Seth A.
Yelp
Oh my goodness...this Peyto Lake has a fantastic lookout that everyone goes to. That's how you explore this lake, viewing the wonderful beauty it possesses from an overlook.
Peyto Lake is situated, conveniently, right off famed Icefields Parkway about 46 kilometers north of the Lake Louise area.
You'll see a sign for it right as you're driving along.
The parking lot was pretty big when I arrived. Though, by reading my notes and seeing how popular of a place this was, I could sense that when you visit during peak times of the summer, Peyto Lake must get packed with tourists.
All you have to do from the parking lot is climb 6/10's of a kilometer to arrive at the viewpoint.
I came here in late afternoon/early evening around 7:30pm last week (in the middle of June, 2022) and it was relatively quiet at the wooden platform observation point.
My only disappointment with my time spent here was the dreaded ole sun. As per usual, I was looking into the sun and snapping pictures which created the ole hazy/glare type of setting.
So, ultimately, I never discovered the blue coloring of the lake. And that was unfortunate. So...I highly recommend visiting here in the morning time! Yes, mornings will certainly give you the best perspectives!
And on a side note, I just wish more people would mention the positioning of the sun in the sky within their reviews. Because it's important to let others know the best times of day to visit, it's really helpful, lol.
Regardless, not to fear for me...I'm headed up to Alaska this summer and will be returning here to Peyto Lake on my way back towards the continental USA....so I will have a second opportunity to come here, and yes, I want those blue waters and pristine backdrop!!!
Some memorable aspects about the platform was how calm and quiet the backdrop was. It was myself and a few others and we each respected each others time at the primary spot for picture taking.
There was no wind at all and the background felt like an untouched canvas painting. You have the snowcapped mountains on your left, Peyto Lake as the centerpiece in the middle and a further away mountain range set in the distance.
Overall, the viewpoint was such a cool spot to stand and admire nature and the incredible surroundings of the Canadian Rockies!
And...although for me I didn't have the chance to trek higher...from this lookout, you can climb almost 3 kilometers higher to Bow Summit Lookout which is the highest point on Icefields Parkway.
When I arrived at this trailhead, it was pretty deep in snow and I just didn't feel like struggling all the way up to the peak in late afternoon time.
Though...I will return probably in August to attempt the adventure, (and yes, in morning time!).
Alright, well, coming here to Peyto Lake for wondrous views from the lookout is a MUST-DO while exploring Icefields Parkway and the Lake Louis area of Banff National Park. You will be quite impressed with what you see.