Enjoy the view of an incredibly turquoise lake

Hardly any lake in the Canadian Rockies is as iconic as Peyto Lake. With its glowing turquoise colour and unique shape it attracts visitors from all over the world. From the official viewpoint near the car park you have the perfect view of this natural wonder – a short walk that is more than worth it.

From the car park a well-developed, gently ascending path leads through the forest to the main platform. Once there, a spectacular panorama opens up in front of you: Peyto Lake shimmers in an intense blue-green, surrounded by rugged peaks and dense forests. It owes its extraordinary colour to the fine glacial silt, also called ‘rock flour’, carried by the meltwater of the Peyto Glacier. The tiny particles reflect the sunlight and make the lake glow in these unreal shades of turquoise.

This viewpoint is ideal if you are short on time or only want to make a brief stop along the Icefields Parkway. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon you have the best light conditions and can enjoy the view with fewer people around.