Consolation Lakes Trail

  ANY MED YES

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

AllTrails: Route

Trailhead Coordinates:

51.329728, -116.181111

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.