12 Stunning Banff Lakes That Are Basically Heaven on Earth!

2. Lake Minnewanka

Dubbed “The Water of the Spirits” by indigenous peoples, the largest lake in Banff National Park is the stuff bucket lists are made of. This stunning body of water fed by the adjoining Cascade River offers chances to see such wildlife as bighorn sheep, elk, and deer. If you’re lucky, you may even spy a Grizzly or black bear. 

Spectacular views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies make this the perfect place for a scenic boat cruise. This incredibly popular tour has you soaking in scenic views while guides describe the history of Lake Minnewanka.

Hiking options include the beautiful Minnewanka Lakeside Trail or, for a more challenging hike, the Aylmer Lookout Trail. Do you love to fish? Lake Minnewanka is one of the top ten Lake Trout fishing spots in Canada, so bring along your rod and reel! You’ll also find some of the best picnic areas in Banff here.

3. Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is yet another must-see turquoise lake nestled in the Canadian Rockies. This is one spot you don’t want to miss. During the summer, the lake will be at its brightest blue, so it’s quite possibly the best time to visit Banff.

While Moraine Lake boasts several great hiking trails, the most popular is the Rockpile Trail. It’s an easy choice with very little (under 80 feet) of elevation gain and clocking in at less than 1,000 feet long. Atop the rock pile, you’ll find yourself gazing upon one of the best views in Banff.

And the most photographed view in Canada.  Canoeing is another excellent way to enjoy the lake, and (at $115 per hour) is slightly less expensive than at nearby Lake Louise. Or, for a flatter jaunt, hit the lakeside trail and soak in the views of the gorgeous Ten Peaks.  Getting to Moraine Lake is simple. From Banff, it’s about an hour’s drive (one-way). You’ll take the Trans Canada Highway to Lake Louise Drive.

4. Two Jack Lake

This emerald-green stunner is sure to capture your heart. Two Jack is a perfect place for active watersports, SUP, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and canoeing here. So, if getting out on the water is your jam, definitely head to Two Jack Lake. Fans of this spectacular mountain lake come for the stunning views of the famed Mount Rundle and stay for the many activities it offers.

Hikers enjoy the moderately-rated Two Jack Lake Trail, a three-mile out-and-back jaunt through picturesque mountain views. Two Jack Lake is also home to the top-rated Two Jack Lakeside Campground. So, if sleeping under the stars is your game, this is your spot.

Two Jack Lake is just a short drive from nearby Lake Minnewanka and only 10 minutes from the town of Banff, making it a popular choice for tourists. From Banff town, jump on the Trans-Canada Highway and exit Banff Avenue. From there, you’ll turn onto Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive. 

5. Lake Agnes

This lake offers a truly unique hiking experience. Yes, there are, of course, beautiful views to be had here. But, the crown jewel of adventuring here is the hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House. Here, you’ll find an adorable tea house, ready to serve you tea and a number of other goodies, amongst the forest.

On your way to the Tea House, you’ll pass by beautiful Mirror Lake and a small waterfall just before the Tea House. These are great opportunities for photo ops. To hike Lake Agnes, park or take a Parks Canada shuttle bus to the Lake Louise parking lots. On your way, you’ll see Banff’s most famed lake. 

6. Peyto Lake

Located close to the Icefields Parkway, Peyto Lake is a great place to plan a visit if you’re considering heading to Jasper National Park. Another of Banff’s stunning glacial lakes, Peyto, does not disappoint.

This spectacular turquoise lake gets its rare color from large amounts of glacial rock flour deposited into it. The best spot to head is Bow Summit if you want to capture that Instagram-worthy photo.  Considered one of the best overlooks in Banff National Park, the Peyto Lake Lookout is at the highest elevation on the famed Icefields Parkway.

7. Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lakes are made up of three different lakes. Vermillion Lakes are not glacier-fed, so don’t expect the bright aqua color you’ll find at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, but they’re still a beautiful spot to explore.

This series of lakes has a wide array of both water and on-land activities available, from stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing, to hiking and birdwatching. You’ll find all these great options here at Vermilion Lakes. It’s also a really excellent spot for photo ops, as you can often catch the reflections of Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain in your pics. 

8. Herbert Lake

Looking to escape the crowds and find a more peaceful lakeside? Head to beautiful Herbert Lake. Located just off the Icefields Parkway, this wonderful mountain lake is often overlooked. If you’re a fan of those beautiful views of mountains reflected on the water, pop over to Herbert Lake early in the day for some Instagram-worthy snaps. 

Getting to Herbert Lake is easy. Hop on the Trans-Canada, and exit onto the Icefields Parkway just a few miles after Lake Louise. You’ll see the Herbert Lake parking lot on your left. 

9. Hector Lake

Hector Lake is another of Banff’s most beautiful lakes. If you have kids in tow, be sure to plan carefully if you choose to visit here, as reaching the lake requires crossing a river. This lake may best be suited to adults only, as the river levels may vary. 

You’ll also want to be sure to wear water shoes, or other sturdy hiking sandals for the river crossing. If you do decide to visit, you’ll be handsomely rewarded with a glacial lake full of natural beauty. Many people who visit Hector Lake choose to camp here, and you’ll find pit toilets and picnic tables at the campsite here. 

Hector Lake can be found by taking the Trans-Canada west from Lake Louise to Icefields Parkway. Travel approximately 11 miles further and Hector Lake parking will be on the left. 

10. Johnson Lake

Have your heart set on taking a dip in Banff?  Welcome to Johnson Lake, the warmest lake in Banff. Since many of Banff’s lakes are glacier-fed, they tend to be quite chilly for swimming.

Here, you’ll find ample opportunities to stand up paddleboard, kayak, and swim. This beautiful lake is also really close to the town of Banff, making it a popular spot for daytime activities before dinner in town.

Some of the best picnic areas in Banff may be found here at Johnson Lake. You’ll also find excellent fishing here, in addition to mountain biking and bird-watching.

Looking to hit the trails? The Johnson Lake hike offers scenic views of the surrounding mountain peaks while looping around the lake. The trail is flat and is an excellent option for families. With a beautiful beach for kids, excellent picnic areas, and more, this lake tops our list of family-friendly lakes in Banff. 

Getting here from the town of Banff is quick and easy. Jump on the Trans Canada Highway and take the exit marked for “Two-Jack Lake.” On your right will be signing for Johnson Lake. 

11. Bow Lake

If you’re looking for another option for a stunning, turquoise lake in Banff, Bow Lake is a great choice. Located along the Bow River, this lake is fed by meltwater from the Bow Glacier, giving it that distinct aqua-blue color. 

Photogs rejoice as Bow Lake is yet another of Banff’s lakes capable of giving you gorgeous mountain views reflected in the water. On a clear day, you may find the peak of the beautiful Bow Summit reflecting on the lake’s surface.  There are several options here for excellent hiking.

The lakeshore trail is rated as easy and fits the bill for families, or those looking for a beautiful, simple hike. You’ll find Bow Lake about an hour from the town of Banff, as you take the Icefields Parkway from the Trans Canada Highway.

12. Consolation Lakes

Consolation Lakes are another incredibly beautiful choice to visit. One of the most popular trails to hike here begins at the base of the Rock Pile at Moraine Lake.

There isn’t a huge elevation gain on this trail, though it begins somewhat rocky. At just under 2 miles, each way, it’s a kid-friendly trail with a gorgeous view of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

You’ll pass by the beautiful Tower of Babel on this hike, and It’s also dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. 

Warm summer months aren’t the only time of year worth visiting Consolation Lakes. The lakes are a popular snowshoeing spot in Banff in the winter months, so bring your snowshoes along!

Since Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles, your best bet for getting here is to take the Parks Canada shuttle bus to Moraine Lake and hike to Consolation Lakes.