Contender for bluest lake on the icefields??🥶🩵
Electric turquoise water and MASSIVE mountain backdrops... What more could you want? The lower lake definitely gets most of the love (and for good reason, I'll explain in a second), but the upper lake is usually quieter and perfect for a short leg-stretch between drives, especially if you are driving between Banff and Jasper. I've often had the upper lake to myself when I come here.
Front and centre at the lower lake, is Mount Chephren. Standing 3266 metres tall - a BIG boy to say the least lol. Chephren is also one of my favourite peaks along the icefields - it just has a little extra something I think... The textured formations it has, gives a cool ruggedness look to it, especially when it has lingering snow on the higher elevations. The pyramid shape mirrored on calm days as well... easily one of the coolest lake backdrops on the icefields in my opinion.
I’ve been here many times and even spotted a moose along the shoreline once (it was fast to disappear into the bush though!). Oh, and a bear also passed beside our campsite here one time (thankfully, it was just passing through). Other than wildlife, the colours are unreal too - this might be the bluest water on the whole route between Banff & Jasper... Its a strong contender anyway!
With that, hopefully I've not overhyped this lake too much haha, please let me know your thoughts if you head out here!
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🏔️ TRAIL STATS & DETAILS
Best Seasons: Summer & Fall
Distance: 1.8+ km
Trail Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 38 m
Max Elevation (altitude): 1680 m
Bike Friendly?: No
Dog Friendly?: Yes (on leash)
Trailhead Toilets?: Yes - At Campground
Parking: Free
🚗Directions to trailhead: Google Maps
🗺️AllTrails route: Waterfowl Lakes (suggestion only)
Just so you know, this AllTrails link is only for the upper lake of the two lakes. Definitely check out the lower lake too though, its the better one of the two... there is just no route for it on AllTrails, as its right by the parking lot (north side of the campground that sits between both lakes).
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✨ TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS - Why you should go
Waterfowl Lakes
Mount Chephren
Glacier-Capped Peaks
Easy Paddleboard Access
Possible Wildlife Encounters (Always keep your distance from wildlife, carry bear spray, and travel safely. Furthermore, if you are camping here, be sure to keep your food stored securely to not attract bears).
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🏕️ CAMPING OPTIONS
Campsite On Trail?: Yes - Waterfowl Lakes Campground
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🛶🏊 PADDLEBOARDING & SWIMMING
You might see some people jumping in the lake for a short and quick dip too. It will be on the cold side since it's glacial, so don't stay in too long unless you want hypothermia - but on a hot summer day, it can for sure be a refresh from the 30 degree heat!
Although you can't rent any at the lake itself, there are a few places in Banff and Canmore that you can rent paddleboards & kayaks from. In this case, it's probably best to do a quick google of "Banff/Canmore paddleboard rental" and go with one that suits your location best, whether you are staying in Banff or Canmore.
Be sure to check the Banff Water Activity Advisory before heading out onto any lake.
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✅ TIPS FROM DEV, LINKS & SAFETY
Black ice roads in winter (drive safely).
High bear and moose activity area - Always keep your distance from wildlife, carry bear spray, and travel safely.
See Parks Canada for the latest National Park trail conditions.
