Consolation Lakes Trail – Banff

Consolation Lakes Trail – Banff National Park

The best way to escape the summer crowds in Alberta’s Banff National Park, and most popular national parks for that matter, is to get out on the hiking trails. It’s incredible how many tourists simply hop in and out of their vehicles or tour buses to take pictures of the amazing views before continuing on to the next one. During the peak season, the overflow of tourists at places like Moraine Lake or Lake Louise can be a bit overwhelming, but once you walk a couple minutes from the parking areas and scenic overlooks, the crowds disappear. Such is the case at Consolation Lakes Trail. It’s a short easy hike, but the views are amazing considering how little effort is required. It’s the perfect hike if you’re planning a visit to Moraine Lake and want to get some separation from the hoards of selfie-seekers.

Trail Summary

Distance: 3.6 miles (out and back)

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1-2 hours

Highest Elevation: 6,486 ft.

Trailhead: Moraine Lake off the Rockpile Trail

Trail Map: Alltrails.com 

Tips: Carry bear spray. This area of Banff is frequented by grizzly bears and it is recommended (but not necessarily required) that you hike in a group of four of more.

Finding the Trailhead

In order to find the trailhead for Consolation Lakes, you’ll need to make your way to Moraine Lake…which can be a pain. During the summer, you’ll want to get to the Moraine Lake parking area by 6 AM. If not, the road to the parking area will be blocked off and you will be sent back down the Trans Canada Highway a few miles to the overflow lot where you’ll have to catch a shuttle to the lake which costs $15 per person. Moraine Lake is one of the most popular and most beautiful views in Banff and you’ll want to see it as part of your trip anyway. The trailhead is well marked on your way up to the scenic overlook and will be off to your left as you climb the rockpile to the left of the parking area. There will also be a large sign with a bear warning recommending that you carry bear spray and hike in groups of four or more. You can read more about the seasonal bear restrictions here.

The Hike

The trail begins by descending the rockpile to a field of boulders with a babbling brook flowing beneath the rocks. From here you can look back at the “10 Peaks” which you’ll recognize as the backdrop to the iconic view of Moraine Lake. In front of you, you will see a steep jagged mountain known as the Tower of Babel, before the trail curls left into the woods.

The trail through the woods is fairly flat and runs parallel to Babel Creek. There are numerous unofficial offshoots on the left that will take you to the edge of Babel Creek where the views in all directions are spectacular.

As we mentioned, it’s a short hike and it won’t be long before you reach a clearing and another boulderfield as you approach the Lower Consolation Lake. You can climb the boulders to get a better view of the first lake or you can continue along the either side of the first lake to reach the Upper Consolation Lake. The right side of the lake is very rocky and the left side can be very wet. Most people stop at the first lake and this is where the official Consolation Lakes Trail ends. The view of the Lower Consolation Lake is impressive considering how easy the hike is. You’ll see Mt. Babel and the Fay Glacier in the background.

We did this hike on a Friday in late August around 9AM and there were only a few other people on the trail at that time. From what we understand, the trail gets busier later in the day, particularly on weekends since it’s so accessible. Even still, it’s a welcome escape from the crowds you’ll encounter at Moraine Lake and it’s a nice activity to tack on to a visit to Moraine Lake.