Nestled within the Canadian Rocky Mountains lies a collection of nature’s most awe-inspiring jewels—lakes that mirror the beauty of their alpine surroundings and beckon adventurers to immerse themselves in their vast space.
Discover some of the most breathtaking lakes in our guide to 8 must-see lakes in the Canadian Rocky Mountains! From the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Moraine to the hidden gems like Zigadenus Lake, explore the pristine natural wonders waiting to be explored.
Join us as we unveil 8 of the most astonishing lakes in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Let’s explore some alpine gems and start planning your Canadian Rocky Mountain adventure today!
1. Lake Moraine
Banff National Park
Lake Moraine will captivate your soul with its turquoise hues with the dreamy Valley of the Ten Peaks that line the lake. If the Valley of the Ten Peaks looks familiar to you, take another look at a $20 CAD bill.
While Lake Louise is the #1 destination for first-time visitors in Banff, Lake Moraine is magical and an absolute must-see. If your trip is tight for time, I highly recommend viewing Lake Moraine over others in the area. It’s one of those places that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime!
My first visit to Lake Moraine was in the evening in early June. With the sun beginning to set, the sky colour contrasted against the mountains and lake looked 🤩 unbelievable.
Sunrise and sunset are the most magical times to view the lake when the water is still and mirror-like. Anytime at Lake Moraine though is ✨ special. Bonus points for Lake Moraine as it’s very 🙌🏼 accessible.
The access road to Lake Moraine opens mid-June for the season and closes in October. If you plan to visit during the off-season you will need to hike, bike or cross-country ski along the road.
As of 2023, Parks Canada no longer permits personal vehicles to access Moraine Lake. These changes were made to improve access and the park’s way of dealing with the limited parking space. Tickets can be purchased through Parks Canada shuttles, a commercial transportation operator or Roam Public Transit. You can find more information about shuttles and accessing Lake Moraine by visiting the Parks Canada website.
2. Peyto Lake
Banff National Park
Pronounced ‘pea-tow’, this mesmerizing, turquoise-coloured lake is in Banff National Park found along the Icefields Parkway that leads to Jasper National Park. With multiple access points, a short walk will lead you to panoramic views of Peyto Lake within the valley of the Waputik Range.
For a more challenging and rewarding experience, you can summit one of the surrounding peaks – Peyto Peak, Caldron Peak and Mount Jimmy Simpson.
Peyto Peak
- 10.8km out and back
- 913m elevation gain
Caldron Peak
- 20.1km out and back
- 1,534m elevation gain
Mount Jimmy Simpson
- 15.1km out and back
- 1,091m elevation gain
Accessibility
The path to the lake viewpoint is paved and can be easily accessed by those with mobility issues. Winter conditions can make this path harder to navigate, especially for those with mobility issues. The best times to visit with the clearest path are in (late) Spring, Summer or (early) Fall1 when there is little chance of snow.
Lakeside of Peyto
In the summer you can paddleboard, kayak, or canoe on Peyto Lake, but be prepared for a short hike down carrying your gear. Access to the lakeside of Peyto Lake is not as easily accessible as others on this list but you don’t need to be lakeside to enjoy this lake in my opinion.
Whether you visit this glacier-fed lake at sunrise or sunset, embracing summer’s warmth or taking in a winter wonderland, these breathtaking views will leave you in awe.
- Weather in the Canadian Rocky Mountains can be unpredictable and snowfall has occurred in summer months. The photos below are from November, the first two taken in 2020 and the other two taken 3 years later. ↩︎
3. Emerald Lake
Yoho National Park
Whether you are an avid hiker, a nature lover craving the serenity of a lakeside retreat, or a photographer looking to capture early morning reflections on the waters, Emerald Lake has something extraordinary to offer for everyone.
Located within Yoho National Park in British Columbia, Emerald Lake is only an hour from the Town of Banff. If you are looking for a tranquil retreat, you can book a lodge surrounded by trees and turquoise blue waters.
Each season brings a different Charm to Emerald Lake from snow-covered mountains in winter to the vibrant orange and yellows in the fall. In the winter you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or take a stroll around the lake. The summertime offers opportunities for camping, hiking the many trails or taking a canoe around the lake.
Accessibility
Emerald Lake is very accessible, making it a great destination for visitors of all types able to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. While the path that surrounds the lake is not paved, it is relatively flat and it is possible to go from the paved parking lot up to the building where you can rent a canoe, the bridge that leads to the lodges and all the pathways where the lodges are located.
Wapta Falls
- 4.8km out and back
- 125m elevation gain
Takakkaw Falls
- 1.8km out and back
- 72m elevation gain
Paget Peak
- 9.5km out and back
- 975m elevation gain
4. Zigadenus Lake
Banff National Park
The hike to Zigadenus Lake is a passage through the heart of Banff’s wilderness, where every step unveils the unfiltered beauty that makes this national park a haven for adventurers. As you ascend, the landscape transforms and you will feel like you’re in a dream with sections of this trail a surreal feeling!
Zigadenus Lake is not as easy to access as most of the lakes in this list and you should prepare for a full day of hiking. The remoteness of this lake’s location is one of the things that makes this lake so special.
You can visit Zigadenus Lake as part of a day hike or make it a stop on your multi-night backpacking trip through the Skoki circuit! I discovered this lake after seeing an Instagram post by one of my favourite Canadian Rocky Mountains photographers, Paul Zizka, and immediately added this lake to my list of places to explore!
Zigadenus and Myosotis Lake via Skoki
- 24km out and back
- 1,671m elevation gain
Anyone with a Skoki Lodge reservation will be shuttled from the parking lot up the dirt road to the trailhead. Those without a lodge reservation will need to hike the long dirt road for 3.5km (one way) before reaching the trailhead that technically begins near the ski lifts at the backend of Lake Louise Ski Resort.
5. Floe Lake
Kootenay National Park
Tucked away like a hidden gem in the pristine wilderness of Kootenay National Park, Floe Lake beckons adventurers with the promise of an unforgettable alpine escape. The journey to Floe Lake is no short feat, where the trail reveals a story of its past with remnants of the 2018 wildfire.
Floe Lake is a sanctuary for those seeking a connection with the untamed wilderness of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Upon reaching Floe Lake, the vista that unfolds is nothing short of spectacular—shimmering waters framed by the towering and iconic Rockwall.
Floe Lake has a backcountry campground that you must book through Parks Canada to stay overnight. If you are lucky, you can snag a tent pad with clear views of the lake and Rockwall.
Floe Lake
- 20.3km out and back
- 976m elevation gain
The Rockwall
- 56km point-to-point
- 2,885m elevation gain
6. Lake Agnes
Banff National Park
For those looking to venture further and higher, a greater prize awaits at Devil’s Thumb—a rocky outcrop that unveils a spectacular aerial view of the lakes below. From this vantage point, you are greeted with the pristine waters of Lake Agnes and the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
While many visitors to Lake Louise won’t make it far from its shoreline, it’s the starting point for many hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views. Notable hikes include Little Beehive, Big Beehive, Devil’s Thumb and the Plain of Six Glaciers.
In the summertime the teahouse beside the lake is open and you can purchase tea and baked goods (cash only). In the summer, plan to arrive early as the parking lot fills up quickly.
7. Lake Minnewanka
Banff National Park
Lake Minnewanka beckons to both adventurers seeking accessible beauty and backpackers seeking a quiet escape within the wilderness. What sets Lake Minnewanka apart is its inclusive spirit, offering wheelchair accessibility to the shores for everyone to enjoy the stunning views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Backpackers can venture along its scenic shores, where a network of trails leads to backcountry campsites, each offering a unique perspective of the lake that sprawls 22 km in length. For hikers looking to go the distance, a return trip to Lm31 is 58 km out and back.
In June 2023 I kicked off the backpacking season camping at Lm9 at Lake Minnewanka. Overnight we had a storm complete with thunder and lightning! I couldn’t help but be mesmerized listening to the epic cracks of thunder echoing across the lake.
!!Important!!
Lake Minnewanka has seasonal trail restrictions due to Grizzly territory, from July 10 to September 15. If you are hiking and/or camping in the area, you must be in a tight group of 4+ and dogs are not permitted past the Stewart Canyon Bridge. For more details on restrictions, visit Parks Canada website here.
If you prefer viewing the entire lake with less effort than hiking, you can go by canoe or kayak. Lake Minnewanka is notorious for extreme winds, which makes paddling very difficult against the winds. There is a company that operates 60 or 90-minute cruises on the lake and rents out canoes, kayaks and motorboats.
Discover Waterton National Park
In search of more lakes, look no further than Waterton National Park. Check out the Complete Guide to Waterton National Park.
Here are my thoughts on the cruise offered at Lake Minnewanka. The cruise itself seems overrated, especially for the cost. The cost for the cruise is pricey so for those questioning, I would skip it. However, for anyone with mobility restrictions, I think the cruise could be a great option to see the entire lake.
8. Lake O’Hara
Yoho National Park
Lake O’Hara is a secluded gem cradled within the pristine wilderness of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This place is an absolute dream and a sanctuary for those in pursuit of tranquillity. Accessible by a restricted shuttle service that preserves the pristine surroundings, Lake O’Hara is an exclusive haven, allowing only a limited number of visitors to walk its trails each day.
Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit
- 11.1km loop
- 882m elevation gain
Opabin Plateau and Lake O’Hara
- 8.7km loop
- 340m elevation gain
Lake Oesa Trail at Lake O’Hara
- 5.8km out and back
- 269m elevation gain
Home to an extensive network of alpine trails, Lake O’Hara invites hikers to explore its pristine landscapes, adorned with rugged rock formations and several lakes at varying elevations. Securing a campsite or even tickets for the day shuttles is like winning the lottery. Lake O’Hara is a highly coveted area for those visiting the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Bookings for the day shuttle and campsites are made through the Parks Canada website.
For a luxurious backcountry stay, book with Lake O’Hara Lodge and stay in a room or a cabin. Prices for a lodge stay start at $945 per night for two. If you are an ACC member, they run a hut lottery for the Elizabeth Parker Hut at Lake O’Hara.
Tea, baked goods and small souvenirs are available for purchase. The bus driver will point out the building where you can make a purchase. Bring cash as there is no signal and no cards are accepted.
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