Banff, Alberta

Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

Description

Amazing views, very accessible, rewarding, suitable for every age and skill level.

Would you ever expect this view to be within walking distance (along with a little bit of hiking) from the highway? Peyto Lake, and Peyto Glacier, as seen from Bow Summit. This lake is known as one the 'bluest lake in the rockies' and didn't disappoint at all. I was hesitant to visit, because it is easily accessible and touristy, and I usually avoid places like that. I ended up having the area to myself. GO!

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Features

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

Lake

Romantic

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Banff, Alberta Reviews

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Leave No Trace

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Nearby

Peyto Lake Overlook and Bow Pass Summit

Peyto Lake is a scenic location on the Icefields Parkway about 40 km (25 miles) north of the town of Lake Louise. Access to the viewing area for this magnificent area is immediately off the parkway and is well signposted. From the parking lot at Bow Summit, a short paved trail leads to one of the most breathtaking views you could ever imagine. Skip the viewpoint wooden balcony where hoards of ...

Hike to Bow Glacier Falls

The trailhead begins directly behind the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on km 37 of the Icefields Highway. The trail is well marked and winds along the shore of Bow Lake for the first 1.2km of the hike. Eventually you will lead up to a narrow gorge and onto the crest of a glacial moraine. There are only a few spots where the trail is not as obvious, but just make sure to follow the cairns and you will be fi...

Watch the Sunrise at Bow Lake, Banff NP

Make sure check the sunrise time and to try to arrive 30 minutes to an hour before. If you're driving north or south along the Icefields Parkway, you'll see a sign for Bow Lake, it's about 38km north of Lake Louise. There are two pull-offs for the lake, if you're heading north take the second road, if you're heading south take the first. The short gravel road takes you down to the Simpson's Num...

Snowshoe up Crystal Ridge

For anyone looking to leave crowds behind but still have a killer day, Crystal Ridge might be up your alley! On an unseasonably warm January Saturday, I was the only one to access the trail. My singular trail was the only blemish on the pristine field of snow.The trailhead is located in the northwest end of the Helen Lake parking lot -- in winter, this parking lot is closed but you can park on ...

Ski Tour the Crowfoot Glades

Park at the viewpoint for the Crowfoot Glacier, roughly 32 kilometers after turning off Highway 1. It does sometimes get busy so you might end up parking on the side of the road. From the parking lot head southwest, there is almost always a skin track here. No skin track? Freshies! YAY! After a short descent you will cross the southern section of Bow Lake, the source for the Bow River. The lake...

Mosquito Creek Backpacking Adventure

The Mosquito creek trailhead is on the east side of the Icefield parkway road just across from the Mosquito Creek Hostel. You park in front of the hostel, and hop across the road to begin the trek.The trail winds up the Mosquito Valley, occasionally popping into a clearing where you get good views of the river and Noseeum Mountain. Around 4km you come across the first campground. This is a perf...