Top 10 most beautiful lakes in Western Canada

Exploring the majestic Rockies means a complete immersion in the heart of the Canadian wilderness.

Amidst the snowy peaks, glaciers and countless rivers of Western Canada, there are also a multitude of spectacular lakes. 

Discover the 10 lakes that you won't want to miss during your next road trip in Canada.

1. Moraine Lake

• Region: Banff National Park
   

The term "Wonder of Nature" could have been coined for Moraine Lake, whose magnificent blue waters produce a perfect reflection of the ten snowy peaks that surround it.

You can take in the views of the lake and its spectacular surroundings while exploring the shoreline of the lake along an easy trail. This 3.2-km walk offers stunning scenery. 

Many other less frequented hiking trails also lead to beautiful views.

2. Maligne Lake

• Region: Jasper National Park
   

The gorgeous Maligne Lake is the largest lake in the Rockies and the crown jewel of Jasper National Park with its stunning turquoise glacial waters.

The Spirit Island cruise is a must for visitors to the area. This tiny island sits in the middle of the lake and can be reached only by boat.

This iconic island, symbol of the Canadian Rockies, is said to be one of the most photographed landscapes in the world.

The boat will dock for a few minutes on the island to allow passengers to take a few photos and immortalize the moment.

3. Lake Louise

• Region: Banff National Park
   

The legendary Lake Louise is known around the world for its majestic beauty. It is high on the list of must-see destinations in the Canadian wilderness.

The lake's turquoise waters, with Victoria Glacier as a backdrop, create a picture-postcard setting.

The iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, on the eastern shore of the lake, is one of the most prestigious buildings in the region and offers canoe rentals. 

If you would like to explore the area on foot, there is an easy 2-km trail along the shoreline. 

Hikers will want to tackle the spectacular 5.3-km Plain of Six Glaciers trail (intermediate).  

4. Emerald Lake

• Region: Yoho National Park
   

Located in Yoho National Park, less than 20 minutes from Lake Louise, Emerald Lake owes its name to the magnificent, and quite unusual, blue-green colour of its water. 

This colour is created by light reflecting off white deposits of marl (a mixture of clay and calcium carbonate) from limestone eroded from the surrounding mountains and deposited during the last ice age.

Surrounded by mountains of the President Range, Mount Burgess and Wapta Mountain, Emerald Lake is quite calm and isolated in comparison to its famous neighbour.

Visitors can enjoy the scenery while hiking the easy trail circling the lake, or by renting a canoe at the small (and very photogenic) Emerald Sports & Gifts on the edge of the lake. 

5. Peyto Lake

• Region: Banff National Park
   

Peyto Lake, which is fed by the glacier of the same name, is easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway. 

A fifteen-minute walk along an easy trail leads to a viewing platform: a perfect activity to do with young children.

There you will enjoy a stunning view of the lake, the snow-capped mountains and the surrounding pine forest.

The beauty and sharply contrasting colours will give you the impression that you're looking at a painting!

6. Lake Minnewanka

• Region:  Banff National Park
   

This partially man-made lake (whose name means "Lake of the Spirits") is the largest lake in Banff National Park.

The lake is a popular site for both fishermen and scuba divers. A dam built in 1941 raised the level of the lake by more than 30 metres, completely submerging the summer village known as Minnewanka Landing.

Today, many divers come to explore the underwater ghost town hidden beneath the lake's surface.

Interpretive cruises on the lake transport visitors to the heart of this heavenly landscape.  

Another original way to explore the lake and its surroundings is to rent a bike. Or if you're not a cyclist at heart, there are many hiking trails in the area.  

7. Garibaldi Lake

• Region: Garibaldi National Park (near Whistler and Squamish)
   

Garibaldi Lake is less accessible than the other lakes on this list, requiring a long hike (18 km round trip).

But the reward is well worth the effort, and you will quickly forget the long kilometres once you see the enchanting view at the end of the trail! 

You may even want to spend an extra night in Squamish or Whistler, just so you can do this hike. 

And you won't want to leave the region without treating yourself to a seaplane tour. 

This scenic flight offers a spectacular bird's eye view of the lake as well as the majestic glaciers, volcanic formations and dizzying mountain peaks of Garibaldi National Park.

It will be a high point of your adventure! 

8. Lake O’Hara

• Region: Yoho National Park
   

Lake O’Hara is a collection of exquisite lakes and hanging valleys linked by a well-marked and well-maintained trail network, in the heart of Yoho National Park. 

This exquisite destination is a sensitive alpine area, and a quota system is in place to limit the number of visitors per day. 

Lake O’Hara is only accessible by shuttle bus, for which reservations are required. This shuttle service is offered by Parks Canada from mid-June until the end of September. 

You can also stay overnight at the lake. Again, reservations are required. 

It is not easy to gain access to this corner of paradise, but it is definitely worth the effort to try to be among the lucky few. 

9. Bow Lake

• Region: Banff National Park
   

Easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake is very popular with families and local fishermen.

On sunny days, the reflection of the mountains and Bow Glacier on the calm surface of the lake is simply magnificent. 

It's the perfect spot for a picnic with the kids, or to stretch your legs during your exploration of the Icefields Parkway.

And in case you are wondering about the magnificent log and stone building on the shores of the lake, it is the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge.

This iconic - and very photogenic - lodge has been welcoming travellers since 1950.

10. Lake Agnes 

• Region: Banff National Park
   

Lake Agnes is a small mountain lake nestled in the Rocky Mountains, accessible via a 3.4-km (round-trip) trail from Lake Louise.

Along the way, you will come across tiny Mirror Lake, a lovely spot to stop and take a break.

Once at Lake Agnes, hikers receive a warm welcome in a small European-style tea house.

It will probably be your first cup of tea in such spectacular surroundings.

If you want to extend your hike, Little Beehive is a twenty minutes' walk and offers a magnificent view of Bow Valley. 

Locate the 10 most beautiful lakes

And there you have it!

If you have any questions and/or suggestions, don't hesitate to write them in the comments section below.