When visiting the Canadian Rockies, you must see all the beautiful lakes in Canada’s National Parks. Each park is unique and full of adventure. Have you ever seen pictures of some magical destination on social media and thought to yourself, there is no way those colors are real. That’s how I’ve felt each time I’ve visited Canada’s National Parks and surrounding areas.
Imagine…experiencing ancient glaciers, waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and emerald lakes as you road trip through the Canadian Rockies into the National Parks. The colors are bright, vibrant, and unbelievably breathtaking.
These are the most beautiful lakes in Canada’s National Parks you won’t want to miss!
Getting There
Fly into Edmonton, and then rent a car. If you drive south from Jasper it will take you through 3 jaw dropping Canadian National Parks. Starting in Jasper National Park, make your way down the icefields parkway through Banff National Park & end in Yoho National Park. So if you plan on visiting each of the parks, flying home out of Calgary will save you time and money.
Jasper National Park – Alberta
Jasper National Park has plenty of adventurous activities to offer visitors. From rock climbing to white water rafting- this is an adventurer’s dream park. Read more about Jasper in my Adventurer’s Guide to Jasper National Park for more info!
Maligne Lake
Second Lake
Fourth Lake
In Jasper National Park there is a 4.5-kilometer trail called Valley of the Five Lakes. The Loop is rated as moderate and is dotted with 5 lakes and breathtaking mountain views. The trail is primarily used for hiking, with the best time being from March to October.
You May Also Like:
The Ultimate Guide to Jasper National Park
Icefields Parkway – Alberta
The Icefields Pathway will take your breath away, as you drive the famous stretch of road. The drive is an adventure itself as it takes you through the Canadian Rockies national parks. The road goes from Jasper down to Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta.
Along the drive, you’ll see hundreds of ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and crystal clear emerald lakes. All are surrounded by sweeping valleys of thick pine and rich forests.
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park. The lake is easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway. A short hike up the trail will bring you to this breathtaking view of Peyto Lake.
Banff National Park – Alberta Canada
Recommended Read: Learn more about the area in this article: “Banff, Canada: History, Culture, and Travel ” by Neelamber Patel from yoair.com
Lake Louise
Perhaps one of the most crowded lakes in Banff National Park- Lake Louise is known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks. Hiking trails wind up to the Lake Agnes Tea House giving hikers a bird’s-eye view of the lake. You can rent canoes in summer, or skate on a frozen glacier lake skating rink. The lake has a ski resort with a gondola, making this a popular winter destination as well.
Lake Moraine
This iconic jaw-dropping shade of turquoise is sure to leave a lasting impression. The waters are the most amazing color and are set in the Valley of Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, Alberta. The lake is great for kayaking, hiking, or picnicking as it is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles.
Yoho National Park – British Columbia
The least visited of the 3 Canadian Rockies national parks is Yoho National Park, in British Columbia. The park should not be overlooked by its more famous siblings Banff & Jasper. The park is half as busy as Banff offering visitors over 61 beautiful lakes to explore.
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is the largest in the park. Canoes are available for rent out on the absolutely beautiful glacial-fed lake with vibrant turquoise-colored water.
Sherbrooke Lake
Kicking Horse River at Wapta Falls
Grassi Lakes
Grassi Lakes Trail in Canmore is just a short drive from Banff National Park.
For more adventures
check out my other National Park guides!
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48 comments
All the lakes are absolutely stunning! Not just the colors, even the rocks added beauty to them. I always envy my friend who lives not too far from Banff.
You should visit that friend and go see all the national parks in the Canadian Rockies! It is my favorite area in North America. I’ve visited 2x and we’re ready to head back for a 3rd once the borders open again.
Wow! The nature is stunning! I hope I get to visit these lakes someday. I’ve always wanted to visit Banff National Park
Wow, your photos are so beautiful. I love the turquoise blue of the lakes in Canada. I’m hoping to be able to visit there soon!
Such beautiful destinations and your photos are stunning!
Oh my every time I see the pics of these turquoise lakes in Banff and Jasper National Park, I just wanna get transported there. I have explored bit of Eastern Canada , but missed going to this stunning part. But one thing i knew that Canada is nature lovers delight. Thanks for sharing
Gosh, these lakes make me want to buy a kayak today, haha! The water looks absolutely electrifying. Also, would love to try that wildlife safari!
There are so many beautiful spots in Canada to see, and the lakes are always so magical! The only lakes I’ve been to are the ones in Ontario but I would love to explore more of the country.
Canada looks beautiful! I can’t wait for the boarders to open so I can visit and see this for myself
Wow all these places looks so beautiful…. especially Peyto Lake! So keen to get to Canada. Thanks for sharing
Such a detailed post! I’m from Canada originally and am yet to cross some of these off my list. I’ve saved for later. Thank you!
I don’t like crowds so may be happiest in Yoho NP. I went to Vancouver for the first time. It was so beautiful that it made me want to explore this area. I would love to take a train ride through the mountains and explore all the parks. I also need to end a hike with ice cream. Do you know if it’s homemade?
Lake Louise is on my bucket list, but I didn’t realize there’s so much more to explore in the same area. I’ve pinned your post for future travel planning. I love being out in nature. The lakes are calling me!
I love the Canadian rockies! There is nothing more beautiful than the sharp mountain scapes paired with the aqua blue waters. I haven’t been to the West Coast of Canada in years and this is tempting me to go back ASAP!
The Canadian Rockies are a gorgeous place to visit!
Well this fellow Canadian loves to see and read other’s perspectives! It’s so beautiful, and has been way too long for me to remember this special place. I love how you showcased each lake, it’s so hard to choose a favourite isn’t it?
I like to do the same! Foreign visitors have such a different perspective and it’s refreshing! I have visited the rockies twice now, 2017 / 2019 thats how much I love them haha we are from Michigan – so it’s a long journey for us to get there/back. This is the first “long” trip i’ve done where I return to a place i’ve previously visited – that’s how much I love the area haha
I loved the Canadian Rockies so much. I drove from BC to AB. This post makes me wanna go back there right now!
YES! BC/AB have some of my favorite NP’s. I did a week camping trip with friends a few years ago, then another with my partner last September. I’d go back today if I could. haha I’ve seen Jasper, Banff, Yoho, Icefields Parkway, Revelstoke, & Glacier- which ones did you visit?
Canada is so high on mu bucketlist and these national parks especially! They are so stunning and look at the colours of those lakes!! You’ve captured them so perfectly, great job!
Thank you for the compliments! It’s very hard to take a “bad” picture of those beautiful gems.
I have been to most of these spots just in February and absolutely loved them. I would love to go back in summer though! 🙂
They must have been so beautiful with all the snow! Was it difficult to do hiking/exploring in the winter? I’ve been 2x to BC/AB area, and I would go back without hesitation lol
The Canadian Rockies are very high on my bucket list. Like the sound of the Sulphur Skyline – nice walking distance, hot springs and ice cream – perfect!
A friend of mine had Canada on his bucketlist, and when he passed away I decided that I would visit the places that were on his list.
So I will be comming for canada 🙂
We did the Rocky mountaineer trip years ago! Your pictures of Peyto Lake and Lake Louise brought back memories. I love this part of Canada. So scenic! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
It was my 2nd visit to the area, both times were incredible. With so much land to explore, there were very few duplicates from what I did on the first trip 🙂
How beautiful. Thanks for this guide to exploring these gorgeous landscapes.
Beautiful photography! My favorite NP in the states is Rocky Mountain NP- I’d love to check out the Canadian Rockies National Parks! The Icefields Parkway looks amazing, and the blue in Peyto Lake is insane! Thank you for this- I am going to pin it for later!
Banff has always been near the top of our travel list, but I think this 3-park trip sounds much better. Thanks for sharing!
Your post is totally making want to explore more of my own country! I live in B.C., and I love being reminded how beautiful it is! Love your photos!!
Canada has definitely been on my bucket list for some time and I think this trip really captures everything I would want to do! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I have only been in Canada to Banff for work and I felt in love with the Rockies. I did not even know that mountains like that existed. It was simply breathtaking. Thanks for compiling these!
How beautiful!
Where do you find all thease unique places? The Emerald lake is simply stunning!
So beautiful! We plan to go here next summer, and I cannot wait! Kayaking on Emerald Lake looks like a dream.
Such a beautiful region – I’ve never met a part of Canada that I didn’t love!
Thanks for reminding me how stunning Canada is!
I hope you’re ready to plan your next time 🙂 I’ll be heading back in less than two weeks. I’m SO EXCITED!
stunning photos xx
Thank you!!
Canada is amazing. I’d love to see these lakes. Now on my list.
This were my favorite. I’ll be back in less than two weeks to explore the area more. I cant wait to see what others are waiting for me 🙂
Um, someone has a thing for natural waters 👏 👏 😋😊😆👊
how could you tell?! 😏
😁😃😂😂 nice one.. Waters are so calming
I think this is my favorite trip to date too!! I wanna go back. Jealous you’re going again this year!
Wow great job , looks amazing
Thanks! It was one of my favorite trips to date!