Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake
5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,228 reviews
Excellent
2,638
Very good
508
Average
72
Poor
6
Terrible
5
Scott G
Los Angeles, CA433 contributions
Jul 2022
My 20 year old son and I saw Peyto Lake half on a whim, after spending our first two days in Banff exploring Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Boy am I glad we went to Peyto, because it's as impressive as Louise and Moraine, just different.
Louise is huge and glowing milky blue and has the most activities, and it's fun walking to the end of it where the glacial silt goes into the water. Moraine seemed a bit smaller to me and is equally bright and beautiful, but more green. And Peyto seemed a bit smaller than the other two from above, but amazingly bright in both sun or shade and somewhere between the color of Louise and Moraine I thought. The view you get of it is perfectly composed, like a painting, with amazing mountains all around which fade into the distance in the background. Peyto is also a lot less crowded and an easy hike to the one main observation point, about 15 minutes. If I could only go back to one of the three it would be Peyto.
We took the trail that goes along the ridge to the left from the observation platform, and found some amazing views. We stayed up top but you can also walk down to the lake. Its about a 30 minute drive from Lake Louise to Peyto Lake, and it's totally worth it. The views along the way are great, too. The mountains seemed to start blocking the sun in the late afternoon, so to get the full effect of a sunny day on the lake I would arrive before then. I would definitely put Peyto, along with Louise and Moraine, as the three must see lakes in Banff. Highly recommended, see this lake!
Louise is huge and glowing milky blue and has the most activities, and it's fun walking to the end of it where the glacial silt goes into the water. Moraine seemed a bit smaller to me and is equally bright and beautiful, but more green. And Peyto seemed a bit smaller than the other two from above, but amazingly bright in both sun or shade and somewhere between the color of Louise and Moraine I thought. The view you get of it is perfectly composed, like a painting, with amazing mountains all around which fade into the distance in the background. Peyto is also a lot less crowded and an easy hike to the one main observation point, about 15 minutes. If I could only go back to one of the three it would be Peyto.
We took the trail that goes along the ridge to the left from the observation platform, and found some amazing views. We stayed up top but you can also walk down to the lake. Its about a 30 minute drive from Lake Louise to Peyto Lake, and it's totally worth it. The views along the way are great, too. The mountains seemed to start blocking the sun in the late afternoon, so to get the full effect of a sunny day on the lake I would arrive before then. I would definitely put Peyto, along with Louise and Moraine, as the three must see lakes in Banff. Highly recommended, see this lake!
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laurisa R
6 contributions
Jun 2022
Loved the lake! There is a hike with some steep bits up to get to the lake but the views are incredible. Wear some hiking shoes or shoes with grip when you go as there is still a lot of snow on the trail. I would recommend going at a quieter time as the trail is small in some places and requires waiting for people to pass. Would definitely go again.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michele
Seattle, WA62 contributions
Sep 2022
Don't like to hike long distances, but want to see the beauty Banff National Park has to offer? Peyto Lake is for you. Even with wild fire smoke being rather thick, the bright blue water still shined through! I can only imagine what it looks like on a clear sunny day,
The walk to the viewing platform is a quick mini hike from the parking lot. Due to the viewing platform being relatively close, the time spent at Peyto Lake is short. Even if the parking lot is full when you arrive, spots are constantly opening up. Don't give up if the lot is full!
The walk to the viewing platform is a quick mini hike from the parking lot. Due to the viewing platform being relatively close, the time spent at Peyto Lake is short. Even if the parking lot is full when you arrive, spots are constantly opening up. Don't give up if the lot is full!
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cyeson
manila, philippines206 contributions
Jun 2022
We typed in "Bow Summit" on Google Maps to find this place. We arrived here on June 1st and the lake was still frozen. The path was still covered in snow and it was very slippery. Definitely not good for senior citizens. Viewpoint still has snow on it and we were not able to go up the trail past the boardwalk. We saw some people using stick or shoes with spikes (which was a great idea). Parking was also a bit difficult at 10 in the morning, but people come and go fast. It would have been great if the snow has melted and the lake is as blue as all the pictures I've seen. But still, can't complain how beautiful the lake is, even when it's frozen.
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Keith J
Llanelli, UK394 contributions
Aug 2022
We stopped in Peyto Lake on our way to the Ice Fields on our recent trip to Canada. There is a new viewing platform looking down on the lake giving fantastic views of the lake. Well forth a visit.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gra
Ruthin, UK64 contributions
Jun 2022
What a beautiful view, and easy to climb up to from the car park on an easy trail. Only loses a point as it is always busy, go early to get any chance of a good view without having to queue for it. Also not much else to do here once you've seen it, but I'm so glad we went, the wolf head shape is so evident and the colour of the water in June just after ice melt (one third of the lake was still frozen) is such a stunning blue.
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard C
3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Awesome view of Peyto Lake but a little bit of an underwhelming very easy hike up to it. . . I was expecting a really tough climb between 45 min - 1 hr up and the easiness of it slightly took the edge off it
Beautiful glacial Lake with brilliant colours 👌
Beautiful glacial Lake with brilliant colours 👌
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BelaN74
Mississauga, Canada4,131 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
We got engaged at Peyto Lake 5 years ago and when we were planning this trip to Alberta ( we live in Ontario) we checked to make sure Peyto Lake was accessible. We read it was under construction but opening end of August. We were there end of September and greatly disappointed when we drove to Peyto and it was closed. This was to be a huge highlight of our trip and I can’t even explain how disappointed we were. Why was this closed. Stick to the schedule because people make plans and spend lots of money. Disgraceful.
Written October 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Simon J.
Luxembourg272 contributions
Sep 2019 • Solo
In my opinion the most beautiful viewpoint in Banff np.
From the parking lot you take a little walk for like 10min to Bow summit where the viewpoint is located. (see my panorama pic) When I was there I had to fight through a crowd of tourists to get a view.
So if you see pic of calm romantic nature on instagram expect it to be more "awake". Perhaps it just depends on the date and time you're there.
But check the weather and only visit when its clear to see this scenic landscape.
From the parking lot you take a little walk for like 10min to Bow summit where the viewpoint is located. (see my panorama pic) When I was there I had to fight through a crowd of tourists to get a view.
So if you see pic of calm romantic nature on instagram expect it to be more "awake". Perhaps it just depends on the date and time you're there.
But check the weather and only visit when its clear to see this scenic landscape.
Written April 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TourerSussex
East Sussex, UK100 contributions
Sep 2019
It’s a steep hike from the car park to the lake but well worth it as the colour of the water is an amazing turquoise blue. Again, we found ourselves amongst another bunch of selfie takers insisting they get as close as they can to pose in front of the lake outside of the viewing area ruining other people’s photographs. We were lucky to see Peyto as I understand it closed shortly after we were there for improvements.
Written April 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Odette
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
How long is the hike from the main parking lot to the wooden viewing deck?
Pirategril89
Florence, SC27 contributions
Any listing of specific date that the Lake will be closed for renovations?! I have a group traveling there on Friday, August 16 and am hoping that mid-August means later than the 16th? Any idea of "real" closing date? If it does close is it possible to at least look at it from some point?
clarkb54
Madison, MS45 contributions
I found this information in the internet. Hope this helps.
The Peyto Lake and Bow Summit area will now remain open to visitors until mid-August 2019.
At that time, the entire area – including parking lots, restrooms, trails and viewpoints – will close for improvements for the remainder of the year. Start dates remain dependent on weather and contractor availability. We will continue to provide updates as timelines are confirmed. Thank you for your patience while we improve the quality and reliability of national park experiences and safeguard these special places for the future.
minal p
Guelph, Canada6 contributions
Is Peyto Lake is accessible in June 2019?
doctorfoxtrot
Taguig City, Philippines7,707 contributions
Was here 5 days ago. And with the prevailing weather , yes it would be accessible for this month.
lissaWanderlust
Huntsville, AL687 contributions
We are going in September 2018. It’s scheduled to be closed for parking lot renovations. HEARTBROKEN! This is on my bucket list. Is there any other way to hike to this lake?
Chris and Nicole
Newmarket, Canada12 contributions
Do you know if it’s upper or lower parking lot renovations? If it is upper you can hike the main road up as that is what everyone in the winter has to do anyways. If it’s lower you likely will be able to park on the side of the highway or at the entrance way into the parking area and again hike up the main road leading to the viewpoint. Hope this helps!
Lee B
Birmingham, UK20 contributions
My girlfriend & I will driving along the Icefields Parkway on the 10th-12th September 2019 on our journey from Vancouver to Calgary. I've read a article somewhere saying that the route up to Bow summit to view peyto lake will be closed around this time for repair/maintenance.
Is this true, if so is there any other viewing point?
Susie1028
San Diego, CA2,006 contributions
In the Banff National Park booklet, it says that the Bow Summit Parking will be closed as soon as April 2019 for repairs. I visited in April 2019, and it was still open, though impacted with snow. I would recommend checking back in here closer to your departure. My guess is that they will begin repairs once the snow melts.
MichaelCarreiro
Montreal, Canada428 contributions
I was wondering if the lake is accessible in the winter. I know the road is not plowed, but perhaps snowshoeing in? If I were to do that, how far from the where the road is no longer plowed to the lake lookout? Is it even worth the trouble? I do realize that the lake will be covered in snow and ice.
Worldtraveller1948
Seaford, UK74 contributions
Roads are only ploughed once per day in winter. None of service areas remain open. Know no more......
Anonnomous
London, UK5 contributions
Will a baby be ok from the upper parking lot given altitude pls? Thanks
haveboozewilltravel
California640 contributions
Most altitudes in the Canadian Rockies are not that extreme. You should not have any problems unless you have abnormal respiratory problems. Bow Summit is the highest point on that highway and it 6800 feet.
Nizbeth A
1 contribution
Is the viewpoint accessible by a stroller?
DebM908
Bedford158 contributions
When we were there the end of may part of the trail was snow covered . If the snow has disappeared it is actually a paved path to the wooden lookout so you could push a stroller. The parking lot was not paved though , the path that we used started at the far end of the parking lot . I understand there is another path that starts near the washrooms and goes to the same look off , not sure if it is paved. The one we took is about a 10 minutes walk in but worth it .
Peyto Lake (Lake Louise) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Peyto Lake
- We recommend booking Peyto Lake tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 31 Peyto Lake tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Peyto Lake:
- 6 Day Rocky Mountain Explorer Private Tour (From $3,741.83)
- Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway - Full-Day Tour (From $142.88)
- Circle West - Canadian Rockies Round Trip Bus Tour From Vancouver (From $1,153.69)
- 3-Day Rockies Classic Tour (Yoho & Jasper National Park) (From $634.71)
- Banff & The Icefields Parkway | Small Group Active Full Day Adventure Tour (From $220.27)
- Attractions near Peyto Lake:
- (3.31 mi) Icefields Parkway
- (3.31 mi) Bow Lake
- (5.85 mi) Helen Lake Trail