These are the 5 most popular lakes in the Rocky Mountains

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The Rocky Mountains are an undeniable must-see in Canada. They’re the perfect place to escape and relax or have the adventure of a lifetime.

Whether you want to ski, rock-climb or simply improve your Instagram feed, it really is a place everyone needs to visit, at least once.

But, you cannot visit the mountains without seeing some of the serene lakes that they have to offer. And trust us, it’s worth the trip, even if you’re visiting from far away.

We’re sure that once you’re there, you will have a jam-packed schedule but in the spirit of adventuring, we want to add some must-see lakes to your “To-Do” list.

For your own safety, please make sure you are prepared before heading out on your next adventure. Information on how to prepare for your trip and stay safe while on your hike is available from Albertaparks.ca, Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, and AdventureSmart. And as always, maintain your physical distance.

Here is a list of five popular lakes in the Rockies that everyone needs to visit:

Moraine Lake

The turquoise colour of the water in Moraine Lake changes its intensity as the summer months arrive and the glaciers melt. It’s so iconic that it was even featured on the Canadian twenty dollar bill from 1969 to 1979. Many refer to its picturesque view as “the twenty dollar view” for this specific reason.

The Lake is set in the Valley of Ten Peaks and surrounded by waterfalls, mountains and rock piles. Whether you want to canoe, hike or relax lakeside and breath in the pure mountain air, it will feel almost unreal.

Emerald Lake

Just a 20 minute drive west from the oh-so-famous Lake Louise lies Emerald Lake. Located in the Yoho National Park, the green hue of the water makes us understand its name. The lake is surrounded by mountains of the President Range, Mount Burgess and Wapta Mountain.

This lake will bring you a more secluded vibe as it only receives a fraction of the visitors that Lake Louise gets. You can hike on the 5.2 km trail that circles the lake to get a 360 view.

You may even see an eagle, a loon or if you’re lucky, a moose.

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is the second largest lake in the Rockies. It sits at 21 km long and 142 deep. So, that equals 142 km of pure beauty. The indigenous Stoney Nakoda individuals named the lake Minn-waki which means “Lake of the Spirits.”

Picturing sitting lakeside as the sunrises, watching deer drink from the shoreline and listening to the tapping of a woodpecker off in the not so distant woods.

There’s even hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing and more available for visitors. Be sure to check ahead, and keep your distance.

Peyto Lake

Throughout the summer months, glacier rock flour flows into Peyto Lake, giving it a vibrant colour.

If you’re not sold yet, it’s also been referred to as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Although the lake will literally take your breath away, regardless of where you’re standing, we recommend the Peyto Lake Viewpoint. To access the viewpoint, you will need to hike about 2.5 km. The short hike is absolutely worth it because once you get to the viewpoint you are guaranteed to get out your camera and snap the most gorgeous picture.

Lake Louise

Perhaps we saved the best for last? We’ll let you decide. Sure, we’ve all seen photos of this truly iconic lake but visiting it in-person is otherworldly.

You really can’t visit the Rockies without seeing Lake Louise. The surrounding mountain views make it seem like you are gazing at a painting. Make a day of it and take on one of the hikes of all different levels.