Peyto Lake, Canada: why is it a must-see while visiting Banff National Park?
A mix of blue, green, and turquoise, glowing from the inside – “Peyto” could easily be a color of its own. On a clear summer day, Peyto Lake will hypnotize you and make you want to pinch yourself for a reality check!
Peyto Lake Canada
1. Where all those colors came from?
Peyto Glacier is feeding the lake, slowly melting, moving, and scratching the surface of the ground at the same time. Tiny, flour-like particles of silt are filling the water, giving it that postcard, “Peyto” color.
2. How to enjoy the Lake during peak season
Bow Summit lookout
The best place to view Peyto Lake is at the Bow Summit lookout.
During the summer season, choose early morning or late afternoon hours to avoid huge crowds. The parking lot is pretty big but is still not enough for all the people visiting during peak season.
Peyto Lake was under renovation until October 9, 2021 (closed for nearly 2 years) to make it more safer and comfortable for visitors.
On the picture below you can see how it looked before: observation platform is too small; unfenced area where nothing stops you from going over the edge:
3. Peyto Lake, Canada: Hike to the Bow Summit lookout
An easy hike to the Bow Summit lookout has some very steep parts. Even with a super-lightweight stroller, you will have a hard time getting to the top.
Alternatively, you can drop off those, who are unable to take the hike, at the “buses and handicapped” parking lot (which is very close to the lookup platform), then go back to the main parking lot and meet at the top:
Peyto Lake: Essentials
There are no cafe or place for kids to run freely. The trail is pretty narrow and ends up right at the parking lot. Long lines to the restrooms during the busy summer months.
- Bring the very best mosquito repellent you can find for your trip to Banff and Jasper. Mosquitos were so bad during our visit in July!
- Make sure to check hours, conditions, fees, and restrictions before you go.
- Don’t forget a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Peyto Lake, Canada on My Map
Have a great time at one of the most wonderful places in the Canadian Rockies 🙂
Read next:
5 days itinerary to the Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks. Full list and description, map.
Maligne Canyon, how to visit it with kids (and when it’s best to give it up)
How to visit Alaska on a budget with/without kids. Road trip
