The 15 best lakes for paddle boarding in Alberta

One of the most special, magical and incredible places in the world. The view is just magic. You feel a connection with the place that is hard to explain. The pictures are not great enough to capture the amazing view. About the place: You can explore different trails there to get to know the place. In order to get to the lake you need to take the Oficial shuttle of the park.

My favourite lake in all of Canada, nothing compares to this incredible shade of blue! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. This place feels truly special and simply being there is a beautiful reminder of how amazing it is to be alive.

⭐ Spectacular! Moraine lake and the ten peaks. So beautiful it is a MUST visit. No regrets! Some said the view on the morning is stunning with the sun shining on the peaks. Am happy to be there in the late afternoon as it is less crowded. Can walk on the beach but lots of pebbles and stones. Will need to book and take a shuttle to Moraine Lake as it is off limits to vehicles unless staying in the lodge.

Decided to walk along the road of Morraine Lake today , weather is sunny and not too cold .The view is stunning ,has flowing river and small water fall ,12 KM walk ,it took us 3 hours to the lake and 4 hours back due to issue related to hiking shoes.

Very pretty lake, beautiful views, you can soak in the nature, breathe in and take nice pictures. The parking lot is decent,there’s washrooms and short walk so definitely must try! Top tourist spot so it does get busy, there’s a cute bakery shop and yes it does sell samosas! Also, the bathroom’s smell super bad so please be careful!

One of the rare places on earth that actually looks better in person than in the millions of photos that have been taken. Unreal colours, truly spectacular location that should be (and clearly is) on everyone’s bucket list. Worth any amount of hassle and crowds to get a glimpse of one of the most beautiful places on the entire planet!!

Absolutely stunning lake with crystal clear blue waters. Arriving early is going to give you the best views and allow you to enjoy the scenery without the crowds. Can be a little difficult to figure out the Park Canada Shuttle but recommend Moraine Lake first in the morning. The 2 day advance shuttle tickets are a great way for late planners to join the fun.

Lake Minnewanka is so beautiful, with this fantastic water color, and this scenic Rockies view. We are paddle board lovers, so my pictures are most taken during paddling. It has a good parking lot, but you should get there early, because it gets full pretty easy. Next time we go there, we will explore the trails.

Beautiful lake with amazing colorful mountains surrounding the lake. Wildlife are often seen near or around the lake. This is a huge tourist attraction as there is a boat launch where you can take boat rides around the lake. The drive up to Lake Minnewanka is stunning in the fall when all the leaves are in full color. There are trails for walking, rocks for sitting and soaking in the beauty. One of the must visits when in the Banff area.

Very pretty lake, beautiful views, you can soak in the nature, breathe in and take nice pictures. The parking lot is decent,there’s washrooms and short walk so definitely must try!

Spending a day at the lake was a refreshing escape from the rush of daily life. The calm water mirrored the blue sky like glass, creating a picture so serene it almost didn’t feel real. Gentle waves lapped against the wooden dock, and every sound — from birds calling across the water to the rustling trees — blended into a natural symphony that melted away stress. What stood out most was the feeling of balance: moments of silence followed by laughter as families paddled by in canoes or kids skipped stones near the shore. The air felt cleaner, cooler, and full of life. Sitting close to the edge, I could see tiny fish darting through the shallows, while sunlight flickered on the surface like silver sparks. Whether walking along the path, taking photos of the sunset, or simply sitting still, the lake offered something rare — genuine stillness. As the evening came, golden light touched the treetops and the reflection deepened into shades of amber and blue. It was the kind of view that made you pause and breathe differently, aware of how healing simple beauty can be. Overall, my visit to the lake felt like a quiet reset button for the mind and soul. It reminded me that peace doesn’t always require distance — sometimes it’s waiting beside the water, asking only that you stop long enough to notice.

So pretty!! The amenities were also very nice. I do wish they had a better parking system for the actual boat portion, but we also went on Labor Day weekend so it was very busy. Overall though, it was really well maintained and beautiful!

Wow!! Boat ride worth the travel and price! We were there the last weekend (11-13 oct 25) the boat was not pack like summer, it snowed the day before so was a little chilly but fine. Poor girls ( captain and guide) they told us that on the last day, they have to jump in the lake, its a tradition !! We also did one of the trail, amazing view, please bring bear spray and have at least a group of 4 for some trail.. we did not encounter any but with the snow the urgency of finding food become an obsession.. be aware

I went on a stargazing tour and visited this lake, and it was absolutely stunning at night! You could see so many stars! It was one of those once in a lifetime opportunities for me, and I was greatful to be able to grab a few beautiful pictures of the night sky! I also went on a boat tour, and was able to capture the beauty of the lake as well!

My fave lake during my 2 week, travelling trip to Canada (more so than Lake Louise). It’s quieter (I went at the end of August), it’s picturesque, there are lots of trails you can go on. There’s a beautiful lake view restaurant and a FAB ice cream and waffle shop. I bought a Christmas decoration from the gift shop. You can go on boat trips (I didn’t- pre booking is essential). And you can kayak (booking on the day only, so everyone has an opportunity). We did a route called “moose lake”. The small “pool” lake was very peaceful and moose are often found grazing in there. We actually saw a moose in the main lake that was a joy to see and apparently he’s often there, showing off to visitors! If it’s wildlife you’re after, we saw a grizzly on the way back down the mountain, about 8pm. Having spoke to a lot of people in the area about this encounter, they all had photos of the same bear in the same area, so I think he also is a creature of habit! Finally, we had lots of food in our RV, so we stopped the next day at lunchtime, on the way up to the lake at a river best, rest stop on the left side. It was so joyous! They have fire pits with firewood to use for free! As well as picnic benches and the odd chipmunk to watch. It’s extremely picturesque and well maintained!

One of the most beautiful lakes I've ever seen! Located in Jasper, it is quieter than most lakes but still a beautiful turquoise blue that takes your breath away. We took the Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island and I highly recommend it!

Beautiful lake to spend time at. We did a boat trip out to spirit island which was excellent fun and informative. We also did a short walk after along the edge of the lake.

Amazing views with mountain backdrop. Didn’t do the cruise as it felt little overpriced and had other activities planned for the day. It can be an excellent picnic spot however there aren’t a ton of sitting areas near the water (reason I am docking a star). Either, you’ll have to walk further along the trail to find a good spot or sit away from the water. Plenty of parking with 2 overflow lots up the hill from the main parking lot.

Maligne Lake is absolutely stunning and one of the highlights of Jasper National Park. The turquoise water surrounded by mountains is breathtaking, and the boat trip to Spirit Island is unforgettable. There are also great hiking trails around the lake, making it the perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure.

Maligne Lake is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. The beautiful water surrounded by towering mountains feels like something out of a painting. Walking along the trails, every turn offers another stunning view — from peaceful forest paths to lookout points where you can see the lake stretch endlessly into the distance. We took time to just sit by the water and enjoy the calm, and it was incredible watching the reflections of the peaks change with the light. There are boat tours that take you out to Spirit Island, which is truly magical and worth every minute. The air feels so fresh, and there’s plenty of wildlife and scenic spots for photos. Even though the area has been affected by fires, the natural beauty still shines through — and it’s amazing to see how the land is healing. If you love nature, photography, or just peaceful places, Maligne Lake is a must-see in Jasper National Park.

Absolutely beautiful! Lots of trails to walk, some off the path. The lake itself is beautiful and clean! They have lake tours for a pretty penny, and you can also rent canoes to go on the lake. There is also a restaurant nearby! The drive up is a little long, but beautiful sights on the way up.

On our drive home from Golden yesterday, we stopped at Two Jack Lake for a late lunch and it was the perfect decision. The views of Mount Rundle in the late afternoon light were absolutely breathtaking.

Perfect Place to watch sunrise and sunset with view of Mount Rundle and its reflection in the lake. Perfect for a picknick or a little stroll along the lakeshore. Also a great spot for kayaking and canoeing 😃

Two Jack Lake is an absolute gem in Banff National Park! The lake is peaceful, with stunning turquoise water and a beautiful mountain backdrop. It’s perfect for a picnic, paddleboarding, or just relaxing by the shore. There’s a calm, quiet vibe here that makes it a great alternative to some of the busier spots in the park. We especially loved catching the sunrise — magical reflections on the water! Easy to access and truly breathtaking. Highly recommended for nature lovers!

Two Jack Lake is one of those places that feels straight out of a postcard. The water has that classic turquoise glow you find in Banff, but it’s usually much quieter than the bigger, more famous lakes like Louise or Moraine. It’s perfect if you want peaceful views without the crowds. The area is great for a picnic, an easy stroll along the shoreline, or even just sitting with a coffee and soaking in the mountain reflections. If you’re into photography, sunrise and sunset here are absolutely stunning. You’ll often see kayakers or paddleboarders gliding across the calm water, which adds to the beauty. There’s also a campground nearby, so it’s a good spot if you want to stay close to nature but not too far from Banff town. Facilities are simple but convenient. Overall, Two Jack Lake is a hidden gem—calm, scenic, and a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the Rockies.

It is a serene, emerald-green lake just a short drive from Banff, offering stunning reflections of Mount Rundle. It's perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or enjoying a peaceful lakeside picnic away from the crowds. Arrive early in summer, as parking fills up quickly, but the quiet views are worth it.

Quaint little lake to stop by when you’re driving into Banff. Some parking, some bathrooms, picnic benches, and of course gorgeous views.

Just so you know, the lake is "warm" by Albertan standards, which means you won't freeze in it. But the water feels cold. That said, it's still beautiful spot for photos, a picnic or to hang out.

Beautiful spot! Johnson Lake is a stunning place to visit, surrounded by forest with amazing mountain views. There’s a small sandy area for kids to play, and the water is shallow near the shore, gradually getting deeper, perfect for families. There are picnic tables around the lake, and it’s a great place for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or just relaxing. Highly recommend arriving early, especially on sunny days. A peaceful, scenic gem!

Nice lake with some picnic benches, some parking, bathrooms, and a bit of a walking trail. Short distance from the parking lot. You can see the lake from the top of the lot.

Beautiful spot,not to far form Calgary,it was a really nice trail an hour and half hike and it's dog friendly, would definitely recommend 👌

Went on a Sunday afternoon in June. Not too crowded. Locals having a picnic or canoeing. Beautiful lake away from the hustle and bustle. Mount Rundle in the background.

Beautiful lake! The water is so clear and the colors are stunning. We were lucky to have sunny and clear sky day. The trail around the lake is well maintained and never boring. There’s a beach as you enter from the parking lot. It was busy, we saw paddle board, small raft and other small floatables. The trail is a loop. We started from the left of parking lot and as we went along we saw many spots you can sit on blankets, good place to use your hammocks, and could enter into the lake as well with paddle boards or swim. We also saw a rope that you could swing and jump into the lake. This is easier to get to once you pass the beach and take the trail. If you take the trail closest to parking lot to reach the rope you would have to do the loop and it’s towards the end of the loop. There’s two ropes one is higher, you have to be in the tree trunk to catch it and swing, the other is lower rope good for you get kids. There has to be a group of people to help out each other. We saw that there were people with paddle boards in the lake and the jumpers on the tree trunk, and one person with a stick and hook in the end to bring the rope back. To climb back up from water looked a bit tricky but doable if planned well. There’s picnic tables too and pit toilet. I would recommend bringing beach umbrellas, towels, picnic snacks, hammocks, swim suits, beach chair, water floaties. Come early in the morning to get good spots. To use washroom with water we drove to lake minnewanka where there’s good washrooms.

Beautiful! It was a gentle hike that anyone can do. The path was in great condition and I especially appreciated the benches set up in ideal locations to appreciate the lake/mountain views

Johnson Lake is a hidden gem in Banff National Park. The surrounding mountains and forests offer endless opportunities for hiking and exploration. I recommend bringing bear spray. The lake's calm atmosphere and picturesque surroundings make it an ideal spot for a peaceful day out with family or friends. The lake's serene waters and stunning mountain backdrop make it a perfect spot for nature photography. Bathrooms are located in the parking lot and the trails were great for walking and the little bridge was a beautiful place just to stop and admire the babbling creek.

An Unforgettable White Water Rafting Adventure! 💦 We absolutely loved our white water rafting experience — it was the perfect mix of adrenaline, laughter, and breathtaking scenery! What made it truly unforgettable was our incredible guide, GAV, who brought so much energy, knowledge, and heart to our journey! Gav made us feel safe every step of the way while also keeping things exciting and adventurous! We came for the thrill, but left with lifelong memories! 🌟 Couldn’t have asked for a better day on the river — highly recommend to anyone looking for something exciting and meaningful to share with family or friends! Thank You Wild Water Adventures!! 🇨🇦

Amazing! I didn't know what to expect but it was a great day for all. I went with 15+ people and we all enjoyed it. Went in July water was nice, Rapids varied. I thought it would be intense for the entire time however we had a variety of water conditions. Our guide Andrew was extremely knowledgeable, which made me feel compelled amd safe. He knew the path so well and maneuvered the boat so well. He was certainly in command! My 15 yr old son joined me, I can't wait to take my 8yr old next year.

I had an amazing experience with Wild Water Adventures at Kicking Horse River! From start to finish, everything was well-organized and super fun. The river base was clean and welcoming, and the whole staff was friendly and professional. Our instructor Andrew was fantastic — not only did he guide us through the rapids with clear instructions, but he also made the journey more personal by chatting with each of us, learning where we’re from, and sharing interesting stories about the river and the rapids. The bus ride from the base to the river was enjoyable too, with fun facts shared along the way. The photos they took were awesome and perfectly captured the excitement of the day. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and memorable rafting adventure!

Our whitewater rafting trip with Wild Water Adventures was definitely a highlight of our Banff vacation! Our family of 4 had a fantastic time! Spencer was an incredible guide and we loved all the information he shared about the river, rafting, and tid bits as we rafted. I felt 100% safe as all the guides are so knowledgeable about the river, the rapids and the rafts. We want to come back and do it again...that's how much fun we had! If you are thinking about rafting, go to Wild Water Adventures...it is worth it!

My partner and I signed up for the ‘Traditional Trip’ in August having never done white water rafting before and we had a great experience! We had a group of 7 in our raft with Spencer as our guide and he was fantastic! Great banter, entertaining (with many amazing stories!), and kept us feeling reassured and safe! Our trip took us 22km down the Kicking Horse River with stunning sights and picturesque scenery all around. Everything was well-organised and safe from check-in, safety briefing, to the end of the adventure! The staff are lovely and happy to help with any questions! Thank you to Spencer and the team for a great experience!!

Great experience for my wife and I and three teenage children. Appreciated the ease of registering and reserving a spot, and clear communication since. The family of four we brought with us enjoyed it too. The reserved option lunch served after the rafting was delicious and easy, and perfect as there isn’t much around that area, so we went off to Emerald lake, Wapta and Takakkow falls with full bellies. Can’t say enough how much we appreciated Josh for not only calmly guiding us safely through the river, but his entertaining stories and clever sarcasm kept everyone relaxed and smiling throughout the ride. The staff was kind, courteous and fun and kept things moving effortlessly and with a respectful sense of humor and passion for their trade. Very CLEAN changing areas! An easy just over an hour drive from Banff, we would highly recommend it and even our kids would do it again, of course, more with friends than their parents!😁👍🏻

My friends and I had a great experience at Wild Water Adventures! We are some locals and went as a group of coworkers to experience white water rafting. From the start, when I reached out by email for information, the team was quick, helpful and responsive! The day of our adventure, from the moment we walked in, the entire staff was kind, welcoming and hilarious! Our group split into two, because we were 10. My raft was guided by Tye and he was awesome! He was chatty, informative, and very funny! He made our experience and my first time white water rafting so much fun! Would definitely love to go back! Overall, the experience was very well organized. The team made the entire process of safety information, traveling to and from the rafting all fun and interactive! Would definitely recommend to any locals and visitor going through Golden, or looking for an adrenaline rush on their next trip to the Rockies!

Visit: April 2025 A nice, simple trail, though it was a bit more difficult because it was muddy and wet when we went. It was very calming and relaxing, with not many people around. Mostly flat land, so not much to see, but scenic otherwise

They have 4 beaches, as you enter you will have turns for beach 1, 2, 3, and then main beach with a parking lot. There is a narrow trail for you to walk around and spectacular Mountain View’s. Pyramid Mountain is very prominent and on a clear day you will have a spectacular view.

Such a peaceful and stunning spot in Jasper! The view of Pyramid Mountain reflecting on the lake is absolutely magical, especially during sunrise or sunset. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, or just enjoy a calm walk across the bridge to the island. The water is crystal clear, and the whole area feels so relaxing and romantic. Perfect place to unwind, take photos, and enjoy nature’s beauty. Definitely a must-visit in Jasper!

Beautiful scenery! There are fish in the lake that hang around the bridge a lot. Take the walk to Pyramid Island, you won't regret it.

Stunning Visited early morning (in August) to beat the crowd. The water was still, and there was a fog that was just starting to clear. Beautiful view of the mountain. Past some elk on the way in. Watched for bears, as had recently been sighted in area. Loved being so close to nature.

Pyramid Lake is a must-visit if you're anywhere near Jasper. The views of Pyramid Mountain reflecting off the lake are absolutely stunning, especially in the early morning or around sunset. There's a cool little pedestrian bridge that takes you to Pyramid Island, which makes for great photos and a peaceful walk. Lots of spots to chill by the water, rent a canoe, or even have a picnic. We didn’t rent a boat this time but saw lots of people paddling around, and it looked super relaxing. Easy access with parking nearby—no crazy hike involved, just pure nature vibes. One of those places that feels peaceful but also iconic. Definitely worth the stop!

Very pretty! Easy to find parking. Pyramid Lake is very close to town so it's an easy drive.

This was a wonderful experience and highly recommended! We ran late but kept them updated and they were so kind and helpful. We were a group of 8 people (3 kids under 8) and ended up in our own canoe. The scenery is incredible and it was fun and easy to do, our tour guide was so funny and shared so much about the area. There were not many people on the river but we did see another canoe and got to "high five" with our paddles and that was so fun! We also booked it just hours before the tour so even if you can't do it online, call and see, they could still book that same day!

Booking was easy and quick. We booked an 2 hour kayak experience as a family of 4 from the U.K. There were two other people on our tour which made for a small group which was perfect. We got to kayak down the Bow River and see two lakes. Our guide Amelia was fantastic. She had lots of local knowledge and was very helpful. A highlight of our trip to Canada. Would definitely recommend.

The best part of the experience was the fact that we walked by at random. We stopped, took in the view, then noticed people canoeing and kayaking. As we continued walking, we found the boat rental shack, looked at the prices and decided to do this on a complete whim! Absolutely picturesque and beautiful. I have zero canoeing experience to speak of, which made for a more entertaining ride, but it was fun to see others with the same skill level as me on the water too! The water was very low and calm and the people on the water were all friendly and happy to say hi and laugh at our lack of skills!

We had a great time on our canoe tour in Banff! The guides were friendly and helpful. Shout out to Bree! The trip was a lovely, peaceful way to take in the beauty of the area. It was awesome that even young kids could do the activity (2-5 are free). Our 4, 5, and 8 year olds had a great time. The trip does start with paddling up river. The amount of effort you put in is up to you but it does impact how much of the river you see. They also offer canoe rentals for self guided tours that were very reasonably priced. The canoe club is an easy walk from the free parking at the train station.

Most reasonably priced in the Banff area. Staff super friendly and Bow River was absolutely beautiful with great views. We even saw elk (you won’t see that at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake while on water 😍)!!!

Excellent service! Ben M went above and beyond to get our family reunion group of 12 together. It meant so much to us! And Abbie was a spectacular guide - kind, interesting, knowledgeable, and fun. She even made sure to get great pictures of us. We enjoyed it very much.

We went canoeing on a whim while strolling along the river, and it was one of the best decisions we made on the trip in Canada. Although we both didn't have much experience on the canoe, it was super easy and there was beginners course so it was reassuring for us to start there and eventually make our way into the deeper part of the river. The staff were all really friendly and nice, and made sure we felt safe. The price is very reasonable and the scenery is amazing and calming. Definitely recommend.

Bill was an amazing river guide! The location had bathrooms and change rooms which were clean. The volleyball courts were a nice touch. The equipment was all in good working order with lots of sizing. Do not miss your chance to raft with Hydra!! Extremely professional and safe.

What amazing experience and Fabian was sublime as a guide! He made sure we were safe, but also found a way to make us enjoy every second! The safety briefing at the beginning was very professional as was the whole process from check-in to checking out the awesome photos that were taken during the rafting. Would definitely recommend to anyone seeking adventure on the river! Thanks all!

We had such a wonderful experience rafting down the Kicking Horse River. Bill was an excellent guide for us, and it was a thrilling, once-in-lifetime experience for us. A memorable experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives!

Hydra River Guides is the best rafting experience. Fun, experienced guides who were laid back, funny while also being knowledgeable and responsible. We spent 2 hours on the river laughing, paddling, and taking a very cold (voluntary) dip in the river. We will recommend this Hydra to all of our friends. Thanks, Dave and team for an amazing afternoon!

Very cool tour with an awesome guide. Dean was great, tour was really fun. Bit more challenging than expected, but well - your go there for adrenaline 👍 Only thing: sometimes they were a bit hard to understand for non native speakers. Everything else was fun!

We had a magnificent, first time rafting experience. These guys were professional, courteous, organized, and made the trip incredible. A special thanks to our guide, Hennessy, he took good care of us.

We had so much fun on our rafting trip with Bill - he had a ton of fun river facts and interesting information on the area, the two hours flew by! The river is beautiful and the white water is a ton of fun. I highly recommend them to book your rafting trip!

No doubt it is expensive! $170/hour before tax for 3 of us family one boat. However the once in life time experience we were willing to do it. It was breathtaking paddling in middle of the lake.

Took one star off due to the ridiculous price, but being a tourist I could not bring my canoe along on the plane…. So paid the 115$ price tag (hotel guest) for two 🫣for one hour. Never canoed before. The staff was super nice and fun. We kept sailing in circles and at the end could only do 2/3 rd of the lake before turning back !! Best ever experience! Tips: the weather is great in the morning until early afternoon, but then the rain clouds set into the valley plus thunder in the background towards late afternoon. so think again before you hop into a canoe if you could hear thunder in the distance because mountain weather can be unpredictable

Very nice staff very beautiful lake. Fun to paddle $60 per person for 30 minutes rent. Safe journey with life jackets. Spent total about$190 inc tips. Very fun experience to do. Don’t miss! When you visit lake Louis. Highly recommended.

We started our hike at 5:30 a.m.—peaceful with just a few people at the lake. Stunning views, and the water color gets even more vibrant as the sun rises. Tons of hike options around, all lengths and levels. There's also a boathouse for kayak rentals $160 for 30 mins, $170 for an hour (plus tax). Pricey but highly recommend for the experience!

Staff was phenomenal- super helpful with our kids and even helped us get a sticker after their shop closed while we were out on the water. Beautiful views, clean life vests and tidy boats. Peaceful canoe ride in the mountains.

We did the canoeing in the lake Louise. For one hour, it was $170 + GST. They allow a maximum of 3 persons per canoe. It was a great experience. We were tired near the end of the activity. I think 1 hour is more than sufficient for canoeing. They don’t seem to mind if someone is bit over an hour.

170$ for 30 minutes is outrageous. To add to insult, they have employees who treat new Canadians differently and making them feel less welcomed (Amelia). Very disrespectful and disappointing…

Hidden gem near Banff town. You go to this place for biking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and picnic. There are only few people going this place as its not that famous unlike other places. This place also provides information about the history of the lake.

Gorgeous wetlands on the edge of Banff sign and Fenland Park. There use to be a platform but they have since taken it out. It looks barren but to preserve the conservation is understandable. Gorgeous mountains and lake view. It’s part of the Banff Legacy Trail where you can bike, walk or drive this scenic route.

Vermilion Lakes is such a peaceful and beautiful spot. The views of the mountains reflecting on the water are breathtaking, especially at sunset. A perfect place to relax, take photos, or just enjoy nature.

Vermilion Lakes is inside Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. it is made up of a series of lakes fed by the Bow River and is located just below the Banff townsite. The iconic view of Mount Rundle is stunning and well worth the visit. Bikers and walkers use the paved area for outdoor activity. Canoes and kayaks are launched on the peaceful and tranquil water. Great place for quiet reading, watching birds and wildlife.

A very quick detour and you can see it from the car. Nice and calm, not a beach, but you can sit down and have a peaceful moment.

Beautiful scenic drive along Vermillion Lakes Drive. Great views of Rundle Mountain for that stunning mountain shot especially if you manage the reflection in the lake. Also, nice for kayaking and wildlife watching. The end of the road is also the gateway for cyclists and or hikers to access the Bow Valley Parkway.

Beautiful place to stop for a break. Please respect the land, take only pictures and leave nothing but footprints.

Often overlooked on the Icefields Parkway as you pass it not too long after the gates, Herbert Lake is still worth a short stop. This gorgeous glacier lake has stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and looks especially beautiful before noon when the sun shines both on the lake and the peaks. There is a parking lot with an outhouse right alongside the highway. If you’re brave enough, you can even go swim in Herbert Lake on a hot day.

Visit: June 29,2025 Nice small glacier lake with mountains reflection. Good parking area with washroom and some picnic table. You can enjoy the lake view, swim or canoe there.

Small lake tucked away but not far from the highway. Thanks is a small distance from the parking lot but there’s not a paved path. Sections could be muddy and watch out for roots.

Amazing lake, looks like from a tale. I assume it’s allowed to swim in there, if so that’s an amazing opportunity to swim in lake in the mountains!! Such a peaceful area, with peaceful people. I love it, defiantly going back there.

Visited in August and was blown away! The water is surprisingly warm perfect for a refreshing swim. It's an ideal spot for a full day out pack a picnic, enjoy a hike, and definitely bring your camera because the photo opportunities are endless. Plenty of parking and public washrooms make it super convenient. Beautiful lake

Lake was stunning with mountains and trees. Lake wasn't crowded.

Visited Alberta in September 2025! Herbert lake was our first recommendation to swim in! I think on average around that time the water temp is 10 degrees at most! More of a cold ish swim but such a beautiful experience and quiet area:)

This was truly a highlight of our Canada trip so far. Trevor our local guide was wonderful, so knowledgeable and he told us so much about the birds on the lake including loons, kingfisher and merlin bird of prey. We went first thing in the morning so it was perfectly quiet and peaceful. The canoe itself is a master piece - beautifully crafted. We had a small picnic on a deserted beach and looked at the different types of trees - just magical!

Mike picked us up from our hotel and took us to Pyramid Lake where we met Travis for our private family canoe adventure. It was an amazing experience, exactly what we needed to relax, reset and recharge. Travis was full of interesting facts and personal stories about growing up and living in the Jasper area. As a family, we all agreed that this was the highlight of our trip so far, and it will take a lot to top it! Thank you all so much - we’d love to come back and are sure to recommend the experience to everyone we know 🤗⭐️

By far my fiancé's and my favorite thing to do in Jasper. Mike gave us the most wonderful tour of pyramid lake. The view was absolutely breathtaking. At the stop he gave us snacks, treats and hot beverages. Second year for this adventure and we plan to go every year after. He went above and beyond making the experience special, he even got us in extremely last minute which we were incredibly grateful for. Thank you Mike and Wild Current Outfitters for your magical adventure

We had a great time last week with Mike & Travis, both so helpful and informative, so friendly. Just me, my partner & Travis on the lake, so tranquil & peaceful while the sun set, just us 3, it was a truly wonderful experience & the perfect evening to relax & connect with nature. Thanks guys😁, would highly recommend!

A great day out on Pyramid Lake. We battled through a storm, but always felt safe and secure. Mike gave great commentary, made sure we were comfortable and warm and even provided umbrellas for us when the storm came through. We enjoyed a nice afternoon tea on a private beach.

If I could give Mike more than 5 stars I would! He was a fast communicator, answered any questions that we had about our canoe trip to Maligne Lake, and he made the entire process easy from start to finish. I couldn't recommend Wild Current Outfitters enough!

We had the most magical private signature canoe experience at Pyramid Lake Lodge, all thanks to our wonderful guide, Mike! He was incredibly friendly, warm, and knowledgeable — the kind of person who instantly puts you at ease. You could tell he truly loved the area and enjoyed sharing it with others. The canoe itself was absolutely stunning — a handmade beauty that added so much charm and character to the experience. You could tell it was crafted with care, and it made gliding across the lake feel even more special. The weather was absolutely perfect, and Mike made the experience even more special with thoughtful touches — binoculars, blankets to sit on, delicious hot chocolate, tea, coffee and sweet treats to enjoy while taking in the beauty around us. It was peaceful, scenic, and just felt like a dream. Mike really made it memorable with his kind energy and attention to detail. We’re so grateful for the experience — highly recommend it if you’re in Jasper!