Banff National Park – a Day trip to Peyto Lake

JuneNovemberAdults Only Travel, CANADA Lauren

If you make your way up to Banff, Canada, you must find time to drive up the Icefields Parkway to view Peyto Lake. It’s easily the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. My husband and I were on a 4 day road trip in Banff National Park, when we decided to drive up the Icefields Parkway road to see this lake that everyone had been talking about.

A common question we got from our pictures on Instagram was “is the water really THAT blue?” Yep. The water is this Tiffany Blue shade that is a result from significant amounts of glacial rock flour that flow into the lake from the mountains surrounding it.

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How to get to Peyto Lake:

Peyto Lake is about an hour north of Downtown Banff via the Icefields Parkway (scenic drive highway).

Secret Tip:

Most people stop at the main viewpoint balcony not far from the Peyto Lake parking lot. If you are feeling adventurous, hike up past the first view point of Peyto. The paved trail will eventually turn into a dirt trail in the forest. Hike for about 15-20 more minutes straight up. Then continue to stay to your right. Each time you see a new path, go right. You will be rewarded with these views (see below). Also, do bring bear spray as a pre-caution….. or at least to keep your husband from complaining about potential bear attacks during your hike.

Banff Canada — Is that a bear? I think i heard something.

Travel style tip: White Hiking Snow boots – Click here for link

Many consider this spot to be one of the best views in Canada. I almost have to agree. Although I was torn between Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake. Here’s my blog post with tips on Moraine Lake. It is a little closer to downtown Banff.

Either way, if you are in Banff National Park, make sure you check out Peyto!