MORAINE LAKE LODGE- A JEWEL IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

By Michael Hepworth

The 125 mile drive from Calgary Airport to the Lake Louise area in Alberta , Canada , is one of the nicest you will ever experience, ending up at the famous lake that attracts tourists from all over the world. If you are really into amazing scenery and are based in Vancouver , then the 560 mile drive will take you through mountain terrain that may necessitate slower driving. Located in Banff National Park and Yoho National Park, the Lake Louise area  really is one of the most breathtaking spots in the world, and a must visit if you have never been to the region. However I have discovered a lodge in the area that is a little off the beaten track called Moraine Lake Lodge, but well worth checking out.

 I was there in late September last year which is the best time to visit in my opinion, and it was already started to snow, and very cold at night, but boy was the air fresh. Visitor numbers also start to fall dramatically this time of year, but you have to be careful about the Elk, as it is their mating season and they can be very unpredictable. For those who like to hike, this is a perfect spot located 15 miles from Lake Louise , and the lodge overlooks the lake that many call the Jewel of the Rockies . Since it is a family owned lodge and only open about 5 months a year, I suggest you book quickly and see what a magical place it is with the turquoise water that you expect from lakes in this beautiful part of the world.

There are three naturalists on call at Moraine Lodge with two guided hikes that are complimentary to the guests, and every evening there is a lecture in the library on various aspects of Banff National Park with complimentary wine served. Canoe rentals are also available free of charge for guests of Moraine Lodge, and there is free coffee every morning, and free tea, coffee and pastries every afternoon for guests.

 They also have a brand new lodge that opened last year called Cathedral Lodge, and since both lodges are completely self sufficient. That means alpine water out of the taps, a waste management system that does not pollute the area, and a keen staff who are only there to help. Moraine Lake also has a top class restaurant if you are unwilling to drive into Banff or Lake Louise for lunch or dinner.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the restaurant that offers a spectacular view of the lake, and with an emphasis on Northwestern cuisine, which means lots of salmon, prepared in a variety of styles, that up in Canada can be endless. Canadian wines are served almost pretty exclusively up here, and if you are not too familiar with the quality of these wines you will be pleasantly surprised. Ever since the New Zealanders and Australians arrived to take over many of the vineyards in British Columbia , the general improvement of the British Columbian wines have improved significantly.

Dinner usually runs to three courses, and breakfast is a good idea if you are planning to spend the day hiking, as it will set you up pretty good for the rest of the day in the 6300 ft altitude, which can be very taxing if you are not that used to it.

Fact Sheet

Moraine Lake www.morainelake.com

Email: info@morainelake.com

Cathedral Lake www.cathedralmountain.com

Email: info@cathedralmountain.com