Things to do in Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies: The Best Bodies of Water

August 8, 2021 Dorsey Hagwood

With Cascade Mountain to the north and Sulphur Mountain to the south, the town of Banff boasts a magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountain setting. Travelers are spoiled for choice by the irresistible combination of luxury lodges, perfect powder, renowned restaurants and energetic nightlife on offer. With both summer and winter appeal, Banff lures visitors to its stores, spas and slopes year-round.
Restaurants in Banff National Park

1. Egypt Lake

Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Excellent
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Egypt Lake

Scenic lake nestled in the Canadian Rockies; makes a great hike.

2. Consolation Lakes

Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Consolation Lakes

3. Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake Rd off Great Divide Hwy, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada 403-522-3733 [email protected] http://morainelake.com
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
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3%
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5.0 based on 5,819 reviews

Moraine Lake

This beautiful lake nestled in the mountains is best known for its appearance on the back of the Canadian dollar bill.

Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain

Moraine Lake is one of the main sightseeings in Banff National Park, one of the three national parks, which are close with others: Yoho, and Jasper National Parks. Here it is possible to do some different excursions (we did one, the Consolation Lake Trial about 6 km surrounding the lake and go up to a the other lake), really a wonderful excursion with great views of the lake and surroundings.. Near the lake, there are some natural areas of forest, where you can see also very beautiful views. A Top in (West) Canada!!! In fact, the best views are from a little top in front of Morraine Lake, from where you can see incredible views of the lake and the Valley of Ten Peaks. (See also Banff National Park, Minnenwanka Lake, Consolation Lake, Louise Lake, Herbert Lake, Hector Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Johnston Canyon, Mistaya Canyon, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Glacier, North Saskatchewan River, Valley of Ten Peaks).

4. Peyto Lake

Icefield Parkway, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada +1 403-522-3833 http://banffandbeyond.com/category/banff-lake-louise/peyto-lake-and-bow-summit
Excellent
82%
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5.0 based on 3,192 reviews

Peyto Lake

Reviewed By Mary-Meadows - Hamilton, Canada

Driving back from the Icefield we happened upon this hidden gem. We were able to drive to top parking lot so only a short walk out to the lookout through a pine forest that was so beautiful with the snow on the trees from the snow we received that morning (yes in June!) When you get to the lookout the view of Peyto Lake is breathtaking. The colour is brilliant blue. So glad we found this beauty!

5. Rockbound Lake

Banff National Park, Alberta Canada +1 403-762-1550 http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonee-hiking/banff#rockbound
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
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4.5 based on 23 reviews

Rockbound Lake

A lake completely surrounded by rock.

6. Lake Agnes

Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta T0L 1E0 Canada
Excellent
66%
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26%
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7%
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4.5 based on 480 reviews

Lake Agnes

Tiny lake only a couple of kilometers away from Lake Louise; a great hiking destination.

Reviewed By cathyw156 - Ottawa, Canada

We arrived at 9:45 on the first monday in October and there were still spots left in the main lot (although they were filling up quickly). The trail is well marked. We hiked to the Lake Agnes Teahouse first. From there we went up to the Little Beehive and then retraced our steps to the Teahouse. We had a quick lunch before hiking up the Big Beehive trail. There was a short section where it switchbacks up that I found a bit uncomfortable not being the best with heights but it would likely not bother most people. We returned by the trail through the forest that joins up with the Highline trail. This takes you back to Mirror Lake. I think this route was longer than if we had gone back to the Teahouse and down from there but I preferred that to doing the switchbacks back down. Loved the views at Lake Agnes and from the tops of both beehives!

7. Consolation Lakes

Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Excellent
67%
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4.5 based on 3 reviews

Consolation Lakes

8. Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1K2 Canada https://www.banfflakelouise.com/lake-minnewanka?utm_source=TravelAlberta-ATIS&utm_medium=TravelAlberta&utm_campaign=ATIS+-+Alberta+Tourism+Information+Service&utm_content=Listing%2f1285%2fen-CA
Excellent
54%
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4.5 based on 3,734 reviews

Lake Minnewanka

There’s no comparing the emerald green waters of Minnewanka with any urban landscape. Mountain ridges stretch as far as the eye can see, eventually blurring into a blissful cascade of colours.

Reviewed By bhavnaandshahaan - Mumbai, India

This place has my heart forever... so beautiful, serene and quiet.... was in love with the natural beauty ... do take the scenic drive after the boat experience and soak in the magic ... on our boat tour we met Mr Tim Cook the ceo of apple which was a total surprise .... for more pics and reviews from our trip to banff follow us on instagram @ bhavnaandshahaan

9. Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lakes Road, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T0L 0C0 Canada +1 888-773-8888 http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/les10-top10/vermilion.aspx
Excellent
47%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
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4.5 based on 906 reviews

Vermilion Lakes

Reviewed By Barbalooni - Overland Park, United States

We hiked near Vermillion Lakes and it is close to Banff Town. The water was blue/green and very clear. We will try to Kayak on it next time we visit.

10. Cascade Ponds

Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada +1 403-762-1550 http://www.banff.com/banff-helpers/things-to-do-in-banff/cascade-pond/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 70 reviews

Cascade Ponds

Reviewed By ramlahhaider - Calgary, Canada

While the flush toilets were out of order during our visit in June 2020, this is a perfect picnic spot in the mountains. Beautiful lake, right at the start of lake Minnewanka loop. Once covid 19 restrictions are lifted, this place comes with kitchen shelter, flush toilets, picnic tables and a fire pit with each table.

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