Canada - Moraine Lake - Rocky Mountains - Alberta - 2025

Moraine Lake (also known as Lake Moraine) is a glacier-fed mountain lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is located in Banff National Park in the Canadian province of Alberta. The 50-hectare lake, with a water depth of approximately 14 meters, lies in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, a valley surrounded by ten mountain peaks of the Wenkchemna Range, at an elevation of 1,885 meters above sea level. The lake reaches its highest water level after the snowmelt, towards the end of June. Its milky, emerald-green color is caused by fine rock particles (rock flour or glacial meltwater) that primarily reflect the blue-green components of light. Unlike most glacial lakes, which are dammed by terminal moraines, Moraine Lake—contrary to its name—was formed by the barrier of a massive rockfall. The lake reaches its highest water level after the snowmelt, towards the end of June. The area around the lake is developed for tourism with various hiking trails. The view of the lake from the so-called Rockpile is one of the most frequently photographed subjects in Canada, and is also featured on the Canadian 20-dollar bill of the Scenes of Canada series from 1969.