MoRaIne LaKe -20 dollar view
Moraine Lake is a glacially-fed lake in Banff National Park, 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) outside the Village of Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada. It is situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, at an elevation of approximately 6,183 feet (1,885 m). The lake has a surface area of .5 square kilometres (0.19 sq mi). The lake, being glacially fed, does not reach its crest until mid to late June. When it is full, it reflects a distinct shade of blue. The colour is due to the refraction of light off the rock flour deposited in the lake on a continual basis.
With its indigo blue waters surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is another one of Canada’s most iconic lakes. Located in the Lake Louise region at the end of a scenic road that steadily climbs to the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the lakeside view of Moraine Lake once graced the back of Canada’s twenty dollar bill. The hikes in this region vary in length and difficulty and are most popularly experienced in the autumn when the larches turn to a vibrant, golden colour. Due to wildlife activity at certain times of year, hikers may be required to trek in a group of four or more.
The hike around the Moraine Lake Shoreline is the easiest way to appreciate the beauty of this famous alpine lake. A flat, easy trail weaves its way through shoreline trees and offers extraordinary views of the Ten Peaks - a series of encircling summits all over 10,000 feet – that loom dramatically above. The lake was formed by a rockfall, not a moraine. The mountains once appeared on the back of Canada’s $20 bill.
