About
Peyto Lake sits in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, beside the Icefields Parkway. It is fed by glacier meltwater, and its water takes on a brilliant turquoise colour that is among the most striking features of the Canadian Rockies. The lake is also known as Bow Summit Lake, after the pass where it is most often seen.
The view from Bow Summit
Most visitors experience Peyto Lake from the lookout at Bow Summit, which gives a high vantage over the water. From here the lake's outline is easy to make out, and many people note its resemblance to a wolf's head. The colour is strongest in good light, and the surrounding mountains give the scene its scale. The lake is one of the most photographed in the region, so expect other visitors at the lookout, especially during the busier months.
What to know before you go
- Location: Along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) inside Banff National Park.
- Best for: Scenic viewing, photography, and a stop on a longer drive through the Rockies.
- Setting: A glacier-fed lake framed by high peaks, typical of the park's wilder landscapes.
Because Peyto Lake lies along a long mountain road, it works well as one stop among several. The wider Icefields Parkway passes many other lakes, viewpoints and glaciers, so a visit to Peyto fits naturally into a day of exploring the park's high country.
