Sadhya Peyto Lake is in Banff National Park, about 40km northwest of Lake Louise. You can see it best from Bow Summit along the Columbia Icefields Parkway.
Isn’t it incredible that such a stunning place like Peyto Lake exists? It’s this deep, beautiful blue, with breathtaking mountains in the background. The walk from where you park takes about 10 minutes and it’s uphill, but it’s not too tough.
During the spring thaw, snow melts and rock debris flows into Peyto Lake. The lines visible in the mountain reveal the layers of sedimentary rock in the Canadian Rockies.
Our family has been to Peyto Lake many times over the years. Here’s a short video we took during our last visit. Check it out!
Is Peyto Lake really that blue?
Absolutely! Those stunning postcard pictures you see aren’t edited. Some even say it’s one of the most beautiful lakes globally. Its vibrant color comes from lots of glacier rock flour flowing into it during summer. The hue changes with the seasons and times of day. Even in winter, the views from the Peyto Lake Lookout are breathtaking. With so much snow, the Bow Summit area is perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
History of Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is named after Bill Peyto, an early 20th-century mountain guide and trapper who worked in the Banff area. He was well-known in the region for his outdoor skills and knowledge of the area’s wilderness. The lake was named in his honor to recognize his contributions to the exploration and appreciation of the Canadian Rockies. You can find more information about Bill Peyto at the White Museum of the Canadian Rockies
Directions To Peyto Lake Lookout
Start from Lake Louise and head west on the Trans Canada Highway #1. Continue on the Icefields Parkway for approximately 40 kilometers. Look for signs indicating the Peyto Lake/Bow Summit viewpoint. Turn off the parkway when you see the sign. You’ll find the lower parking lot shortly afterward on your right-hand side.
At the end of the parking area, you’ll see a sign with information and a wooden restroom. That’s where the paved trail begins. It’ll take about 10 minutes to hike up to the Peyto Lake lookout, and be prepared to go uphill all the way.
If someone in your group can’t manage the walk, don’t worry. Just keep driving past the main parking lot entrance. You’ll find a second lot for buses and handicapped access. You can drop off members of your group there. From that parking lot, you can reach the lookout via a short, flat trail.
Parking
The parking lot here is pretty big, but it gets busy during peak times. Regular cars park in the lower lot, while there are spots for RVs, accessible parking, and tour buses in the upper lot. Just make sure to follow the signs to find the right spot!
Peyto Lake lookout
The viewing platform gives you a great view of the lake and the mountains around it. But in the busy summer, lots of tour buses come here, so it gets crowded. Sometimes it’s tough to even get onto the platform or see over the crowds to enjoy the view.
To avoid the crowds, try visiting in the morning or late afternoon or early evening. That’s when the tour buses have usually left for the day.
At Peyto Lake, you see it from a viewpoint instead of getting close to the shore. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike down to the lakeshore. But once you’re there, it looks like many other lakes in the Rockies, and you might want to spend your time elsewhere, especially if you’re short of time visiting Banff.
Hiking trails around Peyto Lake
- Bow Summit Trail: This is the main trail leading up to the Peyto Lake lookout. It’s a paved path and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk from the parking lot.
- Peyto Lake Viewpoint Trail: This trail branches off from the Bow Summit Trail and offers a different view of the lake. It’s a bit rougher but still manageable.
Tours to take to Peyto Lake
If you don’t have a car and want to see Peyto Lake while visiting Banff or Jasper, you can join a tour! These tours usually take you to many places along the Icefields Parkway, including Peyto Lake. So, you’ll see many cool spots during your trip.
Icefields Parkway Highlights & Secrets | Award-Winning Adventure
Peyto Lake Facilities
At Peyto Lake, you’ll find basic facilities like parking lots, toilets, and picnic areas. There are also information boards where you can learn about the lake and its surroundings. However, there aren’t any shops or restaurants nearby, so it’s a good idea to bring your own food and drinks
- Parking lots: Even though the parking area is big, it can get full. To avoid big crowds, it’s best to come early in the morning or later in the evening. The lower parking lot is for regular cars, while the upper one is for tour buses. There are also some spots for people with disabilities.
- Toilets are available at Lower Parking Lots & Upper Parking Lots
- Paved Pathway to Peyto lookout
How Long Do You Need to Visit Peyto Lake
Most people usually spend around 45 minutes to an hour at Peyto Lake. They take time to admire the stunning views, take photos, and maybe have a short walk around the area. But it depends on how much time you want to enjoy the scenery and hiking that you like to do!
Near By Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Right before you get to the platform area, an unpaved trail on the right goes into the trees. If you follow it, you’ll reach another viewpoint in just a few minutes. Here, you’ll find a lot fewer people. But be careful, there’s no platform or barrier, so don’t get too close to the edge. There’s a big flat spot where you can sit and enjoy the amazing view without the crowds.
The vibrant blue color of Peyto Lake is due to the presence of glacial rock flour in the water. This rock flour is created by glaciers grinding rocks into fine particles, which are then suspended in the lake’s water, giving it a striking turquoise hue.
The lake is accessible from the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) in Banff National Park, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Lake Louise. There is a designated parking area at Bow Summit, where visitors can start the short hike to the Peyto Lake lookout.
While the lake is accessible year-round, the best time to visit is typically from late spring to early fall when the weather is milder and the hiking trails are clear of snow. In winter, the area can be covered in snow and may require snowshoes or cross-country skis for access.
There are several trails, including the Bow Summit Trail, which leads to the Peyto Lake lookout, as well as other unofficial trails that offer different vantage points of the lake and surrounding scenery.
While Peyto Lake is a popular attraction, the crowds can vary depending on the time of day and season. It’s often recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the busiest times.
The walk from the parking lot to the main viewpoint is about 0.7 km one way (1.3 km round trip). It usually takes about 15 minutes for most people to walk to the viewing platform. The trail to the main viewing platform is paved, so it’s easy for wheelchairs and strollers to use!
