Consolation Lakes Trail
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐
Scenery: ⭐⭐⭐
Mileage: 4 mi
Region: Banff NP
Elev. Gain: 873 ft
When to Go: Jun—Oct
Avg. Time: 1.5 hr
Parking: Large paved lot
Type: Out + Back
Pass: Discovery or $11CAD day-use fee
Know Before You Go:
Getting here can be a pain but the spectacle makes it worth the hassle.
Beginning in 2024 the only way to access the lake is via Park Shuttle that requires a pre reserved ticket. The park releases 40% of the shuttle seats early in mid-April; the rest are available 2 days before your desired date. You can make your reservations here.
This is one of the many hikes to explore from Moraine Lake - we recommend going in the afternoon as this is when the light is best.
The trail is easy until the final portion at the lake which requires navigating a boulder field around the edge of the first lake.
We were unable to find a clear path so be prepared to spend a long time picking your way across if you choose to continue on past the first lake.