Peyto Lake is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. The lake itself is near the Icefields Parkway. It was named for Bill Peyto, an early trail guide and trapper in the Banff area.
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To get to Peyto Lake, fly into Calgary International Airport and rent a car or book a shuttle service to Banff National Park. The lake is approximately 185 km (115 miles) from Calgary and can be reached via the scenic Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). The drive takes around 2.5 hours. Once in the park, follow the signs to Peyto Lake and the Bow Summit, which is the highest point along the parkway.
It is not necessary to book anything in advance to visit Peyto Lake, as it is easily accessible along the Icefields Parkway. However, during peak season (July and August), parking at the Bow Summit can fill up quickly. Arriving earlier in the day or later in the afternoon can help avoid crowds.
There is no entrance fee for Peyto Lake itself, but you will need to purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass to enter Banff National Park. The pass costs $69.19 CAD for an adult and $34.30 CAD for a child (6-16 years old) for a single day. Family/group passes are available for $139.40 CAD for a single day.
Some of the best things to do at Peyto Lake include hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting. The short hike (approximately 20 minutes) from the parking lot to the Peyto Lake viewpoint offers incredible panoramas of the lake and surrounding mountains. For a more challenging hike, consider the Bow Summit Lookout Trail, which takes you higher up for an even more stunning view.
When it comes to dining, there are no restaurants at Peyto Lake itself. However, you can find a variety of eateries in nearby Lake Louise or Banff. A couple of suggestions are The Station Restaurant in Lake Louise, serving Canadian cuisine in a historic train station, and The Bison Restaurant in Banff, offering locally sourced dishes and a rooftop terrace.
For accommodations, consider staying in Lake Louise or Banff. In Lake Louise, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers luxurious rooms and amenities with stunning lake views. For a more budget-friendly option, check out the HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre, a cozy hostel with private and shared rooms. In Banff, the boutique Moose Hotel & Suites offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop hot pool, while the Banff Aspen Lodge provides a more affordable option with a complimentary breakfast.
Off the beaten path: For a unique travel experience, consider visiting Peyto Lake during the winter months. The Icefields Parkway is open year-round, but fewer tourists visit during this time, so you'll have a more peaceful experience. The lake may be frozen and covered in snow, but the surrounding snow-capped mountains make for a truly magical scene. Enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing while exploring the area, but be aware that services and facilities may be limited during this season.
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❄️ Glacial lake spots ⛰️ Highland spots ⛰️ Hill station spots ⛰️ Mountain spots ⛰️ Mountain range spots ❄️ Glacial landform spotsHotels are available in Banff for a few days, but if you want to visit the area and only spend a few days visiting the national park you can stay in Calgary or in the town of Jasper which is a 3.5-hour drive from the park.
Banff National Park is relatively remote, the nearest airport is Calgary (YYC), then it is about 2 hours drive to the National Park.
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