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Vermilion Lakes

Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
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Ranked #9 of 27 attractions in Banff
Type: Bodies of Water
Activities: Viewing wildlife, Getting married
Traveler Description: Location Details:  Directions: 5 minute drive (1.5 miles) northwest of Banff. From downtown, take Mount Norquay Rd north towards the Trans-Canada Hwy... more »
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103 reviews from our community

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    50
    38
    10
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    3
Date Rating
Birmingham, Alabama
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

I expected more. This was a rambling peaceful drive along side small lakes that provide sanctuary to local birds. Biggest drawback is that runs alongside a major highway.

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See 4 more reviews by hugsforall3 for Banff
Portland, Maine
Top Contributor
259 reviews 259 reviews
182 attraction reviews
Reviews in 73 cities Reviews in 73 cities
60 helpful votes 60 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013

These three fairly small, shallow, boggy but lovely lakes, located west of Banff just 4.5 km out on dead-end Vermillion Lakes Drive, each has the same gorgeous mountain backdrop. It’s definitely a camera-worthy place. Between the first two lakes is a small, forested island. The lake farthest from the village has hot springs, which we’d hoped to see firsthand. When... More

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See 4 more reviews by mainemountainbear for Banff
Toronto, Canada
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 28, 2013

A short 4km drive along the lakes with spectacular views over to Mt. Rundell. We drove with windows down to enjoy the sound of the wind in the pines...spotted mule deer and many species of ducks. Very tranquil and pleasant

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 9 more reviews by HelencTorontO for Banff
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed April 21, 2013

All there was was moss, fungus, mosquitoes & dirt. No place for picnic. It's just water surrounded with trees and bushes. Nothing so great.

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See 4 more reviews by Gauri K for Banff
Barrie, Canada
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
79 helpful votes 79 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2013

Just a short drive (or cycle when the snow melts) outside of Banff. Great photo opps with the lakes as 'reflecting pools' for the mighty Rockies. Awesome.

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See 5 more reviews by lyon4uk for Banff
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 5, 2013

These lakes are not far from Banff and you will pass them on your way from Sunshine to Banff. Make sure you take the extra effort to drive down to the lake shore for awesome views! You get an awesome view of Mt Rundle off the lakes.

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Edmonton, Canada
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

Have been here both summer and winter. Gorgeous views and quiet. Well laid out trails from the town of Banff near the railroad tracks for an easy walk and close to Tim Hortons for a coffee afterwards to warm up! We kayaked on the lakes this past summer and enjoyed the peacefulness. Saw an eagle swoop down and grab a... More

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See 3 more reviews by Prairiegirl65 for Banff
Sydney, Australia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
6 attraction reviews
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 13, 2013

Normally this would be a great drive, however I choose to walk a portion of the way. It is very beautiful at winter time, and I have been told this is where the wolves hang out also.

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See 7 more reviews by Leese D for Banff
fort lee, nj
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 8, 2013

Just past the train station and the bus stop,and 10 minutes walk Vermillion Lakes offer spectacular reflections of the surrounding mountain tops.

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See 5 more reviews by geoFortLee_Nj for Banff
High River, Canada
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 18, 2013

The views are unbelievable, especially Mt Rundle in the twilight. We always see wildlife. Binoculars & a camera are a must.

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See 4 more reviews by jerseygirl4491 for Banff

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