Peyto Lake, Canada
Peyto Lake is a glacier fed lake in Banff National Park, located on the icefield parkway in Alberta. Considered as the one of the Banff National Parks and Canada’s most iconic destination which captivate the attention of visitors from its glaciers, blue color waters, breathtaking rockie hills and snow covered mountain ranges.
It has more historical significance, the name Peyto came from Bill Peyto, a mountain guide. Unlike other lakes in Banff, Peyto Lake is more enjoyable from its viewpoint, activities, hiking trails and photographic scenic views rather than lakeshore.
Why is Peyto Lake So Blue?
Since its geographical location and the glacial rock flour enter the lake in melt water running off nearby glaciers which reflect blue color to visitors. Moreover, Peyto Glacier carved up rocks and created dust or rock flour. This dust settled at the bottom of the lake, so when the sun hits the lake, its watercolour looks like blue water.
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Things to Do in Peyto Lake
1. Hiking
Hiking at Peyto Lake is really a mesmerising thing to enjoy for adventure seekers. Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Peyto Lake especially it makes us see in more Blue color. Its trail is relatively easy, making it accessible for all age groups either solo, family or even for older backpackers. Its viewpoint exhibits stunning sunrise and sunset especially when the lake’s color is changing. Never miss to take one more hiking trail that is Bow Summit. The 6.6 km long hiking trail offers Bow Lake views.
2. Perfect Photographic Destination
Due to its unique shape and vivid color, the lake makes it one of Canada’s most photographic destinations. Once you reach the summit surely you can capture the perfect photo for your Instagram Posts and Pinterest. Whether you are an amateur or professional, you want to capture the most mesmerising contrast of the lake against the natural surroundings of glacier capped mountains. Bring cameras or mobile phones to capture perfect pictures from the various angels with viewpoints. Do not forget to click the Blue color waters of the Peyto Lake from top angle.
3. Spot Wildlife’s
Along with snow, hiking trails and views of the lake, Peyto Lake is a renowned home for flora and faunas. Area filled by the elk, bears and variety of bird collections making it a perfect place for nature lovers. Banff National Park itself is home of many animals like moose, wolves, cougars and mammals like Lynx, pika and marmot. Since it has a mix of glaciers, mountain ranges and diverse wildlife, it is considered as the perfect place to capture photos with animals and birds.
4. Fishing
Fishing in Peyto Lake is an ideal activity and even in the majority water bodies of Banff National Park. Fishing is known as the perfect way to spend a day at the lake instead of its views. Normally fishing activity starts from 1st July to October 31st. make sure that fishing is allowed only if you have a permitted license.
5. Explore Icefield Parkway
Along with other activities, taking a leisurely stroll in Icefield of Peyto Lake’s parkway is considered to be the most scenic drive in the world. During visitors’ journey they will spot some of the most scenic destinations like Bow Lake and Mistaya Canyon. These are great examples of the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
6. Skiing and Snowboarding
Since regions filled by the extreme snow and ice coverage obviously blend perfectly for the majority of snow activities. Skiing and Snowboarding are popular among them. Both are immersed in backcountry knowledge and backpackers can go skiing at Peyto Lake. Popular skiing routes are Bow summit and Observation Peak.
7. Visit Observation Peak
Banff National Park has many hiking destinations under that Observation desk is one. Named after Charles Noyes in 1899, Peak is known for its breathtaking views of Peyto Lake and surrounding snow-covered mountains. Interestingly it includes a total of 8 km of hiking trail with a lot of challenges and easy routes.
The Best Time to Visit Peyto Lake
If you want to enjoy Peyto Lake, you probably be there during the “Spring and Summer season”. It is very important when you are visiting? because there are some more beautiful and enjoyable things possible to enjoy only during these periods. Don’t miss it.
During the spring season snow melted off the pathway to the viewpoint, and snow still spread across the top of the mountains. During summer, lake water is bluer and makes the most perfect time to see its beauty.
Despite these 2 seasons, visitors also visit even during fall and winter. But the fall season offers yellow color in the Peyto Lake area. Winter is witnessing extreme cold where the lake will be frozen and covered by the extreme snow. Hence, its road, hiking trails and outside of the national park are also filled by the ice.
How to Get to Peyto Lake
If you want to visit Peyto Lake, firstly you need to enter Banff National Park. Then from Banff or Lake Louise, take Highway 1 towards Jasper and then exit on Highway 93 North. Keep driving, you will see Bow summit or Lake, then you stop the vehicle. That is the entrance for Peyto Lake.
From Jasper, take highway 93 north and drive until see the Peyto Lake or Bow summit. Jasper Cannaught drive west turns into highway 93 south.
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