and Tricks
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posted by Vitaliy Deputat
Just a short drive from the iconic Lake Louise lies Lake Moraine, a smaller but equally stunning glacial lake. While it doesn’t see quite the same crowds as its neighbour, Moraine offers a kayaking experience that is every bit as rewarding. The turquoise water, dramatic mountain backdrop, and peaceful coves make it a favourite among those who want a slightly more intimate and serene paddle.
For paddlers coming from Lake Louise, Moraine feels like a natural next step — you’re still in the heart of Banff National Park, but the scale is smaller, and the experience feels quieter, more personal.
Lake Moraine stretches about 1.2 kilometers long, nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Despite its smaller size compared to Lake Louise, it offers an equally stunning mountain paddling experience. One of the first things you notice is how quickly the weather can change here. Clear skies in the morning can shift to rolling clouds or sudden fog by midday, and mountain winds can pick up without warning. For paddlers, this makes every trip slightly different — one day the lake is mirror-like, the next it feels mysterious and moody.
For those who arrive at dawn, the lake can be absolutely magical. The first light brushing over the peaks paints the water in shades of turquoise and gold. Mist often lingers in the valleys, drifting across the lake like a soft veil. Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, and thick fog obscures the mountains entirely, creating an eerily beautiful scene that feels almost otherworldly. Whether clear or foggy, the early hours offer a unique experience that most tourists miss.
Access to Lake Moraine is restricted to shuttles — private vehicles cannot drive to the lakeshore. Early visitors who want the dawn experience often use a limousine or private shuttle service, allowing them to arrive in time to see the sunrise without worrying about shuttle schedules. This makes the morning paddle feel even more exclusive, almost like having the lake to yourself.
Lake Moraine Canoeing
Canoeing on Lake Moraine is a quiet, immersive experience. The water’s striking turquoise hue invites you to glide slowly and take in the surroundings, from the dense forests lining the shore to the jagged peaks rising sharply in the distance. Every turn of your paddle reveals small inlets and reflective corners of the lake that feel almost hidden from view, giving a sense of discovery with each stroke.
Lake Moraine Canoe Rental Price
The Moraine Lake Boathouse is the only rental service available on the lake. Canoes are rented by the hour, and during the busy summer season, spots fill quickly. The limited number of boats and high demand make early arrival essential, especially if you want to experience the lake before it becomes busier.
As of 2025, hourly rates are:
Visitors: $160 CAD
Rentals are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Each canoe fits two adults, or two adults with one small child. Payments are accepted via credit or debit card only, and hourly limits are strictly enforced.
Therefore, bringing a folding kayak is a more practical choice. It allows longer exploration without worrying about time limits or waiting in line, offering a more personal and flexible way to experience Moraine’s pristine waters.
Source: Moraine Lake Bus Company
Can You Bring Your Kayak, Canoe, or SUP to Banff National Park?
Yes — you are allowed to bring your own kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) to Banff National Park. Paddling is a great way to experience the beauty of the park’s lakes and rivers.
Are Any Special Permissions Required to Kayak on Lake Moraine?
You don’t need to apply for a permit or pay a fee to paddle on Lake Moraine. However, you must complete a self-certification form before launching your watercraft. This form is mandatory for all non-motorized watercraft, fishing gear, and aquatic recreational equipment, and it helps protect the park from aquatic invasive species.
How the Self-Certification Form Works
The self-certification form confirms that your watercraft and gear are clean, drained, and dried before entering Banff waters.
Step 1: Prepare Your Gear
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Clean: Remove all mud, sand, plants, and animal materials.
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Drain: Empty all water from coolers, buckets, compartments, and other items that may hold water.
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Dry:
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If used within Alberta, British Columbia, or other Canadian provinces/territories — dry for at least 48 hours.
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If used outside of these areas — dry for at least 30 days.
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Step 2: Fill Out the Form
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Select the type of equipment (kayak, canoe, SUP, etc.).
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Indicate the waterbody in Banff National Park where you will be paddling.
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Provide details about the last place and date your watercraft or gear was used.
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List provinces, territories, or states visited in the last 48 hours and the last 30 days.
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Sign and date the form.
Step 3: Carry and Submit
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Keep the top portion of the form with you at all times while paddling.
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Tear off and deposit the bottom section into the collection box or hand it to a Parks Canada employee before heading out.
Why This Is Important
Banff National Park’s waters are vulnerable to aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels and whirling disease. By certifying that your gear is properly cleaned, drained, and dried, you’re helping to protect these ecosystems so that everyone can continue to enjoy safe and pristine paddling experiences.
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