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Canada is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking lakes. From vibrant turquoise waters to unique geological features, each of these lakes offers stunning landscapes that are perfect for any traveler seeking adventure, serenity, or that picture-perfect Instagram shot. If you’re a seasoned explorer or a casual tourist, these lakes should be on your must-visit list.
1. Moraine Lake, Alberta
Located in Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is one of the most iconic lakes in Canada. Its bright turquoise color comes from glacial rock flour, making it stand out against the backdrop of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The surrounding jagged peaks and lush forests create a scene that looks like a real-life painting. The best part? Every season transforms this place into something completely different.
Best Time to Visit:
Visit between June and September when the lake is fully thawed and the water is at its brightest blue. For fewer crowds and breathtaking sunrises, arrive before dawn.
2. Lake Louise, Alberta
Lake Louise is famous for its stunning turquoise waters surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. The nearby Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise adds a touch of grandeur to this already majestic destination. The lake offers year-round beauty, with summer kayaking and winter ice skating.
Photo Tip:
For a unique shot, rent a canoe and capture the view from the water. During winter, the frozen lake and snowy peaks make for a magical photo backdrop.
Best Time to Visit:
Visit in summer (June to September) for water activities or during winter (December to February) for a chance to skate on the lake’s natural ice.
3. Emerald Lake, British Columbia
Hidden away in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake lives up to its name and then some. The green water looks almost otherworldly against the surrounding mountain landscape.
Fun fact: The lake stays this gorgeous emerald green color year-round due to powdered limestone in the water.
Best Time to Visit:
Visit from June to October for the best paddling experience. In winter, the lake transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing and photography.
4. Peyto Lake, Alberta
If you’ve ever wondered what a wolf-shaped lake looks like, Peyto Lake is your answer. From the viewpoint (an easy 10-minute walk from the parking lot), you’ll see why it’s called that. The striking blue color of the water is due to the glacier-fed silt that reflects sunlight. The lake is located off the Icefields Parkway, one of Canada’s most scenic drives.
Photo Tip:
Head to the Bow Summit Viewpoint for the best panoramic shot. For fewer crowds, explore the nearby trails that offer unique angles of the lake.
5. Maligne Lake, Alberta
Why It’s Gorgeous:
Maligne Lake is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and is home to the famous Spirit Island. The striking blue waters are surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests, creating one of the most photographed spots in Canada.
Photo Tip:
Take a boat tour to Spirit Island for the ultimate photo opportunity. The island is best photographed during sunset when the light adds a warm glow to the landscape.
Best Time to Visit:
Visit from June to October when boat tours are operating. For the best photos, aim for early morning or late afternoon to capture the lake’s reflections in soft light.
6. Lake O’Hara, British Columbia
Getting to Lake O’Hara requires some planning – you’ll need to book a shuttle months in advance or be ready for a serious hike. It is a hidden gem in Yoho National Park. Surrounded by alpine peaks and crystal-clear waters, this lake offers some of the best hiking trails in Canada. Its remote location makes it a quieter and more serene spot compared to more popular lakes.
Photo Tip:
Explore the Opabin Plateau Trail for panoramic views of Lake O’Hara and surrounding lakes. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the stunning scenery.
7. Garibaldi Lake, British Columbia
Garibaldi Lake is famous for its stunning turquoise color and its location within a volcanic landscape. The lake is surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped peaks, making it a must-visit for hikers.
Photo Tip:
For the best photos, hike to the Black Tusk viewpoint for an overhead shot of the lake. Capture the lake’s vibrant color against the snowy backdrop for a stunning contrast.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit is July to September when the hiking trails are clear and the lake is fully thawed.
8. Berg Lake, British Columbia
Berg Lake sits at the foot of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, with actual icebergs floating in it! The 13-mile trail to get here is a commitment, but watching chunks of the glacier calve off into those pristine waters makes it worth it.
Pro Tip:
Bring earplugs – those glacier chunks make quite a splash when they break off in the middle of the night!
9. Abraham Lake, Alberta
Winter transforms Abraham Lake into nature’s art gallery. Frozen bubbles of methane get trapped in the ice, creating patterns that look like someone spent hours arranging white marbles under the surface.
Best Time to Visit:
Visit between December and March for the best bubble viewing. Just remember to bring ice cleats and dress warmly for the winter wind.
10. Lake Superior, Ontario
The largest of the Great Lakes deserves its spot on this list. The northern shore of Lake Superior in Ontario offers some of the most dramatic coastline. Agawa Rock’s ancient Indigenous pictographs, visible only by boat or a careful scramble along the cliffs, tell stories that date back centuries.
Best Time to Visit:
Visit in summer (June to September) for the best weather and clearer waters. The fall months offer stunning foliage that enhances the dramatic landscape.
Your Canadian Lake Adventure Awaits!
Whether you’re looking for serene paddling experiences, jaw-dropping photo ops, or adventurous hikes, these lakes offer something for everyone. Pack your camera, dress in layers, and prepare for unforgettable views that will leave you planning your next Canadian getaway.
Hi, I’m Becca J, a social media manager, English teacher, and writer, as well as a mum of three boys. I’ve travelled through North and South America, Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and a few countries in the Middle East—learning so much along the way and loving every moment of it.
After living in Brazil and learning a new language, I truly understand the challenge of not being able to communicate in another language. That experience inspired me to share my love of travel and tips for learning a new language, especially my first language English, to help you communicate more confidently.
For me, travel is an incredible way to open our eyes to new ways of thinking, new people, customs, and ideas—it brings us all together. It’s a journey of learning and soul-enriching experiences, and I’m excited to share my tips for communicating in English, as well as my favourite places and travel insights, inspired by my mother tongue and the countries that use English as their main language.
