Peyto Lake — Attraction in Alberta

I went to Peyto Lake in early June 2022. It was my first time there. I'd been wanting to go since I first saw pictures on Instagram years ago! To get to Peyto, you have to drive through Banff and turn off at the Bow Summit Trail/ Lot. We passed it once as we were looking for a sign that simply said Peyto Lake. Once you're in the lot, you'll need to follow the walking trail signs (the opposite way of the bathrooms) and you'll see the path. When we were there, there was so much snow that the Peyto signs were relatively hidden by snow piles in the lot. The trail to the outlook is 100% paved and accessible to everyone. The walk is a bit of an incline so keep that in mind too. As I've mentioned, there was quite a bit of snow during our visit in early June. This obscured the path and made it more difficult to traverse. If you go during the winter months or at the beginning of summer, I suggest bringing walking sticks, crampons or snow shoes to make your journey easier. Luckily, when we made it to the outlook, the deck was clear and the lake was defrosted. Keep in mind that this lake freezes as well so whether or not you see it depends on the time of year and the weather. The lakes color will also vary. If you come in early summer, it'll be more of a darker blue as opposed to the aqua blue that you'll see in the warmer months.

There is an unmarked trail that takes you closer to the lake and elimates the guardrails for the "insta shot" as well as other trails that get you closer to the lakeshore. Remember, the lower in elevation you are, the less of the lake color you'll see. I suggest going to all-trails to get more information on what trail will best suit your abilities and desires. Peyto is a stunning lake and one of the easiest to see without any...

Peyto Lake is one of those once-in-a-lifetime places you just have to see with your own eyes. No photo can ever truly capture how mesmerizing it is. The moment you walk up to the viewpoint and the trees part, you’re met with this jaw-dropping panorama: towering snow-capped mountains, rugged peaks stretching endlessly into the horizon, and right in the center—this surreal, bright turquoise lake shaped like a wolf’s head.

The color of the water is absolutely unreal, a vibrant glacier blue that almost looks like it’s glowing. The shade comes from what’s called “glacial rock flour”—tiny rock particles from melting glaciers that reflect the light in a way that gives the lake that magical, otherworldly color. It’s so pure and so striking that it literally makes you stop in your tracks.

Standing there, you feel small in the best way possible—surrounded by raw, untouched wilderness, crisp mountain air, and silence that only nature can give. It’s peaceful, humbling, and breathtaking all at once.

If there’s ever a “bucket list” destination in Canada, Peyto Lake is it. Photos are beautiful, but being there in person is an entirely different experience. Truly one of those places you’ll...

Lakes and Mountains always a great combo. Awesome Peyto Lake , absolutely mesmerising natural turquoise blue during summer season and deeper, darker ocean blue during winter (see pics I have attached for comparison). The lake gets it's colour from the large amounts of glacier rock flour that flow into it during the summer months. the water colour varies depending on the season and even sometimes during the time of day. if you are brave enough, you can even swim in it, but be warned its super cold! It was named after Bill Peyto, an early trail guide and trapper in the Banff area. However, regrettably, please note that the Peyto Lake viewing platform and trails to the viewing platform are CLOSED for renovation and improvement works. Barriers have been erected for safety and it is dangerous to enter the closed off area. The Parks Canada website, anticipate the building works will be completed by November 2021, although not sure if that time-line factors the no doubt inevitable delays caused by COVID and the pandemic ? Shame, you could spend all day hypnotised by the breath taking power and beauty of...