A photo of a lake. There are snow-capped mountains in the backdrop with evergreen trees to the right

Moraine Lake Bus Company

  • July 31, 2023

Moraine Lake is a phenomenal attraction in the heart of Banff National Park — so it makes sense you’d want to rest your head there at night and wake up there in the morning!

One of the reasons why Moraine Lake is so stunning, however, is that it’s relatively untouched, so accommodations at the lake are limited. If you’ve been typing ‘hotel Moraine Lake’ into your search engine, you’re likely seeing only one useful result. But this is a good thing! If the area remains as close to it was centuries ago, wildlife can prosper, and we don’t risk damaging the ecosystem.

The only hotel at Moraine Lake is the Moraine Lake Lodge; however there are plenty of fantastic accommodations in nearby Lake Louise Village.

If you’re planning a trip to Banff National Park this year and you’re looking for a place to stay that’s close to the must-visit destination of Moraine Lake, you’re in the right place — here’s a quick guide to Moraine Lake hotels and accommodations.

1. The Only Hotel Moraine Lake Is Known For: Moraine Lake Lodge — 3 Stars

First, the only accommodation available on Moraine Lake is the Moraine Lake Lodge. Located at 1 Moraine Lake Road, you can’t get much closer than this! The lodge standing today was redeveloped in 1988, though it has roots in the early 1900s. A world-famous architect commissioned the design and drafted his plans with the surrounding environment in mind.

With a three-star rating, consistently glowing feedback from past guests, comfortable rooms, cozy common areas to relax after a day of exploration, and an onsite gourmet restaurant, visitors can expect a relaxing stay in a setting they won’t soon forget.

For the rest of the Moraine Lake hotels in our guide, we’re going to take a short trip to Lake Louise Village. Lake Louise Village is close to many other incredible scenic destinations in Banff National Park, besides our favourite — Moraine Lake.

An important note here: Staying in the village doesn’t mean you won’t have an opportunity to visit Moraine Lake or to see the sunrise there. We couldn’t let that happen! We can get you there on one of our two Moraine Lake sunrise shuttle  services that leave from Samson Mall in Lake Louise Village. We also have plenty of other departure times later in the morning and into the afternoon if an early wakeup isn’t for you!

2. Deer Lodge — 3 Stars

The second entry in our guide to hotels near Moraine Lake is a short, five-minute drive to Lake Louise Village. Deer Lodge is a 71-room, rustic-style, eco-certified lodge retaining tons of Canadiana stylings and traditional charm.

The hotel was constructed in the early 1920s but now boasts modern twists for comfort — though there are no televisions here. Instead, Deer Lodge has a farm-to-table restaurant that prides itself on its Rocky Mountain cuisine, a rooftop hot tub with views overlooking the Victoria Glacier, and plenty of quiet to help you get a refreshing night’s rest.

3. Paradise Lodge & Bungalows — 3 Stars

The third in our guide to Moraine Lake Hotels is a four-minute drive to Lake Louise Village and the proud 29-time winner of the Alberta Housekeeping Award! Guests at Paradise Lodge can stay in their own private bungalow or the main lodge, and rooms have mountain or valley views.

There are communal BBQ grills if you fancy cooking al fresco one evening. And there’s also a kid’s playpark onsite, just in case your kiddos still feel rambunctious when you’re trying to wind down at the end of a long day of hiking.

A dark photo of a white Moraine Lake Bus Company shuttle in a car park with its lights on. There are trees and mountains in the backdrop

4. Mountaineer Lodge – 2 Stars

Next on our list of Moraine Lake hotels is Mountaineer Lodge. This 2-star accommodation is located in the heart of Lake Louise Village and a short three-minute walk to one of our pick-up zones, Samson Mall. This hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms where guests are treated to a deluxe continental breakfast in the morning before they head off for a day of sightseeing and exploring.

5. HI Lake Louise

What would a proper Moraine Lake hotel guide be without a budget-friendly option? The HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre Hostel is ideal for backpackers and travellers hoping to save money on their accommodations. This hostel boasts the delicious Bill Peyto Café — which serves up hearty comfort food and drinks, two self-catering kitchens, a sauna, and a small library.

Like all hotels and accommodations in the Lake Louise Village, the HI is a short walk to our Samson Mall pick-up location. Be sure to explore our rates and schedule for more information on getting to and from Moraine Lake.

6. Post Hotel & Spa – 4 Stars

The Post Hotel & Spa is a luxury, four-star choice for those searching for luxury hotels near Moraine Lake. At this posh establishment, you can swim in a Roman-inspired saltwater pool, enjoy spa treatments, and work out in the hotel gym. If you’re looking for an elevated experience, you can choose from several packages, including gourmet and spa packages for families and couples.

7. Campsites

In addition to brick-and-mortar hotels near Moraine Lake, there are campsites for tent campers and RV users, too. We recommend booking far ahead on Parks Canada’s website, as these sites sell out quickly.

Options include:

  • Protection Mountain Campground: This basic site is 15 kilometres from Lake Louise Village and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It has room for tents and RVs and offers impressive mountain views.
  • Lake Louise Campground: This site, located close to the Bow River, is split in two: one side for hard-sided camping and the other for soft-sided. Past visitors have commented on the comfortable pitch size, excellent trail access — particularly to hikes near the river — and the warm showers.

The Takeaway on Moraine Lake Hotels and Accommodations

While the lake has just one hotel, several hotels near Moraine Lake offer different perks for different budgets. The team at Moraine Lake Bus Company are all seasoned locals familiar with the area; we can gladly point you in the right direction if you have any questions about hotels and accommodations!

And when the time comes to visit this breathtaking location, count on us! In case you weren’t aware, parking at Moraine Lake  is no longer an option since the road to the lake is closed to private vehicles. That’s where we come in. Reserve your tickets to and from Moraine Lake using our easy-to-use booking platform, and we’ll pick you up at one of our pick-up zones. All you need to do is turn up, buckle up and enjoy the ride!