1. My Trip
2. About the Consolation Lakes Trail @Lake Moraine
3. Trail Logistics
4. Trail Highlights
5. Trail Details

My Trip

There are so many places you can visit in Banff National Park, to many to visit in just few days which means you have to pick either the top tourist destinations or just go with whatever fits your itinerary.

On the 2nd day of our 3 days hiking trip, we stopped at Lake Moraine in Banff. One of the top tourist attractions that is recommended to tourist. I’ve been to Alberta several times and every time I visit, we try to explore different area. I am lucky enough to have good friend who live there who is very generous with her time (and house) to accommodate and accompany us to explore places.

Lake Moraine was our main destination for our second day and we decided to look for a hiking trail that is close to the lake. There are actually several trails close to the lake, a lot easier than the Consolation Lake trail. We decided to take this trail and what can I say … too late to turn back, lol.

The starting point is just past the Rock Pile and it starts in a very rocky area which appears to be a rock slide remnants. I’ve never done any hike before with this such big holders of rock to pass and walk. We almost wanted to turn back but in the end we decided to continue. We saw someone coming back and we were told that after we pass this rocky area, the rest is easy. So that was very comforting for us to decide to continue.

True enough, just right after passing the rocky area, we entered in a flat more even surface ground. It was late Summer, the greeneries were lush and alive, we can hear the sound of birds chirping and the calling sound of the running water. It was quiet and peaceful inside.

The trail was well marked, it was a combination of flat and sometimes uphill area. We saw few people hiking and coming back, it was not a busy day. The forest was quiet and all we can hear were our selves chatting and laughing.

We had a bit of a scare when we saw a baby bear from afar, but we made it through, alive 🙂

Coming close to the lake, we were greeted with boulder of rocks again. Huge pile of rocks in the middle surrounded by the majestic mountains and lake. It was a sight to see, I cannot believe I was standing there and experiencing the beauty of this place. This is something that I see in magazines or tv show or movie, it’s so surreal but it is actually for real. I was really there in the middle of it all.

Pass the rocks is the Consolation Lake. We attempted to cross or climb the rocks to get to the Lake but decided not to pursue it. The rocks were not only big and high, they also have sharp edges that could really hurt you if you land in a wrong place. I told myself better be safe than sorry. No photo is worth my safety. Always safety first.

A part of me wished that I’ve crossed till the end but a huge part of me also was just thankful we had a nice and safe day. What could be better? The view from where we were is more than what I expecting terms of beauty, so all I can say is thank you for the opportunity to witness all of this majestic creation.

If you have time to spare, do this hike just make sure you are prepared to cross and walk these huge rocks. It is doable, you just have to take it slow, it is not a race. Do it at your own pace and enjoy and be safe!

About the Consolation Lakes Trail @Lake Moraine

• The Consolation Lakes Trail is a short and scenic hike that begins near the famous Rockpile at Moraine Lake.
• Distance: Approximately 5.8 kilometers (3.6 miles) round trip.
• Elevation Gain: A gentle ascent of 65 meters (213 feet).
• Difficulty Level: Considered easy and suitable for most hikers.
• Trail Type: It’s an out-and-back trail, leading you to the stunning Consolation Lakes and back to the starting point.
• Duration: 3 hrs (return)

Trail Logistics

• Starting Point: The Consolation Lakes trail begins from the Moraine Lake parking lot. You will pass the Rock Pile trail which offers the scenic view of the Moraine lake from the top. If you can only do 1 hike, do the Rock Pile instead as it is shorter (15 – 20 minutes) and you will get the most amazing view of Moraine Lake.
• Dog-Friendly?: Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this trail.
• Bear Safety: Bears are common in the valley, so carry bear spray regardless of how busy the trail is. We actually saw a bear when we were hiking.
• Footwear: I always recommend wearing hiking shoes as there are area with very uneven surface and boulders of piled rock that you have to cross before getting to a more even surface area. This is not saying that regular runners will not work as I saw some visitors wearing runners. this really depends on your preference and physical condition. In the end, wear comfortable shoes that you can walk without feeling uneasy.
• Snacks: Bring along some snacks for the 3-hour return hike, highly recommended.

Trail Highlights

• Mountain Peaks: As you hike, you’ll be surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
• Lush Forest: The trail takes you through a lush forest along the shores of Babel Creek.
• Rockpile Views: Before reaching the lakes, you’ll pass the famous Moraine Lake Rockpile, offering fantastic views of Moraine Lake itself.
• Old Rockslide Remnants: Along the way, you’ll walk through the remnants of an old rockslide off the Tower of Babel 

Trail Details

• The entire hike has slight inclines and declines on the way to the lakes but is mostly uphill on the way there. Expect a rough rockslide remnants area before you enter the entrance of the hike. The rocky area was. the most challenging one for us but we managed to do it. take it slow and do it on your own pace.
• The trail is well-maintained and accessible for almost anyone. This is with the exception of the short rockslide remnants area that you have to pass before getting to the more flat surface area. Once you passed that area, the rest of the trail is pretty easy and easy to follow.
• It takes around 1 hour to hike each way, and 3 hours is sufficient time to complete the hike while enjoying the lakes. Before you get to the Lake, you have to pass the builders of rocks which was the most challenging part. We tried to pass it, but eventually I decided not to go through with it as the rocks were quite high and quite risky. Always better safe than sorry.
• Although the Consolation Lakes hike can get busy during the day, late afternoons offer a chance to enjoy the trail without the crowds. We did the hike around 11:00AM and there were only few hikers in the area, not too crowded, not too busy.

• [VIDEO] Lake Louise
• [VIDEO] Lake Moraine
• [VIDEO] Peyto Lake
• [VIDEO] Grassi Lake
• [VIDEO] Consolation Lake Trail
• [VIDEO] Bow Lake
• [VIDEO] Bow River Loop Trail
• [VIDEO] Rock Pile
• [VIDEO] Cascade Garden

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