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 natural. 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.
Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake
Second 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 a moderate hike dotted with five lakes and breathtaking mountain views. The best time to visit is from March to October.
Icefields Parkway
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. Sweeping valleys of thick pine and rich forests surround the lake.
Peyto Lake
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
Lake Louise
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
Lake Moraine
This iconic jaw-dropping shade of turquoise is sure to leave a lasting impression. The waters are the most fantastic color and are set in the Valley of Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, Alberta. The lake is excellent 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 national 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 stunning glacial-fed lake with deep turquoise-colored water.
Sherbrooke Lake
Sherbrooke Lake
Kicking Horse River
Kicking Horse River At Wapta Falls
Grassi Lake
Grassi Lakes
Grassi Lakes Trail in Canmore is just a short drive from Banff National Park.