Moraine Lake Road Biking Route Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Moraine Lake Road Biking Route
What to Expect on the Moraine Lake Road Road Bike in 2026
In 2026, cycling Moraine Lake Road remains one of the most rewarding road rides in Banff National Park. Personal vehicles are not permitted on Moraine Lake Road, which means cyclists share the road primarily with Parks Canada shuttles and licensed commercial vehicles during the operating season. Expect steady climbing on a fully paved road, dramatic views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and changing mountain weather, especially early or late in the season.
Biking to Moraine Lake Route Guide
Our map starts at the Great Divide parking lot, however in 2026 you'll need to start at the Lake Louise ski hill parking lot. Beware there is a tricky cattle gate as you descend down to Lake Louise Village, and definitely walk the bike over the gate.
From Lake Louise village ride up the road to Lake Louise. Before you get to the Great Divide parking lot that shows on our map, you will see a sign to turn left and ride on Moraine Lake Road, take this!
You are now on the private Moraine Lake Road, with the only other vehicles being buses and Parks Canada vehicles. Now that cars are restricted once the parking is full in the morning, this beautiful bike ride can be enjoyed with limited cars.
The first 2.0 km on the road are an ascent, gaining 55 m in elevation before a brief respite for 500 m. After this, there is another 3.5 km ascent, during which you gain 170 m of elevation, before descending 1.3 km and heading to your right as the road contours around Mount Temple.
From here, you have a 2.0 km ascent, where you will gain 50 m. From this highpoint, you have a gentle 3.0 km ride down towards Moraine Lake. You can ride right up to Moraine Lake to take a look.
We recommend bringing a lock and finding a place to lock your bike up and having a look around. If you’re only at Moraine Lake for a short while, consider the hike up to the Rockpile and then around Moraine Lake’s shoreline trail. There are variety of other great hikes nearby, such as Consolation Lakes, Sentinel Pass and Wenkchemna Pass.
Moraine Lake Lodge is also a good place to get a snack or coffee before your ride back.
To return, ride back the way you came.
If you love exploring incredible places by bike, then check out these self-guided bike tours. Imagine a self-guided bike tour in the Dolomites! Or cycling through Vietnam on a fully guided tour!
Insider Hints for Moraine Lake Road Biking Route
- This is a great ride to do early in the day, or after dinner, as the crowds at Moraine Lake are lower.
- Be aware that large buses operate on this road.
- The Patio at Deer Lodge is a great place to have a cold drink after this ride.
- We often pair this ride with the Great Divide Trail. The Great Divide Road is pretty rough, and some parts are quite marginal on a road bike.
- Rent a bike at Wilsons in Lake Louise village.
Getting to the Moraine Lake Road Biking Route Trailhead
Parking is heavily restricted in the Lake Louise area. For 2026 we recommend parking at the Lake Louise Ski hill.Route Information for Moraine Lake Road Biking Route
Re-supply points:
Moraine Lake
When to do:
May - September
Toilets:
Moraine Lake
Level of Car Traffic:
Moderate
Road Type:
50km/h road
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Moraine Lake Road Biking Route Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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