Moraine Lake - Instagram Vs Reality. Is it still worth visiting?
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- Опубликовано: 22 июн 2022
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Moraine Lake is the gem of the Canadian Rockies and a victim of its own success. With it getting busier and busier each year it gets harder and harder to visit, so is it still worth the effort?
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Moraine Lake road is now closed to personal vehicles indefinitely from 2023. I'll be doing some videos on how best to visit as soon as I can, so subscribe for more info!
*NEW BUS OPTION* THE BEST AND EASIEST WAY TO GET TO MORAINE FOR SUNRISE IN 2023: bit.ly/3WoPGUd
I was born in Western Canada, have lived here all my life, am now age 60, lived in Banff for 10 years, and can remember when Moraine Lake in 1970 was almost unknown even in Canada's Western Provinces. It got progressively more popular over the decades until the internet made it a World Nature Star since 2010. In the 1920's and 1930's, a streetcar-like "rail tram" connected Lake Louise to the railway station in the valley 3 km down the hill, when the "dummies" at Parks Canada finally figure out that this is the way to go as far as traffic control is concerned and build a new one from the Lower Village parking lots to both lakes, that will solve half the problems, eliminating ALL traffic except the vehicles of lodging guests, which is small. As far as all the people are concerned, I think the days of the 1970's when you had the whole Moraine Lake Rockpile Lookout mostly to yourself anytime during the day in July and August are gone forever, but that is what the publicity of the international internet does to places.............
Must have been amazing to see the area back then! Even 5 years ago it was a lot quieter. I like your idea about Lake Louise. There isn't really need for any traffic up there apart from guests!
@@simoncennals ---- thanks, and the tramway could be built to Moraine Lake too.
That would be so cool
Internet is ruining great fishing spots also here in British columbia it's freakin ridiculous
08:14 I can't believe nobody else has commented. Such a nice person(s) that turned in your tripod! THANKS to whoever did that. I appreciate good, honest people.
Definitely! Was surprised and thankful to find it!
Nice Si, look forward to seeing more! Glad you found your tripod!
Thanks Annie Ens. I'm surprised it turned up;
We just visited Banff in late August. We stayed in Canmore , because we heard how beautiful Moraine lake is , so we did attempt to drive 3 times and finally we did make it to the lake. It was stunning beautiful, it is wayyyy worth for our attempts. We will definitely come back to see the lake if we visit Banff again!.
It sure is beautiful, I think the roam bus or Lake Louise shuttle is the way to go though. Next year it might be bus only by the looks of a new barrier they've put in.
I love this one! The storytelling is awesome 💛
Thanks Sarah appreciate the support!
Awesome work there Simon. I can't wait to see you breaching that 100,000 and eventually the 1M subscriber mark.
If only! Thank you!
Nice work Simon, super informative & useful. Loving the cinematic skipping - you ARE an adventurer 😂👌
Thanks mate, falling over wasn't even planned! Ha ha
Visited Moraine Lake and we did a small hike adjacent to the lake. It was impressive. We were heading to the parking lot and decided to do the small hike to get to the top of the rock pile. The top of the rock pile is where all of the magic happens. I have a 3" X 6" pano hanging of Lake Moraine above the fireplace .Thank you for the great video:)
Thanks for watching!
this is the most beautiful place i've ever been in my existence, me and my wife went last year, we went on a tour for $200 each , where we visited the town of Banff , the hotel (i forgot the name) but u know what im talking about if you've been to banff, lake louise and then finally moraine lake. We flew into Calgary, stayed in a cheap hotel and then our tour started at 7 am and lasted 12 full hours, it was amazing. TAKE A TOUR>> .. DONOT DRIVE .. let someone else handle the driving , its alot of walking and its tiring
Recently visited Jasper and Banff. Saw Lake Louise and Peyto Lake as part of Icefields Parkway trip between the towns. Peyto wasnt too bad but Louise was very busy even in late afternoon. Whilst in Banff visited Emerald Lake, couldn't get in in the morning as parking area full but came back later after visit to Wapta Falls. Much quieter and enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the lake. Thought about Moraine Lake but road was closed and time limited so gave it a miss. Besides lakes mentioned also visited Maligne Lake, Medicine Lake, Cavell Pond and Lake Minnewanka during our trip so felt we had covered a fair number. Generally found visiting in the afternoon was quieter as the masses had largely been and gone.
Very true Nicholas, late is the new early! Sounds like you got some incredible spots in anyway. Maligne lake is amazing. Hope you enjoyed your time in the Rockies.
Great video 😊😊
Thank you, really appreciate the kind words :)
I’m from Edmonton and our National Parks are like Disneyland during the summer months. It’s wild! I’ll more than likely go during the off season in the Fall months. 🍁
Even the fall months can be pretty busy for Moraine now! Good hiking and lots of larch trees that have good fall colours. Still worth a visit though.
Super informative! I have always wondering how and when to go there because Id be travelling with my two kids. Thank you.
You'll need to use the shuttle now. Can't drive your own car in anymore!
Amazing work on the video Simon.Instantly subscribed to your channel. You have made such an informative video and you have captured the lake so well. You deserve a Trillion subs my friend.Keep up the great work 🔥🔥🧿🧿
If you could help me get to a Trillion subs that would be amazing! Thanks for your kind words!
@@simoncennals all i can do from my end is share your videos to my friends and make sure they subscribe lol but nothing more than that unfortunately 😞
@@UpasanaNagar well I sure appreciate that! Thank you!
@@simoncennals most welcome 😀
Great vid. Glad you got your tripod!
Thank you, and so am I!
Thanks for the info, we're coming over next year.
You'll have an incredible time!
@@simoncennals Oh yes.
It is the most beautiful view we have witnessed! It has surpassed Wild Goose Island in Glacier for us.
Awesome Si, more of these please! Would love to see one of the backcountry lake expeditions, just how hard is it to find a quiet lake?
Thanks mate! You need to like and subscribe though!
I have a few bigger projects in mind this summer and you can also see me over on the Wild Earth Australia RUclips page doing some product reviews!
Thanks for the info. I decided to stay at Moraine Lake, even though it costs a fortune, because of the parking. Hopefully I'll be able to get up the road. Lucky guy to get your tripod back.
If you're staying at the lodge they'll always let you up! Not a bad shout, will be a wonderful stay and there are some great hikes to do around there too. Enjoy!
I have been 3 times, in 1995, I just drove up in the hire car and parked up, in 2018, had to park down the Trans Canadian Highway carpark and catch an old school bus to the lake, and in 2022, parked at the Lake Louse Ski Centre and took the bus. The view from the rockpile is great and gets busy, but fortunately, most people don't venture very far, so you can get away from the crowds by walking around the lakeside. It is definitely worth the visit. Late afternoon is less busy it seems, but no matter what time you visit, the toilets are always utterly, utterly foul and to be avoided at all costs...
Completely agree about the toilets! It's just been released that Moraine Lake road will be closed to personal vehicles in 2023n
very instructive video...thank you
Thank you, bare in mind things have changed for next year. You'll need to take the shuttle that's mentioned as you can no longer drive in.
been there 3 times....
i lived near the Glacier/Waterton Park area in Montana for 35 years.
it rivals anything in Glacier Park. as does Maligne Lake in Jasper.
beautiful. pictures fall short of it's real beauty.
now, I'm in Ecuador exploring the Andes and Incan legend...
it too, is spectacular
That all sounds amazing! It is an incredible lake, I go a few times each year but unfortunately it does come more difficult each year. It's a victim of it's own success that's for sure!
We lived in Calgary in the 1980's and Moraine Lake was the hidden jewel that we loved even more than Lake Louise. It was virtually deserted there, as there were no tour buses, no lodge and no souvenir shops. Too bad to see how it's now overrun with cars and buses.
Definitely a different time now. Can't blame people for wanting to go though.
Solid info, when did you visit? Im visiting this coming June (3rd week) and Ive never seen such views in the month of June!!!
This video was filmed toward sthe start of the summer in June. It would get busier as the summer went on. However things have all changed now. Be sure to watch the video about the road being closed. You'll need to take a bus in
I wasn’t allowed in the 1st day as the car park was full at 6. Had to arrived a 4 the next day and but the sunrise was amazing. Unfortunately the sun shining against the mountain only lasted 10 minutes at the most.
It's a tough one, it is incredible at sunrise but a lot of effort!
Super informative.
Very well produced
To your followers, please recommend an AirBnB for 2 couples for Banff and Jasper
Thank you! Air BnB isn't allowed to operate in Banff as accommodation for staff and locals is in short supply. You might be able to find one in Canmore which is still in the heart of the mountains. Not sure about Jasper!
@@simoncennals thanks
Hi all absolutely magic , wish I was there 😃😃👋
You'll have to add it to your bucket list!
@@simoncennals Hi Simon ,god willing I will be there Thnx for the magic vlogs ,👋👋😃
Very much worth visiting even with the large crowds. You just have to get there early, even in the afternoon you can still get nice pictures
I'd say it's a nicer experience now that the road is closed to personal vehicles.
I was just here a few weeks ago and to be honest, I don't feel it's as IG worthy perhaps as it used to be. Now it could be that I went there during the off season when the canoes were pulled up and not in the water (which is partially I think what makes the scene), that and the lake level was quite low (I was also there late in the afternoon after a hike on Larch Valley trail / Sentinal Pass) so that may have been part of it too. But even towards sunset, it didn't seem as stunning as I've seen it. I guess I'd have to go back here for a sunrise to be sure, but the lake water level was one thing that caught my eye initially, being lower than expected.
The level of the lake does change dramatically throughout the summer so is certainly a factor. It's a beautiful place but there are better places. I'll be posting a video from Floe lake next week which I feel rivals it for sure.
in summary, park-and-ride is your friend.
For sure I would say it is nowadays! I think if you're on holiday it's the most stress free way.
Hi, please share Cagliari other tourist spots do_dont message and show reality scenes too. Thanks
3:05 😂
2023, no more private cars allowed to park at Moraine lake. Now you have to go by shuttle bus or arranged tour.
Certainly is, threw it up on a pinned comment and have a few videos about other ways to get there if you want to check them out!
5000 cars try to enter daily, parking for 900. Road will be closed this year and bike/walk/shuttles only. Provincial Parks Minister literally wanted to pave more parking.
I've seen the news! I actually predicted that in a later video. They installed a car park style barrier at the end of last summer. I assumed it was to stop cars coming up. Be interesting to see how it all pans out.
Recommendations for scenic views in Canada in January/winter?
Lots of beautiful places in the winter. The classics like Lake Louise are still stunning and worth a visit and you have the opportunity for frozen bubbles! I'm going to do some videos about the icefields parkway in winter as well as the best places to shoot in Banff in winter so be sure to subscribe!
So is the road open in the nighttime and close in the day? Or just closed all the time now?
Always closed to personal vehicles, you'll need to take a shuttle.
I truly suggest that you put a return address label or two and phone number on your tripod. It has helped me several times.
That's a great idea Teresa! I'm not in the habit of leaving it behind but never say never!
Go visit Mt Robson/ Berg lake in northern BC instead. It's just as pretty as Moraine lake and not as crowded.
Trail is closed until 2025 unfortunately!
@@simoncennals It's open up to Kinney Lake, but indeed closed beyond that for the foreseeable future.
Thank you for your info. What month did you go?
I would like to go to Moraine lake in the 1st week of September, but it is a labour day in Canada. It might be crowded. I read other posts. They are saying to go in July and August.
What are your thoughts about crowded in 1st week and 2nd week of September? For September, the water still has turquoise color compared to july and August??
Moraine lake turquoise in September?
The reflection of light off the silt particles of the rock flour in the water gives it that famous turquoise color! Although this color has been seen in late June, the best time to see moraine lake in all her turquoise beauty is July to August
Hey, the lake is impressive at any time of year. The lake becomes more turquoise later on in the day when the sun has risen properly. In all honesty I would take one of the bus options linke in the description. That's the only way you guarantee you'll get in. Driving in at any time of the year is very crowded, it may not even be an option to drive in next summer as they've erected an automatic gate.
@@simoncennals thank you for your info. What do you mean ...they have erected an automatic gate? Is it everywhere or it only happens to parking in Moraine lake?
@@ohangkana1809 the installed a car park gate. Not sure if it will just automatically let busses through and not cars or is just there to more easily close the road
@@simoncennals thank you
My last 2 visits have been during the first week of September, couldn't get into the car park on either trip so had to use the off site parking and bus it to the lake. It was busy but not stupidly so, afternoon is less crowded.
Why would you take your own vehicle when you can use the bus service.
I went in sep 2022 and it was flawless to reach and it is insanely beautiful. Be mindful its very very cold
You now can't take your own car so bus for all.
There are a lot of hiking trails and mountaineering objectives in that area where car access is very useful. However I agree if you're just going to see the lake there was no reason not to take the bus.
Going in three weeks and have Canada Parks shuttle booked each day, will it probably be super crowded?
I'd say it's better now than it was. If you have the shuttles booked it's pretty stress free
@@simoncennals what time do you recommend getting to Johnston Canyon in the morning? Do you recommend taking the shuttle from the high school?
@@christopherniles3147 for parking, very early. If you have a shuttle I wouldn't worry too much for timing.
@@simoncennals so if I wanna go around 8 or 9 am should I just take a shuttle from the high school? And can book the shuttle to Johnston ahead of time?
@@christopherniles3147 I don't know a lot about the shuttles to Johnston canyon but if it's a possibility and available I would do it. Otherwise you'll often end up having to park pretty far away from the trail head and add a km or 2 to your hike just to get from your car to the start of the walk. Shuttle sounds more stress free to me.
Wait did you just started this video with a “is it still worth to visit”? It’s always amazing to see the beauty of nature. Who do you think should we blame about all the reasons that you think it “not worth to visit”? Click bait!
I think you should watch the video and see what I discuss. The video is more about is it worth the effort of trying to drive yourself there for sunrise when in reality you'll have a better experience using a tour or some of the new transport options. The conclusion is that it is of course still worth a visit but there are easier ways of getting there than self driving.
@@simoncennals then name the video "is it worth driving to lake moraine?" or the best way to get there for example. Certainly not name it insta vs reality in order to talk about driving yourself
@@kawhikant4072 oh don't be silly. Of course I gave the video a catchy title to encourage people to watch. That's literally the point of RUclips...
And I discuss the question asked in the title and also compare images/video taken for social media/instagram to what the experience is really like in reality. Multiple people have found it very useful and I will most likely do follow up videos in the future to help people plan their trips.
I was just there last year, and yes absolutely. It's worth 1000%...
Check my video, and see yourself
Much harder to visit this year though. Road is now closed
Another shining example of the internet and social media screwing up good things.
But hey, as long as you get views and likes....
Thanks mate, weird thing to say for somebody watching and searching for videos about Moraine Lake.
If you're watch to the end it talks about the shuttle service and how that's the best way to visit. That helps control numbers to the lake.
@@simoncennals If you want me to articulate how I ended up here it was because searched "Banff overcrowding" due to both Moraine and Lake Louise being completely shut down by Parks Canada, this last weekend.
Why?
Human infestation, largely brought upon by social media and influencers.
@@tubatits I'd have to say that everyone is part of the problem. I imagine if you've visited or do visit these locations you'll post a picture or tell a friend.
I share information about how to best visit popular locations. The cat is already out of the bag with Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, everybody knows about these locations and infrastructure and systems are being put in place to make large visitor numbers sustainable. In other videos I talk about and promote these options.
If you took the time to watch other videos I post about lesser known locations I don't actually go into detail about what they're called or where they are as they don't have the infrastructure to facilitate large numbers. Everyone is entitled to enjoy the outdoors and share their experiences. Believe me there are a lot of incredible locations I've visited in the parks that I won't tell you about. It's up to you if you'd like to go and find those yourself. That way you can get away from the crowds.
@@simoncennals Actually, your assumption is partially correct. I've never been a prolific poster of my travels on the only platform(fb) I used to use, but I stopped doing that 11 years ago and quit fb 3 years ago.
Personally, it just became clear how much of a waste time SM is.
I concur with your not sharing good spots online. I spend a good amount of time on gaia researching backcountry areas to find peopless spots and generally it works. It does suck though that I can't access spots such as Banff/L Loiuise, etc, which very near to me, due to regular overcrowding.
Wee bit of a jerk, aren’t you? No need to answer. My conclusion is “yes”.
I appreciate the information from this channel. If it’s too much for you to bare, stay home.
Not at all how it is my man, sorry. botched.
Not sure what you mean 🤷♂️ car parking is tough, for sunrise you need to get there super early and there are now some great alternative shuttle bus options which I and Parks Canada recommend taking. For the average holiday maker that's by far the most stress free way of visiting.
He is absolutely spot on. I was there at 3:40 AM on 6th July and the road was blocked because parking lot was already full. Felt cheated.
@@milandattawade3448 I think the shuttle is the way to go in most circumstances. I know you may miss sunrise but at least you get down there. The lake is often more Turquoise later in the day too!
@@simoncennals I did go by shuttle later but I wanted to catch the Sunrise and driving was the only option because first shuttle is at 6:30 AM which is way past the sunrise.
@@milandattawade3448 I'm glad you still got to go in some capacity. Maybe if you're here again try later in the season and it might be a bit easier.