Lakes & Rivers

Lake Louise is the most famous of all the jewel-coloured lakes in Banff National Park. The historic Chateau Lake Louise hotel sits on its shore.

Simply taking in the view with a stroll around the lake is spectacle enough at Lake Louise, but you can also enjoy the waters or hike nearby.

Rent a canoe from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Boathouse. Hike to an iconic historical teahouse for a sandwich and cup of tea. If you're staying at the storied Chateau Lake Louise, you can book a spa day at their picturesque BASIN Glacial Waters and enjoy the lake from their luxurious hot pools.

In winter, the lake is a little quieter, but no less magical. Rent ice skates and go for a spin on Lake Louise or book a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the shore.

How to get to Lake Louise

In summertime, parking is extremely limited at Lake Louise, so it's best to book a Parks Canada shuttle or a guided tour or plan to take public transit on Roam Route 8X from Banff.

Learn more about getting to Lake Louise

Set in the heart of the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is known for its vivid turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop.

Walk the shoreline for changing perspectives on the glacier-fed lake or head out onto the water with a canoe rental from Moraine Lake Lodge. Trails rising above the lake reward your efforts with sweeping views that linger long after you leave.

It’s a place that draws photographers, hikers and anyone looking to pause and take in the scale of the natural world. That sense of wonder has made Moraine Lake one of Banff National Park’s most visited locations, so advanced planning is essential.

How to get to Moraine Lake

You can get to Moraine Lake by Roam public transit, pre-booked private shuttle, or pre-booked Parks Canada shuttle, from June to October. You cannot access the lake with your own vehicle or rental car. The access road is closed to shuttles and transit in winter.

Learn more about getting to Moraine Lake

This remarkably blue lake stretches down the Icefields Parkway , captivating visitors with its unbelievably blue waters. It's easily accessed while you're making the spectacular road trip between Lake Louise and Jasper.

Peyto Lake's colour looks unreal, but it's pure science. As Peyto Glacier slowly grinds down the mountains, it creates fine rock dust. That “rock flour” flows into the lake and bends the light.

What you see is that famous bright blue—and it’s absolutely worth pulling over for as you travel the Icefields Parkway. You might even notice the lake seems to be in the shape of a wolf's head.

At this popular site, you’ll find washrooms, parking and a viewing deck. The main lookout is about a 10‑minute walk uphill along a paved path from the lot. Visitors with limited mobility can use the drop‑off area in the upper parking lot for closer access.

Known to the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people as “Lake of the Spirits,” this deep, blue lake has a special place in the land’s history. Archeological sites on Lake Minnewanka's lakeshore have turned up artifacts that are 14,000 years old.

Today, Lake Minnewanka is a popular spot while visiting Banff National Park. It’s a place of startling beauty with great views and many trails to explore.

Visitors can take the Lake Minnewanka Cruise to get out on the water or rent a canoe or kayak at the boathouse.

Fishing at Lake Minnewanka is popular among anglers who come in search of the big lake trout that the lake is famous for.

Lake Minnewanka is also a special spot for scuba diving. The lake’s cool waters preserve a sunken city that was submerged between 1912 and 1941.

The Bow River originates in the Rockies at the Bow Glacier and flows through Banff, Canmore and Calgary, then into the Foothills. For thousands of years, the Bow River has been used by Indigenous Peoples as a means of travel, fishing, hunting and much more.

On its 587 km (365 mi) journey, this river becomes a playground. The Bow River is known for world‑class trout fishing, plus plenty of chances to paddle yourself or take a guided rafting trip.

On warm summer days, especially in Calgary, it’s a popular place for a relaxed river float through the city, with rental rafts (and mandatory lifejackets) available to book. River surfers and kayakers love Harvie Passage Whitewater Park to play in the water, making it a fun spot for a people-watching picnic (even if you're not jumping in yourself).

Located in Jasper National Park, Maligne Lake is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Stretching 22 km (13 mi), it’s a long, calm sweep of blue set beneath Coronet Glacier and surrounded by mountain peaks. It's also home to Spirit Island—you'll understand when you see it why it's one of the most photographed spots in the national park.

The glacier‑fed water keeps swimming to the hardiest visitors only. But there’s plenty to do on and around the lake. Take a guided boat cruise to Spirit Island or rent a canoe and explore the lake at your own pace.

For views from above, hiking trails climb Bald Hill and Opal Hill and reward your effort with wide‑open scenery. Along the shoreline, three campgrounds are especially popular with paddlers and anglers. Nearby trails loop through the surrounding hills, making Maligne Lake an easy place to slow down and spend a little more time.

Find more things to do in Jasper National Park

Pyramid Lake feels remote, but it’s just a short drive from Jasper townsite. Located about 5 km (3 mi) from town, the lake sits beneath the sharp outline of Pyramid Mountain and delivers big views with very little effort.

In the warmer months, paddlers and anglers take to the water, and hardy swimmers brave the cool, clear lake. Trails nearby connect back toward the Jasper townsite, and a short bridge leads across to Pyramid Island for a different perspective.

In winter, Pyramid Lake freezes, becoming a peaceful place to skate and explore.

You can stay right on the shoreline at Pyramid Lake Lodge. In summer, guests can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards or bikes. In winter, rentals include snowshoes, ice skates and fat bikes, making it easy to get outside no matter the season.

Alberta's longest river flows from Jasper National Park to the northeast. The Athabasca River is popular for paddling adventures, boat trips and fishing.

Crossing the length of Kananaskis Country, this river’s scenic views and wild rapids make it excellent for water sports.