22 Things To Know Before Visiting Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake (pronounced pea-toe) is one of the most famous lakes in Banff National Park. It’s a turquoise blue glacier-fed lake 40 km north of Lake Louise and a popular stop on the famous Icefields Parkway. The brilliant display of blue is fed by the Peyto Glacier high above the lake and part of the Wapta Icefield.
The viewpoint is one of the most spectacular in all of Banff National Park and a super popular spot for photographers. Peyto Lake, in our opinion, competes for beauty with Moraine Lake without as many visitors. There is little mystery as the lake’s viewpoint is a must for things to do in Banff.
All You Need to Know About Visiting Peyto Lake
Can You Visit Peyto Lake?
The Government of Canada has invested $2.9 million CDN to support infrastructure work at Peyto Lake. This money went to adding more parking to help with congestion, replacing old restrooms, adding new signage, and expanding the viewing platform.
After almost two years of closure, the Peyto Lake parking lot, walking path, Bow Summit, and viewpoint are completely open! So if you have had Peyto Lake on your bucket list, rest assured you can go and see it in 2024.
When you visit now, you can expect an improved viewpoint, a regarded trail, 126 regular parking spots and 11 RV spaces, and a year-round restroom (previously drop toilets). Many of these improvements have been made to preserve and safeguard the ecology around Peyto Lake.
Why is Peyto Lake Blue?
Similar to many other glacier-fed lakes in Banff National Park, Peyto Lake is a brilliant blue during the summer months. This is a natural phenomenon found in many glacier lakes as the glaciers grind rock down into the rock flour, carried downstream into the lake. This rock flour then refracts the light and gives off a vivid blue or teal color.
It’s a breathtaking sight, and there are many other blue lakes around Banff National Park, such as Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Sherbrooke Lake (Yoho), Bow Lake, and Hector Lake, which are all accessible to most visitors.
The Details
Peyto Lake is named after Bill Peyto, an early guide in the park back in the early 1900s. Peyto Lake sits at an elevation of 1880 meters in the Canadian Rockies. It’s fed by the Peyto Glacier and has a max depth of around 90m.
After the glacier waters flow out of Peyto Lake, they create the Mistaya River before merging into the North Saskatchewan River at Saskatchewan River Crossing. If you’re wondering how to pronounce the name, it is pea-toe, but don’t worry if you still say and hear pay-toe; it’s how most people still say it!
Directions to Peyto Lake Lookout And Bow Summit
Peyto Lake is located off the Icefields Parkway or 93N. The highway begins just off the Trans-Canada Highway #1, a few minutes West of Lake Louise. From there, it’s another 40km to the Bow Summit and Peyto Lake Lookout parking lot.
Watch for signs off the Icefields Parkway, and the turn-off will be on your left, coming from the Trans-Canada or right from Jasper. Once you’ve passed Bow Lake, it’s time to watch for signs.
The walk to the viewpoint begins from the far end of the parking lot to the West. There, you will find an information sign and washroom facilities. The hike up to the Peyto Lake Lookout takes about 10 minutes, and is uphill on a paved path.
For elderly or disabled visitors, this is an upper parking lot that follows the signs for buses and handicapped parking (not typically accessible in winter). There is also a drop-off point to eliminate the walk.
How to Get There
There aren’t many tours that include Peyto Lake, and those visiting Banff without a car should be aware there is no public transport to Peyto Lake. You’ll likely want a rental car for your trip to reach this stunning lake.
Tours that stop at Peyto Lake
How To Avoid the Crowds
Midsummer, the viewing platform that overlooks the lake gets very, very busy. Peyto Lake is the third most visited lake in Banff, after Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
You should be prepared to share Peyto Lake with hordes of tourists from bus tours and just about every other visitor to the park between 9am and 6pm. The crowding does make it difficult to take in the views. However the new renovations from Parks Canada should help alleviate these issues as there is now a wide path and a large observation deck to take in Peyto Lake. Arriving first thing in the morning before 8am or in the evening after 7pm will ensure you have a quieter experience in the summer. In the winter, you can visit Peyto Lake nearly anytime and have a quiet experience.
There are also a few hidden viewpoints that you’ve probably seen on Instagram and in this article. To find those before reaching the main viewpoint, you’ll see several braided trails cut through the trees to the right. Walk down this hill until you reach the opening with unobscured views and a few large rocks to prop yourself up on. This is likely where you’ve seen the majority of photos from the lake. It’s prevalent on Instagram. The terrain here is pretty hazardous, with lots of drops and loose rock, so mind your step if you choose to venture this way, although we do not recommend it.
The alternative is to follow the trail past the first viewpoint to the second viewpoint along the Bow Summit Trail. There is no official platform here but a large clearing higher in elevation that offers tremendous views with a fraction of the visitors.
As always, a great way to avoid crowds is to arrive in the early morning or evening. Even in midsummer, we’ve managed to catch sunrise and sunset at the viewpoint by ourselves, granted that’s typically at 7:00am or 10:00 p.m. when the lake isn’t its beautifully blue color. The later into the shoulder season you go, the fewer crowds you will see. Visit Banff in mid-November and you may be the only one at Peyto Lake!
You can also hike down to Peyto Lake, which will take you between 30 and 60 minutes, dip your toes in, and hike back up. Almost no one does this, so you’re sure to have Peyto Lake almost all to yourself if you decide to bushwhack your way down and back up. However, there is no set trail, so you’d be bushwhacking the entire way—certainly not ideal or recommended.
Alternative Viewpoints
Hiking past the Peyto Lake Observation Point is recommended to get different views of the beautiful lake. Bow Summit is a popular hike in the summer. In the winter, park visitors can still snowshoe or ski tour above the viewpoint for the classic vantage point.
However, be mindful of the terrain nearby at Bow Summit as it is in avalanche terrain and winter visitors are strongly encouraged to have avalanche training and proper equipment (beacon, probe, and shovel).
Another view we love is from Observation Peak. This is a scramble that starts on the other side of the Icefields Parkway. It’s a moderate scramble that climbs 1,100 meters (3,600 ft) in 4km, a pretty taxing endeavor that takes between 4 – 7 hours but well worth the climb if you have experience scrambling in the Rockies.
Experienced hikers/scramblers can make an afternoon or morning of the scramble, which offers some of the best views in Banff National Park. The scramble involves a steep slope with scree, so sturdy hiking boots and adequate equipment are necessary.
Other great vantage points can be seen from Bow Summit and Caldron Peak. You can also visit the lake’s shoreline, but the real magic of Peyto Lake is from a distance, with the whole landscape in view.
Can You Hike Down to Peyto Lake?
You can hike down to the lake, though it’s on a steep, loose path. It doesn’t sound so bad going down, but hiking 300 meters back up to the viewpoint and your car will likely have you huffing and puffing.
We don’t recommend hiking down to Peyto Lake unless you are looking for a way to fill your time, as the view is far better from above. At the Peyto Lake lakeshore, the lake looks like any other lake in the Rockies, so I recommend picking another one to dip your toes in instead – Bow Lake is just around the corner. If you want a beautiful blue and quiet lake to enjoy, we recommend hiking to Sherbrooke Lake in Yoho or Hector Lake in Banff. Once you are down at Peyto Lake, you can take a dip, or just enjoy the views before hiking back up.
Can You Swim in Peyto Lake?
You can swim in any of the Canadian Rockies lakes, but the question is, do you really want to? Peyto Lake is a glacial-fed lake, meaning it is just above freezing. It rarely gets above 5C. That means you’ll likely only stay in for a few minutes at most – even in the heat of summer!
It’s a great experience and fun to say you’ve done it, but I guarantee you won’t be staying in the water for long!
When is the Best Time To Visit?
The best time to visit Peyto Lake is from June to September. The Peyto Lake Lookout is open year-round, unlike Moraine Lake, and is most popular to visit in the summer.
Spring arrives around May/June and is a tremendous time as the lake melts, and you can witness tons of wildflowers. In summer, the lake remains full, blue as ever, and is always a great visit.
In the Fall, from late September to October, there are almost no larch trees around Peyto Lake, so fall colors are absent. However if you manage to get to Peyto Lake after the first major snowfall in late October, but before the lake freezes you’re in for a true treat!
Timing wise we recommend visiting Peyto Lake around sunrise and sunset to avoid crowds.
How Long Does it Take to Hike to the Peyto Lake Viewpoint?
The Peyto Lake viewpoint is .5 km from the main parking lot and has roughly 70 meters of elevation gain. Depending on your fitness level, it should take you 10-15 minutes to reach the viewpoint at an average walking pace.
Peyto Lake is not a hard hike, and the path is well paved and easy to follow, making Peyto Lake a great stop on any Banff itinerary. Most visitors should be able to easily reach Peyto Lake, and it’s well worth the short walk to see the gorgeous view.
Is Peyto Lake Accessible?
Peyto Lake welcomes visitors of all abilities! There is a dedicated parking area is available for coaches, along with accessible parking just past the main parking area on your right. If you plan to park here, you’ll need to have a blue accessibility tag. Alternatively, you can drop someone off closer to the more accessible pathway.
From the accessible lot, a pathway leads to the viewpoint along a paved path, making it wheelchair-friendly. Additionally, recent improvements include a new toilet block featuring accessible facilities.
While the trail is surfaced and officially designed for wheelchair accessibility, its steep incline could pose a challenge when returning to your car from the viewing platform. The disabled parking is not accessible in the winter months.
Can You Visit in the Winter?
You can still access the Peyto Lake viewpoint in the winter, and it’s well worth the short hike and peak if some snowshoers or skiers have cleared a trail through the snow.
It’s best not to go further than the viewpoint in the winter unless you are prepared with avalanche gear and knowledge. Wintertime access is limited to the more adventurous and experienced on skis or split boards.
In the winter, Peyto Lake will also be frozen and covered in snow, so you can not witness the gorgeous blue.
Is it a Fox or a Wolf?
When we visit Peyto Lake, I love pointing out its unique shape to visitors. Look closely at the lake’s shape – what does it look like to you? Many say it’s a fox head, some say it’s a wolf. What do you see?
Things To Do at Peyto Lake
Photography
With the dramatic rock wall face of Caldron Peak, expansive views of the valley, snow-topped mountains, and the vivid blue Peyto Lake, it’s one of the most popular stops for photographers to Banff National Park. The classic shot goes past the viewpoint platform and stands atop a rock looking out to the valley below.
It’s a stunning scene. We think early morning light is best if you’re a photographer planning out your photographs. However, if you’re lucky, you will get a pop of color around sunset.
Hike Around Peyto Lake
There are several tremendous hikes around Peyto Lake. We’ll get more into the hikes further on in the post. The parking lot also provides access to the ACC Hut – Peyto Hut – for backcountry and mountaineering trips.
Fish
You are permitted to fish in almost all water bodies in Banff National Park, including Peyto Lake. The lake is stunning, so for anglers who want to spend some time with a great view, you can fish in Peyto Lake. It requires a permit and license. Fishing here is open from July 1st to October 31st and is catch & release only.
Ski/Snowboard
For experienced skiers and snowboarders with backcountry knowledge, you can ski at Peyto Lake. There are two popular ski tour routes: Bow Summit and Observation Peak.
Camping Nearby
You can not camp at Peyto Lake, but there are several campsites nearby. Campsites in Banff National Park vary between first-come, first-serve, and reservation-based. They vary in price from $15-30 CAD a night. To have a fire requires a wood-burning permit available at certain campsites.
Waterfowl Lakes Campground
This is the largest campsite in the area, and it’s situated between the two beautiful Waterfowl lakes. It has 116 campsites and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. They have flush toilets, a luxury, and supply firewood if you buy the permit ($8 a day)—a great campsite.
Mosquito Creek Campground
This is the closest campsite to Peyto Lake and offers great views of the Bow River. It’s great for those who want to pitch a tent as several walk-in sites provide privacy. There are only long drop toilets here and no showers. However, there is a communal eating and cooking hall, food lockers, and solar treated potable water. Ignore the name. There are no more mosquitos here than anywhere else.
Where Can You Stay Around Peyto Lake?
If you do not feel like camping, there is one lodge only six minutes away, The historic Lodge at Bow Lake, that just reopened in summer 2023 after years of renovations. The lodge is beautifully restored and is now one of the top lodges in all the Rockies. We can’t recommend a stay there enough.
The other closest lodges and hotels of note are located in Lake Louise. Of course, there is the grand and historic Chateau Lake Louise, formerly owned by the Canadian Railway. Though, the massive hotel is far from rustic or has a feeling of being in nature.
If you plan to travel the Icefields Parkway in the summer, be sure to book early. Or travel farther and stay in the towns of Banff and Canmore.
Hikes Around Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake Panorama Overlook
This is a great hike that is accessible for any skill level. It involves walking to the first viewpoint and then continues past the viewpoint to an overlook that sits on Bow Ridge. The elevation gain past the first viewpoint is only about 50m and worth the little effort as it provides better views out to the Peyto Glacier, the source of Peyto Lake.
- Trailhead: Peyto Lake Lower Parking Lot
- Distance: 2.7 km
- Elevation: 84 meters
- Time: 45 – 60 minutes (depends on how long you enjoy the view)
Bow Summit
This is a hike past the first two viewpoints over Peyto Lake and crosses the ridge until you reach a view out to Bow Lake down below. It’s a decent hike if you’re looking to stretch your legs and enjoy nature with a little bit of a workout as there is some elevation gain. That being said, for the effort, we prefer other hikes in Banff National Park.
- Trailhead: Peyto Lake Lower Parking Lot
- Distance: 6.6 km
- Elevation: 313 meters
- Time: 2 hours
Observation Peak
Observation Peak is one of Banff National Park’s best short scrambles/hikes. Its name dates back to 1899 from Charles Noyes, who noted the incredible view from the peak of Peyto Lake and the surrounding mountains. This scramble follows up one of two gullies before moving onto a ridge that crosses two rock bands and scree on the way to the false summit.
It’s mostly a grind-up, but two sections present more of a challenge than a hike and require some mild use of hands. You can see one of the most difficult sections in the photo above. This is for the experienced only!
- Trailhead: Access road across from Bow Summit turn off
- Distance: 8 km
- Elevation: 1,101 meters
- Time: 4 – 6+ hours
Caldron Peak
Caldron Peak is a full-day hike that is challenging physically and technical as it requires crossing Peyto Creek, route finding, and some scrambling that is mild exposure. It’s a gorgeous day out in the mountains, but it is better left to experienced hikers/scramblers who are prepared for the demands of long days out in the mountains.
The hike is incredibly rewarding, with stunning views of the Peyto Glacier, waterfalls, Caldron Lake, and a dizzying view from the top of Caldron Peak. One of the best day trips to be had for serious hikers/adventurers in Banff National Park. Just be prepared for some hard work. You’re going to have to earn this one.
- Trailhead: Peyto Lake Lower Parking Lot
- Distance: 20.3
- Elevation: 1,624 meters
- Time: 8 – 10+ hours
Holidays to Be Aware of in Alberta
Peyto Lake is always busy in the summer, but you should note the following holidays as it’s even busier.
- Victoria Day Long Weekend (May Long Weekend) – Last Monday Preceding May 25
- Canada Day – July 1st
- Heritage Day Weekend – 1st Monday of August.
- Labour Day Weekend – 1st Monday of September.
Do You Need A Parks Pass to Visit?
All visitors to Banff National Park need a Parks Canada pass to recreate, including Peyto Lake. You can purchase one online, or at the Parks Canada booths as you get on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N).
Parks Canada Day Pass Rates
| Pass Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Adult | $11.00 |
| Senior | $9.50 |
| Youth (up to 17) | Free |
| Family/Group (7 Persons) | $22.00 |
Parks Canada Discovery Pass Fees (Yearly Pass)
| Pass Type (Yearly Pass) | Rate |
|---|---|
| Adult | $75.25 |
| Senior | $64.50 |
| Youth (up to 17) | Free |
| Family/Group (up to 7 Persons) | $151.25 |
Facilities at Peyto Lake
If you venture to Peyto Lake expecting facilities like at Lake Louise, you’ll be disappointed. There are limited facilities at Peyto Lake, but there are toilets in the parking lot, RV Parking, and bear-safe trash cans (please pick up after yourself and use the bear trash cans correctly!).
Tips For Visiting
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds. Grab a thermos and enjoy the stunning views in the fresh morning air and some coffee.
- If you want to catch the gorgeous bright blues that make Peyto Lake so stunning, opt to get here at least a few hours before sunset. The sun dips behinds the mountains the closer to sunset, which affects the color of the lake.
- Always make sure to bring appropriate clothing. It’s cold year-round, and the mountain peaks often see temperatures below zero, even in August.
- Watch out for bugs and mosquitos as they can come out in hordes during the peak of summer.
- It’s worth venturing just a little past the overlook to escape the crowds, even if you do not plan to hike.
- If you have plans to hike extensively in the area, bring a GPS or download a map to your phone as there is no signage.
- There is no cell phone signal at Peyto Lake. The next closest point for good cell phone coverage is at Lake Louise.
Banff Attractions Nearby
Peyto Lake is just off the famous Icefields Parkway, so there are plenty of other beautiful places nearby. To name a few are:
- Bow Lake
- Hector Lake
- Waterfowl Lakes
- Mistaya Canyon
Hopefully, this helped you determine how to spend your time at Peyto Lake! If you have any other questions leave a comment or see our Canadian Rockies travel guide for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, and everything else.
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendation is the Banff Gondola – a must do experience! If you want to get active, consider snowshoeing on top of the world. Lastly, enjoy nighttime in Banff on this Sunset and Stars Tour!
- Want an all in one tour? Pursuit is running this special Winter Wonder tour on weekends!
- Transport in the winter: If you don’t want to drive to Banff in the winter, we totally get it. To avoid this book with the Banff Airporter.
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy.
- We can help you plan your 2025 trip to Western Canada! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning we can assist! We’ll personally go over your itinerary, hop on a 1 on 1 phone call, or create a bespoke itinerary just for you! See our services here.
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Can I visit Peyto Lake if I do not have a car ? If yes, it will be nice of you if you guide me as I am motivated by your blog to visit Peyto Lake. I am also planning to stay at Deer Lodge for 2 or 3 nights in August-2023.
Unfortunately, public transportation options in the Canadian Rockies is limited and I am not aware of any way to reach Peyto Lake without a car.
Are Bow Lake and Peyto Lake on the same trail? I’m not clear based on the trail instructions.
Bow Lake and Peyto Lake are about 7km driving distance away from each other. The trail up to Bow Summit is what may have caused your confusion. This trail passes the Peyto Lake viewpoint and continues further, you can see Bow Lake in the distance from parts of the trail.
I’m going to visit Peyto Lake in the first week of June.
Is this to early to visit the lake? I would love to see the lake not frozen.
Thank you in advance. 🙂 Love your blog. It’s such an inspiration.
The lake should be thawed by that time, but every year is different so it’s hard to know for certain, but most likely it will be! 🙂
Hello,
First time commenting but long time user of your site, it’s been so valuable for planning my trips to the Banff area. In a few days it will mark my third time as I’m hooked lol.
Last year we traveled to Banff in May and loved it so much we are leaving again next week. Last time we only ventured up to Bow lake but this time I’d like to see Peyto Lake once again.
Question- Is the parking lot cleared of snow so we can park or would we have to hike up from the road side?
I’m from Hawaii- just how difficult is it to get there with what I assume will be packed snow? I have micro spikes and trekking poles. Or would I need to rent snow shoes…I have no experience using them but it looks decently easy. Or am I missing something?
And if anyone reads this- that Gypsy guide is fantastic for just a couple of bucks.
Thanks for any advice
Can you paddleboard (with own) at Peyto Lake? If so, how far from parking area can you inflate and enter water
Or is there a better choice of lake that has pretty blue water and mountain views