PEYTO LAKE VIEWPOINT, LAKE LOUISE, AB
Peyto Lake (pronounced PEE-toh) is named after Bill Peyto, an English-Canadian pioneer and one of the first Banff National Park wardens. The lake sits at an elevation of 1,880 meters and is fed by the Peyto Glacier. As Peyto Lake is in Banff National Park, you will need to have a National Parks Pass, which can be purchased at any park gate or in advance on the Parks Canada website.
Peyto Lake Viewpoint
Similarly to Emerald Lake, Peyto Lake is known for its arresting color. The color is due to a trick of light: as Peyto Glacier grinds down the surrounding mountains, a dust (also known as rock flour) is created and is carried into the water and then bends the light. What we then see is a wild blue-green color on the lake!
And while many gorgeous vantage points are accessed by long treacherous trails, the path to the Peyto Lake Viewpoint is quite short and relatively easy! The paved trail will begin from the parking lot, and the route has good signage throughout.
trail to the Peyto Lake Viewpoint
You can enjoy the Peyto Lake Viewpoint all year round, but it does get quite crowded during the summer months and the parking lot fills up quickly. I suggest going very early in the morning on a weekday if you choose to go in the summer.
If you are going in winter (like we did), the path will most likely be covered in snow! I highly recommend ice cleats, also known as crampons, so you can comfortably hike without slipping and sliding, especially on inclines. You will not have to worry about crowds in winter, but please note that you will probably miss the turquoise color of the lake, as it will be frozen and covered in snow. I found that even in winter, the breathtaking magnificence all around us both on our way to and at the viewpoint, in addition to being the only people around, made going to Peyto Lake in winter totally worth it.
seen from the Peyto Lake Viewpoint
Once you make it through the sub-alpine forest, you will see a large viewing platform overlooking Peyto Lake. Be sure to take plenty of postcard perfect photos before heading back to your car!
the viewing platform at Peyto Lake
