There can be few more impressive sights other than the reflective calm of a lake at sun rise or sunset and if you’ve got plans to head to the Canadian Rockies any time soon then you’ll be pleased to know that the place is just bursting with them.
Providing both sustenance and a habitat for native wildlife and migratory birds, the lakes of the Canadian Rockies are the essence of natural beauty and if you’re in the mood for some lakeside strolls or once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunities then read on and find out more.
There can be few more impressive sights other than the reflective calm of a lake at sun rise or sun set and if you’ve got plans to head to the Canadian Rockies any time soon then you’ll be pleased to know that the place is just bursting with them.
Providing both sustenance and a habitat for native wildlife and migratory birds, the lakes of the Canadian Rockies are the essence of natural beauty and if you’re in the mood for some lake side strolls or once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunities then read on and find out more.
Bow Lake
Small and yet perfectly formed Bow Lake can be found in Alberta at just over 6000 feet and anyone considering traversing the beautiful Icefields Parkway should certainly take note. If you fancy walking around the lake itself then you’ll be treated to some exceptional mountain views over the water and although there’s a bit of limestone scrambling involved this is easily achievable in under an hour.
Emerald Lake
Situated in the legendary national park of Yoho, Emerald Lake won’t let you down if you’re looking for pine-encircled loveliness. As the largest lake in the park, Emerald is a popular location, especially in the summer months however, it’s during the winter that it really comes into its own and if you’re wondering how this shimmering beauty got her name then undertake the 3 mile trail around the lake when it’s frozen and prepare to be amazed.
Lake Louise
Another of Alberta’s finest, Lake Louise will no doubt be one of the top features on any trip north of the border with America and if you’re heading to Banff National Park then be sure to pay both the lakeside village, and the lake itself, a visit. Thanks to several local trails starting at high altitude you’ll soon find yourself above the larches and pines where amazing views and a well-placed tea house make hiking a real joy.
Moraine Lake
As you may have gathered, Banff National Park is literally fit to bursting with lakes and thanks to the incredible range of glacial peaks and frozen slopes during the winter, water features such as Moraine Lake tend to swell around mid-May to early June. Some of the best views across the lake can be found at the top of trails which do actually consist of moraine but after a slight scramble you’ll definitely be rewarded for your efforts.
Helen Lake
Situated close to Bow Summit and around 20 miles from Lake Louise, a visit to Helen Lake in Banff NP will no doubt rank up there with the best of them and is certainly worth considering if you’re undertaking the Icefields Parkway. As you’d expect there are some mighty fine trails located around the lake within some fairly stiff altitude gains (1500ft) and if you’ve got plans to make the ascent through the meadows in the springtime then you’ll be treated to an array of wildflowers that only adds to the superb natural spectacle.
Lake O’Hara
Weighing in at an impressive elevation of almost 7000ft, the views from Lake O’Hara, which can be found in Yoho National Park, are quite exceptional and a ‘must see’ for anyone interested in alpine photography away from the ski slopes of winter. Getting to the lake itself usually requires a 7 mile hike or sticking your thumb out for the bus however, there is a limit to help to conserve the environment and checking prior to heading off is always recommended.
Opabin Lake
If you’re not satisfied with merely visiting Lake O’Hara whilst exploring Yoho NP then a great extension is to head onwards and upwards to Opabin Lake which will take you over the Opabin Plateau and some fairly tricky scree sections so watch those knees and ankles. As you’d hope, views are amazing however, it can get windy and weather conditions can change in an instant so pack accordingly and always leave enough time to head back to O’Hara and home.
All of the lakes mentioned above can be experienced on tour with Grand American Adventures and if you’re hoping to discover more of the natural beauty and incredible national parks and wilderness areas of North America then visit the site for more ideas and places to visit.