Eiffel Lake and Wenkchemna Pass Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Eiffel Lake and Wenkchemna Pass
In 2026, Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. To reach the trailhead, plan to use a Parks Canada shuttle, Roam Public Transit connections, a licensed commercial operator, or cycle to Moraine Lake (exceptions apply for visitors with valid accessible parking placards and registered guests of Moraine Lake Lodge).
Shuttle and transit options typically operate during the main season (weather dependent), so book transportation in advance whenever possible. Cycling to Moraine Lake is still a beautiful option, but expect steady commercial traffic on the road in peak season.
Once you arrive at Moraine Lake, walk toward the lake and lodge area to pick up the start of the route. The lakeshore is usually busiest late morning through mid‑afternoon, so starting earlier or later can make the experience calmer.
Continue with Moraine Lake on your left-hand side and follow the trail markers for a few hundred meters until you see another sign indicating the start of the trail on the right-hand side. This is a prime bear habitat and therefore during certain times of the year Parks Canada requires hiking in groups to limit bear encounters. Those without the minimum number of hikers often wait by the sign for the next group and offer to hike together to meet size requirements.
The trail immediately starts to climb through the forest with a steady and demanding grade. This is a well-maintained trail, but not ideal to take a child carrier up due to rocks and tree roots. As you continue, make sure to savor the glimpses of the azure blue waters of Lake Moraine and the incredible Ten Peaks through the breaks in the trees. After approximately 350 m and a 40-minute climb later, you will reach a fork in the road. Take the route less travelled, going towards Eiffel Lake, not Sentinel Pass.
After approximately another 20 minutes you’ll emerge from the forest onto a rocky, barren slope. A clear, impressive view of the Ten Peaks can be seen from this point. Continue along this predominately flat trail until you reach Eiffel Lake. If this is as far as you are planning to go – stop, admire the views, snap a few photos, then start heading back.
If you have the energy, continue on to Wenkchemna Pass, following the trail, which winds around the right edge of the valley. We once completed this pass when it was quite snowy, which required extensive route finding. Normally during the summer the trail tends to clear.
A few steep switchbacks and some scree slopes later, you will be atop Wenkchemna Pass, with one of the best views of the Ten Peaks. Look back over the pass down into the secluded valley behind you and get a rare glimpse into a world untouched by humans. Return the way you came, and prepare yourself that you may be initially jarred by the sudden influx of people as you approach the parking lot.
Want to find more amazing Lake Louise hikes? Check out the Plain of the 6 Glaciers, Sentinel Pass, Morraine Lake or the Skoki Lakes hike. You can also see a selection of multi-day, guided hiking tours in Banff.
What to Expect on the Eiffel Lake and Wenkchemna Pass Hike in 2026
In 2026, this remains a classic Moraine Lake–area alpine hike, with a sustained climb to big views over the Valley of the Ten Peaks and a quieter finish out toward Wenkchemna Pass. Expect variable mountain weather, lingering snow early in the season, and very high visitor demand around Moraine Lake. The biggest change to plan for is transportation to the trailhead—build your day around shuttle/transit timing or a bike approach.
Insider Hints for Eiffel Lake and Wenkchemna Pass
- Be sure to carry bear spray and hike in a group legally large enough (usually 4 people), as many bears inhabit the area around Moraine Lake.
- There are many fantastic picnicking spots around Eiffel Lake, so perhaps opt to pack a delicious lunch rather than purchase one at the lodge.
- The Eiffel Lake hike was named one of the best hikes near Banff.
Getting to the Eiffel Lake and Wenkchemna Pass Trailhead
In 2026, plan to access Moraine Lake using Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Transit connections, a licensed commercial operator, or by cycling from the Lake Louise area. Note the road is closed from Autumn to early-summer.Route Information for Eiffel Lake and Wenkchemna Pass
When to do:
June through October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
Trailhead
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Eiffel Lake and Wenkchemna Pass Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Eiffel Lake and Wenkchemna Pass
The less-traveled route was fantastic! I wouldn't say I recommend it, because if that happens, it might need to change how they call it.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Lots of scenery! Worth every stop!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Simply superb. We struggled to find parking despite being there at an insane hour, so I'd wait to do this until the shuttles open up again. The views of the valley of ten peaks are unforgettable.
Beautiful hike! The view of the valley is worth it!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The lake surfaces are perfect mirrors for surrounding mountains. The beauty of Wenkchemna Pass is on a different level.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Good hike. Nice well-maintained paths, but not ideal for the elderly and small children.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Nice out and back trail. The climb up was a little challenging but it's more of a moderate hike.Really worth seeing the Eiffel Lake!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It's a great leisure experience! Hiking here was fun and exciting. Just don't forget to carry some bear spray as it's prime bear habitat.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The initial ascend made me sweat a lot. I had to rest a few times because I always run out of breath. Either way, it's a splendid hike. The scenery was worth seeing.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The valley encompasses the magnificent cliffs, glaciers, wildlife, forest around Lake Louise !
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.