Where is it?
Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies.
What makes it special?
It�s the most spectacular lake in the Rockies and more intimate, beautiful and less-visited than its more famous neighbour, Lake Louise, eight miles to the north. The lake, being glacially fed, does not reach its crest until mid to late June. When it is full, it reflects a distinct shade of blue. The color is due to the refraction of light off the rock flour deposited in the lake on a continual basis.
Did you know?
The lake was formed by a rockfall, not a moraine. The mountains once appeared on the back of Canada�s $20 bill.
Why should I go?
In summer, to stroll the lakeshore (there�s good road access), hike the mountain trails, rent a canoe, or stay or eat lunch in Moraine Lake Lodge (see below). In winter, to ski the nearby Lake Louise or Kicking Horse resorts.
Take me there
Fly to direct to Calgary from Heathrow with British Airways (0844 493 0787; www.ba.com), rent a car and drive the two hours to Lake Louise. Stay at Moraine Lake Lodge (001 403 522 3733; www.morainelake.com).
What about a package?
Frontier (020 8776 8709; www.frontier-canada.co.uk) offers 14 days� fly-drive Calgary to Vancouver from �1,557 per person, including flights, car hire and accommodation, with four nights at Moraine Lake Lodge. Titan HiTours (0800 988 5823; www.titanhitours.co.uk) offers 11 high-quality coach tours to the Rockies and beyond, including an 11-day Winter Wonderland from �1,545 per person, including flight and home pickup.
Tell me more
Visit www.pc.gc.ca, Canada�s national park website, for information on Banff National Park. For more on Canada generally, contact the Canadian Tourism Commission in the UK (0870 380 0070; www.canada.travel).
