My favourite paddle spot near Banff!🛶🏞️

So good ill say it again - Two Jack is my absolute FAVOURITE lake to paddleboard on. Little coves all around the lake you can get out at and have to yourself, super clear green water, and beautiful huge views of the Rundles, Cascade and Inglismaldie while you drift along… I stronglyyyy advise to get out here if you can. Only downside as it also gets really busy in summer for obvious reasons. Thankfully though, I'm usually out on the lake away from the crowds lol.

The main trail is also an easy shoreline walk with big views of the surrounding peaks too. On sunny days the water glows green, and sunset can be unreal too! The golden light on the peaks & mirror reflections... a great way to end to a summer day.

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🏔️ TRAIL STATS & DETAILS

• Best Seasons: All Seasons

• Distance: 4.2 km

• Trail Type: Out & Back

• Elevation Gain: 216 m

• Max Elevation (altitude): 1492 m

• Bike Friendly?: No

• Dog Friendly?: Yes (on leash)

• Trailhead Toilets?: Yes

• Parking: Free

• Parks Pass: Parks Canada Pass Required

🚗Directions to trailhead: Google Maps

🗺️AllTrails route: Two Jack Lake Trail (suggestion only)

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✨ TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS - Why you should go

• Two Jack Lake

• Mount Inglismaldie

• The Rundle Mountains

• Two Jack Campgrounds

• Easy Paddleboard Accessibility

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🏕️ CAMPING OPTIONS

• Campsite On Trail?: Yes - Two Jack Campgrounds

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🛶🏊 PADDLEBOARDING & SWIMMING

You will likely see a bunch of people jumping in the lake for a short and quick swim too. It will be on the cold side, so don't stay in for too long - but on a hot summer day, it can for sure be a refresh from the 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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⛸ WILD WINTER SKATING

In the heart of winter, Two Jack Lake can freeze into a natural rink. Ice conditions can change fast and thickness can vary across the lake, so always check thickness, weather, and advisories before stepping on.

Only skate when conditions are deemed safe. Check advisories, measure at least 15 cm of clear blue ice away from inlets, and never skate alone. If you’re unsure, stay off the ice. You are responsible for your own safety.

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✅ TIPS FROM DEV, LINKS & SAFETY

• Possible wildlife encounters.

• Icy trail in winter (I recommend microspikes).

• Only skate when conditions are deemed safe - if you're unsure, stay off the ice. You are responsible for your own safety.

• See Parks Canada for the latest National Park trail conditions.