Moraine Lake: Canada’s $20 View
Before our trip to Alberta, if I had to choose one place I knew I HAD to visit, no matter what while in Canada, it would be Moraine Lake. And even with the wildfire smoke hanging over the mountain tops, the views could not be missed!
We arrived early to the lake and the parking lot was already busting at the seams.
Beside the lake front is a “rockpile” which offers the best vantage of the lake. A trail starts from the parking lot and leads up the back side of the pile before being greeted with views like this.
I had to get in on the fun too!
Now as to why Moraine Lake is called “Canada’s $20 View”. An iconic image of Moraine Lake graced the back of the Canadian $20 bill in the late 60’s through the 70’s. Something pretty similar to this.
But as beautiful as it was to look at, taking a canoe out onto the lake was even more magical.
Dad and I rented a canoe at the Moraine Lake Lodge dock and paddled around the lake, making it to the far end to explore the small waterfall. Even though it is a little on the pricey side, I would do it 100 more times. Simply amazing!
Yoho National Park
On our trip, we also wanted to take a chance to jump over to British Columbia and visit Yoho National Park. Yoho is relatively close to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, just a short drive on Highway 1 leads west into the park.
We are a group of waterfall lovers, so we took the winding mountain road up to Takakkaw Falls.
The falls are tall and powerful. You can walk almost directly to its base and feel the mist from yards away.
I told you we like waterfalls!
We drove back down the mountain and made our way to possibly Yoho’s most popular spot, Emerald Lake. With its lodge on an island surround by emerald green waters it would be the perfect spot to grab snacks.
Lastly on the Yoho list and a short drive away was the Natural Bridge. Centuries of water has eroded the rocks to form a “natural bridge” across the waterfall. Please don’t actually use it as a bridge though. Not sure that is the safest route.
Our last full day in Canada was filled with such beauty, making it hard to leave such stunning scenery.
I think the secret to experiencing Moraine Lake at its absolute best is visiting during late June or July when the lake is completely full from the summer glacier melt. That is when the turquoise color reaches its maximum, unbelievable intensity under the clear summer sky. Saving this post for my future itinerary planning notes.