10 Must-See Lakes in the Canadian Rockies this Summer
- Two and a Ute
- Mar 22
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 17
When we first moved to the Canadian Rockies, we were completely oblivious to the numerous beautiful lakes that dotted these mountains. Banff, Yoho and Jasper National Park showcase some of the most breathtaking lakes in the region. Each lake in these parks boasts a unique beauty and offers experiences ranging from hiking, lake tours, wildlife sightings and tranquil retreats in nature. If you’re planning a summer getaway to the Canadian Rockies, ensure these ten must-see lakes in the Canadian Rockies are on your itinerary.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is undoubtedly one of Canada's most famous lakes. Its turquoise blue waters, framed by stunning mountains, create a picture-perfect scene. The lake was formed over 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age when glaciers carved out the valley. It is still fed by the Victoria Glacier, keeping its waters icy cold year-round, with an average summer temperature of only about 4°C (39°F). With plenty of hiking trails at Lake Louise for every skill level, this is a fantastic place to spend the day exploring this stunning part of Banff National Park.
To make the most of your visit, we strongly recommend taking a shuttle to the lake as parking can fill up before 7:00 am during Summer. One great shuttle option is Moraine Lake Bus Company, which boasts more 5-star reviews than any other shuttle company currently operating. They provide a diverse schedule and large fleet to help you be more likely to secure your preferred time and date for your trip. If you want to learn more about the shuttle, check out our article here or visit their website directly.
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is probably one of the most iconic destinations in Banff National Park and it is easy to see why. Known for its brilliant turquoise colour, the lake is surrounded by the majestic Valley of the Ten Peaks. Photographers flock here, especially at sunrise when the sun crests the peaks of this mountain range illuminating them in a deep red and orange. The lake's colour changes throughout the summer due to glacial melt, providing a different experience based on when you visit. It is easy to spend a day at Moraine Lake with plenty of hikes such as the infamous Larch Valley and Rock Pile but planning ahead is essential to avoid disappointment.
Moraine Lake is just a short drive from Lake Louise however, it is not accessible by driving a vehicle. There are several other options for getting to this iconic spot which we cover in this article: Five ways you can access Moraine Lake this summer. We have returned to Moraine Lake numerous times while living in The Rockies and every time we are in complete awe of its unmatched beauty
Peyto Lake
Located along the infamous Icefields Parkway, which stretches from Lake Louise to Jasper, Peyto Lake is famous for its distinct wolf-head shape. You can see this as you look down the valley from the main viewpoint, just a short walk from the main car park. This lake was named after Bill Peyto, a pioneer and fur trapper known for his rugged personality and deep knowledge of the wilderness, making him a legendary figure in Banff National Park history.
Like Lake Louise, Peyto Lake gets its brilliant turquoise colour from glacial rock flour. However, because of the high concentration of this fine sediment, its waters often appear even more vibrant, especially in summer when the glaciers are melting.
Bow Lake
Bow Lake, a gem which once tended to be overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, is now a very popular destination in Banff National Park. Located along the Icefields Parkway, the deep blue waters that mirror surrounding glaciers and mountains is just one of many stops that can be made on this iconic drive, which has been voted as one of the top ten most beautiful drives in the world!
The iconic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, located on the shores of Bow Lake, was built in the 1920s by legendary mountain guide Jimmy Simpson. It remains a rustic retreat for travellers looking to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, offering limited hot drinks and snacks to the thousands of visitors who come to explore this natural wonder. As the popularity of this lake has grown, infrastructure, such as parking lots, hasn't yet met demand, so beware that parking may be full and chaotic if visiting in the peak summer months.
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in the Banff area. At 21 km (13 miles) long, Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park, making it a prime spot for boating, fishing, and sightseeing. Beneath the waters of Lake Minnewanka lies the submerged village of Minnewanka Landing. Before the lake was dammed and expanded in the 1940s, the town had homes, hotels, and even a wharf. Today, divers explore its eerie underwater ruins.
The name "Minnewanka" comes from the Stoney Nakoda word meaning "Water of the Spirits." Indigenous peoples believed the lake was inhabited by spirits, and archaeological evidence shows that humans lived in the area for over 10,000 years.
Consider taking a boat tour to learn about the lake's history while enjoying the scenery. It's an unforgettable way to connect with this beautiful area.
YOHO NATIONAL PARK
Sherbrooke Lake
Sherbrooke Lake is the largest backcountry lake in Yoho National Park that is easily accessible via a relatively short hiking, but not necessarily easy, hiking trail. This lesser-known lake is popular for its peaceful environment and beauty and is a favourite for those looking for a scenic but less crowded destination.
The area around Sherbrooke Lake is home to diverse wildlife, including bears, moose, and marmots. These animals are often spotted along the trail, adding to the adventure of visiting this serene alpine lake. Because of this, we do recommend becoming familiar with bear safety and carrying bear spray with you while exploring this part of the park. The best way to reach Sherbrooke Lake is via a scenic hike which you can continue up to the Paget Lookout, which offers views down the valley or even further up to Paget Peak. As always, know your skills and abilities before taking on these trails.
Lake O'Hara
Lake O'Hara is a dream for hikers and nature lovers. With its stunning blue waters, it is often rated among the most beautiful lakes in Canada. Surrounding trails provide breathtaking views. Access to Lake O'Hara is limited to protect its ecosystem, requiring a reservation for the bus service and camping in the area. We were fortunate enough to secure a reservation through the lottery system one year and to this day, it remains in our top 3 favourite hikes in Banff National Park, accompanied by Mt Assiniboine and the less strenuous Sunshine Meadows.
Emerald Lake
As its name indicates, Emerald Lake is renowned for its vibrant green colour. It is the largest lake in Yoho National Park and was accidentally discovered in 1882 by Tom Wilson, a Canadian guide and explorer, who stumbled upon it while tracking runaway horses. He was the first non-Indigenous person to see the lake and was so struck by its beauty that he named it "Emerald Lake." This lake offers many activities such as canoeing and hiking and as such it is a very popular destination. With limited parking and the increased popularity of Emerald Lake, visitors can be forced to park cars several kilometres from the lakeshore.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is the longest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies at 22 kilometres (13.7 miles) in length. Maligne Lake is famous for Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies. Despite its name, Spirit Island is actually a peninsula most of the year, only becoming an island when water levels rise in the summer. The Stoney Nakoda people have long considered the area sacred. According to their legends, Spirit Island was a meeting place for two star-crossed lovers from rival tribes, adding to the location’s mystique.
When visiting, consider booking a boat tour to Spirit Island for an up-close experience with this natural beauty. It is one of the most peaceful, still places we have visited in the Canadian Rockies, with a sense of unexplainable calm as you peer out over the island from the main shore.
Valley of Five Lakes
The Valley of Five Lakes is a hidden treasure within Jasper National Park. Each of the five lakes has a unique colour ranging from vibrant turquoise to deep blue. The relatively easy hiking trail makes it a great option for most visitors. Wear suitable footwear for the hike, as parts can be uneven. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by one of these picturesque lakes; it’s the perfect way to relax and savour nature.
NOTE: This trail is currently closed due to the aftermath of the 2024 Jasper fires. Ensure you check current trail conditions and closures on Parks Canada's website before visiting this and any other trail within the National Parks.
When planning your summer visit, arrive early to avoid crowds and respect the natural beauty of the parks. These ten lakes promise unforgettable memories, whether it's your first visit or a repeat adventure we know that the beauty of these locations is timeless, especially if we all do our part during our visit to help preserve these incredible natural environments.
CHECK OUT MORE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR VISIT TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Bonus lake shared in our video below!
Comments