10 Absolute Best Lakes in Banff, Canada

Post summary: 10 beautiful lakes in Banff National Park you’ll love.

Banff is easily one of the most breathtaking destinations you’ll ever visit.

Banff National Park has a lot to offer but it’s particularly famous for its stunning alpine lakes.

Whether it’s their vibrant turquoise hues in summer or their serene, snow-covered beauty in winter, these lakes are what make Banff truly unforgettable.

In the summer, you can paddle across glacier-fed waters, hike along the shoreline, or just soak in the views. In winter, many of the lakes in Banff transform into winter wonderlands, perfect for ice skating or enjoying the quiet magic of the season.

No matter when you visit, the lakes in Banff National Park are a must see. So here are the top 10 best lakes in Banff and why they should be on your list!

P.S. Don’t want to break the bank during your trip? Banff is expensive, but here’s how I visited Banff on a budget.

Guides to help you plan your trip to Banff National Park

How to Use Google Maps to Plan Your Next Road Trip (Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples)

What to Pack for a Day Hike: Essential Gear and Complete Packing List

15 Useful Apps to Download Before Your Next Road Trip (for Free!)

Top Banff Lakes

In no particular order, the next sections will break down what I consider the best lakes in Banff and what you can expect when you visit them. Let’s dive in!

Lake Louise

Chances are, you’ve seen Lake Louise somewhere on social media. It’s everything you’d expect – stunning turquoise water, towering peaks, and that glacier backdrop that makes it one of the most photographed spots in Canada.

Lake Louise is the starting point to many of the best hikes in Banff and a popular place to rent a canoe and get out on the water. In winter, the lake freezes and you can go iceskating, skiing, or take a horse drawn sleigh ride along the shore.

The best time to photograph Lake Louise is at sunrise or sunset for the perfect mountain reflection when the water is calm. For bright blue water, try photographing midday from the summit of a nearby hike like Little Beehive!

Parking at Lake Louise: This is one of two most popular lakes in Banff National Park (the first is Moraine Lake), so you’ll want to get there early to enjoy it before the crowds get too big. Driving yourself is the best time to get there in winter. But in summer, the lot fills up quickly and makes parking super challenging. For most people, the best option is to park at the Lake Louise Park & Ride and take the Parks Canada shuttle.

Tip: Be sure to make use of microspikes for hiking in the snow to stay safe while exploring.

View of Lake Louise from Little Beehive summit

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is one of the most photographed lakes in the world and is probably the first lake you think of when you think of Banff. It’s tucked away in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, lined by dense coniferous forest.

This spot is especially well known for the perfect mountain reflection that you can see in the water at sunrise. I’ve seen a lot of lakes in the world and Moraine Lake at sunrise is still one of my all time favorites.

For the best views at sunrise, take at the short hike to the top of the Rockpile Trail for a slightly elevated view of Moraine Lake and its reflections.

Like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is a jumping off point to many popular day hikes, such as Larch Valley.

Parking at Moraine Lake: A few years ago, Parks Canada closed Moraine Lake Road to personal vehicles to control crowds and protect wildlife and the ecosystem around Moraine Lake. Between June – October, you can make a reservation to take the Moraine Lake shuttle, book a tour, or get a special parking pass by booking a stay at Moraine Lake Lodge.

Visit Parks Canada for the latest information on visiting Moraine Lake.

Moraine Lake at sunrise

Peyto Lake

I personally think that Peyto Lake is the most beautiful lake in Banff National Park. Famous for its wolf-head shape and expansive view of the Wapta Icefield, Peyto Lake is an absolute must-stop along the Icefields Parkway.

The hike to the Peyto Lake viewpoint is a short uphill walk from the parking lot that takes about 15 minutes. If the viewing platform is crowded when you get there,  continue down to the rocky clearing just below for a less crowded vantage point.

Peyto Lake at sunset

Bow Lake

Bow Lake is another one of the best lakes in Banff. It’s just a stone’s throw away from Peyto Lake with only a fraction of the crowds.

This lake might be the hidden gem you’re after with it’s reflective waters and some of the best glacier views in Banff.

Similar to Peyto, you can visit this lake while you drive around Icefields Parkway, so there’s no excuse to not stop here! It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs with an easy walk along the lakeside trail. There’s also a super cute bridge on the shore you can use as a photo spot.

For more of a challenge, hike the Bow Glacier Falls Trail, which traces the shore of the glacier-fed lake and ends at the base of Bow Glacier Falls.

Kayakers on Bow Lake

Grassi Lakes (Canmore)

Grassi Lakes is located in the town of Canmore, just outside of Banff National Park. It’s a favorite local spot thanks to its beauty and accessibility.

A short, relatively easy hike leads to two crystal clear alpine lakes – Upper Grassi Lakes and Lower Grassi Lakes – which are nestled between rocky cliffs and lush forest.

To reach the lakes, follow the Grassi Lakes Trail from the parking area. From there, you have two route options that form a loop. Taking the trail counterclockwise is steeper from the get-go, but much more scenic and passes Grassi Falls on the way up.

While swimming isn’t allowed, the vibrant emerald-green water is reason enough to make the trip.

Note: As of September 16, 2024, the Grassi Lake Trail is closed for construction until further notice. Stay updated with the status of this trail by checking on AlbertaParks.ca.

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka was originally home to Indigenous peoples, who called it “Minn-waki,” meaning “Lake of the Spirits,” and used the land for thousands of years.

As the largest lake in Banff, there’s a lot to do here, including the Lake Minnewanka boat cruise, kayaking, and soaking in the scenery along the shore. It’s also the best place for scuba diving, where you can explore a now-submerged resort village that was originally built in the 1800s.

This is also a popular area for hiking. Check out the Stewart Canyon Trail or the Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail for easy-ish walks with gorgeous views along the water.

Keep an eye out for wildlife too – it’s not uncommon to spot eagles, elk, bighorn sheep, and bears here. Always keep a safe distance from wildlife and carry bear spray if you’re hiking in the area.

Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park

Emerald Lake is located about 60 miles away from Banff in Yoho National Park. Known as the jewel of the Canadian Rockies, this stunning lake has striking emerald-green water set in a scene that feels straight out of a postcard.

In contrast to the many blue lakes in the area, the deep green water of Emerald Lake makes it unique, which is why it’s one of the best lakes to visit near Banff.

While it’s a bit of a distance from most Banff National Park lakes, you can pretty much do the same activities. Popular ones include canoeing in summer and backcountry skiing in winter.

If you fall in love with Yoho National Park (like I did), you can see most of the highlights with this one day Yoho National Park itinerary.

After that, if you’re still not ready to leave, head back to Emerald Lake to spend the night at the charming Emerald Lake Lodge.

Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lakes is a peaceful and picturesque spot just outside the town of Banff, known for its perfect reflections of Mount Rundle and surrounding peaks.

These shallow lakes are one of the best spots for photography in Banff for the iconic image of Mount Rundle, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Vermillion Lakes are great for a relaxing paddle or a scenic bike ride along the nearby Vermilion Lakes Drive. Visit early in the morning for the best chance to spot wildlife, like deer, elk, moose and various waterfowl here.

A glacier fed lake in Banff National Park

Lake Agnes

Lake Agnes is one of the most popular lakes near Lake Louise, known for its stunning alpine setting and the iconic Lake Agnes Tea House.

The hike to the lake is relatively easy, climbing from the Lake Louise lakeshore to a picturesque hanging valley. Once you arrive, you can head inside the historic tea house for a cup of hot tea or a handmade pastry. The tea house has been serving visitors since 1905 and all of the supplies are still brought in by hand to prepare the food on site.

If you have extra energy, I highly recommend hiking to the top of Little Beehive or Big Beehive for a birds view of Lake Louise. Both trails are a bit steep but you’re more than halfway to the top once you reach Lake Agnes.

Waterfowl Lakes

Waterfowl Lakes is one of the more underrated spots along the Icefields Parkway with stunning turquoise waters and incredible mountain views.

It’s a quieter alternative to some of Banff’s busier lakes and is the perfect spot for lunch or a quick paddle without too many other people around.

You can camp at Waterfowl Lakes Campground nearby. It’s only open in the summer but it’s a very picturesque spot if you can manage to grab a spot to spend the night.

From the campground you can access the trail to Chephren Lake, which takes you to remote alpine lake that not many people think to explore. The trail is very muddy so you’ll want to wear waterproof hiking boots.

Tips for Visiting Lakes Near Banff

You may be feeling overwhelmed by all these gorgeous lakes and trying to figure out where to go, but don’t despair. I’ve put together a list of tips and tricks to help you plan your trip.

• Get there early: Popular spots like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake get crowded very quickly, so getting an early start helps you avoid the crowds and find parking.
• Pack the essentials: Most of these lakes don’t have amenities nearby, so bring snacks, water, and whatever you need for the day. You can buy these in Banff town. Don’t forget bear spray for hiking.
• Dress for the weather: Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so layers are your best friend. Bring a rain jacket just in case there are some showers.
• Respect the environment: Always follow Leave No Trace Principles. Stay on the trails, don’t feed the wildlife, and pack out all of your trash (including toilet paper and apple cores) to keep the natural beauty intact.

View of Emerald Lake Lodge at Emerald Lake

Best Lakes in Banff: FAQs

Still have some questions in mind? Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about visiting the best lakes in Banff.

Can You Swim in Any Lakes in Banff?

Swimming is allowed unless there are signs that state otherwise. However, swimming in the lakes is unsupervised, so it will be at your own risk. And many of the lakes in Banff National Park are fed by glaciers, making them far too cold to swim in comfortably. Try visiting Cascade Ponds near Lake Minnewanka for better swimming conditions!

What Is the Most Beautiful Lake Near Banff?

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of the most beautiful lakes near Banff, each with its own unique charm. Lake Louise stands out with its turquoise water and glacier views, while Moraine Lake is famous for it’s deep blue color, rugged peaks, and iconic reflection at sunrise.

What Is the Less Crowded Lake Near Banff?

There are a few. Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the Waterfowl Lakes are less crowded than the more famous spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

Best Lakes in Banff | Wrapped Up

Banff’s lakes are some of the most breathtaking in the world, each offering you a unique experience.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, quiet moments, or just incredible views, the lakes in Banff deliver every. single. time.

So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera and go explore. You won’t be disappointed!

Next Read: Want to extend your trip? I have the perfect Banff to Jasper itinerary just for you.

Did you find this Best lakes in Banff guide helpful? Let me know in the comments!

Posts you should read next:

Banff to Jasper Itinerary: The Best Banff Itinerary: A 1 Week Road Trip from Banff to Jasper National Park

Saving money in Banff: Traveling Banff on a Budget: Effective Ways to Save Money on Lodging, Food, and Transportation

Yoho National Park, British Columbia: Yoho National Park: A 1-Day Road Trip Itinerary

British Columbia Road Trip: The Perfect British Columbia 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary