Peyto Lake in Banff National Park is one of my all time favourite lakes in Alberta. Besides the stunning turquoise waters and incredible view, I really like the shape of the lake because it looks like a dog. I always imagined that Peyto meant dog in some other language, but it doesn't. The lake is named after Bill Peyto who was a trapper and trail guide here in the early 1900s.

Located just off the Icefields Parkway at Bow Summit, Peyto Lake is 40km north of Lake Louise making it is easy to get to. Likely, ease of access and incredible views are two of the reasons it is one of the most popular sightseeing stops in Banff National Park and along the Columbian Icefields Parkway. As a top rated attraction and being one of the most photographed lakes in Canada, Peyto Lake can draw a crowd. This stop is worth it even for adventure seekers that would typically shy away from the more touristy spots.

Peyto Lake is located at Bow Summit, the highest point on the Icefields Parkway. Our last time past here was a few years ago when we cycled from Jasper to Banff. Bow Summit has an elevation of 2,085 m (6,840 ft) which is reached after 39km of climbing and 664m of elevation gain when riding south on the Icefields Parkway. Unfortunately, the day we rode our bicycles here, Peyto Lake was closed of upgrades so we weren't able to enjoy the view. Eager to see the lake and enjoy the epic views, we took the time to stop and enjoy the lookout.

Fed from Peyto Glacier and Cauldron Lake which are part of the Wapta Icefield, Peyto Lake's beautiful turquoise colour is caused by the rock flour created from erosion caused by the glacier. The suspended rock flour particles refract light giving Peyto Lake its brilliant colour.

Parks Canada closed access to the Peyto Lake viewing area for 2-years to complete $2.9 million in upgrades. Now re-opened, the viewpoints has more parking (126 parking and 11 RV spots), new washrooms, enhanced signage and an expanded viewing platform. The objective of the upgrades was to decrease congestion and preserve the ecosystem in the area. Maybe it was due to the expansion or perhaps it was due to the rain, we had no trouble finding a parking spot, enjoying the trail and the viewpoint. Parking is free. A second, upper parking lot is available to tour buses and accessible parking. From this lot there is a 0.3km barrier-free trail leading to the viewpoint.

The walk to the Peyto Lake Viewpoint is on a paved pathway. The trail is 0.6km long and takes about 30min, as there are some fairly steep hills. For those wishing to avoid the climb, there is a switchback options. Watch for the trail to split, the left-hand trail will lead to the switchbacks for a more gradual walk up the hill. In all, there is 25m in elevation gain from the main parking lot to the viewpoint.

There is a 0.6km natural trail that winds through the forest that is fun to discover as well during a rest stop to see Peyto Lake. Additionally, there is a trail to the Bow Summit Lookout which is another 2.4km ideal for those with a little more time to explore the area.