Most Beautiful Lakes in the Canadian Rockies

By HerLifeAdventures | Aug 26, 2021
North America > Canada

When visiting the Canadian Rockies, you must see all the beautiful lakes in Canada's National Parks. Each park is unique and full of adventure. Have you ever seen pictures of some magical destination on social media and thought to yourself, there is no way those colors are natural. That's how I've felt each time I've visited Canada's National Parks and surrounding areas.

Imagine experiencing ancient glaciers, waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and emerald lakes as you road trip through the Canadian Rockies into the National Parks. The colors are bright, vibrant, and unbelievably breathtaking.

These Are The Most Beautiful Lakes In Canada's National Parks You Won't Want To Miss!


Getting There


Fly into Edmonton, and then rent a car. If you drive south from Jasper, it will take you through 3 jaw-dropping Canadian National Parks. Starting in Jasper National Park, make your way down the icefields parkway through Banff National Park & end in Yoho National Park. So if you plan on visiting each of the parks, flying home out of Calgary will save you time and money.

Jasper National Park – Alberta


Jasper National Park has plenty of adventurous activities to offer visitors. From rock climbing to white water rafting- this is an adventurer's dream park.

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake


Second Lake

Second Lake

Second Lake


Fourth Lake


In Jasper National Park, there is a 4.5-kilometer trail called Valley of the Five Lakes. The Loop is a moderate hike dotted with five lakes and breathtaking mountain views. The best time to visit is from March to October.

Icefields Parkway

Icefields Parkway

Icefields Parkway – Alberta


The Icefields Pathway will take your breath away as you drive the famous stretch of road. The drive is an adventure itself as it takes you through the Canadian Rockies national parks. The road goes from Jasper down to Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta.

Along the drive, you'll see hundreds of ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and crystal clear emerald lakes. Sweeping valleys of thick pine and rich forests surround the lake.

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake


Peyto Lake is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park. The lake is easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway. A short hike up the trail will bring you to this breathtaking view of Peyto Lake.

Banff National Park – Alberta Canada

Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Lake Louise


Perhaps one of the most crowded lakes in Banff National Park- Lake Louise is known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks. Hiking trails wind up to the Lake Agnes Tea House, giving hikers a bird's-eye view of the lake. You can rent canoes in summer or skate on a frozen glacier lake skating rink. The lake has a ski resort with a gondola, making this a popular winter destination as well.

Lake Moraine

Lake Moraine

Lake Moraine


This iconic jaw-dropping shade of turquoise is sure to leave a lasting impression. The waters are the most fantastic color and are set in the Valley of Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, Alberta. The lake is excellent for kayaking, hiking, or picnicking as it is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles.

Yoho National Park – British Columbia


The least visited of the 3 Canadian Rockies national parks is Yoho National Park, in British Columbia. The national park should not be overlooked by its more famous siblings Banff & Jasper. The park is half as busy as Banff offering visitors over 61 beautiful lakes to explore.

Emerald Lake


Emerald Lake is the largest in the park. Canoes are available for rent out on the stunning glacial-fed lake with deep turquoise-colored water.

Sherbrooke Lake

Sherbrooke Lake

Sherbrooke Lake


Kicking Horse River

Kicking Horse River

Kicking Horse River At Wapta Falls


Grassi Lake

Grassi Lake

Grassi Lakes


Grassi Lakes Trail in Canmore is just a short drive from Banff National Park.

Alberta National Parks Nature North America Mountains Things to do British Columbia Canada Canadian Rockies Lakes

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Written by herlifeadventures
Chelsea is an adventure travel blogger based in Michigan, United States, she manages and photographs for HerLifeAdventures.com, which provides weekend guides and national park adventures with a sprinkle of sustainability tips, and mental health.

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