Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake which includes a lake or waterhole and landscape views
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This glacial lake draws visitors for its turquoise waters and surrounding mountain scenery.

Peyto Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park. It turns aqua blue in summer, creating a beautiful sight as the water is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

The lookout high above the lake is the best place to see the water. Not many visitors hike down to the lake itself. There’s a car park just off the highway, and it’s a 10 to 15 minute walk to the lookout. The trail is paved and suitable for just about any fitness level. A second car park closer to the lookout is for tourist buses and disabled parking.

The lake is 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Lake Louise, and about 63 miles (100 kilometers) north of Banff. Rent a car from either town and drive the scenic Icefields Parkway. Several tour companies run day trips through the National Park, and most include a stop at Peyto Lake Lookout.

Enjoy the uninterrupted views across snow-capped peaks, valleys, forests and the lake from the wooden viewing platform suspended over the edge of the mountain.

The lake is fed by glaciers. Rock particles enter the water when the glaciers melt in summer, which gives the water its turquoise color. The view is still worth the trip in winter, when the lake freezes over and the landscape is covered with snow.

Tourist buses bring big crowds to the lookout in summer. Sometimes it can be hard to even get a foot on the viewing platform. Come before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid the rush. Otherwise, continue on past the lookout. A 2-mile (3-kilometer) trail leads to Bow Summit Lookout. Fewer people take this route, so it’s less crowded, and there are some great photo opportunities.

A second trail leads from the Peyto Lake Lookout down to the lake. You’ll need several hours to attempt the return hike.

Top Hotels Close to Peyto Lake

Lake Louise Inn
Lake Louise Inn
3 out of 5
210 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB, T0L1E0
The price is CA $316 per night from May 31 to Jun. 1
CA $316
per night
May 31 - Jun. 1
Stay at this 3-star eco-friendly hotel in Lake Louise. Enjoy free parking, 3 restaurants, and 3 spa tubs. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,230 reviews)
"Na"

Reviewed on May 21, 2023

Lake Louise Inn
HI-Mosquito Creek Hostel
HI-Mosquito Creek Hostel
1 out of 5
Highway 93, Bow Lake, AB, T1L 1B3
Stay at this hostel in Bow Lake. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and hiking/biking on site. Popular attraction Crowfoot Glacier is located nearby. Discover ...
7.6/10 Good! (6 reviews)
"I had a good experience , Ian was up late and was bale to check me in after 10. He gave me a good rundown of where everything was at .He gave me some good tips on where to get food , gas and where and when to see sites and good hiking spots. The cabin was very clean and so was the bathroom ."

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2018

HI-Mosquito Creek Hostel
Emerald Lake Lodge
Emerald Lake Lodge
3.5 out of 5
Emerald Lake Road, Field, BC, V0A1G0
The price is CA $588 per night from Jun. 5 to Jun. 6
CA $588
per night
Jun. 5 - Jun. 6
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-friendly hotel in Field. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Absolutely gorgeous! A little pricey but worth it."

Reviewed on May 25, 2023

Emerald Lake Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Plan a trip to see Peyto Lake

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Best Lodging Options Near Peyto Lake

Deer Lodge
Deer Lodge
3 out of 5
109 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, AB, T0L1E0
Deer Lodge
HI-Mosquito Creek Hostel
HI-Mosquito Creek Hostel
1 out of 5
Highway 93, Bow Lake, AB, T1L 1B3
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Emerald Lake Lodge
Emerald Lake Lodge
3.5 out of 5
Emerald Lake Road, Field, BC, V0A1G0
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Lake Louise Inn
Lake Louise Inn
3 out of 5
210 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB, T0L1E0
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Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
4 out of 5
111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, AB, T0L1E0
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Mountaineer Lodge
Mountaineer Lodge
2.5 out of 5
101 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB, T0L 1E0
Mountaineer Lodge
Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
2.5 out of 5
105 Lake Louise Drive, Box 7, Lake Louise, AB, T0L1E0
Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
Family Superior Two Bedroom Cabin
Family Superior Two Bedroom Cabin
Lake Louise, AB
Family Superior Two Bedroom Cabin
Baker Creek | Two Bedroom Cabin
Baker Creek | Two Bedroom Cabin
Lake Louise, AB
Baker Creek | Two Bedroom Cabin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.