Waterfowl Lakes is a beautiful stop on Icefields Parkway halfway between Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefield. There is a pair of turquoise lakes — Upper and Lower Waterfowl — offering peaceful views, easy access, and a perfect spot to take a break from the road.

There’s a day-use area and parking lot just off the highway at Lower Waterfowl Lake, with direct access to the shoreline. These lakes are framed by Mount Chephren and Mount Patterson and is ideal for a picnic and some lakeside lounging.

If you're in the mood for a bit more exploring, the Chephren Lake Trail starts from the nearby Waterfowl Lakes Campground. It’s an easy-to-moderate 8.2 km round trip which takes around 2 hours 15 mins that leads you through lush forest to the quiet, glacial Chephren Lake.

Waterfowl Lakes also has a first-come-first-served campground right on the lake. The vibe here is quieter and more low-key than some of the bigger campgrounds further south. There are no major facilities beyond basic washrooms and picnic tables.