I have found this fact to be universally true: Anyone who visits Moraine Lake at Sunrise rates the experience to be the best of their lives. While unexpected weather robbed us of the sunrise experience, I still rate Moraine Lake as the most beautiful place I have visited.
We reached Lake Moraine at 7am by the first shuttle on a cold & deary day in July 2023. Despite it being summer, we were in full winter gear – hooded jackets, gloves, thermals, the whole nine yards. These unfavorable conditions, however, offered not one but two benefits. One: There were very few tourists at the Lake, which I always appreciate. Two: The second most sought after photo at Moraine Lake – colorful canoes floating in the still blue waters against a backdrop of snow-clad mountains – would be possible, as the canoes won’t operate in such weather. These silver linings lifted our spirits.
And then I saw it: The lake. The most incredible blue I’ve ever witnessed in my life. The water shimmered like sapphire. The snow-capped mountains mirrored in the water, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale. I will let the pictures do the talking; I don’t want to be guilty of hyperbole.
We strolled along the lakeshore, the crisp air invigorating us. Every few steps, I’d whip out my camera, trying to capture the impossible beauty of this place. It was tranquil & peaceful. All we could hear was gravel churning under our feet, calls of birds waking up and the occasional gurgle of a stream draining into the lake. And then, the most surreal thing happened. In the middle of July, we experienced snow fall at Moraine Lake! Can’t beat that.
It took us 2 hours to walk the 1.5 miles to the far end of the Lake. When we finally headed back, the weather began to improve. As the Sun peeked through the clouds, the fog covering the mountains began to dissipate, transforming the lake’s color as well.
I learned that fine glacial sand, also known as glacial flour, is drained into the lake by melting snow. It’s this sand that reflects light and gives the lake its vibrant hue. As the intensity of the light and concentration of the sand changes, so does the shades of blue. Under the rising sun, the blue deepened, enhancing the scenery. The place just lit up.
With the rising sun, also rose the number of visitors. With much reluctance, we made our way back, eager to visit Lake Louise later that day.
This experience at Moraine Lake was a rollercoaster of surprises – the unexpected cold, the rare July snowfall, the peaceful solitude, and the grand finale of a sunlit lake. It was an unforgettable adventure!
My Pravas 