The Best Lakes Near Calgary in 2025: A Local’s Guide Beyond Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

If you live in Calgary or you are planning a road trip, you already know that Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are beautiful, but they are also busy and increasingly restricted. The good news, there are many incredible lakes near Calgary that offer stunning views, fewer crowds, and just as much adventure. This guide highlights eight must‑see lakes within a two to three‑hour drive, complete with drive times, activities, trail notes, and local tips to help you plan the perfect day trip or weekend escape.

Whether you are after glassy morning reflections, turquoise glacial waters, family‑friendly swims, or quiet shoreline hikes, these are the best lakes near Calgary to visit in 2025, no Moraine or Louise required.

1.Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park (BC)

Distance from Calgary: ~3 hours (via Trans‑Canada Hwy and Field, BC)

Vibe: Peaceful, iconic, a photographer’s dream

Why go:

Often called Moraine’s quieter cousin, Emerald Lake offers jaw‑dropping turquoise water and dramatic mountain reflections. The Emerald Lake Loop is an easy, mostly flat trail around the shoreline, perfect for families, photographers, and first‑time visitors to the Rockies.

Top activities:

• Canoeing: Rentals typically available at the boathouse in summer
• Hiking: 5.2 km Emerald Lake Loop, or extend to Emerald Basin for more elevation and solitude
• Dining: Grab a coffee or patio lunch at the lakeside lodge

Local tip:

Arrive early or late in the day for the calmest reflections and fewer tour buses. Pair with a stop at Natural Bridge a few minutes down the road.

2.Two Jack Lake, Banff National Park (AB)

Distance from Calgary: ~1.5 hours

Vibe: Calm, compact, incredibly scenic

Why go:

Just minutes from Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake is smaller, quieter, and perfect for paddlers who want still water and mountain backdrops without the boat traffic.

Top activities:

• Canoe/kayak/SUP: Early mornings are often glassy calm
• Picnicking: Multiple shoreline pullouts and day‑use spaces
• Camping: Two Jack Lakeside Campground is a local favourite

Local tip:

Sunrise here can be magical, with pink alpenglow on surrounding peaks. Parking fills by mid‑morning in July and August.

3.Johnson Lake, Banff National Park (AB)

Distance from Calgary: ~1.5 hours

Vibe: Family friendly, swimmable in summer

Why go:

Johnson Lake is one of Banff’s few lakes where locals actually swim. It is shallower and warmer than Minnewanka or Two Jack, with a gently sloping beach and plenty of space for relaxing afternoons.

Top activities:

• Swimming: Bring water shoes, the lake can be rocky and cool
• Paddling: Calm for beginner SUP or canoe
• Hiking: Easy 2.8 km Johnson Lake Loop with shoreline forest and views

Local tip:

Arrive early on hot weekends. There are shaded picnic areas and a beautiful footbridge west of the beach.

4.Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park (AB)

Distance from Calgary: ~1.5 hours

Vibe: Expansive, dramatic, windy at times

Why go:

At 21 km in length, Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park and offers huge mountain views, a popular boat cruise, and excellent shoreline hiking.

Top activities:

• Boat tours: Scenic cruises run seasonally from the main dock
• Hiking: The Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail offers easy distance with big payoff, great for e‑bikes where permitted
• Fishing: A classic spot for anglers, check Parks Canada regs

Local tip:

Afternoons are often windy. If paddling, stick close to shore and consider morning conditions.

5.Vermilion Lakes, Banff (AB)

Distance from Calgary: ~1–1.25 hours

Vibe: Reflective, wildlife‑rich, iconic Mount Rundle views

Why go:

A series of shallow lakes just west of Banff townsite, Vermilion Lakes is a magnet for sunrise/sunset photography and wildlife viewing. The calm water and wetland edges create mirror‑like compositions with Mount Rundle towering in the background.

Top activities:

• Photography: Classic Rundle reflections
• Paddling: Gentle waters for canoes and SUPs
• Cycling: Vermilion Lakes Road is a scenic ride from town

Local tip:

Evenings in summer can be buggy. Pack spray and long sleeves. Watch for elk and be mindful during rutting season.

6.Bow Lake, Icefields Parkway (AB)

Distance from Calgary: ~2 hours to ~2.25 hours

Vibe: Stark, glacial, cinematic

Why go:

Right off the Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake is fed by the Wapta Icefield and framed by dramatic peaks. It is a classic roadside stop with short walks, plus one of the best family‑friendly waterfall hikes nearby.

Top activities:

• Hiking: The trail to Bow Glacier Falls is a must—moderate, scenic, and rewarding
• Photography: Early morning light and low wind deliver stunning reflections
• Picnicking: Pullouts and quiet shorelines invite lingering

Local tip:

Check weather and trail conditions. The exposed trail can feel cool even in summer, and snow lingers into late June some years.

7.Peyto Lake, Icefields Parkway (AB)

Distance from Calgary: ~2 hours

Vibe: World‑famous viewpoint, short walk, vivid colour

Why go:

Peyto Lake is known for its unreal, wolf‑head‑shaped outline and vibrant glacial turquoise. Recent viewpoint upgrades have made access safer and more sustainable.

Top activities:

• Viewing platform: A short walk leads to the panoramic upper deck
• Photography: Best in mid‑day sun when the glacial silt colour pops
• Short hikes: Explore beyond the main platform for different angles if trails are open and safe

Local tip:

Arrive early to secure parking. The colour is most vibrant when the sun is highest.

Planning Your Lake Day from Calgary: Logistics That Matter

When to Go

• Sunrise: Best for calm water and reflections, fewer crowds
• Weekdays: Less traffic on the Trans‑Canada and fewer parking issues
• Shoulder season: Late May/June and September can be quieter, but bring layers and check conditions

Getting There

• Driving: Most lakes have straightforward access via Hwy 1 (Trans‑Canada), Minnewanka Loop, or the Icefields Parkway
• Parking: Limited at popular spots—arrive early
• Parks Pass: You will need a Parks Canada Pass for Banff/Yoho and a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for K‑Country

Pack Like a Local

• Water, snacks, layers, hat, SPF, bug spray
• Bear spray and knowledge of how to use it
• Map or offline GPS if cell coverage is spotty
• Footwear suited to uneven trails

Responsible Adventure: Leave No Trace

• Stay on signed trails to protect fragile shorelines and vegetation
• Pack out all garbage, even biodegradable items
• Respect wildlife—never feed animals and give them space
• Follow parking rules and day‑use hours

Suggested Day‑Trip Itineraries from Calgary

Easy Family Day: Johnson Lake + Two Jack Lake

Morning swim at Johnson, picnic lunch, then gentle paddle at Two Jack with mountain reflections.

Scenic Power Day: Bow Lake + Peyto Lake

Start early on the Icefields Parkway. Hike to Bow Glacier Falls, then catch Peyto Lake in mid‑day for the best colour.

Peaceful Escape: Emerald Lake Day

Do the Emerald Lake Loop, rent a canoe, then afternoon cake at the lodge. Optional side‑trip to Natural Bridge.

Wildlife & Sunset: Vermilion Lakes

Late afternoon paddle, then set up for a Mount Rundle sunset photo session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swim in these lakes?

You can swim in Johnson Lake and Two Jack Lake. Most glacial lakes like Peyto and Bow are too cold for comfortable swims.

Are dogs allowed?

Generally yes, on leash in national parks and Kananaskis, unless posted otherwise. Respect shoreline closures.

Do I need a pass?

Yes—Parks Canada for Banff/Yoho. Kananaskis Conservation Pass for K‑Country.

Is canoe rental available?

Typically at Emerald Lake and Lake Minnewanka (boat tours and rentals vary by season). Check ahead.

The Best Lakes Near Calgary Await

From quiet alpine waters in Kananaskis to turquoise stunners on the Icefields Parkway and family‑friendly beaches near Banff, the best lakes near Calgary in 2025 offer variety for every kind of adventure—without the congestion of Moraine or Lake Louise. Start early, pack smart, and bring a sense of wonder. The Rockies—and their lakes—are right on your doorstep.

Ready to plan your lake day? Save this guide, check current conditions, and hit the road. See you by the water.