Skip to content
The Banff Blog
  • About UsExpand
    • Contact Us
    • Work With Us
  • Learn MoreExpand
    • Rocky Mountain National ParksExpand
      • Banff National Park
      • Yoho National Park
      • Kootenay National Park
      • Jasper National Park
      • Waterton National Park
    • Towns and VillagesExpand
      • Banff
      • Canmore
      • Jasper
      • Lake Louise
      • Fernie
      • Golden
      • Revelstoke
      • Whistler
  • Plan Your TripExpand
    • What to Pack
    • Transportation
    • Weather & Webcams
    • Example Itineraries
    • Resources
    • Route Guides
    • FAQ
  • Where To StayExpand
    • Hotels
    • Camp
    • Lodge
    • Cabins
    • Short Term Rentals
  • Things To doExpand
    • Book A Tour
    • Hike
    • Lakes
    • Gondolas
    • Scramble
    • Icefields Parkway
    • Eat
  • Need Help Planning?Expand
    • Digital Travel Guide
    • Trip Consultation
    • Custom Itinerary
The Banff Blog

Lakes In The Canadian Rockies

Famed worldwide for their natural beauty

It’s the main appeal for most visitors, and we can hardly blame that as the landscape scenes of the lakes are astounding. Few vistas in the world can compete for sheer natural beauty.

You are spoilt for choice for lakes here. There is a little bit of everything with lakes that feature scenic overlooks, lakes rich in wildlife, lakes perfect for canoeing, alpine lakes reached only by hiking, and lakes that shine a brilliant blue.

Banff has two of the most famous lakes in the world:

Moraine Lake and Lake Louise

Moraine Lake

Lake Louise

They are extremely popular stops for visitors, and we can hardly blame anyone for wanting to walk along their shores. Visiting the lakes is a right of passage, and their natural beauty is astounding. They offer incredible outdoor experiences with wonderful hiking, canoeing, climbing, skiing, and mountaineering.

The one downside is their popularity, and they can be difficult to access due to the parking and seasonal closures. The lakes’ famed blue color is also visible briefly, as they remain frozen for most of the year. However, it’s entirely possible to plan a visit to the lakes and find some solitude in nature.

About Moraine Lake About Lake Louise

Popular Posts About Moraine Lake & Lake Louise

cameron-at-consolation-lakes

Consolation Lakes: The Easiest Hike from Moraine Lake

paddleboarding on Moraine Lake

Is Catching Sunrise at Moraine Lake Worth It?

sunrise at lake louise

Lake Louise & Moraine Lake One Day Itinerary

august-at-moraine-lake

Answering Common Moraine Lake Questions

sunrise at lake louise

Lake Louise & Moraine Lake One Day Itinerary

How Do You Get to Lake Louise? Can You Drive?

Can You Drive to Lake Louise in 2025? Ways to Get There

Devils Thumb Hike - Lake Louise

How to Hike Devil’s Thumb in Lake Louise

Lake Louise Ski Resort Natasha Top Of The World

How To Spend A Ski Day At Lake Louise

Maligne Lake

A visit to the Maligne Lake is a spiritual experience as its grandeur is mesmerizing. No place is more iconic in Jasper than Spirit Island, a holy place for the region’s indigenous peoples. A cruise along the lake to see the scenic island is one of our favorite experiences in the Canadian Rockies. No visit to Jasper is complete without visiting its lakeshore.

About Maligne Lake Cruise Maligne Lake

Other Notable Lakes

Peyto-Lake-Viewpoint-Sunset

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is the most famous lake in Banff National Park you’ve probably never heard of before.

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park is one of the finest lakes in the Canadian Rockies and a personal favorite of ours.

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is a beautiful lake that is just a ten-minute drive away from the town of Banff.

Hit the Water

There is no shortage of ways to enjoy the Canadian Rockies’ lakes, whether after a scenic cruise, relaxing paddle, or thrilling plunge. Check out our guides about the best ways to enjoy the water.

Canoe On Moraine Lake

A quintessential experience in the Rockies is to enjoy a Moraine Lake canoe.

Go Paddle Boarding

Paddleboarding is one of our favorite ways to relax on the regions pristine lakes.

Cruise On Lake Minnewanka

While enjoying the lake from its shores is satisfying enough, there’s another way to experience this body of water.

Ice Skating

Wild ice skating is one of the most popular activities in the winter. With milder climates, there are few places where you can still skate on natural bodies of water.

However, the Canadian Rockies enjoy reliably cold weather, and the lakes are already fantastic settings. It’s a short weather window to enjoy good ice conditions from November to December, but the experience is unforgettable.

About ice skating

Latest Posts

Carnarvon Lake

How to Hike to the Mesmerizing Carnarvon Lake

Jasper Park Lodge

15 BEAUTIFUL Lakes in Jasper Worth a Visit

Bow Lake

15 Things to Know BEFORE Visiting Bow Lake

How to Hike to BEAUTIFUL Grassi Lakes Near Canmore

moraine lake vs lake louise

Moraine Lake vs Lake Louise: Which Banff Lake Should You Visit?

Berg Lake Trail

How to Hike the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park

is the maligne lake cruise worth it

Is the Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island Worth It?

Vermilion Lakes Sunset Landscape

Vermilion Lakes • 6 Reasons To Visit!

Moraine Lake

When is the BEST Time to Visit Moraine Lake?

Want to explore everything we’ve written about the Banff lakes?

SHOW ALL ARTICLES
Helpful Links
  • Start Here
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
PLan Your Trip
  • Itinerary Planning
  • Accommodation
  • Book A Tour
  • Transportation
  • Webcams
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe

© 2025 The World Pursuit LLC

Privacy・Terms ・ Site Credit

Helpful Links
  • Start Here
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
Plan Your Trip
  • Itinerary Planning
  • Accommodation
  • Book A Tour
  • Transportation
  • Weather & Webcams
Recent Posts

Consolation Lakes: The Easiest Hike from Moraine Lake

How to Hike to Bow Glacier Falls on the Icefields Parkway

Where & How To See Northern Lights In Alberta

The ULTIMATE Jasper Itinerary You Should Follow (2025 Update)

Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Mail

© 2025 The World Pursuit LLC

Privacy・Terms ・ Site Credit

  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Work With Us
  • Learn More
    • Rocky Mountain National Parks
      • Banff National Park
      • Yoho National Park
      • Kootenay National Park
      • Jasper National Park
      • Waterton National Park
    • Towns and Villages
      • Banff
      • Canmore
      • Jasper
      • Lake Louise
      • Fernie
      • Golden
      • Revelstoke
      • Whistler
  • Plan Your Trip
    • What to Pack
    • Transportation
    • Weather & Webcams
    • Example Itineraries
    • Resources
    • Route Guides
    • FAQ
  • Where To Stay
    • Hotels
    • Camp
    • Lodge
    • Cabins
    • Short Term Rentals
  • Things To do
    • Book A Tour
    • Hike
    • Lakes
    • Gondolas
    • Scramble
    • Icefields Parkway
    • Eat
  • Need Help Planning?
    • Digital Travel Guide
    • Trip Consultation
    • Custom Itinerary
Search