How to get by car to Moraine Lake in Alberta?
Canada, north-america
14.3 km
1,885 m
hard
Year-round
Moraine Lake is a blue-green water mountain lake at an elevation of 1.885m (6,183ft) above sea level, located in Alberta, in Canada.
Located near the British Columbia border, the lake is located within Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies and ringed by high peaks.
The road to the lake is totally paved. It’s called Lake Louise Drive. As of 2023, personal vehicle access to Moraine Lake is no longer permitted. The only way to access the lake is via shuttles, public transit and commercial operators allowed. Visitors can also bike the road.
The road ends on a parking lot near the lake. Starting at Lake Louise, the winding road is 14.3 km (8.88 miles) long. The road can be very busy during the summer and in late September.
Situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the views are stunning and the drive is extremely scenic. The lake is one of the most photographed spots in Canada. It’s a key area for grizzly bears in Banff National Park: Prepare - carry bear spray and know how to handle an encounter; Be aware - slow down, look ahead and watch for tracks, droppings, and diggings; Let bears know you’re there - travel in a group and make noise. The lake is only half the size of its nearby neighbour Lake Louise, but perhaps even more scenic. Due its beauty, the lake has been featured within all manner of backgrounds and adverts for Canada.
The road to the lake is closed during the winter (open mid-June through mid-October) due to heavy snowfall and high avalanche risk. When the road first opens in late May or early June don’t expect to see the turquoise glacier water that Moraine Lake is famous for. The lake does not start to thaw until June, the water level usually crests by late June.
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Where is it?
How to get by car to Moraine Lake in Alberta? is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 58.3054, -105.2351
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 14.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,885 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 58.3054, -105.2351
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving to Mackinaw Lake is not a piece of cake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for a serious off-road adventure? Check out Mackinaw Lake in northwest Colorado, chilling at a cool 10,810 feet in the Flat Tops Wilderness. The road in, Forest Road 613, is a 12-mile unpaved beast starting from County Road 39 (Derby Mesa Loop). Forget smooth cruising—we're talking rocky sections, serious trail riding, and maybe even some mud, water, and creek crossings to spice things up! Keep in mind, this is a high-altitude paradise, so the window to visit is tight, usually summer only. Expect snow to linger well into June or even July. Seriously, don't underestimate this drive. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 with low range and know your limits. Drive as far as you're comfortable—the views are incredible, but getting stuck is a real possibility!
hardWhere is Velocity Basin?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever dreamt of stumbling upon a hidden turquoise gem nestled high in the Colorado Rockies? Velocity Basin is calling your name! This incredible spot, located just north of Silverton, is a jaw-dropping cirque basin with a stunning lake sitting pretty at 11,315 feet. Getting there is half the fun! County Road 52, a completely unpaved path, is your route to paradise. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. Expect a bumpy ride, especially that last mile or so. You might encounter a few muddy patches, but nothing your trusty 4x4 can't handle. Keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic! Heads up: winter hits hard in these parts. We're talking serious snow and ice. Aim for a summer adventure – think July or August – for the safest and most epic experience. The climb is short but sweet. From Highway 110, it's a 1.7-mile trek to the basin, gaining about 790 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of almost 9%! You will be rewarded with views and the beautiful alpine lake. Get ready for breathtaking views and an unforgettable off-road experience.
extremeLast Chance Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Last Chance Road (aka USFS Road 44-22) in Placer County, California is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a rugged 5.5-mile stretch of gravel through the Tahoe National Forest. Definitely need 4-wheel drive for this one – some sections get pretty tight! But trust me, the views are totally worth it; some of the best California has to offer. You'll climb to a lofty 6,000 feet above sea level. Your destination? Last Chance, a legit ghost town tucked away in the mountains. Think abandoned houses, vintage cars rusting away, and the ghostly remains of a once-bustling community. It's a photographer's dream and a history buff's paradise! Just be prepared for some seriously remote vibes and a whole lotta awesome.
easyWhen was El Pedraplén built?
🌍 Cuba
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along El Pedraplén, a ribbon of road stretching across the northern coast of Cuba, linking Cayo Santa María to the mainland. Seriously, the coastal views are insane! This isn't just any road trip, though. Completed in 1999 and opened in May 2000, El Pedraplén feels like you're driving on the horizon itself. And get this – it's an engineering marvel, a 57.3 km (35.60 miles) causeway with 46 bridges, 44 of which are literally *over* the ocean! Starting in Caibarién (Villa Clara province) and ending in Cayo Santa María (Jardines del Rey archipelago), you’ll feel like you're traveling above the water.