During my trip to Banff, I joined a guided day tour to visit some of the most popular lakes in the national park. These tours usually include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and a quick stop at Vermillion Lakes. But since I went at the beginning of winter, Moraine Lake was already closed for the season. As a replacement, the tour took us to Lake Minnewanka - which turned out to be just as stunning in its own way. I still got to see three beautiful lakes in one day, and each one had something different to offer.
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| overlooking view of Lake Louise |
The Popular Lakes in Banff
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is probably one of the most famous lakes in Canada, and once you see it, you’ll understand why. The vibrant turquoise water, backed by a glacier and mountain peaks, feels like something out of a postcard. Even in the colder months when the lake starts to freeze, it still looks magical.
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| Lake Louise |
One of the highlights of my visit here was doing the Fairview Lookout Trail. It’s a short uphill hike, about 1.5 km round trip, that takes around 30 to 45 minutes depending on your pace. The trail starts near the canoe rental area and takes you through a peaceful forest before opening up to a panoramic view.
From the top, you’ll see the full stretch of Lake Louise along with the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sitting right at the edge. It’s not too crowded and totally worth the small effort for such a rewarding view.
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| Fairview Lookout Trail |
After the hike, I spent a bit more time walking around the lake and just taking it all in. You’ll see people lining up for photos, taking in the mountain air, and just being in awe of the surroundings. It’s one of those places that really makes you pause and appreciate how beautiful nature can be.
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| my reward from hiking the trail - a view of Lake Louise and the chateau |
Lake Moraine
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to visit Lake Moraine since the access road closes once winter rolls in, usually around early October. I’ve seen countless photos of it though, with those deep blue waters and the Valley of the Ten Peaks in the background. It’s the one lake that feels like it's straight out of a dream. It was a bit sad missing out on it - but hey, that just gives me another reason to come back to Banff someday.
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka was actually our first stop on the tour. It wasn’t originally part of the itinerary, but since Lake Moraine had already closed for the season, they swapped it in, and I’m so glad they did. As the largest lake in Banff National Park, it made for a really strong start to the day. It had this calm, quiet beauty that felt totally different from the other lakes I’d seen later on.
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| Lake Minnewanka |
The lake is surrounded by mountains and has a wide, open view. Even in the cold, the water had a reflective, almost glassy surface, and the air felt so crisp and fresh. There’s a spacious area near the parking lot where people were taking photos, enjoying the view, or just standing still to soak it all in, which is exactly what I did.
Because we arrived early in the morning, there weren’t too many people around yet, so it felt peaceful and a little surreal. I could easily imagine how lively this place must get in summer, with boat tours on the lake and trails full of hikers. But in that moment, it was quiet, scenic, and kind of the perfect way to kick off a full day of exploring Banff.
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| view of Lake Minnewanka with Mount Inglismaldie as the backdrop |
Vermillion Lakes
Towards the end of the tour, we had a quick photo stop at Vermillion Lakes, which are located just outside Banff town. These lakes are known for their reflections of Mount Rundle, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Even though we didn’t stay long, it was a relaxing final stop with gorgeous views. There’s a boardwalk area where you can walk out over the water and just take it all in. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife here.
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| Vermillion Lakes |
Seeing these lakes, even in the early stages of winter, was one of the highlights of my Banff trip. Each one had its own character. I loved how different they all were, and doing a day tour via Klook was such an easy and convenient way to see them without worrying about transport or road conditions.
A few quick tips:
- If you're visiting during late fall or winter, expect that some roads (like the one to Lake Moraine) will already be closed.
- Wear proper shoes - some trails and viewpoints can be icy, especially during winter, even if they’re short.
- Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to do the hikes since they can be quite exhausting.
- Don’t forget your camera or phone, as you’ll want to capture everything.
And most of all, take time to just pause and enjoy the views.
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