Catching the Sunrise at Moraine Lake
Banff, Alberta, Canada, Travel

Catching the Sunrise at Moraine Lake

There’s something truly magical about watching the sunrise over Moraine Lake. Known for its striking blue waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful and iconic spots in Banff National Park. While the lake itself is stunning at any time of day, sunrise adds a whole new level of beauty to this natural wonder. Our family had the privilege of experiencing the Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour, and it was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip.
The view of Moraine Lake at 5:30am. Bundled up and ready to catch the sunrise! Tip: Don't forget those layers, it's chilly up here.

The view of Moraine Lake at 6:30am. Bundled up and ready to catch the sunrise! Tip: Don't forget those layers, it's chilly up here.

Getting There: No Cars Allowed, Only Shuttles and Buses
Since 2023, private vehicles are no longer allowed to drive directly to Moraine Lake, so if you’re planning a visit, you’ll need to book a shuttle or tour. Many companies offer sunrise tours to Moraine Lake, and after some research, we chose to go with Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle. We loved the entire experience—from the convenience to the little extras that made our early morning trip special.
Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle: An Easy and Comfortable Ride
Our journey started bright and early at 5:45 a.m. when the shuttle picked us up from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The shuttle also picked up other guests from Banff town, making it a convenient option for travelers staying in different parts of the park. By the time we arrived at Moraine Lake, the sky was beginning to lighten, and we were all eager to find the perfect spot to watch the sunrise.

One of the things we loved most about the shuttle was the attention to comfort. The team provided blankets and hot beverages, which were so appreciated because the early morning chill at the lake can be intense! If you’re planning a sunrise trip, be sure to bundle up in layers—temperatures can drop quite low before the sun comes up.

Finding the perfect spot early to capture Moraine Lake’s famous sunrise – definitely worth the wait! Tip: Head to the Rockpile Trail for the best panoramic views, and set up your camera on a tripod for those picture-perfect moments-1
Finding the perfect spot early to capture Moraine Lake’s famous sunrise – definitely worth the wait! Tip: Head to the Rockpile Trail for the best panoramic views, and set up your camera on a tripod for those picture-perfect moments-2
Finding the perfect spot early to capture Moraine Lake’s famous sunrise – definitely worth the wait! Tip: Head to the Rockpile Trail for the best panoramic views, and set up your camera on a tripod for those picture-perfect moments-3

Finding the perfect spot early to capture Moraine Lake’s famous sunrise – definitely worth the wait! Tip: Head to the Rockpile Trail for the best panoramic views, and set up your camera on a tripod for those picture-perfect moments.

Setting Up for the Sunrise
When we arrived, we quickly set up our cameras at the rockpile, accessed by the Rockpile Trail (our guide was able to quickly lead a group of us over there). Moraine Lake is incredibly popular at sunrise, so if you’re hoping to capture the best photos, we recommend finding a spot and setting up as early as possible before more people arrive. Watching the first rays of sunlight hit the peaks and reflect off the vivid blue waters of Moraine Lake was a sight we’ll never forget.
Early morning magic! Watching the first rays of sunlight light up Moraine Lake – an unforgettable sight. Pro tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to secure the best vantage point and capture the breathtaking colors as they change with the light-1
Early morning magic! Watching the first rays of sunlight light up Moraine Lake – an unforgettable sight. Pro tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to secure the best vantage point and capture the breathtaking colors as they change with the light-2
Early morning magic! Watching the first rays of sunlight light up Moraine Lake – an unforgettable sight. Pro tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to secure the best vantage point and capture the breathtaking colors as they change with the light-3

Early morning magic! Watching the first rays of sunlight light up Moraine Lake – an unforgettable sight. Pro tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to secure the best vantage point and capture the breathtaking colors as they change with the light.

There’s also the option to go canoeing at sunrise, which offers a completely different perspective on the lake. While we didn’t go out on the water, the canoes looked magical against the calm, mirror-like surface of the lake in the early morning light.

Tip:  The Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour that we had booked, did not allow any time for hiking. If you are looking to spend more time at the lake, do look into other types of Moraine Lake shuttle services for more options.

Family-Friendly Shuttle Service
If you’re traveling with young children, we highly recommend letting your shuttle company know in advance. In Canada, child safety seats are required, and we loved that the Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle provided Diono brand car seats, which were clean and in great condition. Not having to worry about bringing our own seats made the trip so much easier, and the team was incredibly accommodating.
The Beauty of Moraine Lake
For us, Moraine Lake was not just the most beautiful lake in Banff but one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited. The combination of the dramatic landscape and peaceful atmosphere made it an unforgettable experience.
A Few Tips for Your Sunrise Visit
  • Bundle Up: Mornings at the lake are very cold, so be sure to wear layers, gloves, and a warm hat.
  • Arrive Early and Make Reservations Ahead of Time: Set up your cameras and find your spot before more people arrive. The best spots for photos are usually claimed quickly!
  • Plan Ahead for Kids: If you’re traveling with young children, make sure to mention it in your reservation so the shuttle can provide the appropriate child safety seats.
  • Try Not to Book Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on the Same Day: I would only do this if you are very short on time and just want to pass through.  There’s so much to take in at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise that I would definitely recommend doing these on separate days.  
Watching the sunrise at Moraine Lake is an experience unlike any other. The early wake-up call is more than worth it when you witness the sun illuminating the stunning landscape in front of you. From the convenience of the shuttle service to the beauty of the lake itself, this was one of our favorite experiences in Banff, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful yet awe-inspiring start to their day in the Canadian Rockies.

To book or find more information on this tour and other tours offered, visit https://morainelakesunriseshuttle.com

After getting our photos of the sunrise we walked back down towards the Log Jam, another beautiful place to snap more photos of Moraine Lake.

After getting our photos of the sunrise we walked back down towards the Log Jam, another beautiful place to snap more photos of Moraine Lake.

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