9 Must See Lakes In Banff National Park

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If you’ve ever seen pictures of Banff National Park you will undoubtedly have it on your list. The statuesque mountains and phenomenal scenery of the Canadian Rockies are world renowned. But it’s the dazzling blue lakes in Banff National Park that fascinate people the most.

Who doesn’t love a pretty lake? Most of the lakes here are big bucket list items that have to be seen to be believed. Are they really that blue? I can tell you that they are. Keep reading to discover some of the best lakes you can see on your trip to Banff.

Where is Banff National Park?

Banff National Park covers a huge area in between Calgary and Jasper in the province of Alberta, Canada. People often use the name Banff interchangeably for both Banff National Park and the town of Banff, which is located within the park. The town of Banff is a popular tourist hotspot about 2 hours north of Calgary.

The easiest way to get there is to drive, although there are buses which will take you from downtown Calgary or Calgary Airport. But if you’re looking to explore Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies you will want to rent a car so you can see all of these beautiful places more easily.

Where to stay to see the lakes in Banff National Park

If you’re visiting the Canadian Rockies you will most likely make the town of Banff your base for a few days at least while you explore the area. It’s a busy place so book your stay early.

Banff has the highest concentration of hotels in the Canadian Rockies with places to suit most price points. From cheap hostels to the wildly luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs hotel and everything in between.

In order to see most of Banff’s lakes you’ll need more than a couple of days in Alberta. And since Banff is where you’re most likely going to stay I’ll give distances from Banff town center.

TOP TRAVEL TIP: If you have time make sure to keep traveling north and visit Jasper which is just as beautiful but takes a bit more effort to get there.

The most beautiful lakes in Banff National Park

Banff is amazing for hiking. I recently spent a week hiking lots of the forested trails around Banff and Lake Louise. The highlight of many of those hikes were the pristine lakes in Banff National Park.

Vermillion Lakes

Distance from Banff: 2.7km/1.6 miles; 7 minute drive/30 minute walk

Probably the closest lakes to town, you pass them turning off the highway coming from Jasper or Lake Louise. The lakes are easy to reach from Banff town center – you can walk there in about 30 minutes. Or if staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs ask about their bike rental program so you can cycle there.

The lakes have a beautiful view of Mount Rundle which makes a perfect backdrop. And while they are not the bluest of blue lakes that you might see in the Rockies, they are well worth a visit. Take a walk along Vermillion Lakes Road, or drive the length of it until the turnaround point if you don’t want to walk.

Two Jack Lake

Distance from Banff: 11.7km/7.2 miles; 15 minute drive

Two Jack Lake is actually one of my favorite lakes near Banff. The first time I visited I was on my way to Lake Minnewanka which I expected to be more impressived with. Two Jack Lake is much smaller, and is linked to Lake Minnewanka. The gorgeous blue color, calm water and mountain backdrop make it a majestic sight.

It’s even just as gorgeous when frozen as I saw it on one trip in April. The great thing about Two Jack Lake is it doesn’t have to be a flying visit. You can stay at the campground there and wake up to this incredible view. Swimming and kayaking are also popular at Two Jack Lake.

Lake Minnewanka

Distance from Banff: 14km/8.7 miles; 20 minute drive

Only a five minute drive along the same road as Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka is a vast lake with breathtaking views. Given its size the water stays much colder, therefore swimming isn’t recommended.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t sit on a nearby rock at the waters edge and admire the spectacular view of the surrounding peaks. And there are a lot of them.

Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive has a couple of view points that you must stop at. Although in reality the road barely touches the westernmost point of the huge lake.

If you really want to spend some time here there’s a 50km+ out and back hike that travels the length of the lake with various camping spots along the way.

Johnson Lake

Distance from Banff: 11.7km/7.2 miles; 15 minute drive

Only a 15 minute drive from Banff, you can reach Johnson Lake by taking the same road to get to Two Jack Lake/Lake Minnewanka. But before reaching them, there’s a road off to the right called Johnson Lake Road.

Johnson Lake is smaller than the other two but no less picturesque. That said the parking situation is a bit more generous than with some of the bigger lakes and there’s no hiking involved in getting to the lake.

Johnson Lake is often overlooked for those heading to Two Jack and Minnewanka so make sure to pay a visit on your trip to Banff.

Moraine Lake

Distance from Banff: 72km/45 miles; 1 hour drive

Possibly the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. That’s a bold statement but Moraine Lake is world famous for it’s astounding scenic views and the most stunning turquoise blue water.

Moraine Lake parking lot is about a 15-20 minute drive from the main road although as of 2023 no personal vehicles are allowed. Instead you’ll need to either take a guided tour, or book a Parks Canada shuttle or plan using transit (seasonal).

There are canoeing options for a fee. Or for free simply climb the rock pile accessed along a path from the parking lot so you can look over Moraine Lake. There are beautiful viewpoints and you won’t regret the extra effort to get up there.

Pro tip: The road to Moraine Lake is only open June to mid-October so check here before you plan your trip.

Lake Louise

Distance from Banff: 62km/38 miles; 45 minute drive

Given that Lake Louise has a huge hotel resort at the edge of it, this is probably the most commercialized of all the lakes I’ll take about today. However, you’ll see it is popular for a reason.

The gorgeous blue-green water, colored by the rock flour run off from the glaciers behind it, make this a must see.

If you have time (and money) then plan to spend at least one night at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel on the lake. Read more about the hotel here.

Like Moraine Lake, you can also rent a canoe to go out on Lake Louise, or just walk around the edge of the lake. This lake is still popular in winter when you can actually walk across it.

Lake Agnes

Distance from Banff: 64km/40 miles; 45 minute drive to Lake Louise and 1+ hour hike

Accessed from the grounds of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Agnes is reached only by hiking a tough uphill trail to get there. The great news is there is more than just the reward of a stunning lake and mountain backdrop – a teahouse at the lake edge (bring cash).

The hike isn’t easy but it’s also not as difficult as people seem to make out if you’re in any way moderately fit. The mostly uphill, partially switch-backed trail offers amazing views over Lake Louise, and takes about 2-2.5 hours to complete (not counting a long rest at the lake/teahouse).

Top Tip: Start early before it gets busy, timing your arrival with the opening time of the teahouse. Then you can spend some quality time hanging out at the lake.

Bow Lake

Distance from Banff: 94km/58 miles; 1 hour drive

Bow Lake is incredibly blue. It stops you in your tracks. Literally. It’s visible from the Icefields Parkway highway that runs from just past Lake Louise all the way up to Jasper. You cannot miss this lake and don’t need to stop to be able to see it, but why wouldn’t you want to?

With the mountain range in the background this is one photogenic lake. On one winter trip I was able to walk onto the lake easily from where I parked.

There’s even a small lodge at the lakeside where you can spend the night if you want more time here. The Num-Ti-Jah Lodge isn’t the Fairmont Lake Louise but it is a more budget option for those wanting to wake up to a lake view.

Peyto Lake

Distance from Banff: 101km/63 miles; 1 hour 10 minute drive

A short distance from Bow Lake, and the furthest lake from Banff in this post, is Peyto Lake. This striking blue, glacier fed lake can be seen from the same Icefields Parkway highway – although it’s not as within reach as Bow Lake is.

In order to get the best view there is a 3km seasonal loop trail from just off the highway. Given the reward at the end, it is a popular route, so like many other amazing sights in the Rockies, I suggest getting there as early as you can.

        

The best lakes in Banff

Spend enough time in Banff National Park, and the Canadian Rockies, and you’ll pass lake after lake. You’d think you might get bored with them after a while, but you never do. These really are the best lakes in Banff National Park and definitely the ones to add to your list for any first time visitor.

Because of the weather in Canada there is a small window to see these lakes when they are not frozen. That’s why some of these lakes get incredibly busy in the summer.

Consider visiting in the Fall when it is a little quieter, a little colder, but with the first dustings of snow. That really makes some of these lakes an even more magical sight – if that’s possible.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Which of these lakes in Banff do you want to see first? Where’s your favorite place in the Canadian Rockies?