Moraine Lake

Pictured on the reverse of the old Canadian twenty dollar note, Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks is just as beautiful as Lake Louise but seems to attract fewer visitors. One charming view after another is revealed along the 13 km (8 mi.) approach road, which soon comes to a lake formed as a result of a landslide (not by a moraine, as Walter Wilcox wrongly assumed). This picturesque lake in a mountain valley, often a shimmering turquoise in color, is overshadowed by ten peaks each over 3000 m (10,000 ft) high, forming the Wenckchema Glacier. In the distance the thundering of falling glaciers or landslides can be heard. Accommodation, provisions and canoe-hire are available at the rustic Moraine Lake Lodge. A path 11/2 km (1 mi.) long runs along the north-west shore. The short climb up the Rockpile Trail is very worthwhile; from this hill formed as the result of a landslide there is the best view of the lake. The walk into Larch Valley and to Sentinel Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in the national park, is somewhat exhausting, but from this mountain valley some 300 m (1000 ft) up there is another superb view. The tour is particularly charming in autumn (fall), when the larches are changing color. After climbing a total of 6 km (4 mi.) and ascending 520 m (1700 ft) the Sentinel Pass (2611 m (8570 ft)) is reached.