The short trip uphill to the scenic Peyto Lake Overlook can be accessed off of Icefields Parkway, north of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The lake system is fed from the Peyto Glacier to the left of the view point and this gives the lake a magnificent blue color in the summer months due to the mineral content. Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen. It's a pretty short, easy hike that spits you out overlooking Peyto Lake. Please check with the park for more information: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonee-hiking/93N#bow. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! Distance: 5 km return. It doesn't seem real even in person. The lake itself is easily accessed from the Icefields Parkway. From Bow Hut: Across the Wapta Icefield via straightforward glacier travel. The climb is steep, but mercifully short, and the views at the top and all the way down are simply remarkable. The trail is well marked and winds along the shore of Bow Lake for the first 1.2km of the hike. With views this magestic, you may not want to leave! Best time to hike Peyto lookout? Watch for pikas, marmots and ptarmigan. 5-8 hours in good conditions. Trailhead: Peyto Lake parking lot From the highest point on the Icefields Parkway (2070 m), hike beyond the Peyto Lake viewpoint on the upper self-guided nature trail, then follow an old fire road to the lookout. Peyto Hut sits on a bench above the Glacier where it takes a sweeping turn to the north. At the end of the hike, take a dip in Bow Lake to cool off and enjoy drinks, coffee, and amazing bison chili at the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge cafe. Be aware that weather in the mountains is often unpredictable. The trailhead begins directly behind the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on km 37 of the Icefields Highway. Just be prepared for some hard work you’re going to have to earn this one. NOTE: This trail is closed until August 2021 for rehabilitation. Easy 3.8 mile round trip hike. Peyto Lake has welcomed visitors since the Icefields Parkway opened in 1941. Located … Snow shoes & cleats are a must! From the parking lot at Bow Summit, a short paved trail leads to one of the most breathtaking views you could ever imagine. Peyto Glacier that feeds Peyto Lake With so many amazing mountains, glaciers, and lakes, it’s difficult to say one view in Banff is better than the rest, but the view overlooking Peyto Lake is easily in the conversation. You will witness first hand the effects of global warming as Peyto Glacier is in full retreat. Lines show the layers of sedimentary rock in the Canadian Rockies Peyto Overlook – Bow Summit Hike Info Looking up the valley towards Peyto Glacier After a total of 1.3 miles of hiking, we got to the bottom and were able to explore much of the shore with nobody around. Just visited last weekend, trail was snow packed and icy. Grab a snack and take it all in. Couldn’t continue all the way to the glacier due to a sign saying the bridge was out, but getting to the lake was perfect. We went when the lake was still covered in snow, but it was still an incredible view. © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Excellent intro to Mountaineering. Here you can see people at the toe of the glacier -- and others on a tour directly on the glacier itself. Beautiful trail descending down into the trees and opening out to Peyto Lake. This is a fantastic spot, in every direction are glaciated peaks and colours in shades of rock and ice. This is a great family-friendly hike suitable for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from June until October. From the Peyto Lake lookout continue on a few meters and locate the trail leading downwards to the lake or keep going until you see another trail on your … He soon became an expert guide who enjoyed taking adventurous … It's a pretty busy spot but don't let that deter you from going. The hike to the overlook wasn't crowded and it was awesome to see how much snow the area had received. Racing through the snowy bits, I made my way back to the car where I cranked up the heat, let out an extended string of swears and rubbed my feet for friction. The hike back up from the lake is pretty challenging, it’s pretty bloody steep but it’s a great workout. Bow Summit and Peyto Lake Viewpoint [CLOSED], Peyto Lake via Caldron Peak Trail [CLOSED]. At around 8am the first tour bus arrived and we left then. Went here July 2017, but honestly anytime of the year is awesome, even winter. It was a lovely route. You can also hike down to the lake itself and then towards the Peyto Glacier, more on that here. Though we only went halfway and just made it to the edge of the lake. Peyto Glacier is now merely a “tongue” of the larger Wapta Icefield. Distance – 9.5 kilometres. Yamnuskan offers a worthwhile hike across the glacier in the summer. We only did the hike down to the bottom of Peyto Lake but it was worth it for that alone. Nobody was out there and best view of the lake by far. It’s about 1.5 miles straight down, and it’s a great workout on the way back up. The Bow Glacier Falls Trail was one of our favorite hiking trails of the entire week we spent in Banff. Bow Glacier Falls Trail: Tickets & Tours‎ ... Peyto Lake, Lake Louise: Address, Phone Number, Peyto Lake Reviews: 5/5. Peyto Lake sits between Yoho National Park and Jasper National Park. The lake is a beautiful colour the area is amazing. Had our 9 and 11 year-old boys with us and they did just fine. This special place is in need of rehabilitation and the viewpoint is closed. Well worth it! Throughout the summer months glacier rock flour Stunning trail, very few people. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from June until October. This is by far the bluest lake I have ever seen. YOU will go hike the Bow Summit trail to the AMAZING Peyto Overlook and enjoy spectacular views of Peyto Lake and Peyto Glacier. Bonus points as you avoid the crowds. Skip the viewpoint wooden balcony where hoards of tourists are common during the busy summer season. I'd recommend some traction aids for the winter season, happy trekking!! Peyto Lake is a stunning turquoise colored lake fed from Peyto Glacier. Discover new places to explore here. Very steep going both up and down, so be prepared. Seemed really enjoyable otherwise. Bow Summit Peyto Lake hike visitor info Type of hike. Peyto Lake (pea-toe) is a glacier-fed lake located in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. In turn, Peyto Lake then feeds Mistaya Lake. Taking a steep trail down to the generally inaccessible Peyto Lake is possible; but be forewarned that the lake is too cold in which to swim — and the trail itself takes at … Distance. Upon climbing the short 1.9 mile distance to the viewing point you are greeted by what many consider to be one of the best views in Canada. It was named for Bill Peyto, an early trail guide and trapper in the Banff area. Its a quick hike from the parking lot to the Peyto Lake viewing area. Via Peyto Lake: From Highway 93, the route descends to and crosses Peyto Lake before approaching the Peyto Glacier from the North. We passed the trail heading to Peyto Glacier shortly after the outlook. Towards the end when approaching Petyto Lake I’d suggest taking the switch backs down but going straight up on the way back up. Peyto Lake is a scenic location on the Icefields Parkway about 40 km (25 miles) north of the town of Lake Louise. You can follow a trail right up to the toe of the glacier (no tour needed). Easy 3.8 mile round trip hike. Easy hike, go there early in the morning at sunrise or around sunset , that way you won't have as big of crowds. It does sometimes get busy so you might end up parking on the side of the road. We knew we had to see this lake so we left pretty early in the morning to get there. 5.8 km (3.6 miles) round trip. 3 to 4 hours in good conditions. Peyto Creek get its water from the Peyto Glacier and the Caldron Lake. This trail starts at Bow Lake, right off the highway and travels all the way back to the waterfall off of Bow Glacier. Peyto Glacier Via Caldron Peak Trail [CLOSED] is a 6.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Field, British Columbia, Canada that features a lake and is rated as difficult. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Difficulty: Easy. I usually did a not-so-smooth smooth transition from flippies to boots about the time the temperature reached freezing. The group and guide will meet in the morning in Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise for a trip briefing and distribution of equipment and food. It takes only about 40 minutes down and one hour back. A little incline but pretty short and sweet, and the views from the lakeshore are great. We will drive via the Icefields Parkway to the trailhead at Bow Lake, 20 minutes north of Lake Louise. 115 m (375 ft) Time. Some trails or park services may be closed this weekend so check with local authorities before heading out. Our local guides will be our resource educating us as to where the glacier was recently and sharing how the glaciers preserve elements of the past. There are more trails that wind along the way & depending on the condition of the trail & your shoeware, you may or may not be able to achieve the full 8miles this area offers. If you said it was the best view in the park, we wouldn’t argue with you. Instead, follow the paved use trail straight ahead where eventually it meets the dirt trail into the forest. If you take the trail, you can escape the crowds. Peyto Lake (/ ˈ p iː t oʊ / PEE-toh) is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.The lake itself is near the Icefields Parkway.It was named for Bill Peyto, an early trail guide and trapper in the Banff area.. Length: 2.7 km one way Hiking time: 2.5 hour round trip Elevation gain: 250 m Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 40 km north of Saskatchewan Crossing or 9 km south of the Icefield Centre. The Peyton hut is stunning. The lake is located in a convergence of valleys surrounded by magestic mountains and rich forests. This is a trail that you really need to be prepared for. Hiking on the glacier we will be wearing a harness and be roped together for maximum safety. I will definitely make another trip when the lake has thawed out. Def a steep hike back up, but it goes faster than you’d imagine. Eventually you will lead up to a narrow gorge and onto th... Make sure check the sunrise time and to try to arrive 30 minutes to an hour before. Highly highly highly recommend. Avalanche hazard in winter. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Just Getting Started The temperature in Banff was about 42°F. From the lake, you can hike to Bow Summit--the highest point in the Canadian Rockies--and take in views from a viewing platform. Easy. The views are amazing and the lake is so peaceful when you get to the bottom away from all the crowds. I was there at the end of May & there was still 3+ feet of snow. ... Peyto Lake is a pristine alpine lake with the most intense aqua color from any of the lakes we saw! Elevation gain. One of the best day trips to be had for serious hikers/adventurers in Banff National Park. One of the best views in the Canadian Rockies. On an unseasonably warm January Saturday, I was the only one to access the trail. Today it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Being from Chicago, it was not unusual for me to be wearing my flip flops. Access to the viewing area for this magnificent area is immediately off the parkway and is well signposted. The crowds didn’t follow us once we left the platform. Peyto Glacier Via Caldron Peak Trail [CLOSED], https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonee-hiking/93N#bow. We passed a few unmarked offshoot trails on the right, which we’ll return to later, until we came to junction for the Bow Summit Outlook another third miles from the platform. Extremely beautiful but you don’t really need to hike to see the view. Time: 2 hours. Peyto Lake is a must-see if you're driving through the Icefields Parkway. The hike from the parking lot to the lookout point is quite short and you will find yourself with trees as you make the short hike up. If you’ve never spent any time on a glacier, its an absolutely amazing experience. Even with some pretty heavy smog from forest fires and the fact that it was early there were still a ton of people at the overlook. Easy short trail. Peyto Lake is a scenic location on the Icefields Parkway about 40 km (25 miles) north of the town of Lake Louise. After one hour we will depart from the main trail, cross a deep canyon on a spectacular natural rock bridge … The trek starts with a gentle stroll on the lakeshore trail beside the turquoise waters of Bow Lake. This Peyto Lake Viewpoint hike offers one of the finest views of Peyto Lake on an accessible, family-friendly hike. Peyto Glacier and Peyto Lake were named after “Wild Bill” Peyto, a colourful character and mountain guide who first came to western Canada to work for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 1900’s. The best and most peaceful view by far. Allows you to walk right up to the lake. Out and back. It requires glacier crevasse rescue equipment and the skills to use them. Peyto Glacier Via Caldron Peak Trail [CLOSED] is a 6.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Field, British Columbia, Canada that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The lake is formed in a valley of the Waputik Range, between Caldron Peak, Peyto Peak and Mount Jimmy Simpson, at an elevation of 1,860 m (6,100 ft). The lake is named after Bill Peyto, who was a trapper as well as a trail guide in the early 1900s. But we were able to ascend with skis and skins. In the course of this three-day Wapta Icefield Traverse Hike, we start at Bow Lake then hike up to and over the Bow Glacier to the Peyto Glacier staying in well-equipped alpine huts en-route. Only saw two other humans the whole time. This vibrant blue glacier fed lake, located about 40 km (25 mi) north of Lake Louise in Banff National Park, is a popular stop for visitors travelling along the famed Icefields Parkway. Worth the effort. June through September. Very scenic. If you're driving north or south along the Icefields Parkway, you'll see a sign for Bow Lake, it's about 38km north of Lake Louise. There is one steep section crossing onto the Moraine. Time – 4 … I did this as part of the Wapta on touring skis. We were the only ones there and it was beautiful. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Everyone has seen a picture of Peyto Lake, but seeing it in person doesn't compare. Beautiful but hard hike. We only went about a third of the way to the lake. This is a fairly easy 9km hike in Banff National Park with a 155m elevation gain that leads to a beautiful waterfall with Mount Jimmy Simpson in the background. The bridge is washed out unfortunately. But alas, if you must, retrace your steps back to the parking lot. Breathtaking view of a glacier fed lake. Only did about half the hike. Bow Glacier Falls Hike: From the beautiful Bow Lake, this fairly easy trail will take you up a short staircase to the impressive Bow Glacier Falls, surrounded in a cloud of mist and spray. Definitely a workout to get back up the hill. Improvements at Peyto Lake. Peyto Lake hike You can hike down to the shore of the lake and dip your feet in it. Karst Spring Hiking Trail. Please explore responsibly! Peyto Lake looked completely different from this angle, and the mountains bordering the lake, the Waputik Range, seemed much … This glacier is part of the extensive Wapta Icefield, which straddles the Continental Divide and extends into the northern reaches of Yoho National Park in British Columbia. One of the best views in the Canadian Rockies. The strikingly blue glacier-fed waters of Peyto Lake feature mesmerizing color caused by tiny particles of the rock the glacier brings forth when it "flows" in summer. adventures and follow local regulations. Help keep our trails and parks open during COVID-19 by committing to social distancing. IMPORTANT: The Peyto Lake viewpoint, viewing platform, upper and lower parking lots are closed until winter 2020. Gorgeous lake and worth waiting in any line to get a glimpse and picture! While the main viewpoint is crowded, make sure to visit the second one, which is often deserted. Love visiting Peyto lake, the view never gets old, in fact the characteristics of the surrounding scenery is always so dynamic shedding a different light on the lake each time. Parker Ridge: Best Sunrise Hike. Very steep downhill but worth it it to get down to the river. Peyto Glacier is an outflow glacier from the Wapta Icefield, which rests along the … Quote from Wikipedia: Peyto Glacier is located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, approximately 90 km (56 miles) northwest of the town of Banff, and can be accessed from the Icefields Parkway. But could not complete the the hike to Caldron peak as the river was flowing to high and fast to cross safely. Read my full post with all the details for hiking Peyto Overlook and avoid the crowds! The trail starts at the lookout through the well-worn exposed rocky area towards the right hand of the platform. Recommend wearing waterproof high top boots also bring a small towel to dry your feet if you brave the cold water, I suggest packing some flip flops to help against the sharp rocks if you cross the river. Me at Peyto Glacier Back on the Piney Canada Path Reluctantly, I began the 30ish minute hike back down the piney scented path. Nice hike to get away from the crazy crowds at the top. Amazing views of the whole valley. My singular trail was the only blemish on the pristine f... Park at the viewpoint for the Crowfoot Glacier, roughly 32 kilometers after turning off Highway 1. Description: Peyto Lake lookout is more of a walk than a hike but for those who want to explore further and escape the crowds you can hike to a higher viewpoint. Breathtaking view of a glacier fed lake. Another one of those spots where you need to go see this place in real life. Some tricky sections crossing the river at the end of Peyton lake. The Hike to Peyto Glacier Lookout. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. The hike is 1.2 miles (2 km) round-trip and takes about an hour. Peyto Lake: Scenic Glacier and Lake - See 3,192 traveler reviews, 1,582 candid photos, and great deals for Lake Louise, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Difficulty. Start / Finish – Mount Shark trailhead. Description:After a series of switchbacks you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views of the Saskatchewan Glacier – headwater… The hike is incredibly rewarding with stunning views of the Peyto Glacier, waterfalls, Caldron Lake, and a dizzying view from the top of Caldron Peak. We loved this trail even though you couldn’t get up to Caldron peak due to the river. There are two pull-offs for the... For anyone looking to leave crowds behind but still have a killer day, Crystal Ridge might be up your alley! Starts off nice defending down to peyto lake and the views are excellent. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your allow 2 hours. We’ll leave behind the glacier to cross over to the main trail and down the moraine wall track.