The glacial lakes of the Canadian Rockies are renowned all over the world as some of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
What’s especially amazing about Banff National Park is how accessible all of these lakes are. You could visit all 7 of these magical lakes in a single day in about 7-8 hours from the town of Banff.
The majestic colours of different shades of blue and green are created by sediment in the glacial runoff called rock flour. Depending on the concentration of rock flour, you will get many different shades of blue and green that change depending on the lighting conditions and seasonal glacial meltwater patterns.
All of these lakes in Banff National Park can be visited year-round except Moraine Lake, which is only accessible from June 1st to October 14th each year (it is open for ski touring in the winter). It is also important to note that it is best to book a private day tour because it can be difficult to get a parking spot at Lake Louise after 6 a.m. and you need to book a shuttle bus to get to Moraine Lake.
The private tours and shuttle buses are a response to the over-tourism problem that has gotten out of control in Banff National Park in the last decade. By booking a private or group tour, you can help reduce the ecological footprint of your travel and support knowledgeable local interpretive guides who know the land and provide a more enriching travel experience.
I also recommend educating yourself about how climate change is affecting the glaciers and lakes of Banff National Park. This short documentary Losing Blue made by local Canmore filmmaker Leanne Allison is a cinematic poem about what it means to possibly lose the otherworldly blues of these ancient mountain lakes.
Explore Banff’s Most Beautiful Lakes
Let’s start with the most beautiful lakes closest to the town of Banff, before heading west to the lakes on the Continental Divide and then north to the majestic lakes along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park.
1. Vermillion Lake
A great spot to start your day is by taking in the morning reflections of Mount Rundle’s spires when the waters of Vermillion Lake are calm and tranquil.
This is also a great spot to see beavers, birds and sometimes a moose wandering in the marshlands along the lake’s edge.
2. Two Jacks Lake
Two Jakes Lake is another must-see lake a short distance from the town of Banff that is accessible by loop road where you can often see elk and big horned sheep.
In the morning, you will be more likely to see the giant cliff faces of Mount Rundle reflected in the calm azure waters of Two Jakes Lake.
3. Lake Minnewanka
A short distance from Two Jakes Lake is Lake Minnewanka, which is the largest lake in Banff National Park at 21 km long and the second longest lake in the Rockies after Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, which is the second-largest glacier-fed lake in the world.
The mountains tower over Lake Minnewanka, which means “The Lake of Spirits” and the name comes from a fascinating local Stoney Nakoda legend. They both respected and feared this lake for its resident spirits.
4. Moraine Lake
It’s best to visit Moraine Lake in the morning before the crowds arrive. The calm waters earlier in the morning provide a spectacular reflection of the surrounding peaks in the Valley of the Ten Peaks in the breathtaking turquoise blue water.
Your best view of Moraine Lake is from the Rock Pile, which is a short hike with three majestic viewpoints overlooking at the lake. Take a mindful moment here to sit and savour this remarkable crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies.
5. Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one of the most famous lakes in the world and it ranks highly among the most beautiful lakes in Banff National Park (although Moraine Lake is my personal favourite).
This is one of the most crowded spots in Banff National Park so it’s a good idea to get away from the crowds by hiking above to the Big Beehive or around to the backside of the lake where you can see the concentrated glacial rock flour entering the lake.
6. Bow Lake
A 30-minute drive north of Lake Louise on the Icefield Parkway is Bow Lake, which is the headwaters of the Bow River that flows through Banff and Calgary. From the north side of the lake, you can see the spectacular Bow Glacier Falls and the gigantic Bow Glacier.
From the shores of Bow Lake, there are towering peaks in all directions and here you will start to see the edge of Wapta Icefield, which is an 80 km2 icefield (made up of a series of glaciers), which features the popular 4-day Wapta Traverse ski tour in the winter.
7. Peyto Lake
Why not cap off an amazing day of visiting some of the most beautiful lakes in the world with the majesty of Peyto Lake? Named after legendary Banff outdoor guide Bill Peyto, this is one of the most beautiful views in the world.
From close to 7,000 feet high in the mountains, you will have your breath taken away looking down at the awe-inspiring glacial blue of Peyto Lake in the valley below. Can you see the face of the animal that it is shaped like?
Bonus: Waterfowl Lake
As a bonus, if you have an extra half hour, you can make a quick trip from Peyto Lake up the Icefields Parkway to Waterfowl Lake where you will find the pyramid-shaped Mount Chephren pleasantly reflected in the emerald green waters.
While there are 100s of spectacular glacial lakes in Banff National Park, these lakes are the most accessible meaning you won’t have to hike for hours to experience their tranquil beauty. If you’re extra adventurous, you can find a lot more beautiful lakes that you can enjoy in seclusion (for example, Chephren Lake).
His mission at Mindful Ecotourism is to share mindful awareness, experiential learning and community building practices that can reconnect people with nature.
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