When to go to Moraine Lake
For most visitors the best time to visit Moraine Lake is July to mid-September. The shuttle runs, the canoes are out and the main hiking season is on. If your main goal is golden larches, plan for the end of September. If you only want the view from the shore, June also works, when meltwater keeps the lake high.
No month guarantees clear trails, sun or strong turquoise colour. Weather in the Rockies changes within hours, and snow can fall in summer. Because you cannot drive your own car to the lake, your date also depends on the bus season. Read about the rules on the shuttle page, or look at Moraine Lake tours if you prefer a guided day trip.
Moraine Lake weather by month
Long-term averages for Lake Louise village, 1981 to 2010.
| Month | Average high (°C) | Average low (°C) | Precipitation (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | −5.4 | −18.4 | 52.4 |
| February | −1.7 | −17.6 | 31.9 |
| March | 2.9 | −12.3 | 37.3 |
| April | 7.5 | −5.8 | 32.3 |
| May | 12.7 | −1.2 | 39.9 |
| June | 16.7 | 2.8 | 54.3 |
| July | 20.4 | 4.7 | 56.4 |
| August | 20.1 | 3.6 | 53.6 |
| September | 14.7 | −0.5 | 41.9 |
| October | 7.3 | −5.1 | 37.7 |
| November | −1.7 | −12.6 | 57.4 |
| December | −6.9 | −19.1 | 48.7 |
Precipitation includes snow as water. The weather station in Lake Louise village stands at 1,524 m. Moraine Lake lies higher than the village, so treat the table as a rough guide. These are past averages and not a forecast. Yearly snowfall at the station is 279.1 cm, with 2.8 cm in September and 18.7 cm in October.
July and August are the warmest months and the safest bet for snow-free paths. September is cooler and brings the larches. For road and shuttle dates, see Is Moraine Lake open?
Our pick: sunrise in summer
Our take: in the open season, early light is the reason many people come, and this trip sorts the access.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Moraine Lake tours and shuttle trips in season
Day trips and sunrise departures from Banff, Calgary and Lake Louise, with live prices and availability.
Season by season
What changes at the lake through the year.
June: high water and snow on the passes
The shuttle season starts on 1 June. Snow and glacier meltwater feed the lake, and water levels are high in mid to late June. The canoe rental starts around mid-June, depending on the water level. Higher passes can still hold snow and avalanche risk until the end of June.
July to mid-September: the main season
This is the time for the Rockpile, the lake shore and the longer hikes. The Rockpile Loop takes about 30 minutes. Canoes run from about mid-June to mid-September, from 07:30 to 18:30, and the shuttle runs every 30 minutes from 06:30 to 17:00. The hiking guide lists all trails with distances.
Late September: larches
Golden larches are best known from the end of September, but the peak changes from year to year. September weekends bring the biggest crowds, so arrange transport early. The Larch Valley page covers the trail, the climb and the group advice.
October: the bus season ends
The 2026 shuttle season ended on 12 October. After the last day there is no regular bus to the lake. Snow and ice come early at this height. For the middle and difficult trails, the advice is to avoid avalanche terrain from mid-October to mid-June.
Winter and spring
In winter the lake is not an easy day trip because of avalanche danger, and the road is partly used by cross-country skiers. Snow and ice on the lake do not make it safe to walk on. Check the dates for the coming summer season before you plan.
Choose your month by goal
Four common wishes and what fits them.
The classic view and a canoe
Pick July or August. The rental is open, days are long and the Rockpile is free of snow. Rental prices and hours are on the canoe page.
Fewer people
Go early in the day. Two early shuttles leave at 04:00 and 05:00, and the regular bus starts at 06:30. See the sunrise page. Weekends in September are the busiest.
High trails and Sentinel Pass
Wait for July. Passes can hold snow until the end of June, and the hard trails need time and fitness. Allow 4.5 to 5.5 hours for the Sentinel Pass trail.
Autumn colour
Aim for the end of September and keep a spare day, because the peak moves. Pack warm layers: the average low in September is just below freezing.
Your trip may include more of the park. For the best time to visit Banff National Park as a whole, see the Banff guide to seasons.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that go with your date.
Best time to visit Moraine Lake: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Moraine Lake?
July and August suit most plans: the shuttle runs, the canoes are out and the trails are most likely to be clear. September is better if you want larches, with colder mornings and bigger crowds on weekends.
When can you visit Moraine Lake without snow?
The lake shore and Rockpile are easiest from July to mid-September. The main hiking season on the higher trails runs from July to mid-September, and snow is possible even in summer.
When does the lake thaw?
The ice goes at its own pace and changes every year, so there is no fixed date. The shuttle season starts on 1 June, and the canoes start around mid-June, depending on the water level.
When do the larches turn gold?
Most often at the end of September, but not on the same day every year. Weekends in September are the busiest time, so book transport early.
Is Moraine Lake open in October and winter?
The 2026 shuttle season ran from 1 June to 12 October. After that there is no regular bus, and in winter the lake is not an easy day trip because of avalanche danger. Check the dates of the next season before you plan.
Is this an official Moraine Lake website?
No. This is an independent guide. Dates, fares and rules change, so check the current timetable before you go.