Episode 3: Most Beautiful Lakes in Canada

Visiting Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Bow Falls
Visited in June 2022

A Magical Morning Among Frozen Lakes

Two of Canada's most iconic lakes — Lake Louise and Moraine Lake — are famous worldwide for their turquoise waters, dramatic mountain peaks, and breathtaking beauty.
When we visited in early June 2022, we were surprised to find both lakes still partly frozen — a rare, magical sight that few travelers ever get to experience.

The shimmering ice, bright blue cracks, and the silence of early morning created a peaceful, dream-like atmosphere — a memory we knew we had to capture in American Sign Language (ASL) and visual storytelling.

Getting There: Shuttle Access and Parking Tips

Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake requires planning ahead, especially during the busy summer months.

• Lake Louise:
  Parking lots fill up extremely early — often before 7:00 AM.
  Driving your own car is allowed, but only if you arrive very early to find a spot.

• Moraine Lake:
  Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round.
  Access is only available by:

  • Parks Canada Shuttle

  • Commercial tour buses

  • Biking or hiking

We booked the Parks Canada Shuttle in advance, and it made our trip smooth and stress-free.
Riding the shuttle gave us extra time to enjoy the mountain scenery without the pressure of finding parking — and the views along the way were incredible.

Travel Tip:

Reserve your Parks Canada Shuttle tickets online before you arrive.
Tickets often sell out quickly, especially on weekends and during peak summer (June–September).
Advance booking means a smoother, more relaxed adventure.

Bonus Tip:

Visit Moraine Lake first, then Lake Louise.
Starting early in the morning means:

• Cooler air

• Fewer crowds

• Softer lighting for ASL filming

• A much more peaceful experience overall

Visiting Moraine Lake in Early June

Personal Note:
Visiting Moraine Lake early in the morning was pure magic.
The crisp air, the stillness of the frozen lake, and the almost complete silence made it feel like stepping into a dream.
There were only a few other visitors, giving us space to sign, take photos, and simply be present.

Even though the lake was partly frozen, the contrast between the ice, the deep blue cracks, and the surrounding snow-covered peaks made it even more beautiful than we imagined.

We walked along the lakeside trail, took in the fresh mountain air, and soaked in the peaceful, almost surreal feeling of Moraine Lake in its frozen state.

Visiting Lake Louise in Early June

Personal Note:
At Lake Louise, we found a similar scene — the lake still partly frozen, with small patches of brilliant blue water starting to appear.

The reflection of the snowy mountains on the thin sheets of ice created a breathtaking view.
It wasn’t the "classic" turquoise Lake Louise most people expect, but it was something even rarer — a quiet, magical moment at the edge of winter and summer.

Capturing this scene in ASL storytelling felt natural — the landscape was so powerful, no voice was needed.
It was a memory we will never forget.

Travel Timing Tip:
If you want to see Moraine Lake and Lake Louise fully thawed and at their peak turquoise beauty, plan your visit between early August and mid-September.

Final Stop: Bow Falls

Before leaving Banff, we made one last stop at Bow Falls, just minutes from downtown Banff.

The short walk along the river led us to the wide, powerful waterfall.
The sound of rushing water, even though we could not hear it, could be felt — through the vibrations in the ground, the mist in the air, and the movement of the river.

It was the perfect, peaceful ending to our time in Banff — a farewell from the Rockies, full of quiet strength and beauty.

Deaf-Friendly Note:

Bow Falls is a fully visual experience — you don't need to hear the water to feel its energy.
Clear signage, accessible paths, and wide open views make it a great spot for Deaf travelers and visual storytellers.

Watch Our Adventure at Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Bow Falls in ASL

This episode captures the rare beauty of frozen lakes, powerful mountain scenery, accessible paths, and peaceful moments — all shared through American Sign Language (ASL) with captions for accessibility.

👉 Watch now on McGuire’s Journey YouTube