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This location is definitely a must-see and, as always, there are some things you must know before visiting! Read on because I know you won’t want to miss the Fly Free ultimate guide to Moraine Lake. Located in the heart of Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is the location of fairytales! The lake is less than three hours from Calgary and it’s a must-visit for out-of-towners and locals alike.
You’ll understand why Moraine Lake is on so many bucket lists once you are there. The sunrise over the lake is second to none, but transportation in the early morning hours can be tricky. Fortunately, I’ll tell you everything you need to know for the perfect Moraine Lake photoshoot.
Keep reading to get the scoop on parking, the best time to visit, and tips for a Moraine Lake wedding photoshoot. You don’t want to miss the beauty and magic at this stunning location!
Must-Know Tips for Moraine Lake
Are you planning an elopement, proposal, or adventure at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park? If you or someone you know is planning a getaway to this iconic destination, here are a few must-know tips for Moraine Lake wedding photoshoots.
Moraine Lake Sunrise
A Moraine Lake sunrise is colder than you think! Many of our clients aren’t prepared for the chilly mountain temperatures. Sunrise at Moraine Lake regularly includes temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius - that’s 32 degrees for you Farenheit-ers.
If you’re planning a sunrise visit, one of the most important tips for Moraine Lake is to dress in warm layers and be prepared for changes in the weather. No matter what time of year you’re visiting, it’s important to be prepared for any kind of weather. It can even snow in July - nothing is unexpected as far as weather goes in Alberta!
Parking at Moraine Lake
As a heads-up, if you are interested in parking at Moraine Lake need to know Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. Due to the new restrictions from Parks Canada, you’ll need commercial transportation to access the lake.
A few summers ago, I shot a Moraine Lake surprise proposal when we could still drive in and the parking lot was full by 3:30 am - yes friends, 3:30 AM! Parking at Moraine Lake fills quickly. There was a lot of logistical planning was needed for our early morning photo shoot.
Guests of Moraine Lake Lodge, visitors with valid parking placards, and people with disabilities will still be able to access the lake using personal vehicles. Public shuttles to Moraine Lake begin at 6:00 am, so be ready.
Don’t wait until the last minute for a sunrise visit, Parks Canada requires visitors to book shuttle tickets in advance. Alternatively, you can choose a commercial transportation operator to get you there and back.
When Is Moraine Lake Open?
Moraine Lake is open from May to mid-October, but it’s dependent on the weather. Exact dates vary depending on snow conditions so make sure you are checking in on the website for updates.
During winter months, Moraine Lake Road is set for skiing and the lake is inaccessible. Moraine Lake is in avalanche territory, so it isn’t safe and we don’t recommend a visit from late October through April.
Moraine Lake Photography
Many people are interested in Moraine Lake photography - thanks to social media for increasing awareness of special places like this. The area is stunning! However, it’s important to ensure you have the proper licenses and have a photographer who knows the area well.
Hiring someone who has never shot at Moraine Lake might leave you with a bad taste in your mouth about photographers and less-than-fantastic images. There’s a lot of planning involved for permits, etc. You can expect that hiring a Moraine Lake photographer will cost between $1000 - $2000.
We are Calgary Photographers who shoot all over western Canada, but primarily in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and we know it well. It is honestly such a beautiful place to call home and we are excited to share its beauty with you! I'd love to chat with you more, contact us if you are on the hunt for a mountain photographer.
Engagement Session
When Maggie contacted me and asked if I would shoot their engagement session at Moraine Lake, I was thrilled! They wanted to shoot at sunrise, which couldn’t have been more perfect!
Maggie and Nate flew to Canada from North Carolina to tour Banff and Glacier National Park before going home. They began the trek to Moraine Lake at 3:00 am on the morning of our shoot. Have a peek at their Moraine Lake Engagement Shoot photos to see how perfectly it all turned out.
Mid-day Shoot
This Moraine Lake mid-day shoot involved recreating a proposal. Originally, Marc was planning a surprise proposal, but thought a bit more about Leonie, his fiancee-to-be, and realized that she would want to be dressed up. He ended up proposing two days before and then we adventured together to shoot their Moraine Lake photos.
We staged their proposal at the same spot that he actually proposed to Leonie. Even though we couldn't capture the surprise moment, it was still such a dreamy engagement session and gave them tangible memories to last a lifetime.
Surprise Proposal Session
This Moraine Lake surprise proposal session was SO good! Mili had no clue whatsoever. The weather was so nice despite it threatening thunderstorms all day - as is common in the mountains.
You never really know what's going to happen with mountain weather. We didn't get the first sunrise because it was too cloudy. However, there was beautiful sun on the lake giving us the perfect opportunity for stunning photos and a truly gorgeous day for their surprise proposal.
Wedding Photography (101)
Are you dreaming of sunrise wedding photos at Moraine Lake? Ellie and Dave are an incredibly special couple and we are thrilled that we got to be there for their gorgeous wedding! If you’re looking for a breathtaking location to exchange vows or take wedding photos, Moraine Lake is one of the best locations in the Rocky Mountains.
More Photo Spots at Banff National Park
Moraine Lake isn’t the only stunning location in Banff National Park. If you’re interested in planning a surprise proposal, getting married, or taking some incredible family photos, we have tons of amazing locations in our back pocket. Grab our Free Elopement Location Guide below to learn more.
Check out a few more amazing locations in and around Banff National Park:
I’d love to chat with you more, contact me for help finding the perfect photo spots at Banff and the surrounding locations.
Till next time friends,
xo Krystal