Underrated Lakes Near Banff: Going Beyond Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

Look — we get it. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are ridiculously pretty. There’s a reason they show up on every souvenir magnet, calendar, and Instagram account within 100km.

But if you’ve ever stood shoulder-to-shoulder with 300 other tourists fighting for the same photo… you already know: it’s not exactly a tranquil mountain moment.

Luckily, this whole valley is packed with other lakes that are just as stunning.

Let’s start with some “hike-in” lakes, and then if you’re too lazy to hike, we’ll give you some roadside lakes to check out. 

Hike-In Lakes

Before we get any comments like “some of these lakes aren’t in Banff,” they’re close enough and worth the extra driving time.

Chephren Lake and Cirque Lake

Start from the Waterfowl Lakes campground off the Icefields Parkway. The views are already solid from the parking lot — Waterfowl Lakes give you that classic glacier-fed glow — but the real magic is up the trail.

It’s a mellow, forested 4km hike to Chephren Lake, where you’ll get big mountain views with barely any crowds. Want even more solitude? Keep going another 4km to Cirque Lake — quieter, sleepier, and often totally empty.

Both lakes feel like hidden pockets of calm in an otherwise busy national park. Great bang-for-your-buck if you want to escape without grinding up 1,000 metres of elevation.

Chester Lake

If you’re up for a mellow hike with a big payoff, Chester Lake is a local favourite — and often skipped by Banff tourists since it’s tucked away in Kananaskis. You’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, and you’ll find the trailhead off the Smith-Dorrien (Highway 742).

The trail is just under 10km round-trip and relatively flat, making it a solid option for families or anyone easing into hiking season. Bonus: there are washrooms near the lake — not glamorous, but handy.

The lake itself is stunning — sometimes a deep turquoise, other times crystal clear, depending on light and season. But come fall, it’s next-level. The larches around the lake go golden, and it turns into one of the most photogenic spots in the Rockies.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can keep going and scramble up Mount Chester for panoramic views — steep, but worth it if you’ve got the experience and mountain legs.

Sherbrooke Lake

Tucked just inside Yoho National Park, Sherbrooke Lake flies under the radar — but it’s one of those hikes that makes you wonder why more people aren’t talking about it.

The trail starts from a small parking lot near Wapta Lake, just off the Trans-Canada Highway by the Great Divide Lodge. It’s a straightforward forest walk with a few steeper sections, and then suddenly — boom — you’re staring at a long, blue lake tucked between towering peaks.

You can stop at the first viewpoint or keep following the trail along the shoreline. If you go far enough, you’ll hit a waterfall at the far end. Just be warned: it can get boggy in spots, especially after rain.

The best part? You’ve got a real shot at having it all to yourself — a rare thing in these parts.

Rockbound Lake

The trailhead’s off the Bow Valley Parkway, with limited parking and a basic washroom. It’s a long haul — nearly 20km round-trip — so if you want to get an early start, consider camping at Castle Mountain Campground or crashing at the nearby HI Castle Mountain Hostel.

The trail is a steady grind at first, with a few steep switchbacks. But once you break through the forest, the views open up into alpine meadows full of wildflowers (if you time it right). You’ll pass Tower Lake first, then climb higher until you’re standing above Rockbound Lake, looking down at this hidden turquoise basin cradled in stone.

This one’s a workout — but it’s pure mountain magic for those who make the effort.

Aster Lake

The Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes are well-known, but venture just a little further and you’ll hit one of the most awe-inspiring alpine lakes in the region: Aster Lake.

It starts off mellow along the Upper Kananaskis shoreline, passing Hidden Lake (which is... exactly what it sounds like). After that, the trail kicks up and gets scrambly — but the reward is worth every step. Aster Lake sits in a massive glacial basin, surrounded by jagged peaks and, in mid-to-late summer, a riot of wildflowers.

It’s about 22km round-trip, so many folks split it up by staying at Aster Lake Backcountry Campground ($12/person). And honestly? Waking up here is the kind of thing that sticks with you forever.

If you’re a serious scrambler with glacier gear and experience, you can keep going up to Mount Joffre — the highest peak in Kananaskis at 11,300 feet. But that’s an entirely different beast, with glacier crossings and real exposure. Only attempt it if you know what you’re doing.

Helen Lake

If you’ve already stopped at Bow Lake (see below), head up the trail to Helen Lake.

It’s a 12km round-trip that winds through open meadows and alpine valleys before reaching a rugged little lake tucked beneath Cirque Peak. The vibe up here is wilder, quieter, and a little more dramatic — the kind of place that feels earned.

The lake itself has a stark, rocky beauty — not the postcard turquoise of some others, but the kind of spot that makes you sit down, breathe in the stillness, and realize how small you are out here.

Bourgeau Lake

Bourgeau Lake doesn’t give up its views easily — the trail is steep, winding, and definitely a workout. But if you're up for it, it’s a beauty.

Park at the Harvey Pass Trailhead just off the Trans-Canada Highway. From there, it’s a steady climb through forest, with waterfalls, creeks, and the occasional peek at the surrounding peaks to keep things interesting.

Eventually, you’ll pop out at a rocky alpine lake that feels properly tucked away. Not the most famous, but it punches above its weight in scenery — especially early season when the lake’s still half-frozen and dramatic as hell. 

Roadside Lakes

None of these are “secret” — they’re all on a map, and anyone with Google can find them. But they are the kind of lakes locals actually visit. 

Bow Lake

Right off the Icefields Parkway with easy parking and washrooms, Bow Lake gives you the glassy, glacial water you came for.

On calm days, you’ll see reflections of Crowfoot Glacier so clear it looks fake. It’s one of those rare roadside stops that actually feels peaceful.

Normally, you can hike to Bow Glacier Falls, but that trail’s been closed since a tragic rockfall in June 2025. Once it reopens, take it seriously — rain or thawing can make those rocks sketchy.

Or just wander around the shoreline — it’s all awesome.

If you’re after views from above, check out The Onion hike. It’s a full-day adventure with some route-finding and a decent climb, so come prepared — but the payoff is unreal as you also get views of the Wapta Icefields.

Peyto Lake

Keep cruising up the Icefields Parkway and you’ll hit Peyto Lake.

It’s a short (but a bit steep) walk to the main viewing platform, where you’ll get that iconic view of the wolf-head-shaped lake in all its glacier-fed, electric-blue glory.

Pro tip: come for sunrise in shoulder season — it’s pure magic and you might even have it to yourself. (Summer afternoons? Let’s just say you’ll be sharing the view, but still not as many people as Lake Louise).

You can also keep going to a second, quieter viewpoint (which almost no one regrets) if you want to stretch your legs a bit more.

Abraham Lake

Most people know Abraham Lake for its wild winter methane bubbles — but don’t sleep on it in summer. The water turns a dreamy pale blue, and the whole place feels more wild and wide open.

No hike required to enjoy it either — just pull off the David Thompson Highway and you’ll hit a viewpoint right off the road. If you’re up for a short stroll, the David Thompson Campground loop gives you a nice mix of woods and lakeshore.

There’s no public transit out here, so you’ll need a car. But the drive itself is half the reward — far from the Banff crowds and deep into proper wilderness. With Mount Michener looming over the lake and wide-open space all around, it’s got that big-sky, off-the-grid feel.

Emerald Lake

Yeah, Emerald Lake’s no hidden spot — it gets its fair share of tour buses, and the parking lot fills up fast. But even on a busy day, it still feels way more relaxed than Moraine Lake.

The name doesn’t lie: the water is a brilliant turquoise that somehow always looks freshly polished. It’s an awesome spot for a paddle — though you’ll need to rent a canoe, since personal watercraft aren’t allowed here.

You can walk the full Emerald Lake Loop for an easy, scenic stroll, or tack on a quick side trip to Hamilton Falls if you’re chasing waterfalls.

And yep — it’s technically in BC, so if you’re one of those people who gets a kick out of ticking off provinces, congrats, you just added another one.

If You Insist on Visiting Lake Louise or Moraine Lake…

Alright, if you’re set on Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, we won’t stop you. But here’s how to do them smarter:

Lake Louise Tips

• Move away from the hotel viewpoint. Most people don’t leave the paved path. Walk around the lake and the crowds thin out fast — plus you’ll spot elite, local climbers on the back wall that’ll make your palms sweat just watching.

• Do the Lake Agnes hike. It’s a classic for a reason. You’ll pass Mirror Lake and end at the Lake Agnes Tea House. They serve drinks and snacks (cash only), and it feels like a proper reward for the hike.

• Level it up. Got gas in the tank? Add on Little Beehive or Big Beehive for killer views of Lake Louise from above. Feeling more adventurous? Devil’s Thumb is a solid scramble for experienced hikers — and totally worth it if you’re comfortable with exposure. These trails are still popular, but way quieter than the lakeshore or the tea house. You’ll actually feel like you’re in the Canadian wilderness... not a line at Disneyland.

• When to go?
  

  • Summer: Leave Calgary around 3:30am if you want parking. No, we’re not kidding. Lake Louise fills up fast — especially with that new $36.75 parking fee.
    
    

  • Winter: Way quieter, and the frozen lake is stunning — just bring layers and microspikes. No tea house this time of year though.
    
    

  • Roam Bus Tip: The 8X bus from Banff is your friend. You can pre-book or try your luck as a walk-on.

Moraine Lake Tips

• Get up early.  Some shuttle companies start as early as 4:00am from Lake Louise Village — and you’ll want to be on one of them. We can’t stress this enough: if you want to experience Moraine Lake without the chaos, you’ve got to do what most people won’t — wake up stupid early. Just suck it up and do it. It’s the only way to actually enjoy Moraine Lake these days.

• No private cars allowed. So you’ll need to take a shuttle (like Parks Canada’s Moraine Lake connector, which you book 48hrs out). But good luck, you’ll probably need to book a private shuttle (check out Moraine Lake Bus Co). 

• Hikes from Moraine are next level.
  
  

  • Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass: One of the most iconic hikes in the Rockies. If you’ve got any hiking fitness at all, this is a must. You’ll be surrounded by towering 11,000-foot peaks — it’s honestly jaw-dropping.
    
    

  • Eiffel Lake: Quieter and equally gorgeous. If you’re short on time or don’t want a huge day, pick either Sentinel Pass or Eiffel Lake — no need to do both.
    

• When to go?
  

  • The access window is short — shuttles only run June through October.
    

  • September is larch season. It’s busy, but nothing compared to the midsummer madness.

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