Peyto Lake Tours

Peyto Lake featuring general coastal views, a lake or waterhole and mountains
Peyto Lake featuring a lake or waterhole and landscape views
Peyto Lake showing landscape views, mountains and views
Peyto Lake showing landscape views, mountains and a lake or waterhole
Peyto Lake which includes landscape views, mountains and a lake or waterhole


This glacial lake draws visitors for its turquoise waters and surrounding mountain scenery.

Peyto Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park. It turns aqua blue in summer, creating a beautiful sight as the water is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.The lookout high above the lake is the best place to see the water. Not many visitors hike down to the lake itself. There’s a car park just off the highway, and it’s a 10 to 15 minute walk to the lookout. The trail is paved and suitable for just about any fitness level. A second car park closer to the lookout is for tourist buses and disabled parking.The lake is 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Lake Louise, and about 63 miles (100 kilometers) north of Banff. Rent a car from either town and drive the scenic Icefields Parkway. Several tour companies run day trips through the National Park, and most include a stop at Peyto Lake Lookout.Enjoy the uninterrupted views across snow-capped peaks, valleys, forests and the lake from the wooden viewing platform suspended over the edge of the mountain. The lake is fed by glaciers. Rock particles enter the water when the glaciers melt in summer, which gives the water its turquoise color. The view is still worth the trip in winter, when the lake freezes over and the landscape is covered with snow.Tourist buses bring big crowds to the lookout in summer. Sometimes it can be hard to even get a foot on the viewing platform. Come before 9a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid the rush. Otherwise, continue on past the lookout. A 2-mile (3-kilometer) trail leads to Bow Summit Lookout. Fewer people take this route, so it’s less crowded, and there are some great photo opportunities. A second trail leads from the Peyto Lake Lookout down to the lake. You’ll need several hours to attempt the return hike.

Plan a trip to see Peyto Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Post Hotel & Spa
GLOBALSTAY. Downtown Calgary Apartments
Bellstar Suites at Solara Resort

Reviews of Peyto Lake

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
43
5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
13
4 - Good 22%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wonderful place take your time to enjoy waking around One of the most beautiful places I see ever

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Don't skip this one.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Must see! The color is unbelievable. Short, easy hike to overlook.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Beautiful but crowded.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Incredible view!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Peyto Lake

The Lodge at Bow Lake

The Lodge at Bow Lake

3.5 out of 5
Icefields Pkwy, Bow Lake, AB
The Lodge at Bow Lake
HI-Mosquito Creek Hostel

HI-Mosquito Creek Hostel

1 out of 5
Highway 93, Bow Lake, AB
HI-Mosquito Creek Hostel
Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake Lodge

3.5 out of 5
Emerald Lake Road, Field, BC
Emerald Lake Lodge
Lake Louise Inn

Lake Louise Inn

3 out of 5
210 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB
Lake Louise Inn
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

4 out of 5
111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, AB
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Mountaineer Lodge

Mountaineer Lodge

2.5 out of 5
101 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB
Mountaineer Lodge
Post Hotel & Spa

Post Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
200 Pipestone Rd, Lake Louise, AB
Post Hotel & Spa
Deer Lodge

Deer Lodge

3 out of 5
109 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, AB
Deer Lodge
Alpine Bliss | Premier Winter Getaway

Alpine Bliss | Premier Winter Getaway

Lake Louise
Alpine Bliss | Premier Winter Getaway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Peyto Lake

At Peyto Lake, enjoy breathtaking views and outdoor adventures like hiking the scenic trails surrounding the lake, including the popular Bow Summit Trail. Experience the stunning landscapes through photography and wildlife watching. Don't miss the chance to canoe or kayak on nearby lakes, and consider a bucket list trip to the Icefields Parkway for unforgettable vistas. Whether hiking or simply soaking in the beauty, Peyto Lake offers a variety of outdoor experiences for every traveler.

Shopping

In Peyto Lake, you can visit Wilsons Mountain Sports, a great store for outdoor gear, located 25 miles away. If you're up for a drive, check out Samson Mall, also 25 miles away, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with various shops and local businesses.

Recreation

Peyto Lake offers stunning views and serene hiking trails perfect for reconnecting with nature. Nearby, the Icefields Parkway provides opportunities for scenic drives and wildlife viewing. After a day of exploration, unwind with yoga sessions at a local wellness center, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Adventure

The Juniper Express Ski Lift offers exhilarating skiing experiences, located 25 miles from Peyto Lake, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. Similarly, the Glacier Express Quad Ski Lift, also 25 miles away, provides thrilling slopes. Don't miss the Summit Chair Lift, situated 24 miles from Peyto Lake, for stunning views and skiing excitement.

Nightlife

Peyto Lake is primarily known for its stunning natural beauty, but for nightlife, consider heading to nearby Banff. Enjoy a craft beer at the Banff Ave Brewing Co., or dance the night away at the Dancing Sasquatch, a popular nightclub for both locals and tourists alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake, Alberta, offers stunning outdoor experiences with its picturesque lake, breathtaking waterfalls, and scenic lookouts. Ideal for adventurers and romantics alike, visitors can explore the beauty of Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the surrounding areas. To enhance your trip, consider reading reviews on the various attractions and experiences to make the most of your journey in this captivating destination.

  • Emerald Lake: Nestled in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake dazzles with its stunning turquoise waters surrounded by majestic mountains. Enjoy a peaceful day at the beach, take scenic hikes, or indulge in a romantic paddleboat ride on the lake, creating unforgettable memories amidst breathtaking scenery.
  • Takakkaw Falls: Experience the awe-inspiring Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada's tallest waterfalls. Hike the trails that lead to its base, where the refreshing mist and roaring waters create an adventurous atmosphere, perfect for couples seeking both excitement and romance in nature.
  • Upper Spiral Tunnel Scenic Viewpoint: Offering panoramic views of the historic Spiral Tunnels, this lookout is a photographer's dream. Discover breathtaking landscapes and train history while enjoying outdoor adventures, making it an ideal romantic spot to take in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Peyto Lake

To save money on your trip to Peyto Lake, consider visiting during the cheaper months of February, April, and November when hotel prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Saturdays, which are the least expensive days. Utilize Expedia's search tools to find budget-friendly options and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining the One Key membership can also yield exclusive discounts and cash rewards for future bookings, making your visit more economical.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Peyto Lake is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Peyto Lake are February, April and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Peyto Lake is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Peyto Lake is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Peyto Lake is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type. For instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Peyto Lake with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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