If you are driving along the Icefields Parkway, a stop at Peyto Lake is an absolute must. Yes, it's only a short trail up to the viewpoint and it can be very crowded up there (so be aware of that)...especially in the summer months. If you can visit either before 10.00am or after 4.00pm and you may be able to avoid the big crowds. And if you have some time and want to get away from the crowds you should follow the Bow Summit Lookout Trail which starts at the Peyto Lake viewing platform.

Many people only walk the paved nature trail to the Peyto Lake viewing platform. However, if you continue past the viewing platform and climb another 3km (1.9 miles) to the Bow Summit Lookout you will find some amazing views away from all the crowds. In my mind definitely worth it if you have a couple of hours for this hike. Here is a link to a PDF file with a very good description of this trail: http://www.summerthought.com/50Walks_sample.pdf

I went to this lake 4 times on my trip through Alberta Canada. One day I went around 0800 hours and it was totally fogged in. It made for some unique photos. While waiting for the fog to clear I drove south about five minutes to bow lake and got some beautiful reflection photos with some beautiful pink flowers in the foreground.

I have never seen the colour of water so blue and green, very easy to miss the sign if you aren't looking for it.

Coaches for the tour groups park at the top car park nearest to the outlook, cars in the car park below and you have to walk up the hill...bit of a pull for those less fit.

The outlook gets crowded by the tour groups how go for a 5 second look and a quick snap. It is better to make your way along the trails off the main drag and get away from the crowds. Our guide books mention another outlook which is a good walk away (I can't remember how far they said) but we could not find it. It didn't matter though, as we were happy to sit on some rocks and soak up the amazing views.