Can you visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in one day?

Yes, they are only 20 minutes apart by shuttle or car. A day tour is very doable.

Is Moraine Lake open year-round?

No. Moraine Lake Road typically opens from late May to mid-October due to avalanche risk in winter.

Are the lakes pet-friendly?

Yes, leashed pets are welcome on most trails, but not allowed inside restaurants or the chateau.

Is there cell service at the lakes?

Cell coverage is spotty. Download offline maps and itineraries before your visit.

Can I swim in Lake Louise or Moraine Lake?

Technically yes, but the water is glacier-fed and freezing year-round. Most visitors don’t swim.

No. Drones are banned in all national parks unless you have a special permit.

What Time Does the Sunrise at Moraine Lake? (2025 Guide)

Jitendra Kr Sharma
Jul 1
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Moraine Lake is a breathtaking natural wonder and one of Banff National Park's most photographed places, tucked inside the stunning Valley of the Ten Peaks. For good reason, too! The turquoise-blue waters are beautiful any time of day, but sunrise at Moraine Lake is indescribable. The ambiance and atmosphere that the first light of day creates on the challenging mountains at Moraine Lake are hard to fathom. Seeing the pastel colors reflected in the flat surface of the lake is a view that is hard to describe and feels like a dream.

If you are planning to visit Moraine Lake in 2025, timing your experience with the Moraine Lake Sunrise Calendar can be important. If you are a professional photographer or this is your first visit to Moraine Lake chasing that "golden hour," a sunrise calendar is a valuable tool to help you experience the best that Moraine Lake has to offer without any hassle.

Why Plan for Sunrise?

Experiencing sunrise at Moraine Lake is more than just seeing a beautiful moment in time—it’s an experience! The soft pastels in the sky, the stillness of the water, and the crisp mountain air contribute to an adventure that is peaceful and once in a lifetime!

However, with beauty comes great demand. Moraine Lake is a very popular destination at peak travel time, and early in the morning is the only time you will find fewer crowds and pristine conditions. This is why it’s wise to consult a dedicated sunrise calendar to ensure you can plan your visit with purpose and ease.

What is the Moraine Lake Sunrise Calendar?

The Moraine Lake Sunrise Calendar is a helpful planning tool designed to show expected sunrise times throughout the lake’s accessible season, from early June to mid-October. While the lake’s beauty is undeniable at any time of day, sunrise draws travellers from all over the world for a reason. Knowing the timing helps you plan your arrival, prep, and expectations.

For visitors wanting the full experience of watching the first light paint the Ten Peaks while sipping a warm drink and enjoying the quiet, you’ll want to give yourself a buffer to arrive early and soak in the surroundings before the sun crests the ridge.

Who is the calendar for?

Photographers: Golden hour lighting, especially at Moraine Lake, is a dream for landscape photographers. With the calendar, you can align your shots to the minute and get ahead of changing light.

Travelers: If you’re planning a day trip or a multi-day stay in Banff, sunrise planning helps you organize your morning itinerary, from transportation and breakfast to hiking or sightseeing after the show.

Families and Groups: When traveling with kids or larger groups, predictability is key. The calendar helps you plan, avoid long waits, and enjoy the view together, without the rush.

Make the Most of Your Morning

To elevate the experience even further, many visitors choose to join a Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle. These guided services offer early access to the lake, sparing you the parking hassle and letting you relax en route. Think of it as your all-in-one sunrise solution, complete with warm blankets, hot drinks, and expert guides who know where the best views are.

Not only do these shuttles make your morning easier, but they also enhance your time at Moraine Lake by giving you more space to enjoy the natural wonder without worrying about logistics. It's the most convenient and family-friendly way to witness one of the most iconic sunrise views in the world.

Planning Tips for 2025

While the calendar gives you a reliable timeframe for sunrise, here are a few general tips for planning a successful visit:

Arrive early: Give yourself 30–45 minutes before sunrise to settle in, explore your vantage point, and enjoy the changing light.
Dress warmly: Even in summer, early mornings in the Rockies can be chilly. Layer up and bring a hot drink.
Respect the space: Moraine Lake is a protected area. Stick to marked paths, take your rubbish with you, and be mindful of others enjoying the quiet.
Check operating dates: Sunrise access is seasonal. Make sure your travel dates fall within the operating window, usually from early June to mid-October.

Reinventing the Magic of Sunrise

For an experience like sunrise at Moraine Lake involves more than just the time on the clock—it is a moment of peace, connection, and pristine beauty. Regardless of whether you're recording it through a camera lens or just witnessing it with your family and friends, the Moraine Lake Sunrise Calendar will assist you with planning and ensure that you don't miss the most stunning display of nature it has to offer.

As you plan your journey for 2025, use this sunrise calendar to determine your timing, and let Moraine Lake do the rest. When you wake up, it will be like a masterpiece created just for you. Make sure you don't miss it.