Peyto Lake, in the Canadian Rockies, is a beautiful lake near the Icefields Parkway in Banff. Lake Peyto is located in the deep valleys of the Waputik Range between Peyto Peak, Caldron Peak and Mount Jimmy Simpson at an incredible altitude of just over 6000 feet!
Each year, mainly during the summer, glacial rock flows pour into the lake carrying mineral deposits with them. These mineral deposits, also known as ‘glacial rock flour’, give Lake Peyto a magically bright turquoise color that has made it famous throughout Canada and the wider world.
The lake is surrounded by superb walking trails, ski runs, camping grounds and jaw dropping view points. Each year visitors make their way up into the mountains to marvel at the lake and the surrounding areas of natural beauty in the Banff National Park.
The park has recently been reopened following extensive infrastructure work. This work included the addition of extra restrooms, a larger car park, new signage to help visitors get around and the expansion of a major viewing platform.
As you can imagine, conducting infrastructural improvements so high in the mountains can be quite challenging and so although it took almost 2 years to complete, the results have made Peyto Lake a much better place to visit as well as improving the preservation of the fragile natural ecosystems of the park.
How Do You Get To Peyto Lake?
Peyto Lake is nestled in a remote valley in the Canadian Rockies but even so it’s relatively easy to get to from anywhere in the world! The nearest international airport is Calgary (YYC). You can fly directly into Calgary airport in around 9 hours from London and just over 5 hours from New York.
Once you reach Calgary you can catch a bus to Peyto Lake via Lake Louise Village North. If you don’t want to navigate the public transport system then you can join a guided bus tour which will pick you up in Calgary.
Alternatively, you can rent a car and travel to the lake in your own time, stopping off at other attractions on the way. The drive from Calgary to Peyto Lake takes about 2 hours 30 minutes each way through some of the most stunning scenery in Canada.
If you can, then hiring a car is definitely the easiest way to reach Peyto Lake and will mean that you can also take your camping gear along if you’re planning to spend a few nights in the park when you get there.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Peyto Lake?
Although Peyto Lake is open all year round the best time to see it is between June and September. In the Canadian Rockies, spring begins in mid-May and the glacial ice begins to melt. As the mineral deposits build up in Peyto Lake the water takes on its characteristically enchanting bright turquoise color.
This makes the summer months the ideal time for visiting while the weather is warmer and better for hiking and camping around the lake. The lovely weather is also ideal for dramatic photography in the region.
Unlike other parts of Canada, the fall does not bring a bright show of colorful leaves around Peyto Lake so it’s not such a good time to visit. The weather is also getting a lot colder in the spring which makes camping and hiking more difficult! The lake freezes over in October each year after which visiting is not generally advisable.
What Is There To Do At Peyto Lake?
Peyto Lake is a nature lover’s dream and there’s plenty to do while you’re in the area.
Hiking Around Peyto Lake.
Peyto Lake is a fantastic location for hiking. There are numerous trails and routes that you can follow through the surrounding mountains and valleys of Peyto Lake. The park authorities also provide excellent sign posting throughout the park so you shouldn’t get lost although you should still always take an up to date map with you.
It’s important to bring a physical map with you while hiking because relying on your phone can be dangerous if you’re out of range for signal or the phone gets wet and stops working halfway round the route! You should also take high quality waterproof clothing, good hiking boots, warm clothing and some extra food and water with you while exploring the area.
Photography – Capture The Essence Of The Canadian Rockies.
You will be hard pressed to find anywhere on earth that provides you with such a dazzling array of spectacular mountain scenery. Peyto Lake is hugely popular among photographers and is one of the most frequented spots for shooting iconic photos to remember your visit to Canada by. Everywhere you look you’ll be greeted by the rugged snow capped mountains, deep valleys and incredible panoramic vistas!
There are several main look out points where you can take some of the best photos from but you can also shoot great photos all throughout the park; so, when you’re visiting Peyto Lake don’t forget your camera! The ideal time for shooting photos is during the early morning when you can take advantage of the softer, mellower hues of the rising sun.
Fishing In Banff National Park.
You are allowed to fish in a lot of the waters throughout Banff National Park, including the gorgeous Peyto Lake. You will need to apply for a permit and a license though in order to be able to fish in the bodies of water in Banff National Park.
The fishing season runs from July 1st through until October 31st. It’s worth remembering that fishing in the park is on a ‘catch and release’ basis only; however, you can still have a great time doing some angling while you’re visiting Peyto Lake, especially if you’re there with your children.
Skiing And Snowboarding Near Peyto Lake.
There are some excellent ski routes near Peyto Lake although it’s very challenging terrain and so only experienced skiers and snowboarders should attempt these routes.
The two best routes in the area run down from Observation Peak and Bow Summit. You will have to bring your own equipment with you and be confident enough in your own abilities to take on the rugged mountain slopes; so it’s not a good idea for beginners or families with children to ski or snowboard in this area.
Camping Around Peyto Lake.
To truly experience the magic of the national park and the Peyto Lake area then you should certainly include a couple of nights of camping in your itinerary. There’s a few main camping grounds in Banff National Park where you can either make a reservation or else rely on getting there early enough to secure your spot. It’s usually a better idea to reserve your camping spot before you arrive though.
The prices for a camping pitch range from around 15 to 30 Canadian dollars per night.
The Mosquito Creek Campground.
Despite the campsite’s name, it’s a great spot to rest your head while you’re in the park and there aren’t really more mosquitos here than anywhere else in the Canadian Rockies! This is the nearest campsite to Peyto Lake and has unbeatable views of Bow River. The camping grounds also have a lovely cooking hall and communal eating, food lockers and potable water available on site.
The Waterfowl Lakes Campground.
This is the biggest campsite in the region and is located between the Waterfowl lakes. The campground is run on a first come first served basis and has over 100 campsites, flushing toilets and firewood for sale. The campsite has a great family atmosphere where you can take in the beauty of the wilderness while sitting around a fire, telling stories and creating memories that will last a lifetime!
