Peyto Lake - a quick summary!

Peyto Lake is one of my favorite lakes. Some people claim that it is one of the most beautiful lakes not only in Alberta of Canada, but in the whole world. Much like the other glacial lakes in Banff National Park, this Peyto Lake gets its vibrant turquoise color from the light reflecting on the rock flour that is carried down to the lake as the glacier melts during the warmer months. The lake is situated in the valley of the Waputik Range and sits at an elevation of over 1800 meters and is about 90 meters deep.

Pyeto Cree is the main water source that feeds the Peyto Lake. Peyto Creek get its water from the Peyto Glacier and the Caldron Lake. In turn, Peyto Lake then feeds Mistaya Lake.

The lake is named after Bill Peyto, who was a trapper as well as a trail guide in the early 1900s.

The hike from the parking lot to the lookout point is quite short and you will find yourself with trees as you make the short hike up. The view is astounding. The color of the lake paired with the backdrop makes it look surreal, it almost looks like a painting but then you feel the wind in your hair and you realize that this is actually real. A lot of people make the short hike to the lookout and stop there but if you are an avid hiker, there is definitely more to do and explore around.

You have the option to hike down to the lake where you can enjoy a very scenic walk around and maybe even have a little picnic. If you are opting in for a picnic, make sure that you do not leave anything behind. Always pack out what you pack in.

Fishing is allowed at the lake from June to October but always make sure that you check and verify the dates and make sure that you are carrying the appropriate fishing licence with you at all times.

The Bow Summit and Peyto Lake Viewpoint is a 6.6 kilometer trail that offers amazing views and a unique opportunity to capture some breathtaking photos. Photos taken at Peyto Lake are often featured in guides and postcards. And if you are wondering if the lake is indeed that breathtaking, make no mistake, it sure is.

If you take the hike early enough in the day, that should give you plenty of time to stop frequently during the hike to look around and take in the views. There is so much to see and the perspective changes as you weave your way around the trail. The Bow Summit is also accessible during the winter if you have the right boots and/or snowshoes.

Due to its elevation and the winter being quite cold in the area, the lake freezes in the winter. The lake looks like a winter wonderland with the powder snow on the lakes, the mountains around and the fir trees.

Due to the large number of tourists that have been frequenting the lake and the area for over 80 years, the Government of Canada has identified that the area is in much need of rehabilitation and improvements. As a result, the Government of Canada is investing almost CAD$3 million to rehabilitate the area. As such, the viewpoint and access to the lake is currently closed and work is foreseen to be completed by the end of 2020. The closure applies to pedestrians, hikers, biker and everyone else. Make sure that you check here to ensure that the area is open before heading out there.