1) Lake Minnewanka – Banff National Park
Photo Credit: Brooke Willson
Never failing to disappoint, Lake Minnewanka draws people from all around the world. Boat tours are offered, as well as small open motorboat rentals for those who want to experience the lake from all angles, or bring your own kayak, canoe or personal boat (gas or electric). Looking to do a little more cardio? Hike Aylmer Pass, a 27 km round-trip that takes you along the water and up to a magnificent lookout.
2) Two Jack Lake – Banff National Park
Just down the road from Lake Minnewanka lies Two Jake, a much smaller lake though with a magnificent view of the North Side of Mount Rundle. Come early in the morning to catch sunrise or anytime of the day to enjoy a picnic at one of its many picnic benches.
3) Vermillion Lakes – Banff National Park
Photo Credit: Callum Snape
A photographer’s dream, located only a couple kilometers outside of the Banff town site, it offers jaw-dropping views at any time of the day. The 4.3km scenic road alongside the lake allows easy access for those wanting to tour the lake by car, peddle bike or on foot. Stop and relax on one of the benches or docks along the way, and be sure to bring your binoculars, as wildlife sightings are common.
4) Lake Louise – Banff National Park
One of those ‘post card’ places, stunning at anytime of the year. If visiting in the summer rent a canoe from the Lake Louise boathouse, or in the winter months rent a pair of skates or snowshoes and adventure around the area. Or perhaps a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the winter may interest you, for a family outing or a romantic evening for two.
5) Moraine Lake – Banff National Park
Photo Credit: Callum Snape
People come from all over the world to visit Moraine Lake, which is situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Lake Louise. The blue/green color of the lake is one your memory will not soon forget after visiting, and with its romantic feel it makes for the perfect wedding location. Rent a canoe or bring your runners and set out on a hike too see Moraine from a bird’s eye view.
6) Bow Lake – Banff National Park
Photo Credit: Callum Snape
Located along the Icefields Parkway, one of Alberta’s most scenic roads, with scattered lakes along the way, Bow Lake draws the most people due to its size and dramatic feel. It is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park. Come for sunrise and experience the sun shining off the mountain walls, resulting in outstanding reflections.
7) Peyto Lake – Banff National Park
Down the road from Bow Lake you will find Peyto. You won’t want to forget your camera for this one either. Looking to fool your friends with a ‘Yes I hiked all this way for this epic photo’ shot, though really only have to walk 800m? Look no further. Peyto Lake Lookout will have you dropping your jaw no matter what season. Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring, Peyto is always stunning. Can you spot the wolf?
8) Waterton Lake – Waterton National Park
(That’s me in the pic!) A hidden gem in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Wateron will surely grab hold of your heart, with its breathtaking landscape, peaceful nature, and small town vibe. There are many hikes in the area, such as ‘Bear Hump’ (pictured below), a quick 1km jaunt up to a viewpoint overlooking the lake. Bring your kayak or book a boat tour and explore the lake from a different perspective and you may likely see a bear!
9) Abraham Lake- Nordegg
This manmade lake is known for its breathtaking turquoise water in the summer and unique ‘frozen bubbles’ that form beneath the lake’s surface in the winter; drawing people year round to admire its beauty and tranquility. Camp lakeside for FREE and make sure to bring your swimsuit and kayak to enjoy the lake to its entirety.
10) Maligne Lake – Jasper National Park
Maligne Lake is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies (22.5 km in length) and is also one of the most ‘picturesque’. Due to all the surrounding peaks, and its world renowned ‘spirit island’, there is an unlimited amount of photography potential, and it offers numerous options for biking, hiking and cross -country skiing. There are a couple campgrounds on the lake, though make sure to book ahead as they fill up rather quickly, and are only accessible by water, there is no road access. Boat tours are also offered
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