One of the best singletrack trails in Banff National Park. Excellent access combined with technical trails and epic Rockies viewing make this a must do. Can be done with Ross Lake trail for a rare 40+km ride through some of the Park's most recognizable terrain, such as the Valley of Ten Peaks and the Tower of Babel, not to mention Moraine, Louise, and Ross Lake.

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake offer a variety of activities for the family as well, with shopping, restaurants, canoeing and equipment rentals along with a multitude of hikes and scrambles for every skill level.

Trail Description

The trail is started with a 7km road climb south towards Moraine Lake from the Paradise Valley parking lot. The grade is comfortable and the entrance to the Valley of the Ten Peaks is stunning.

The highline climb starts just northwest of Moraine Lake on a well signed singletrack. A short, technical burst leads to a high ridge, where a narrow, mildly exposed singletrack weaves north through sometimes technical rock gardens.

Exiting the Valley the ridge highpoint is reached and views across the Bow Valley can be had; from here it is a screaming descent over continuously rocky and rooty terrain. The ride ends a couple km north of the start point. This trip is best suited to advanced riders. Moraine Lake Trail can also be done as an out-and-back from Moraine Lake if one desires a steeper climb on singletrack.

A longer trip of 43km can be made by continuing towards the Lake Louise Chateau from the parking lot and joining Ross Lake trail, north of the Chateau. This trail is a 15km out-and-back on 100% singletrack, ending at the small but refreshing Ross Lake which is located across the BC border near Kicking Horse pass. The trail has very little elevation gain, however it is constantly up and down. There are occasional rocky sections to test your skill, and several creek crossings. Finish back at Paradise Valley.

Getting There

West of Calgary on Hwy 1. for 183km to Lake Louise. Follow Moraine Lake Rd. south from Lake Louise Village for approximately 3km until the signed Paradise Valley parking lot.

Begin the ride south towards Moraine lake on Moraine Lake Rd. for about 7km to the Lake. The well-signed trailhead starts on the immediate northwest corner of the chateau on Moraine Lake and loops back to the parking lot.

To find Ross Lake, ride from the Paradise Valley parking lot north for 2km and join the wide gravel Tramway Trail. Follow the trail north towards Lake Louise. Ross Lake begins north and slightly east of the chateau, signed as Ross Lake #3. Bikes are not allowed to continue pass the lake.
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When to Bike

The trail is often closed for seasonal or bear related reasons, check with the parks center in Lake Louise for trail status.

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