The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most stunning, visually appealing lakes in the world. With jagged snowy peaks in the background and beautifully clear lakes in the foreground, it’s a treasure. While the lauded hiking in the region indeed brings crowds, the dazzling lakes pull their weight just as equally. There are many lakes in the area, but these are the best lakes to visit in Banff and some of the most accessible.
The longest walk to any of these is either the length of the parking lot or around 0.33 miles. While I can’t say they’re all wheelchair accessible due to dirt paths, most are flat approaches which should give most individuals the ability to visit.
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Six lakes to visit in Banff
Lake Louise
The most famous lake on this list, Lake Louise, couldn’t have been sculpted any better, even if Michaelangelo had done it himself. With 270-degree towering peaks, the view is jaw-dropping. Unfortunately, a parking fee was instituted in 2021, so be prepared to either pay or ride the shuttle (which also costs money).
A tip while visiting: Hike to either of the tea houses. The Lake Agnes Tea House sits above the lake to the right, while the Plan of the six glaciers sits behind the lake. Both of these are amazing hikes and will give you views of the surrounding areas. Plus, it will get you away from the hordes of people at the lodge.
Moraine Lake
The 1A to the most famous Canada lakes, Moraine Lake is incredibly picturesque in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. If you get it on a clear day with a total reflection, you won the lottery, in my opinion. While the biggest attraction is the rock pile with views of the entire lake, various other trails take you along the shoreline or up into the mountains on both sides. Here, there’s no such thing as a lousy hiking trail. The most popular trail is Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass. You want to hike this.
A tip while visiting: Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunrise if you’re looking to get a parking spot. It’s a big area, but this is uber-popular. If you do want to go during the day, I’d suggest arriving an hour after sunrise. This is when photographers will be leaving, and you can hopefully snag a spot. OR bring a bike and ride in.
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Herbert Lake
Herbert Lake is a perfect sunset or sunrise location off the Icefield Parkway and is mere minutes from the Lake Louise Village. You’re able to park by the picnic tables or on the side of the road. With views of the Canadian Rockies and still waters, it’s perfect. It was amazing. This lake is one of the highest effort to reward ROI places you can find.
A tip while visiting: Take a seat parallel to the highway and soak it all in. While the slope can be a bit steep at some points, your tripod should do just fine.
Bow Lake
About 25 minutes up the Icefield Parkway, Bow Lake is a beauty. The lake has enormous peaks to the south, which seem to erupt out of the ground and is a lovely sunset spot. It’s 100% one of the lakes to visit in Banff National Park.
A tip while visiting: Be ready for some cold wind. Blowing off the glacier to the west, the wind is cold, and the water is whipping. You won’t get a perfect reflection here, but it is still a gorgeous stop. I’ve also seen grizzlies here, so keep an eye out!
Peyto Lake
One of the crown jewels of the Icefield Parkway. It is so popular they closed the entire viewing area for two years to perform renovations. As you can imagine, social media is the reason why they renovated the location. Luckily, it opened on my final day in the area, and the new platform is beautiful, and the site is phenomenal.
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A tip while visiting: Ditch the crowds and hike two miles up to the Bow Lake Summit Trail. You’ll get a more extraordinary view and have fewer people clamoring for influencer shots.
Vermillion Lakes
This is the only one technically not in Banff National Park, but it is next to the town of Banff. Vermillion Lakes is a perfect sunrise location and is also one that requires little effort to reach, yet the photos will be superb.
A tip while visiting: Check out the different docks along the road and see how you can incorporate the grass coming out of the lake in your foreground.
NOTE – This article was originally published in Explorewithalec and can be viewed here
