17 Most Beautiful Lakes in the Canadian Rockies
After our road trip around Canada, we've put together a list of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Our travel guide features the best lakes in British Columbia and Alberta province worth visiting on your next holiday.
Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia are associated in many people's minds as pristine places of turquoise mountain lakes surrounded by jagged peaks.
Every year, thousands of people are drawn by the immense beauty of the Canadian wilderness.
Their wanderlust is often ignited by a single photo they saw either on Instagram or in magazines. The visual attractivity is hard to beat, and we are not afraid to say that Canada has a little competition when it comes to the density of beautiful lakes per square meter.
Sure, we've just made this fact up, but the truth is that we could not believe how many lakes we could see during our multiple road trips around the Canadian Rockies.
Some of them were the real shining well-known stars we firmly put on our Canadian Rockies itinerary when planning the journey; some of them were just small but equally wonderful spots we had no idea they existed.
We had high expectations before our first trip to the Rockies, but what we saw blew us away. And even though we knew what to expect during our second trip, we could not help, and we often stood on the lakes' shore in awe, no matter it was a repeated visit.
You won't believe the color is real until you are standing on the shore and see it with your own eyes. Canadian Rockies' lakes are real nature lovers and photographer's heaven, so go ahead and find your spot!
We've put together this list of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies we liked the most.
BEST LAKES IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
What is the best way to enjoy the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and see as much as possible? Although we are huge fans of multi-day hiking trails, this time, we would recommend you rent a car and travel around independently.
The car gives you the freedom, chance to include in your itinerary as many points of interest as possible and see many natural attractions in one day. Sure, it is sometimes great to combine hiking with road-tripping to get the right balance, but that's, in the end, only up to you.
One of the best things about this list is that most of the lakes are easily accessible by car. So even first-time visitors to the Canadian Rockies can enjoy them on their road trip across this wonderland.
In the comment section, you can let us know what your favorite lake in the Rockies was and if your list matches our selection. Happy reading!
EMERALD LAKE
Emerald Lake is a special place and top tourist attraction in Yoho National Park. The lake was accidentally discovered by a Canadian guide Tom Wilson at the end of the 19th century, who also named it emerald for its typical green color.
Emerald Lake's green color is caused by the glacial rock flour flowing into the lake from a nearby glacier.
The 5.2 kilometers flat Emerald Lake Trail encircles the lake so you can enjoy a relaxed stroll and admire reflections on the water surface.
It takes about two hours to walk around Emerald Lake, and the trail is popular with everyone, especially families (part of the path is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers).
Easy access to the lake attracts crowds, so make sure to set your expectations right. The harsh weather conditions and high altitude of Yoho National Park causes that Emerald Lake is frozen from November till June.
To get to Emerald Lake, take Trans-Canada Highway and drive south of Field for less than two kilometers, then turn off onto Emerald Lake Road and follow it for another 9 kilometers to the parking lot near the lake's shores.
The drive from Golden to Emerald Lake takes about an hour.
KINNEY LAKE
Although Mount Robson Park might be less visited than Alberta's most famous national parks, Kinney Lake is one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia.
Breathtaking reflections of the surrounding Whitehorn Mountain and Mount Robson and a beautiful trail make Kinney Lake a popular choice for hikers traveling across Mount Robson Provincial Park.
The partial Berg Lake Trail to the first campground is a 7 kilometers in-and-out trail, but the hike is quite easy and definitely worthwhile to make the trip.
Quality, waterproof, and broken in hiking shoes are essential to enjoy walking in the Canadian Rockies.
If you have more time, Berg Lake is an even more beautiful (if that's even possible) lake further along the trail. The full Berg Lake Trail is a challenging two-day hike (21 kilometers one way), and you have to reserve a campsite spot in the visitor center or through an official website to stay there overnight.
Another fun fact trivia is that with 3954 meters, Mount Robson is the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies.
LAKE LOUISE
Lake Louise is among the most iconic natural sights in the Canadian Rockies, if not in the whole country.
The scenery is breathtaking, and the surrounding snow-capped mountains together with emerald waters in the summer and calm frozen surface in the winter create a rewarding combination.
Plan your trip and activities carefully, as the lake might still be frozen through May, though.
There is a huge parking lot next to the lake's shore, and from there, it's only a short walk to the famous viewpoint of Lake Louise with majestic Mount Victoria in the background.
To be honest, the first impression of Lake Louise might be a bit underwhelming due to crowds and the huge chateau next to the lake.
Although the scenery in the distance is beautiful, the lake's north-east shores can feel a bit like a crowded amusement park than a serene wilderness.
Yes, it's time to put your hiking shoes on and explore the vast beauty outside this area.
Lake Louise is the starting point for many trails, such as the Plain of Six Glaciers, one of our all-time favorite hikes in the Canadian Rockies.
Plain of Six Glaciers Trail is a 14 kilometer in and out trail with an elevation gain of more than 400 meters. You will find the trailhead at the far end of the lake.
You can return along the same path or take Lake Agnes Trail (which adds another 4 kilometers to the loop). We recommend taking this detour as it offers even better views of the lake.
You can reach Lake Louise from the town via Lake Louise Drive; make sure you read our in-depth guide to Lake Louise, especially the section on how to get there.
LAKE MINNEWANKA
Fed by Cascade River and other numerous streams, Lake Minnewanka is one of the largest lakes in the Canadian Rockies.
This huge glacial lake is 21 kilometers long and a perfect place for summer activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, or camping. The area has plenty of picnic sites and cooking shelters, making it a superb place to unwind after a long day on the road.
The town of Banff is only 15 kilometers from the Lake Minnewanka parking lot, and the area around the lake's shores gets crowded.
While driving there, you should also make a stop at Two Jack Lake along the way. This area is also noteworthy for another reason. Archaeologists found stone tools in the area, and say, Aboriginal people, inhabited areas more than 10000 years ago.
We highly recommend hiking the Aylmer Lookout Trail to get the best views of the lake and the surrounding national park.
Although the shores of the lake were packed with day-trippers from Banff, the trail was almost deserted, and we met only a few fellow hikers along the way.
If hiking is not your thing, boat cruises are available from the parking lot.
MALIGNE LAKE
Maligne Lake is another beautiful poster-card gem in the Canadian Rockies. The photos of its azure waters, with Spirit Island in the front and surrounding peaks at a distance, are everywhere.
At the same time, Maligne Lake is the largest lake in Jasper National Park. It is fed by the Maligne River and surrounded by high peaks.
The name Maligne comes from the French and means wicked or malignant, a fitting description made by Pierre-Jean De Smet in the 18th century to describe the treacherous waters flowing from the lake.
Hiking, camping, sport fishing, and canoeing are among the best activities and things to do in Maligne Lake during the summer and cross country skiing in the winter.
Visitors also love to enjoy a scenic Maligne Lake Boat Tour. Nearby trails are tempting and perfect for active travelers.
On our first visit, we hiked Opal Hills Trail, which starts at the Maligne Lake parking lot, though Bald Hills hike is popular as well.
However, Jasper's most famous hike is Skyline Trail. With a length of 44 kilometers, this multi-day trek is often booked out months in advance. Maligne Valley is rich with wildlife, so drive slowly and keep your eyes open. While driving, we saw a herd of elks and a black bear.
When in the area, don't miss out on hiking the Maligne Canyon, one of the most exciting canyons in the Canadian Rockies.
VERMILION LAKES
The crystal-clear series of three lakes near Banff is famous for its easy access, and the panorama of the surrounding mountains reflects on the water, making it a photographer's dream.
You can either enjoy the Mount Rundle reflected on the lake's surface from the Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint on the Trans-Canada Highway or take a short scenic drive along the Vermilion Lakes Road.
Keep in mind that the viewpoint is on the eastbound side of the highway. Drivers heading west towards Lake Louise should use the Vermilion Lakes Road instead.
If you are tired of Banff's busy streets, this tranquil place might be a place to go. The calm lake's shores are popular for picnicking and wildlife watching.
When in the area, Fenland Trail is a short and easy hike in the woods. The path is flat and clearly marked, making it perfect for families with a chance to see some wildlife.
MORAINE LAKE
Moraine Lake lies in Banff National Park, about an hour's drive from Banff township. For many visitors, Moraine Lake is the most beautiful lake in Canada or even the world.
It is almost impossible not to see the postcard-like photo of Moraine Lake before you reach it by yourself. We guarantee you the lake settings will allure you, and it does not matter how many times you've seen it before.
The ice-capped rugged mountains in the background, together with an insanely turquoise lake at its base, makes one of the most sought-after destinations in the Canadian Rockies.
In our opinion, the best time to visit Moraine Lake is in autumn, when the larches start to turn yellow.
Hiking the Larch Valley at the end of September is an incredible experience, and the contrast of yellow trees, blue skies, and snow-capped rocky mountains will take your breath away.
This stunning place attracts crowds, so the chance that you will have this place for yourself is minimal, especially during the sunrise or sunset.
Keep in mind that the parking lot is quite small and has only a limited number of parking spots, and fills up pretty quickly.
If you arrive during high season, long weekend, or just on a beautiful summer day, you might end up using overflow parking on a Trans-Canada Highway.
It's not a big deal, though, and a shuttle bus frequently runs between these two places.
MEDICINE LAKE
Without any doubt, Medicine Lake is the most mysterious lake on the list. We've been to Jasper National Park a few times already, and Medicine Lake never ceases to amaze us. In fact, on our first trip to Maligne Valley in early autumn, we almost missed it.
The explanation is very prosaic. The complex limestone cave system under the lake makes it virtually disappear by autumn.
On our next trip in early summer, the scenery was completely different. Although only a few water pools were left after a two-day rain suddenly a vast lake appeared in front of us, and we couldn't believe our eyes how extraordinary that was.
While technically it's not a lake in proper terms of sense, but more like Maligne River flooding the area, we believe it deserves the spot on our list.
PEYTO LAKE
Located in Banff National Park on the famous Icefields Parkway, this glacier-fed lake receives a large number of visitors every year.
A paved trail will take you to the viewing platform from which you can admire Peyto Lake's emerald color and atypical bear paw shape.
For those wondering about the lake's color, glacial flour flows into the lake from the glacier and gives it this unique color.
The walk from the parking lot to Peyto Lake viewpoint is easy (the first part is a bit steep, though), and there are many information boards along the trail. Make plenty of stops, and learn more about the diverse nature of the mountains.
At an altitude of 2115 meters above sea level, Bow Summit is the highest point along the Icefields Parkway.
Even though the hike is relatively short, don't forget to bring a down jacket. This area is cold even in the summer, and snow covers the ground for nine months of the year.
GET AROUND
For international travelers, getting around the Canadian Rockies is best with a car rental. It saves time and allows you to explore more of the country independently.
Renting a car in Canada is very easy and straightforward. The airport may be the ideal place to pick up your rental car when you arrive in the city by plane, although Banff, Jasper, and Canmore also have rental offices.
Public transport in the Canadian Rockies is very limited, and although some buses run between Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff or Canmore, we wouldn't recommend it.
Drive slowly and keep an eye out for animals. Also, watch for seasonal road closures. Some places, or lakes, in this case, might be inaccessible in winter.
And remember, even though the Canadian Rockies are one of the safest areas in the country, don't leave any valuables in the car.
CAVELL POND
Although the name might suggest otherwise, Cavell Pond surely deserves a rightful spot on our list. Located in the Jasper National Park, this lake is a bit different from the pack.
Sitting at Mount Edith Cavell's base, the scenery surrounding this small glacial lake is absolutely breathtaking.
The massive mountain, named after a brave war nurse who was executed for saving the lives of hundreds of soldiers during World War 1, with an impressive height rises to 3363 meters elevation.
Although the Angel Glacier hanging off the mountain's side is receding, it still has its iconic wings and reminds of its former glory. At the bottom, a small greenish lake with floating icebergs is just the icing on the cake.
A short and easy Path of the Glacier Trail at Mount Edith Cavell makes it a perfect walk even for families with kids.
A scenic Edith Cavell Meadows Trail presents an ideal opportunity for those who want to escape the crowds.
The hike takes about five hours, leads across the alpine meadows, and offers amazing views of the Angel Glacier. It's also one of the best hikes in Jasper National Park.
The best time to visit the Mt. Edith Cavell area is from mid-July to mid-August when the alpine wildflowers are in full bloom.
The long and winding Cavell Road is closed during the winter for cars, though it is open for backcountry skiing. Also, no trailers and large motorhomes (maximum length 7 meters/25 feet) are allowed on the road.
MAGOG LAKE
Less than two hours outside of Calgary, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is an under-the-radar destination that can be explored by hiking, biking, and camping. Magog Lake is one of the few off the beaten path places in the Canadian Rockies that not many people visit.
The lake is located deep inside the park, roughly 30 kilometers from the Mount Shark parking lot. The hike is quite challenging due to its length, but there is a bigger problem.
Mount Assiniboine is an out and back trail, which means you have to walk back along the same path, making it much less exciting when short on time.
You can make your life a bit easier this time, though, and take a helicopter flight to get there.
And that's exactly what we did as we didn't want to retrace our steps via the same trail and our travel itinerary was not that flexible this time.
Not only the helicopter flight was incredibly scenic and worth every penny, but it also allowed us to spend a little bit more time in the heart of the park.
The whole area is insanely beautiful and hides a few more surprises and hidden gems such as Cerulean Lake or Sunburst Lake.
MARVEL LAKE
Another gorgeous lake in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, Marvel Lake, is arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies.
On the first day in the park, we were fortunate enough to see the shimmering lake from the helicopter, making it even more special. The next day, we hiked from Magog Lake to Marvel Lake via Wonder Pass and enjoyed the views from the trail.
Walking in this direction is less challenging, so you have more time to admire the scenery of gorgeous Canadian forests and mountains.
When crossing the Wonder Pass, you will not only be walking from one side of the valley to the other, but you also cross the borders between British Columbia and Alberta provinces.
On the way to Marvel Lake, we saw a grizzly bear with cubs, luckily only in the distance, which made the experience less frightening.
Hiking in a bear country has its rules. Make sure to carry a bear spray . You can buy them in outdoor stores in all major towns along the way; just don't be surprised to pay double the price. That's why we would buy it in advance.
The area is also known for swarms of mosquitos, so an organic bug repellent is a must-have.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
LAKE O'HARA
Yoho National Park is known for its stunning scenery and alpine hiking. And Lake O'Hara is one of its crown jewels.
The scenery surrounding this mountainous lake is absolutely mind-blowing, and there are no crowds around.
Lake O'Hara Shoreline Trail is a three kilometer loop, and the hike is great for all skill levels. For the more adventurous hikers, Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit is eleven kilometers roundtrip with an elevation gain of 900 meters and will require four to six hours, depending on your fitness level.
Getting to Lake O'Hara might prove more challenging than you would expect, as Parks Canada indirectly controls the total amount of hikers per day.
No cars are allowed on the road except for the shuttle buses running between the campground and parking lot.
The lake is accessible via 11 kilometers in-and-out trail, which is technically an unpaved road without views. Securing a spot on the bus is essential unless you want to walk for 22 kilometers in total on the dusty road in one day.
The thing about the Lake O'Hara area is that even though the lake itself is gorgeous, it would be a missed opportunity not to see one of the best-preserved places in the Canadian Rockies more thoroughly.
And there is probably not a better way to explore Yoho National Park than camping.
When the booking window opened in the spring, all campsites were instantly booked out, so we failed to reserve the spot. This unfortunate turn of events didn't put us off, though.
We checked the Parks Canada website daily, and with some patience, some slots eventually opened up. Make sure to read our complete guide to Lake O'Hara to find more useful information.
Make sure you have proper camping gear as nights are cold at the park. If you don't have much experience with camping in the wilderness, bring a proper lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat.
Also, pack cooking stove and dried food to have the energy for hiking activities.
For more information, check out our Canadian Rockies all-seasons packing list.
It comes without a surprise that Lake O'Hara is not the only lake in the area, and you shouldn't miss Lake Oesa and Opabin Lake as well.
BOURGEAU LAKE
One of the cutest lakes on our list, Bourgeau Lake, is a small alpine lake in Banff National Park. Sitting at the foot of a massive rocky face of Mount Bourgeau, the lake is a popular hiking destination and a perfect place to have your lunch on the way to Harvey Pass.
When we arrived there, a thick layer of clouds covered Mount Bourgeau, making the atmosphere quite mysterious, though the lake's surface was perfectly still and beautifully reflected the steep slopes of the mountain.
Bourgeau Lake is 15 kilometers in-and-out trail with an elevation gain of 700 meters. We would rate Bourgeau Lake as a moderate hike with a gradual incline, and one of the best hikes in Banff National Park.
Needless to say, we would suggest carrying on past the lake and climb up to Harvey Pass for spectacular views of the Rockies. On a clear day, if the weather cooperates, you can see Mount Assiniboine from there (among other mountains).
Hikers who would like to push their limits can climb to Bourgeau Summit.
Bourgeau Summit is a strenuous and challenging 25 kilometers long hike with extraordinary views and a few steep climbs. The trail is not clearly marked, and the ridge is open and prone to strong winds.
Bourgeau Lake trailhead starts at a small parking lot about thirteen kilometers west of Banff.
TALBOT LAKE
Talbot Lake in Jasper National Park might be the most ordinary lake on the list, but it has its charm. It also represents what the Canadian Rockies road trip is all about.
You can enjoy the immense beauty of national parks without stepping out of the car (though it would be a shame not to).
On a calm day, the reflections of the mountains behind the lake are incredible, and the mighty Athabasca River on the other side of the road makes the scenery even more remarkable.
The lake is popular for fishing (northern pikes are prevalent) and kayaking during the summer months.
Even though most of the lakes are within a short walking distance from the parking lot, you will be driving a lot, and the days will be long, and a goodie can boost your energy.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
In peak season, you need to book accommodation well in advance because the capacity of hotels is limited, and the popularity of the Canadian Rockies is immense.
Bear in mind that hotel prices are skyrocketing during this period, and the accommodation availability is low. It might sound obvious, but it's a fact that visitors often overlook.
Although we admire spontaneity when traveling, arriving in the high season in Banff or Jasper without reservation is not worth it.
There are no last-minute deals in the Canadian Rockies. The rooms that are available upon your arrival are ridiculously overpriced for what they offer. On top of that, they usually don't have even good reviews.
Arrive prepared, and make sure your holiday is stress-free. We’ve recommended five hotels below, one hotel for each destination.
Here is our pick of the best hotels in the Canadian Rockies for every traveler.
Calgary | Wingate by Wyndham Calgary Airport - Are you tired after a long-haul flight and don't want to drive right away? Staying at Calgary's international airport might be a smart idea. Wingate Hotel by Wyndham has an indoor pool, hot tub and offers a free 24h shuttle service. Each room is equipped with a heating/air conditioning unit.
Banff | Banff Park Lodge - Are you looking for an environmentally friendly hotel located in the town center surrounded by stunning scenery? Banff Park Lodge offers a variety of modern amenities and services available for your convenience. The hotel has a great location close to everything and accommodating and service-oriented staff.
Lake Louise | Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - You won't find a better combination of location, comfort, views, and service in Lake Louise. No wonder that Fairmont Chateau is a popular choice for accommodation in the Canadian Rockies. Try to book a lake view room. Stunning views of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier from the room will blow you away.
Jasper | Jasper Inn and Suites - Are you looking for a hotel with an excellent location, cozy rooms, sauna, and steam room? Jasper Inn and Suites offers all that and much more. This hotel is an affordable accommodation in the heart of Jasper National Park.
Golden | Best Western Mountainview Inn - Soak in the Golden's history tied to the Canadian Pacific Railway and the logging industry and stay in one of the best hotels in the foothills of Yoho National Park. It's great value for what it offers.
PYRAMID LAKE
The Pyramid mountain reflecting on the water surface and lake scenery are top attractions in Jasper National Park throughout the year.
Despite the fact that the lake is a bit overshadowed by more popular lakes in the national park, Pyramid Lake is worth a visit. The biggest advantage of this lake is that you can reach its shores in less than 10 minutes by driving along the Pyramid Lake Road from Jasper.
On a calm day, the mountain lake with a small island is a photographer's paradise, but visitors also love hiking in the national park surrounding the lake.
There are plenty of easy hikes starting from the parking lot that offers you splendid views of the lake and the mountain. Fishing and paddling are also popular activities to do here, or you can enjoy one of many picnic sites in the area.
Don't forget to stop at Patricia Lake on the way back to town.
BOW LAKE
The incredibly clear blue waters of Bow Lake have stunned almost every visitor. Perched at an altitude of 1920 meters above sea level, Bow Lake is one of the best stops along the Icefields Parkway.
Bow Glacier in the Wapta Icefield feeds the lake, and the meltwater causes that the watercolor is turquoise. Although the lake is near the highway, its serene shores are perfect for taking a break and having a picnic.
On a clear, windless day, the reflections of Bow Summit are breathtaking.
However, when in the Canadian Rockies, it will most likely rain at least a couple of days during your road trip.
It can snow any time, even during summer. It is necessary to have a good quality rain jacket even if you want to admire the lake from its shores.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
