Ten Must-See Lakes in the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are filled with amazing scenery but are perhaps best known for the many beautiful lakes found in this area. When I visited last year, my favourite activity was walking around some of these stunning lakes. Here is my guide to 10 must-see lakes in the Canadian Rockies.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is probably the most famous of the Canadian lakes and its popularity is well deserved. It can be visited from Banff or there is a small town and a few hotels just a few miles from the lake. For a real splurge you could even stay at the Fairmont Chateau hotel, right at the lake shore. Another great option is Paradise Lodge which is just 20 minute walk away (uphill, unfortunately!). The advantage of staying close is that the crowds can make it difficult to find parking spaces. There is a shuttle from Banff though which might be a better option. Once you get to the lake, make sure to walk away from the car park and hotel end, which will be crowded with tourists, and take a stroll along the lakeshore trail where the crowds will soon thin out and you can appreciate the beauty.
Lake Agnes
If you fancy a bit of a hike when visiting Lake Louise, take the popular Lake Agnes tea house hike. It’s rated as a moderate trail and has an elevation gain of 400 metres. The 3.6 km trail takes about an hour each way and is worth it for the lovely, peaceful Lake Agnes at the top, and the chance to take a break and have a drink and a snack at the tea house. Along the way, you will also see the lovely Mirror lake as well as catch glimpses of the bright blue Lake Louise way down below.
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is located a short drive from Lake Louise and is particularly known for its brilliant blue colour. Like lake Louise, it’s extremely popular and parking is even more difficult. Unfortunately on my visit, torrential rain dulled the colours and forced a quick retreat.
Peyto Lake
Located along the Icefield parkway and perhaps the most photographed of all of the lakes in the Canadian Rockies, Peyto Lake looks stunning with its gorgeous colour, surrounded by mountains.
Bow Lake
Bow Lake is another lake along the Icefield Parkway and can be seen from the highway or at lake shore. Either way, it’s definitely worth a top along the drive.
Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is located about an hour’s drive from the town of Jasper. The must-do activity here is to take a boat ride along the lake to Spirit island, a much-photographed strip of land. There are also lots of trails around the Maligne Lake, including a short walk to Moose Lake where you might be luckier than me and spot an actual moose…
Patricia Lake
Patricia Lake is one of Jasper’s beautiful lakes and easily reached on the north side of town. The view of Pyramid mountain reflected in Patricia Lake is my favourite shot of the my Canadian Rockies trip.
Pyramid Lake
Just a few minutes further up the road from Patricia Lake is the equally beautiful pyramid Lake, whose main notable feature is pyramid island, a small wood covered island in the middle of the lake, which can be reached via a quaint wooden bridge.
Lac Beauvert
Also located in Jasper, Lac Beauvert had the bluest water I have ever seen. The main attraction here is the opportunity to walk all the way around the lake. At one end is the Jasper Park Lodge, but it’s easy to park at the other end, near old Fort Point, and take a stroll. It’s a quiet trail for the most part, although it’s surprising amidst the so much untouched scenery in the Rockies, to walk past a golf course on the edge of the lake.
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park, which is only about half an hour’s drive from Lake Louise. It’s another beautiful lake that cries out for you to walk around it. I visited on a rather gloomy and rainy day, so the lake was not its titular emerald, but it was still breath-taking in its beauty, especially viewed from the peaceful walking trail, as the low clouds were reflected in the water.
Those are my favourite ten lakes in the Canadian Rockies but there are many more just as beautiful so you’ll be spoiled for choice if you visit this area. Don’t forget also there are towering mountains, stunning waterfalls and impressive glaciers to explore, not to mention the probability of seeing some exciting wildlife, so start planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies now.
