If you’re an admirer of beautiful turquoise gatorade-colored lakes, you definitely need to visit Banff National Park!
Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park and one of the most visited places in the entire country. From its towering peaks to ginormous glaciers and aqua colored lakes, there’s no surprise why 4 million people come to visit to take in the true wonders in person.
My first time in Banff National Park was in 2019, years after it sat in my bucket-list unmarked and digitally collecting dust. I remember the moment I first saw photos of the breathtaking lakes on the internet and telling myself, “I’m definitely going there someday.” After such a wonderful experience the first visit, I returned a second time with my husband and our van, and re-visited these lakes on our road trip along Icefield Parkway. It was just as awe-spiring and stunning the second time around!
There are countless captivating alpine lakes sprinkled throughout Banff, all ranging in size, color, and accessibility. This list highlights the top three must-see turquoise lakes in Banff National Park.
Note: This list is exclusive to Banff and does not include the many beautiful lakes in the surrounding National Parks (Jasper, Yoho, etc).
1. Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is the most photographed lake in Canada, and for good reason. Other than the turquoise to azure blue waters, the soaring mountain peaks provide an epic backdrop for the perfect scenic photo.
You can view the lake from the shoreline, rent a canoe from the dock, or take a short walk up the rock piles for an elevated view. Though renting a canoe is a bit pricey ($140 CAD plus tax for one hour), paddling out into the lake away from the crowds and amongst the dramatic mountain range is a great way to experience Lake Moraine. The short walk up to the rock piles also has a fantastic view of the lake and is where the lake is most photographed from.
The road is only open during the summer months (June – September), so be sure to plan your visit ahead of time. Outside of those months, the road gets covered in snow and avalanche risk is high.
The parking lot was previously open to the general public, but with the rise in popularity, new rules have been implemented. As of 2023, personal vehicles can no longer drive up to Moraine Lake. To access the lake, you will need to hike/bike in, take the shuttle, or reserve a stay at Moraine Lake Lodge (the only lodging along the shore).
Although accessing the lake takes some effort, it’s certainly worth the work. If there was only one lake you must see on your visit to Banff National Park, Moraine Lake would definitely be it!
2. Lake Louise
Lake Louise is world famous. Why? For its vibrant milky turquoise waters against a stunning mountain setting. This lake is one of those lakes that you see in magazines that look too good to be true, and when you actually visit, it looks exactly like the photos.
You may have seen images or videos of this lake with bright red canoes floating around, and perhaps the stunning Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a luxury resort hotel situated right along the shore front. Renting a canoe is one of the best ways to experience the waters up close and I highly recommend doing so! Canoe rentals are available at the Fairmont Lake Louise boathouse on the west shore of the lake.
There are also some popular hiking trails that lead you to elevated views where you can overlook the lake (Big beehive) and/or visit a tea house (Big Agnes Tea House). The tea house is so rewarding after an uphill hike and it’s such a unique experience I would recommend everyone to experience at least once.
During the winter, the lake freezes over and is open to ice skating and other winter activities. Personally, I have not yet been, but it looks absolutely stunning, and I’ll definitely be back!
3. Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is a picture perfect lake. Unlike other famous lakes in Banff National Park, Peyto Lake’s dramatically elevated viewing platform resides considerably higher than the lake itself, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Canadian Rockies. It’s debatably one of the most spectacular viewpoints in all of Banff National Park, and the vantage point allows you to see the lake’s vibrant color in contrast with its surrounding mountains.
The platform is a short uphill walk (on a paved trail) from the parking lot to the viewing platform. This stunning lake was how I first found out about Banff National Park, and the first lake I visited on my trip to Banff! It did NOT disappoint.
Unlike Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake is open year-round and you can visit during any season.
Peyto Lake is known for its vibrant turquoise color, which is caused by glacial “rock flour,” a finely ground rock produced by glaciers grinding against bedrock, that flows into the lake during the summer months. The concentration of rock flour is highest in the summer, making the lake’s color even more intense during this time.
Which lake looks the most beautiful to you?
Canada boasts a stunning array of turquoise lakes; Moraine, Louise, and Peyto being three out of a multitude.
From the iconic majesty of Lake Louise to the hidden gem of Moraine Lake, these breathtaking destinations showcase the country’s natural beauty. If you get a chance to visit them, you’ll no-doubt be blown away.
