Vermilion Lakes
Vermilion Lakes
4.5
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- BruinDanFullerton, California3,316 contributionsBeautiful lakes surrounded by the Canadian RockiesLocated immediately west of the town of Banff, Vermilion Lakes is a series of three picturesque lakes housed within sprawling (1.087 acre) wetlands. My wife and I drove through here as part of our visit to Banff National Park in mid-October 2023. To reach the Vermilion Lakes from either the town of Banff or the Trans-Canada Highway, take Mount Norquay Road until you reach Vermilion Lakes Road, which winds along the edges of the lakes. Parking is limited to a few turnouts along the road. This is also a very popular road for cyclists. Hikers can most easily access the road via a spur off the Fenland Trail. NOTE that there are no facilities (food, drink or restrooms) at Vermilion Lakes. The nearest restroom facilities are at the parking area for the Fenland Trail, which is not far from the intersection of Mount Norquay Road and Vermilion Lakes Road. Unless you are planning to do some swimming, kayaking or the like, this is not the sort of place you will spend hours upon hours exploring. Still, it’s an extremely worthwhile item to your itinerary as the views and photo opportunities are outstanding. Like many people, we first discovered Vermilion Lakes from the viewing area off the Trans-Canada Highway, and decided it merited a closer look. We’re glad we did as this is an excellent example of the beauty that can be found throughout Banff National Park.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 17, 2023
- Paula DLiverpool, United Kingdom139 contributionsPeacefulGorgeous natural area, lovely and quiet when we were there. Lots of photo opportunities and stopping off points along the roads. Crystal clear lakes and snow capped mountains make for some fabulous views. Probably not a 'big trip' but a great place to visit on the way to Banff.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 22, 2024
- SBRochester, New York143 contributionsLovely view of Mount RundleLovely and peaceful drive with benches and view of Mount Rundle: we got out at several runouts to take pictures and sit and watch people with canoes and paddle boards. Lots of bikers riding through, so drive cautiously. An hour is more than enough time, but worth a visit.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
920 reviews
Excellent
435
Very good
342
Average
121
Poor
15
Terrible
7
digitalroc
Calgary, Canada2,139 contributions
Aug 2020
Vermilion Lakes are located 1km west of Banff as the crow flies. The photo opportunities are spectacular here, you get an amazing reflection of the mountains and sky off the lakes. We saw all types of birds, it is worth the time and effort to see Vermilion Lakes.
Written November 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BruinDan
Fullerton, CA3,316 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Located immediately west of the town of Banff, Vermilion Lakes is a series of three picturesque lakes housed within sprawling (1.087 acre) wetlands. My wife and I drove through here as part of our visit to Banff National Park in mid-October 2023.
To reach the Vermilion Lakes from either the town of Banff or the Trans-Canada Highway, take Mount Norquay Road until you reach Vermilion Lakes Road, which winds along the edges of the lakes. Parking is limited to a few turnouts along the road. This is also a very popular road for cyclists. Hikers can most easily access the road via a spur off the Fenland Trail.
NOTE that there are no facilities (food, drink or restrooms) at Vermilion Lakes. The nearest restroom facilities are at the parking area for the Fenland Trail, which is not far from the intersection of Mount Norquay Road and Vermilion Lakes Road.
Unless you are planning to do some swimming, kayaking or the like, this is not the sort of place you will spend hours upon hours exploring. Still, it’s an extremely worthwhile item to your itinerary as the views and photo opportunities are outstanding. Like many people, we first discovered Vermilion Lakes from the viewing area off the Trans-Canada Highway, and decided it merited a closer look. We’re glad we did as this is an excellent example of the beauty that can be found throughout Banff National Park.
To reach the Vermilion Lakes from either the town of Banff or the Trans-Canada Highway, take Mount Norquay Road until you reach Vermilion Lakes Road, which winds along the edges of the lakes. Parking is limited to a few turnouts along the road. This is also a very popular road for cyclists. Hikers can most easily access the road via a spur off the Fenland Trail.
NOTE that there are no facilities (food, drink or restrooms) at Vermilion Lakes. The nearest restroom facilities are at the parking area for the Fenland Trail, which is not far from the intersection of Mount Norquay Road and Vermilion Lakes Road.
Unless you are planning to do some swimming, kayaking or the like, this is not the sort of place you will spend hours upon hours exploring. Still, it’s an extremely worthwhile item to your itinerary as the views and photo opportunities are outstanding. Like many people, we first discovered Vermilion Lakes from the viewing area off the Trans-Canada Highway, and decided it merited a closer look. We’re glad we did as this is an excellent example of the beauty that can be found throughout Banff National Park.
Written December 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan K
Arlington, United States99 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
Easy to reach scenic lakes right outside of the town of Banff.
There are two viewing locations for the lakes, the pullover off the main road or lakeside view.
The pullover from the main road provides a nice sweeping view of the lakes and and surrounding area, to include the mountains in the back drop.
If you have a few extra minutes, I would recommend driving down to the lakes so that you can experience the lakeside views/walk on the small piers. The lakeside view is also more relaxing/provides a better opportunity to absorb the local beauty. The road to the lakeside views is also a popular bicycle route.
Overall, the lakes are worth stopping for/taking a look at. The lakes are mere minutes from the popular Banff sign that seems like a must-do photo opportunity for tourists visiting the area.
There are two viewing locations for the lakes, the pullover off the main road or lakeside view.
The pullover from the main road provides a nice sweeping view of the lakes and and surrounding area, to include the mountains in the back drop.
If you have a few extra minutes, I would recommend driving down to the lakes so that you can experience the lakeside views/walk on the small piers. The lakeside view is also more relaxing/provides a better opportunity to absorb the local beauty. The road to the lakeside views is also a popular bicycle route.
Overall, the lakes are worth stopping for/taking a look at. The lakes are mere minutes from the popular Banff sign that seems like a must-do photo opportunity for tourists visiting the area.
Written October 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gra
Ruthin, UK60 contributions
Jun 2022
These lakes are so close to Banff, but seemed to have very few visitors which made them even more beautiful. We cycled here in less than ten minutes, you can also walk here. The views across the various lakes to the mountains were stunning and there are plenty of places to pull over and take in the view or picnic.
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hansi
Gold Canyon, AZ1,374 contributions
Sep 2020
This place is almost magical at either early morning or close to sunset. I visited it very often while attending the School of Fine Arts in Banff. One was almost guaranteed to see Moose and Bears. The Moose usually standing in the water, pulling up grasses and weeds, totally un disturbed, often with young ones. Bears in the fall were always looking for berries. But the scenery, the views are spectacular. Mt.Rundle, Cascade Mountain and Sulphur Mountain, wonderful. Especially if their is snow on them.
A MUST see attraction in Banff
A MUST see attraction in Banff
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tee
20 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Especially worth the bike/drive during September to see the yellow leaves. I have not canoed here but it looked like a fabulous idea. Lakes were pristine and docks were a wonderful place to enjoy the afternoon sun and relax.
Written September 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula D
Liverpool, UK139 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Gorgeous natural area, lovely and quiet when we were there. Lots of photo opportunities and stopping off points along the roads. Crystal clear lakes and snow capped mountains make for some fabulous views. Probably not a 'big trip' but a great place to visit on the way to Banff.
Written June 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony K
Moreno Valley, CA948 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Right near town. This is nice and easy short scenic drive past the Vermilion Lakes. Drive slow and enjoy the views as lots of people use this road to Walk, Bike and run etc
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vincent C
478 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Don't just do the lookout from the highway; do the scenic drive just below. A few nice stops to get the best views of the Banff mountain range and lakes together.
We did not go during sunset as the weather was not great but I imagine it would be incredible.
We did not go during sunset as the weather was not great but I imagine it would be incredible.
Written September 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben B
Calgary, Canada14,137 contributions
Mar 2021
We found ourselves with time to spare, and decided to check out the Vermilion Lakes. It was great little drive, and the main viewpoint area with its lovely benches is still open. If you want to have some brilliant views of the mountains, head out here. DO pay heed to snowploughing on the Trans Canada above! When they're at it, rocks etc apparently can rain down on the road!
Written March 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anyone know if you can boating to VERMILION LAKES from the Canoe Club and back? I heard you might be able do so when the water level is high? Someone mentioned you can do it from Forty Mile Creek ? Anyone has the location or any idea?I am bringing my own inflatable boat. Thanks
Written July 27, 2020
Were you able to ride from the bike rental place to the lakes, or did you have to have bike racks on your car? Where did you rent the bikes?
Written July 5, 2019
To the person who got the bear pics! Where was this along the vermillion lake trail, I have been twice and hope to go back next year, were you walking along the road with the lake next to you? What time of year and time of day was this? How fabulous!
Has anyone else seen bears here, if so whereabouts/how far down the road from Banff?
Written September 3, 2018
Sorry I'm not the person who saw the bears. We did see one up close right next to the parking lot at Minnewanka Lake, one along the road on the Icefield Parkway, and one in Waterton Lakes National Park. I think the chance of seeing a bear is a matter of luck. There were warning signs that bears were out and about at most of the sights we visited. They do try to stay away from people. I certainly wouldn't want to see one while walking along the road! We were always safely in our car.
I found this information online: "Getting up early in the mountains pays off. At dawn or just afterwards presents one of the best opportunities to see wildlife. The next optimal times are in the late afternoon and in the couple of hours prior to sunset. These are the active feeding hours for many of the animals... Ironically the best time of the year to see wildlife in the Canadian Rockies is during the slower tourist seasons of spring, fall and winter. This is when many of the animals move to lower elevations and near towns for mating rituals or food. Fall is also the time when bears are actively foraging. They need to pack on as much fat as possible before winter. By late October most of the bears have gone back into hibernation.... The odd bear can be seen as early as mid to late March, but most of them start to come out of hibernation in late April and early May... Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) – a lesser traveled road with better chances to see wildlife such as mule deer, wolves, coyotes, black bear, grizzlies, bighorn sheep and elk. Optimal times are near sunrise and sunset... The road to Sunshine ski area – cougars and occasionally grizzly bear have been spotted along the road... Lake Louise is a prime grizzly bear breeding area. Visitors are often surprised that the campground located in the village of Lake Louise has an electric fence around it to keep the bears out. Around the lake – female bears and cubs have often been spotted at the back of the lake in the spring... above the start of the lakes shore trail... Plain Of Six Glaciers Trail – grizzlies can often been seen feeding on the grassy slopes in the distance during the summer and early fall.... The road to Lake Louise – on the 4km road that connects the village to Lake Louise you might get lucky and see grizzly bears and their cubs feeding in the grasses.... Moraine Lake – The hikes that are accessed from this area are frequented by grizzly bears. Restrictions are put in place on certain trails where a minimum party of six is required. Check with the local Parks Canada office or on their website for current notices.
Lake Louise Gondola – from June through September up the ski hill can be an excellent way to see grizzly bears feeding on the grassy slopes.... Maligne Lake Road – an excellent drive to spot wildlife. Near Medicine Lake you can often see Bighorn Sheep and black bears. Look for Pika in the rocky area near the shore of the lake. Moose have been spotted along this road, but they are a rare.
Pyramid Lake Road – possible sightings of moose and bear along the road side and beavers at the lake....Black bears are also spotted on hiking trails in Jasper and on higher elevation hikes you can sometimes see a grizzlies....West of Jasper along the Yellowhead Highway #16 there are often elk, sheep, bear and deer spotted, and the occasional moose....Icefields Parkway - Grizzly bears and more often black bears can be spotted near the roadway at any point along the parkway." (Information from banff and beyond website)
I hope this helps!
Written September 4, 2018
Are there outfitters near here who rent kayaks? We are looking to do a few hours of kayaking. Thanks for your review.
Written July 31, 2016
The Banff canoe club. Address:
Corner of Wolf Street and Bow Ave, Banff
Hours of Operation:
9am until 9pm
Opening Day is May 14th 2016
Written July 31, 2016
Is there a parking lot near the lakes? Where can I park my car for a nice picnic lunch with the lake view?
Written July 28, 2016
The frontage road on the south side of the Trans-Canada Highway (1) is named Vermilion Lakes Drive. It intersects with Norquay Road just north of Banff and south of the Trans-Canada interchange. About one mile to the west along Vermilion Lakes Drive from the Norquay road intersection there is a small parking lot and dock on the north shore of First Vermilion Lake. Another mile to the west there is another parking lot and dock at Second Vermilion Lake. Either place would make a nice spot for a picnic although there is substantial noise from the Trans-Canada above.
Written August 1, 2016
Is it possible to have dinner with a view of lakes? Or at least a glass of wine. Thanks
Written June 13, 2016
Yes, You can have dinner at the restaurant in the Juniper Hotel. It is situated on the lower slopes of Mount Norquay and the dinning room has an excellent view of Vermillion Lakes.
Written June 14, 2016
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