Larch Valley from Moraine Lake

From the shuttle stop walk past the lodge to the Larch Valley Trail, which climbs long forested switchbacks. Keep right at the Eiffel Lake junction and go on into the larch meadows of Larch Valley, with the Ten Peaks behind you. Cross the outlet of the upper Minnestimma lake by a footbridge and follow its east shore to the north end. Return the same way. Sentinel Pass beyond is steeper and was snowy and icy in early October 2026; it is not part of this walk.

It is 9.3 km there and back with 558 m of ascent; allow about 4 hours. The grade is Moderate: a long, steady climb on switchbacks, then rockier open ground.

Parks Canada reported snow and ice higher up on 3 to 4 October 2026, and advises against this avalanche-prone trail from mid-October to mid-June. Carry bear spray and walk together; when grizzlies feed nearby, Parks Canada can order groups of at least four. No such order was in force on 4 October 2026. A Parks Canada pass is needed.

There is no private parking: Moraine Lake Road is closed to private vehicles, and the walk starts at the shuttle stop. The Parks Canada shuttle from the Lake Louise Park and Ride (booked ahead) and the Lake Connector run until 12 October 2026; then the lake is cut off until June.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.