Alberta: Home To The World’s Most Beautiful Lakes

Let me tell you about one of my favorite places on Earth: Alberta, Canada! This place is an absolute paradise for nature lovers, with some of the most breathtaking natural wonders you’ll ever see. But what really sets Alberta apart are its stunningly beautiful lakes!

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Now, I’m not kidding when I say these lakes are world-class. Take Lake Louise, for example. This iconic lake in Banff National Park boasts crystal-clear, turquoise waters and a backdrop of snow-capped mountains that will take your breath away. It’s known as the “Jewel of the Rockies” for a reason!

And that’s not all. Alberta’s Moraine Lake is another must-see destination, with its turquoise waters and dramatic mountainous setting. Plus, there’s Abraham Lake, which is famous for its frozen bubbles and Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, which boasts a vibrant green color and picturesque surroundings.

But what I love about Alberta’s lakes is that they offer something for everyone. You can hike, swim, canoe, kayak, fish, or simply relax on the shoreline and soak up the stunning views. And did I mention that many of these lakes are warm enough for swimming in the summer and offer ice skating and ice fishing opportunities in the winter?

Overall, Alberta’s lakes are an absolute dream destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

 Maligne Lake

Photo by Christopher Czermak on Unsplash

Jasper National Park features so much stunning scenery including the breathtaking Maligne Lake. Embark on this 3.8-mile out-and-back trail that takes you up 1,837 feet in elevation gain. The best time of the year to attempt this trail is between June and October. You can however attempt it in the colder months December through to February although it is subject to seasonal road closures dependent on weather. Not only that, you will have to bring snowshoes and be wearing the appropriate cold weather gear. Be aware that a majority of this trail is fairly steep so please be wearing sturdy, slip proof footwear. Hiking poles are also recommended for the scramble. The lake freezes over in winter.

Moraine Lake

Photo by Jacky Huang on Unsplash

Alberta is home to the most beautiful glacier fed lakes on the planet and they have no shortage of them. One of the most visually striking is Moraine Lake. Moraine lake is so beautiful and is a must-visit. There is parking on-site however, spaces fill up very fast, usually by 5am each morning. The best way to get in is via a shuttle bus. The lake can be seen from a flat gravel path for wheelchairs however ,if you are more adventurous, you can traverse rocks to get to rock piles for a more elevated photo. You can book a canoe tour which can be quite pricey otherwise, if you bring your own canoe, its free to explore the lake(after national park entry fee), you just can’t use the pier. There are plenty of good launch spots if you walk past the pier further along the trail. Be aware that access to the lake is only open between June 1st and the Tuesday after Canadian Thanksgiving in mid-October. 

Bow Lake Viewpoint

Photo by Chong Wei on Unsplash

The Bow Lake Viewpoint has to be one of the most accessible, if not the most accessible viewpoint in Alberta. You just drive right up, there’s parking and a massive clearing so there’s nothing obstructing your view.

Emerald Lake

Photo by Bruno Soares on Unsplash

The Emerald Lake lookout point is easily accessible via the car park and offers unmatched views across this stunning lake. Bring a couple of bucks for parking. There is a restaurant in the Emerald Lake lodge where you can enjoy some lunch while you are there. Be mindful of seasonal road closures that are more likely in the winter months.

Medicine  Lake

Photo by Pascal Bernardon on Unsplash

Medicine lake is a pristine, gorgeous lake that is only a 30 minute drive from downtown Jasper. The lake sits at nearly 8,000 feet of elevation and is surrounded by a dense forest. The lookout point is easily accessible from the car park. There are a few walks around that aren’t wheelchair accessible but the view point is. It offers spectacular views that aren’t as crowded as Lake Louise.

Peyto Lake

Photo by Jesse Collins on Unsplash

The Peyto Lake viewpoint offers one of the most stunning views on the planet. The viewpoint sits at more than 6,500 feet above sea level overlooking Peyto lake. The lake gets it’s striking vibrant blue colour from the large amount of glacier rock flour that melts into it during the hotter months.  From the parking lot, it is just a 10 minute walk up a paved trail to the lookout point.

Abraham Lake

Photo by David Wirzba on Unsplash

Abraham Lake is a stunning man-made lake that should be visited any time of the year.  Famous in its otherworldly beauty due to its overwhelming amount of methane ice bubbles that are locked away under the surface of the lake. You can even bring your skates and ice skate over the lake in the winter, how incredible. This is a must for any traveler’s bucket-list!

Lake Minnewanka

Photo by Yves Scheuber on Unsplash

Lake Minnewanka is one of the most popular lakes in Alberta and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Banff National Park. This stunning lake is located just a short drive from Banff townsite and offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, Lake Minnewanka has plenty of options. One of the most popular activities is hiking the Lake Minnewanka Trail, which is a 16-kilometer (10-mile) round-trip hike that takes you along the edge of the lake and through stunning mountain scenery. The trail is considered moderately difficult, with some elevation gain, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

While the Lake Minnewanka Trail is not wheelchair accessible, there are other options for visitors with mobility challenges. For example, there’s a scenic drive that runs alongside the lake, providing stunning views without requiring any hiking. Additionally, there’s a boat tour of the lake that is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty of this stunning destination.

In the summer, Lake Minnewanka is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and fishing. There are several picnic areas around the lake, as well as fishing opportunities for trout, pike, and whitefish.

In the winter, Lake Minnewanka is a wonderland for winter sports enthusiasts. The lake freezes over, providing an opportunity for ice fishing, ice skating, and even ice diving for the adventurous. Plus, the surrounding mountains offer a wide range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Pyramid Lake

Photo by Davi Costa on Unsplash

Pyramid Lake is a stunning lake in Jasper. You can explore the beauty of this lake by renting a canoe and paddling out during the warmer summer months(June-September). Rentals are available right there on-site. During the winter, Pyramid Lake freezes completely allowing you to be able to ice skate over it. You can also trek around the lake with snow shoes.  What a picture perfect place to enjoy adventure out in nature.

Lake Louise

Photo by Sam D on Pexels

Last but certainly not least, I have saved the best for last. Lake Louise is one of the most iconic if not the most iconic destinations in Alberta. Get the perfect photo from the Fairview Lookout point. The trail called Upper Lake Louise Parking Area from the carpark is a short 1.2 miles and takes around 45 minutes round trip. You will gain about 328 feet of elevation from the boat house to the lookout point. Bonus from this spot you also get the historic Fairmont Chateau in view too. You can choose to park in the usually very busy car park or opt to catch a bus or tour in. Do not leave Alberta without this photo!

Kayak Lake Louise

Photo by Atia Naim on Unsplash

The Victoria Glacier, Victoria Lakes, the towering mountain backdrop, opulent hotel, and the outstanding skiing and hiking make Lake Louise famous across the world. Lake Louise is an exceptional location that needs to be seen to be believed, surrounded by a lifetime’s worth of breathtaking vistas and adventures. There is no public boat launch at Lake Louise, but you are welcome to bring your own canoe or kayak. The bulk of visitors will therefore be required to rent canoes at Lake Louise’s boat pier. You cannot kayak because the lake freezes over from October to May.

Ice Skate Lake Louise

Photo by Kei on Unsplash

Go skating on the renowned Lake Louise if you want a truly beautiful experience. The Fairmont Château Lake Louise clears and maintains the frozen lake every day, and also features a heated shelter to keep icy fingers and toes warm. It was named one of the “10 most beautiful ice skating rinks in the world.” Depending on the weather, skating is possible from mid-December to mid-April. At Chateau Ski and Snow Rentals, you may rent skates and more.

Go Grizzly Bear Spotting On The Lake Louise Ski Resort Summer Gondola

Photo by Random Mono on Unsplash

The ski season runs for 6 months at the Lake Louise Ski resort from November until May. So between May and November you can embark on the summer gondola to spot wildlife. Soar high above the ground below and spot the grizzly bears that call the area home. July and August are the best months to visit in order to spot bears as this is when they are most active. Do not forget your camera. What a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot wild grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Be sure to pop into the Wildlife interpretive centre as well as entry is free with your gondola ticket. 

Lake Louise Ski Resort: Sightseeing Gondola, Skiing, Tubing & More

Photo by Volker Meyer on Pexels

Lake Louise Ski Resort is the ultimate destination for fun in the snow. There are different runs, a terrain park, multi lane tube park, snowshoe hikes and so much more. You can even go sightseeing in their gondola or take part in group or private ski lessons. There is so much to see and do at Lake Louise Ski Resort, you won’t want to leave and the best thing is the ski season runs from the first week of November until the first week of May! Check out wildlife spotting if you choose to take the gondola in summer in our other Tripio activity. This resort features everything you need from equipment rental to food outlets, shopping and lodging. What more could you want!

Photo by Andre Furtado on Pexels

In conclusion, if you’re a nature lover looking for a destination that will take your breath away, look no further than Alberta’s stunning lakes. Don’t miss your chance to experience their beauty for yourself! I hope you have enjoyed my blog on the stunning lakes in Alberta. Download the Tripio app now and start creating your very own custom itinerary for your dream vacation. Travel has never been so easy. Get Tripio to generate a custom top 10 just for you. Your dream vacation awaits and it’s as easy as downloading the Tripio app. Our travel experts have spent countless hours researching destinations so you don’t have to. What are you waiting for? I will see you in our next destination, till then keep traveling!

Interested in more of the world’s stunning nature, check out: Chamonix: I Think I Found Heaven

or maybe some more of Canada, check out: Vancouver: Where The Mountains Meet The Sea

–Gemma Winchester, Tripio Guru

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