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The best lakes to visit in the Canadian Rockies
Beyond the Mountains
Discover the best lakes in the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies is one of the most spectacular and stunning places in the world, famed for its dramatic peaks, picturesque lakes, glaciers, wildlife and, of course, the famous Rocky Mountaineer train route.
A visit to the Rockies should be on everyone’s itinerary, and if you want to explore some of the most beautiful lakes, then heading to this region on your holiday to Canada is an absolute must.
The best time to visit the lakes is spring, summer, or autumn, and each season offers a different but equally magical experience. In spring, the lakes begin to thaw, and you can experience a beautiful winter wonderland as you explore semi-frozen lakes amongst the snowy mountain peaks. The summer is when the lakes’ turquoise blue and green colours are most intense, whilst the autumn sees the lakes surrounding landscapes lit up by golden trees.
From the world-famous Lake Louise in Banff National Park to the picturesque Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, here are the best lakes in the Canadian Rockies.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is the most famous of the lakes in the Canadian Rockies and is the most photographed in the world. With its stunning turquoise water and soaring mountains as a perfect backdrop, it is also one of the most beautiful.
There are a variety of ways you can explore this picturesque lake, and one of the best is hiking around it. There are trails around the shoreline that offer amazing views, or you can hike up to the Lake Agnes Teahouse for a bird's eye view of the lake.
David and Karen, the couple behind the Family Boarding Pass blog, highly recommend visiting Lake Louise and following the Lakeshore Trail: “Don’t feel like you have to get all your photos from the first spot. There are plenty of areas along the Lakeshore Trail for beautiful photo opportunities with unique perspectives and fewer tourists. The entire trail is about three miles, but it is a flat and easy path. At the other end of the lake, there is a beach of glacial silt. From here, you can also see the famous Fairmont Chateau Hotel across the lake. For those more nautically inclined, you can canoe or kayak in the lakes of Banff National Park.”
During the winter months, you can go ice skating on the lake, snowshoeing along some of the trails or on a romantic sleigh ride.
ALSO READ: 48 hours in Lake Louise
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Emerald Lake
One of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies is Emerald Lake. The lake is set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Burgess and Wapta Mountain, and there are easy walking loops around the shoreline that offer spectacular views.
The lake is named after its renowned emerald colour which comes from the melting of glaciers above and the rock flour that is deposited from it. This causes the lake to refract sunlight and gives it the amazing colour that you will see during your visit.
Whilst the summer and spring are regarded as the best times of year to visit, if you do visit in the winter, you can go snowshoeing, cross-country, and backcountry skiing.
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Moraine Lake
Regarded by many as the most beautiful lake in the whole of Canada, Moraine Lake is a must-visit for anyone visiting the Rockies. The lake is encircled by towering mountains, an area known as the Valley of the Ten Peaks, that only Mother Nature could shape.
Moraine Lake is one of the most photographed lakes in Canada, with the top of the Rockpile Trail being one of the most popular viewpoints. Nikki, a travel writer who runs the Travelling With Nikki blog, recommends heading to the top of the walking route:
“There was only one other person at the top of the Rockpile when we got there; however, once they went a few minutes later, we had the whole area to ourselves for about the next twenty minutes. After taking some photos, just being able to sit in peace and quiet whilst taking in the beauty and tranquillity of Moraine Lake was one of my favourite moments of our holiday and something I hope never to forget.”
From canoeing and hiking to taking a shuttle bus from Lake Louise, there are many ways you can explore the lake.
ALSO READ: Best ways to explore Moraine Lake
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Peyto Lake
One of the most colourful and beautiful glacial lakes in the Canadian Rockies is Peyto Lake. It is located along the stunning Icefields Parkway, and it is surrounded by a forest of conifers.
The lake, which is named after the early Banff National Park warden Bill Peyto, has some stunning walking trails located around it, and visitors can get some amazing photos from these trails.
A popular and accessible walk is from the parking lot to the viewing platform or a short trail up to Bow Summit for an elevated, less crowded view.
Lauren, the blogger behind Lazy Lauren, has been to Peyto Lake on a day trip, and she recommends a hike:
“Most people stop at the main viewpoint balcony not far from the Peyto Lake parking lot. If you are feeling adventurous, hike up past the first viewpoint of Peyto. The paved trail will eventually turn into a dirt trail in the forest. Hike for about 15-20 more minutes straight up. Then, continue to stay to your right. Each time you see a new path, go right. You will be rewarded with stunning views.”
Not only can you hike around the lake, but you can also go fishing, skiing, and snowboarding if you are visiting the lake in the winter months.
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Maligne Lake
Jasper National Park is home to dozens of beautiful lakes, including the Valley of Five Lakes, which makes for an excellent half-day hike. But it is Maligne Lake, which is a must-visit.
Secluded up a long mountain road, it doesn’t get as many visitors as other lakes, but you can enjoy equally spectacular views.
The lake is the longest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and the second-largest glacier-fed lake in the world. Spirit Island is one of the top attractions at Maligne Lake. This small, picturesque island is a spiritual place for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation and is only accessible by boat.
Some of the top activities you can enjoy include a cruise, canoeing, eating sweet treats at the Waffle Hut, and hiking the various trails that loop around Maligne Lake.
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Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka, which is named Water of the Spirits by the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people, is a glacial lake fed by the Cascade River.
The lake is a great spot to go hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking. You can even book a cruise around the lake, and in the winter months, it is a popular place to go snowshoeing.
The lake is easily accessible by car or public transport, and if you are hiring a car in Canada, it is a place that should certainly feature on your bucket list.
ALSO READ: 15 most picturesque lakes in Canada
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These are just some of the incredible lakes in the Canadian Rockies that you can visit as part of a Canadian holiday.
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