If you are visiting Lake Louise – Moraine Lake Area in Banff National Park If you're keen for an easy hike, it's worth the hour and three kilometers to Consolation Lakes.
You'll be rewarded with views of high alpine meadows, the lakes themselves, the steep talus slopes below Mount Babylon and the Quadra Glacier. Hiking in Consolation Lakes combines well with the short 0.8 km hike up and around the Rockpile – a must-do walk to see Moraine Lake from above.
The downside to the hike at Consolation Lakes is that some rocks are required to get closer to the lakes. But, even if you don't, you can enjoy the stunning scenery of Banff National Park.
You may also like: The best Banff trips you can do in one day
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Summary of the Consolation Lakes trip
distance: 6 km round trip.
Height gain: 120 metres.
difficulty: Easy and kid-friendly.
Time needed: Two hours
Dogs: In theory they are allowed on a leash. However, you cannot take dogs in a lap carrier unless you are taking the shuttle. Some Moraine Lake private paid services may allow dogs.
Wildlife: The chances of seeing bears are slim, but I still recommend carrying easily accessible bear spray. You may hear or see hoary marmots in and around the large rocks next to Consolation Lakes. Do not feed them even if they come as beggars.
Don't forget: pack 10 essentials for hiking For hiking in Consolation Lakes – although you probably won't need it.
Map: Organic maps It is a great app for offline hiking. To pick up a paper mapGemTrek Lake Louise and Yoho.
Access to the main trail for hiking at Consolation Lakes
The Moraine Lake Road usually opens sometime in late May, but this date varies from year to year depending on the snowpack in Banff National Park. It is usually open until the Thanksgiving long weekend in October.
Unfortunately, Moraine Lake Road is no longer open to private vehicles. You'll now need to book and take a shuttle or use a private transfer to get to the main hiking trail at Consolation Lakes.
Once you get off the shuttle, head to the Rockpile across from the bathrooms. The place is hard to miss as everyone goes there to enjoy the amazing view of Lake Moraine. The Consolation Lakes Trail heads off to the left from the bottom of the stairs you take if you're hiking the Rockpile – which I recommend you do. Everything was well signed.
Recommended reading: How to get to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Description of height
It's an easy, direct, and impossible-to-miss trip to Consolation Lakes. The trail starts out easy enough, but in no time, you'll be over a 200-metre-long boulder field, the remains of a rockslide from the Tower of Babel. The path through the boulder field is clear and easy to follow.
Next is an easy 2.5 km walk on a well maintained track through the forest. Some spots can be muddy, but please stick to the Consolation Lakes Trail, to avoid getting too muddy. It's wide enough that you can walk side by side.
Babel Creek
As you turn sharply southeast, you may see or hear Bubble Creek on the east side of the trail. Babylon Creek runs parallel to the final 1.4 km of the Consolation Lakes trek to reach a rock field on the shore of Consolation Lakes.
On the final leg of Consolation Lakes, the trail flattens out to a beautiful meadow alongside Babylon Creek – full of wildflowers, if you fancy a summer hike.
Boulder field
The Consolation Lakes hike ends at a boulder field. Getting to the water requires some coordination as you have to jump or scramble from rock to rock and many of them are quite large. Some will move, so always test them before committing.
If you don't want to hike across big boulders to get to the first of the Consolation Lakes, find a large flat rock next to Bubble Creek, sit down and enjoy the view. To the east is Panorama Ridge and to the north at the end of the Consolation Lakes is Mount Bident. You will recognize it by its pyramid shape. Mount Babylon is one of the rocky peaks south and west of the lakes.
Consolation Lakes Hiking Tours
Parks Canada offers Consolation Lakes Guided hike. It starts at 8 AM and ends at 12:30 PM. It is offered in English only. Children must be over 5 years old, preferably over 8 years old. You cannot take a stroller on your Consolation Lakes hike. Flights are available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from July 15 to September 11, 2025 and daily from September 16 to 21, 2025.
Booking opens on January 21, 2025 connected Or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
There is also an optionBook a guided tripTo Consolation Lakes which includes lunch.
Where to stay near Lake Louise
To enjoy a luxurious stay at Lake Louise in the winterFairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Then you can walk out the door, take a long walk, and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
A short drive from Bow Valley Parkway He isBaker Creek by Basecamp– With individual cabins in the forest. They have great bikes, riverside fire pits, and quick access to great hiking.
For budget accommodation,…Lake Louise LodgeIt is a great choice.
theMountaineer lodgeConveniently located near the village, it offers comfortable and well-equipped rooms.
For an upscale experience,Post Hotel & SpaLocated along the Pipestone River near Samson Mall, it features elegant rooms, a beautiful pool and hot tub, and multiple dining options.
More hikes in the Moraine Lake and Lake Louise area that you'll love
Hiking in the Moraine Lake area
In addition to your Consolation Lakes hike, try to fit in one or two of these hikes that all start at Moraine Lake. the Pile of rocks Short, easy and makes the presentation you see below. Lake Eifel It's beautiful and the path leading up to it passes through lots of wildflowers. L'Arche Valley and Sentinel Pass It is one of the premier hikes in the Canadian Rockies and is most popular during the pine season.
Hiking trips in the Lake Louise area
the Climb Mount Fairview It offers wonderful views of Lake Louise.
If you want to have lunch at a café with a great view, check out either Easy hike to six glaciers or Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House. From Lake Agnes you can do this easily Large beehive height Or the height of a small beehive.
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