9 Gorgeous Lakes That are Alternatives to Lake Louise

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are home to an incredible collection of glacier‑fed lakes, each offering its own stunning scenery. While Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are iconic Banff National Park highlights, they’re just two of many beautiful lakes worth exploring. From easily accessible roadside stops to short lakeside walks, there are plenty of other lakes to add to your Lake Louise and Banff itinerary.

Canada has more lakes than any other country in the world, so make the most of your time in Banff National Park by exploring some of the region’s lesser‑known, yet equally breathtaking, lakes.

What’s in the Guide:

• Boom Lake
• Bow Lake
• Helen Lake
• Herbet Lake
• Johnson Lake
• Peyto Lake
• Rock Isle Lake
• Waterfowl Lakes and Chephren Lake

Boom Lake

Add Boom Lake to your Banff National Park itinerary if you’re looking for a rewarding hike that ends at a stunning alpine lake. This scenic trail is approximately 5 kilometres one way with a gentle 175‑metre elevation gain, making it an accessible option for many hikers.

The route travels through shaded forest for most of the hike before opening up to wide mountain views at the lakeshore. Boom Lake is a popular choice on warm summer days thanks to the tree cover along the trail and the impressive mountain backdrop waiting at the end. Arriving earlier in the day can make parking easier during peak season.

Local tip: Watch for wildflowers along the trail in summer, and if you’re up for it, a cold plunge in Boom Lake is a refreshing way to cool off after the hike.

Bow Lake

Bow Lake is a striking stop along the Icefields Parkway and one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park. Surrounded by steep rock walls, hanging glaciers, and cascading waterfalls, the lake offers classic Canadian Rocky Mountains scenery. It’s a popular place to stop for a picture or stretch your legs, with several nearby hiking options, including routes along the shore and ones that take you to the powerful Bow Glacier Falls.

From the shoreline, you’ll enjoy expansive views of the Bow Glacier, which feeds Bow Lake during the summer months and forms the headwaters of the Bow River. This river flows through the heart of Banff and continues east toward Calgary before joining the Saskatchewan River system in southern Alberta.

Local's Tip: A guided sightseeing tour is the perfect way to explore this beautiful lake and other iconic sites along the Icefield Parkway.

Helen Lake

The Helen Lake hike leads through one of the most impressive alpine meadow valleys in Banff National Park. This challenging route is set along the Main Range of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This scenic trail winds through open terrain filled with summer wildflowers and offers expansive views south toward Mount Hector.

At the end of the meadow, Helen Lake sits beneath a dramatic limestone headwall that rises toward Dolomite Pass, creating a striking alpine setting.

Herbert Lake

Herbert Lake is often overlooked on the Icefields Parkway as it right at the start of the road. Its location and more famous neighbours mean the lake not as popular throughout the summer. It's a gorgeous lake with stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

On warm summer days, Herbert Lake is a popular spot for a refreshing dip or paddle.

Johnson Lake

Johnson Lake is a popular spot in Banff National Park, best known for its relatively warm summer water temperatures that make it ideal for swimming. Located just a short drive from the Banff townsite, the lake is accessible by Roam Public Transit Route 6, making it an easy addition to any Banff itinerary.

Beyond swimming, Johnson Lake features a scenic three‑kilometre lakeshore trail that’s well suited for a relaxed morning or evening walk. Sheltered by surrounding forest, the lake is less affected by wind than nearby Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, making it a great option for paddleboarding.

You can rent a paddleboard in Banff before heading out at the SkigBig3 Adventure Hub, Bow Valley SUP, or Black Diamond Adventures.

Local's Tip: Take Roam Transit Route 6 from Banff to Johnson Lake, which also stops by Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka for a small fare.

Peyto Lake

If you’re looking for bright turquoise‑blue water, Peyto Lake is a must‑see stop in Banff National Park. Located about 35 minutes north of Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway, this iconic glacier‑fed lake is one of the most photographed viewpoints in Banff National Park and part of a scenic corridor filled with memorable stops.

A short, 700‑metre walk from the parking area leads to a viewpoint overlooking the lake, offering one of the best vantage points of Peyto Lake’s distinctive colour and dramatic mountain setting.

Travelling without a car? There are several guided Icefields Parkway tours that stop at Peyto Lake.

Local tip: Early morning or late evening visits offer exceptional light on the surrounding peaks, making Peyto Lake a standout spot for sunrise and sunset photography.

Rock Isle Lake

Open only during the summer months, Rock Isle Lake is a standout highlight in Sunshine Meadows, located high above Banff National Park. Accessible via the gondola at Banff Sunshine Village, this alpine lake is surrounded by colourful wildflowers and dramatic mountain scenery.

Visitors can explore Rock Isle Lake by hiking the well‑maintained meadow trails for an up‑close view, or take the Standish Chairlift (included with your sightseeing ticket) for sweeping panoramic views of Rock Isle Lake, Grizzly Lake, and Laryx Lake. The area offers one of the best ways to experience the alpine environment without a long climb.

To keep things car‑free, take advantage of the free shuttle from Banff provided by Banff Sunshine Village and spend more time enjoying the scenery once you arrive.

Local tip: Plan your visit for late July to early August to experience Sunshine Meadows during peak wildflower season.

Waterfowl Lakes and Chephren Lake

Waterfowl Lakes

The Waterfowl Lakes are a pair of striking glacier‑fed lakes located along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park. Set on either side of Waterfowl Lakes Campground, they offer classic Rocky Mountain scenery with vibrant blue water that really stands out on sunny days. The lakes are also a popular starting point for nearby hikes, including the route to Chephren Lake.

Local's Tip: Visit this lake on a clear, still day to get perfect mirror reflections of the surrounding mountains.

Chephren Lake

The hike to Chephren Lake begins near Waterfowl Lakes, crossing a river before winding through forested terrain. This straightforward trail features minimal elevation gain and is suitable for a wide range of hikers looking to experience a classic Banff National Park lake.

At the end of the trail, Chephren Lake reveals vivid blue water framed by the dramatic slopes of Howse Peak and Mount Chephren. Accessible only on foot, this hike rewards visitors with a memorable alpine setting that rivals some of the park’s more well‑known lakes.

More Beautiful Lakes to Discover in Banff National Park

From glacier‑fed showstoppers along the Icefields Parkway to alpine gems reached by rewarding hikes or scenic gondola rides, Banff National Park is home to far more than just Lake Louise. These nine gorgeous lakes highlight the incredible diversity found throughout Banff National Park. Offering unforgettable mountain views, vibrant summer wildflowers, alpine swimming, and classic Canadian Rockies scenery in every direction, these alternatives to Lake Louise are a great addition to a Banff itinerary.

For a smoother experience, plan ahead and consider car‑free options like Roam Transit or a guided Icefields Parkway tours.

Ready to start planning your trip? Use our trip builder to build your Banff and Lake Louise itinerary and add these nine gorgeous lakes to your must‑see list.