Shadow Lake is a beautiful alpine lake which is tucked away in the backcountry of Banff NP.

It's accessible either via Redearth Creek Trail (14 km one way, fairly flat) or via Arnica Lake & Gibbon Pass trails (also 14 km one way, but more elevation gain), so it is pretty remote. The best way to reach and explore the area is to either stay at Shadow Lake Lodge (which is what we did and it was amazing) or Shadow Lake Backcountry Campground.

There are some truly amazing sunrises and trails to explore at this lake and it is a much quieter area of Banff NP. If you can make it during larch season, even better!