Peyto Lake Tours and Activities

Peyto Lake featuring a lake or waterhole, views and mountains
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake showing views, a lake or waterhole and landscape views
Peyto Lake featuring mountains, forests and a lake or waterhole
Peyto Lake which includes a lake or waterhole, mountains and landscape views


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.

Plan a trip to see Peyto Lake

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Best Lodging Options Near Peyto Lake

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2.5 out of 5
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Post Hotel & Spa

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Paradise Lodge & Bungalows

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Deer Lodge

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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.

Things to do near Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake offers stunning outdoor experiences, including the iconic viewpoint hike that showcases its unique wolf-head shape. For avid hikers, the nearby Mistaya Canyon and Bow Summit trails provide breathtaking panoramas. While skiing isn't available directly at the lake, nearby resorts like Lake Louise and Sunshine Village offer excellent slopes. Camping options abound in the surrounding Banff National Park, making it a perfect base for exploring the stunning landscape and enjoying various outdoor activities.

Shopping

For shopping near Peyto Lake, visit Wilsons Mountain Sports, a great spot for outdoor gear, located 40.2km away. If you're up for a drive, check out Samson Mall, also 40.2km away, which offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a mix of shops and eateries.

Adventure

The Juniper Express Ski Lift offers thrilling ski vibes, located 40.2km from Peyto Lake. The Glacier Express Quad Ski Lift, also 40.2km away, provides another exciting skiing experience. For a unique adventure, the Summit Chair Lift, situated 38.6km from Peyto Lake, guarantees breathtaking views and exhilarating descents.

Find the best attractions near Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake, Alberta, offers a stunning array of attractions for every type of traveler, from romantic getaways to adventurous outings. Explore breathtaking sites like Bow Lake, Lake Louise, and the iconic Peyto Lake itself, all surrounded by majestic glaciers and waterfalls. Reviews praise the area's natural beauty and outdoor experiences, making it a perfect destination for those seeking adventure amidst nature's splendour.

  • Bow Lake: Located 6.4km from Peyto Lake, Bow Lake is a stunning gem that offers romantic scenery and outdoor activities. The pristine waters and surrounding mountains create a picturesque setting, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing beach day.
  • Crowfoot Glacier: Situated 8.0km away, Crowfoot Glacier is a breathtaking sight with its dramatic ice formations. The glacier's stunning views make it a photographer's paradise, showcasing the raw beauty of Canada's natural landscape.
  • Twin Falls: Found 19.3km from Peyto Lake, Twin Falls presents an adventurous experience with its majestic waterfalls. This location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, providing thrilling hiking opportunities amidst a romantic backdrop of cascading water.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Peyto Lake

To save money on your visit to Peyto Lake, consider travelling in the off-peak months of February, April, and November when hotel prices are lower. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance can secure better rates. Saturday is the least expensive day to stay, while Sunday tends to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and desired amenities, and look for last-minute deals indicated by green labels. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Peyto Lake is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Peyto Lake are February, April and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Peyto Lake about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Peyto Lake is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Peyto Lake is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel reservation for Peyto Lake with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.