Just minutes from downtown Banff, Vermilion Lakes offers some of the most peaceful scenery in the area — and you don’t even have to break a sweat to enjoy it. The shallow lakes sit at the base of Mount Rundle, and the reflections on a calm morning or at golden hour are nothing short of breathtaking.

You can simply drive along Vermilion Lakes Road, a quiet road that runs parallel to the lakes, with plenty of pull-offs to take in the views. Whether you’re snapping photos of alpenglow on the mountains, spotting wildlife like elk or waterfowl, or just sitting in silence while the sun sets, it’s one of the most calming places to be in Banff.

If you’re up for a bit more activity, you can bike the road, walk along the shoreline, or even launch a paddleboard or kayak into the waters. It’s a fantastic place to paddle, especially in the early morning when mist hangs over the lake.

There are no major facilities here.