Two Jack Lake surprises you with how peaceful and beautiful it is. It is by the forest with Mount Rundle as the backdrop. This lake is perfect for a quieter escape, especially if you want to avoid the heavy crowds at places like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. It is one of our favorite spots in the Rockies and we even went back twice because we loved it so much. We highly recommend coming here for sunrise and sunset as the colors are just gorgeous, with the mountains lighting up in soft pinks and oranges. It’s also a great spot for stargazing, since it’s just far enough from town to avoid most light pollution.

The drive there was part of the magic—we saw tons of sheep and deer along the road, and we even saw a double rainbow there! It is super accessible—you can drive right up to the shoreline, making it ideal for a picnic, photography, or a spontaneous paddle. The lake is calm and shallow along the edges, so it’s great for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or just dipping your toes in on a hot day. Bring your own gear or rent in town (rentals start at $49) as there are no rental shops or food stands at the lake, so come prepared. There’s a short, easy shoreline trail with awesome views, or you can just spread out a blanket and relax.

If you’re into camping, Two Jack Lakeside Campground is one of the best in the area. It’s quiet and right by the water —it’s pretty magical. Sites book up quickly in the summer, so it’s worth planning ahead. Campsites can be reserved at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/camping.