Peyto Lake should be top of the list of places you have to visit in the Rockies. This incredible lake has to be seen to be believed and most people we met actually rate it even more highly than the stunning Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. The dazzling glacial blue water shimmers in the day time and is surrounded by huge alpine mountains. There are a few different versions of the Peyto Lake hike your can do, depending on how far you want to hike and what you want to see, the longest of which also culminates in a stunning view of nearby Bow Lake.

The viewpoints for Peyto Lake and Bow Lake are incredible as unlike Moraine Louise or Lake Louise, you are incredibly high up. Whilst the main Peyto Lake lookout can become incredibly busy, there is a secret viewpoint and another hike nearby which almost no one does.

Here are the best Peyto Lake hikes and what you need to know before you go.

Peyto Lake hikes

Peyto Lake hike: the first viewpoint

This is the most simple and straightforward of the options. The main viewpoint is well signposted and heads straight from the car park.

The path is paved all the way, but that doesn’t mean it’s flat (this is Canada after all!). The hike is short though and only takes about 10-15 minutes, but be prepared for going uphill all the way!

*Peyto Lake Hike: The main viewpoint at Peyto Lake*

You’ll reach a wooden platform overlooking the stunning blue lake. This is the most popular lookout and can get REALLY crowded. A lot of people choose to go to the opening just below the platform, but that’s also pretty crowded as well! Nonetheless it’s a spectacular view and an absolute must for your Banff itinerary.

Thankfully, there’s a second viewpoint which is much bigger, more open and far fewer people know about it.

Read next: Banff’s most stunning hikes - The Via Ferrata Banff

Peyto Lake hike: the second viewpoint

A favourite with Instagrammers, the second viewpoint is no longer marked and not so easy to find. This spot offers huge views on a rocky outcrop without the crowds.

From the first viewpoint continue on the path straight ahead of you (not the one that goes left to the coach car park). Eventually the path will split into three paved parts. You want to look for the fourth option to the right which is a dirt track.

*Peyto Lake Hike - Sunset at the second viewpoint*

Make sure you don’t take the ones heading downhill as this will take you to the shore of Peyto Lake! The correct trail is a narrow dirt path through the forest and is virtually flat. As you make your way along the path after a few minutes you will reach an opening where you can see Peyto Lake, continue along the path until you reach the main view.

It’s an obvious trail when you know what to look for, and it was signposted in the past, but isn’t anymore. The whole trail is only around 5 - 10 minutes long.

*Peyto Lake hike - the rocky second viewpoint*

The Peyto Lake to Bow Summit Lookout trail

Distance: 5.9km return from the car park
Time taken: 1 hour 20

The third trail is one almost no one does and in fact we didn’t see another soul on this walk! The hike leads away from Peyto Lake, heading uphill to a beautiful view of the Icefields Parkway and Bow Lake.

The trail starts from the paved loop. At the junction of the three paths (after the first Peyto Lake lookout, the wooden platform), take the middle one. Along this you will see a dirt path to the left which says “Bow Summit trail”. This is your track.

From here the path goes uphill relatively steeply until you get to a clearing with hundreds of turnings. You’ll see the path switches back on itself and heads south.

*Peyto Lake hike - the marmots on the Bow summit Trail*

From here the trail heads uphill, before heading sharply downhill and then sharply up again. You’ll leave the forest and reach a rocky patch which is a favourite place for marmots and pikas to hang out, so keep your eyes out for them!

Eventually you’ll head uphill again to where the path abruptly finishes for an epic view of Bow Lake and the surrounding mountains. The trail is well worth the extra effort from the usual Peyto Lake lookout and it was amazing to find such a quiet spot in this popular area.

*Peyto Lake Hike: The views from the Bow Summit Lookout*

Essential information about the Peyto Lake Hike

Best time to visit Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake can be visited year round, however snow and ice may be present on the trails anytime of year except the height of summer. It’s a good idea to check on weather conditions before you go as you may need traction devices to safely hike any of the trails outside of peak season.

You can get a pair of Yak Trax for between $20 - $30 on Amazon or REI.

Getting to the Peyto Lake Hike

Peyto Lake isn’t too far from Lake Louise, taking 35 minutes to drive to. It’s an hour and 10 minutes from Banff.

Peyto Lake entrance fee

Peyto Lake is on the Icefields Parkway which has a booth on the road where you will have to pay your entry fee.

You also can buy it online by clicking here to go to the Banff & Lake Louise Tourism website. It costs $9.80 CAD per person per day ($7 USD).

If you plan on visiting multiple National Parks in Canada, you could look at the annual pass. It costs $136.40 CAD ($102 USD) for a whole car and will get you entry to 80 parks in Canada.

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