A Canadian icon, the natural splendor of Moraine Lake in Banff National Park begs to be photographed. Situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this glacially-fed turquoise lake gets its stunning colour due to the refraction of light on the rock flour suspended in the water.
This view from the 'Rockpile' is one of the most photographed locations in Canada for its breathtaking scenery, and was featured on the reverse side of the Canadian twenty dollar bill in 1969 and 1979.
An outflow creek beside the Rockpile allows the water to slowly drain from the lake each year, and in early spring Moraine appears half empty, not reaching its crest until mid to late June.
Road access to the lake is closed to vehicular traffic from October to May due to avalanche risk and is only accessible by foot, bike, or skis during the winter months, with avalanche training a necessity.
