1. My Trip
2. About Peyto Lake
3. Why is Peyton lake Blue?
4. Best Time to Visit
5. Activities
6. How Long to Visit

My Trip

Can you see the fox 🦊? Right there! Welcome to Peyto Lake. Alberta have so many beautiful lakes that are must see like the Lake Louise & Lake Moraine but there are also the second mention which are not that popular but is a nice addition to your itinerary if you are in the area anyway.

We did Peyto Lake on our 3rd day, which was our last day. It was more like a stopover as it did not too long to visit, probably 30 – 45 minutes or less.

We did not do any hike in this area but to get to the Peyto Lake you will need to walk a bit and it was mostly uphill. If you consider that a hike, then we did a hike to get to the viewing point. It was called the Bow Summit trail that leads to the viewpoint.

We went there in the morning and the viewing platform was already packed with people. It was difficult to get a photo with less people appearing in the background.

The main selling point of this lake is its fox lake shape which made it unique. The fox shaped lake, turquoise water and the still snow mounting back drop was beautiful.

This place is nice to visit if you happen to be in the area but if not, maybe select some other place to visit. There’s nothing much to do here and the most that you get to is the viewing platform area.

There was no place to get food here so bring your own food and drinks. The washroom is located in the parking area and not within the viewing platform. So if you need to go, go before you walk to the viewing point.

About Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake, located in Banff National Park within the Canadian Rockies, is a stunning glacier-fed lake known for its brilliant turquoise color. Here’s what you need to know about this natural wonder:

• Peyto Lake is situated approximately 40 kilometers north of Lake Louise and is a popular stop along the famous Icefields Parkway.
• The lake’s vibrant blue hue is fed by the Peyto Glacier, which lies high above the lake as part of the Wapta Icefield.
• The viewpoint overlooking Peyto Lake is one of the most spectacular in all of Banff National Park and is a favorite spot for photographers.

• Named after Bill Peyto, an early guide in the park, the lake sits at an elevation of 1880 meters in the Canadian Rockies.
• It has a maximum depth of approximately 90 meters.
• The glacier waters flowing out of Peyto Lake eventually create the Mistaya River, which merges into the North Saskatchewan River at Saskatchewan River Crossing.

Why is Peyton lake Blue?

• Like many other glacier-fed lakes in the area, Peyto Lake appears brilliant blue during the summer months.
• Glaciers grind down rocks into fine particles called rock flour, which is carried downstream into the lake.
• The rock flour refracts light, resulting in the vivid blue or teal color that makes Peyto Lake so breathtaking.
• Other nearby blue lakes include Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Sherbrooke Lake (in Yoho National Park), Bow Lake, and Hector Lake.

Best Time to Visit

• The best time to visit Peyto Lake is during the summer months (June to September).
• The lake is accessible, and the viewpoint offers clear vistas without snow cover.
• Late June to early July is particularly ideal when the snow has melted, revealing the vibrant blue waters.

Activities

• Photography: Capture the stunning panoramic views from the viewpoint.
• Hiking: Explore nearby trails, such as the Bow Summit Trail, which leads to the viewpoint.
• Appreciate Nature: Take in the pristine beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains.

How Long to Visit

• A visit to Peyto Lake can be a short stop if you’re passing through on the Icefields Parkway.
• Plan for at least 30 minutes to an hour to fully appreciate the view, take photos, and soak in the natural splendor.

• [VIDEO] Lake Louis
• [VIDEO] Lake Moraine
• [VIDEO] Peyto Lake
• [VIDEO] Grassi Lake
• [VIDEO] Consolation Lake Trail
• [VIDEO] Bow Lake
• [VIDEO] Bow River Loop Trail
• [VIDEO] Rock Pile
• [VIDEO] Cascade Garden

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