Canada’s Bluest Lake – Plus 7 Things to See in Banff

Have you ever seen a lake with water that looked like blue gatorade? It exists in Banff National Park. Here’s where to find what could be Canada’s bluest lake, and 5 other things you can’t miss while in Banff National park.

Getting There

Visiting Banff can be done as part of a greater road trip through the Canadian Rockies. This entire region is a nature lovers paradise, with endless things to see and explore. For those pressed for time, you can fly directly into Calgary and drive directly to Banff National Park instead. The drive takes about an hour and a half, and you’ll need a minimum of 3 full days just to see the highlights of Banff.

If you’re really REALLY pressed for time, drive directly to Lake Moraine to see the majestic blue lake.

Lake Moraine – One Canada’s Bluest Lakes

As if this lake wasn’t stunning enough on its own, it’s also set against this set of mountains belonging to the Canadian Rockies. They look so mysterious, half shrouded in clouds in the morning, reflecting on the lake like a mirror.

I can’t tell you how amazing this view was, with every paddle on the boat, we got closer to those mountains which seemed to tower above us like stone giants.

The lake gets its color from melted glacier water, and if you stick your hand in you’ll see for yourself. It’s freezing! Some people DO swim in it too, but since I’m not Canadian enough for that it was way too cold for me.

Lake Agnes

Another one of Canada’s bluest lakes, is lake Agnes. This one might even be the more popular of the two, and is a slightly lighter shade of blue. If you hike behind the lake you can reach a teahouse that offers tea and cakes.

Look for Bear

While in Banff National Park, it’s really not hard to spot a bear in the summertime. In my 4 days there, I encountered a bear twice. The one pictures above was a juvenile, and he was peacefully eating some berries when we saw him.

Johnston Canyon

This was my favorite hike in Banff. You hike along the river in the canyon, passing waterfalls and caves along the way. Depending which season you go in, it will be a completely different experience. In winter, the waterfalls freeze, creating walls of ice.

Also, if you’re lucky you’ll find this huge rock!

Athabasca Glacier

Ever hiked on a glacier? What if I told you this one also has a waterfall inside?

This glacier is located halfway between Banff and Jasper Park. Sadly, it is also melting away at a fast rate. Visit it now while you still can, and don’t fall into the waterfall!

Peyto Lake

Another one to add to the list of Canada’s bluest lakes is Lake Peyto. This one is larger than Lake Morraine and Lake Agnes, and is set deep in a valley below the mountains. There are several hiking trails you can chose from to get different views of this lake.

Besides being home to one of Canada’s bluest lakes, Banff National Park offers many experiences to have you falling in love with nature at every turn. No wonder it’s super popular year round! I can’t wait to go back.

Have you seen a bluer lake than this? Let me know in the comments so I can add it to my bucketlist!

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