Peyto Lake Overlook and Bow Pass Summit
Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Details
Distance
4.22 miles
Elevation Gain
863 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Brenda Lin
Heading out to Peyto Lake Overlook and Bow Pass Summit leads to breathtaking views of a glacier fed lake. This roundtrip out-and-back hike takes 2-3 hours and offers one of the best views in the Canadian Rockies.
Peyto Lake is a scenic location on the Icefields Parkway about 40 km (25 miles) north of the town of Lake Louise. Access to the viewing area for this magnificent area is immediately off the parkway and is well signposted.
From the parking lot at Bow Summit, a short paved trail leads to one of the most breathtaking views you could ever imagine. Skip the viewpoint wooden balcony where hoards of tourists are common during the busy summer season. Instead, follow the paved use trail straight ahead where eventually it meets the dirt trail into the forest.
Upon climbing the short 1.9 mile distance to the viewing point you are greeted by what many consider to be one of the best views in Canada. The lake is located in a convergence of valleys surrounded by magestic mountains and rich forests. The lake system is fed from the Peyto Glacier to the left of the view point and this gives the lake a magnificent blue color in the summer months due to the mineral content. This glacier is part of the extensive Wapta Icefield, which straddles the Continental Divide and extends into the northern reaches of Yoho National Park in British Columbia.
Grab a snack and take it all in. With views this magestic, you may not want to leave! But alas, if you must, retrace your steps back to the parking lot.
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Reviews
This is another bucket list location. I was there in May and the lake was still mostly frozen, but even though it wasn't that beautiful blue color it is still an amazing sight to see. Well worth the hike!
5.0
Easy hike, go there early in the morning at sunrise or around sunset , that way you won't have as big of crowds. The lake is a beautiful colour the area is amazing. Another one of those spots where you need to go see this place in real life. Went here July 2017, but honestly anytime of the year is awesome, even winter.
5.0
We knew we had to see this lake so we left pretty early in the morning to get there. Even with some pretty heavy smog from forest fires and the fact that it was early there were still a ton of people at the overlook. At around 8am the first tour bus arrived and we left then. Gorgeous lake and worth waiting in any line to get a glimpse and picture!
5.0
Peyto Lake is a must-see if you're driving through the Icefields Parkway. It's a pretty short, easy hike that spits you out overlooking Peyto Lake. This is by far the bluest lake I have ever seen. It doesn't seem real even in person. It's a pretty busy spot but don't let that deter you from going.
5.0
Everyone has seen a picture of Peyto Lake, but seeing it in person doesn't compare. We went when the lake was still covered in snow, but it was still an incredible view. The hike to the overlook wasn't crowded and it was awesome to see how much snow the area had received. I will definitely make another trip when the lake has thawed out.
5.0
Love visiting Peyto lake, the view never gets old, in fact the characteristics of the surrounding scenery is always so dynamic shedding a different light on the lake each time. Just visited last weekend, trail was snow packed and icy. I'd recommend some traction aids for the winter season, happy trekking!!
5.0
Drove Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper July 21st, we enjoyed excellent summer weather and blue skies. Getting an early start to be out in front of crowds we arrived to an almost empty parking lot about 7:30 am. Just over an hour drive from Banff very scenic along the parkway. The trail is easy and paved up to the lookout. We were initially discouraged by the large number of people at the lookout we could not get a clear view of the lake, but just be patient the tour buses do not stay long and we were able to have the lookout too ourselves before the next bus arrived.
4.0
One of the most surreal experiences of my life. When you initially hike to the boardwalk which overlooks the lake, you may encounter many tourists during the summer months, but when you take a brisk hike to another vantage point, the crowd diminishes. There are two perfectly set rocks to sit and soak in this amazing lake. Out of all the fantastic lakes in Alberta, this is one of the finest.
5.0
One of the most stunning views along the Ice Fields parkway.
5.0
Keep following the dirt path down to the mouth of the glacier for an unreal perspective of the lake!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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