Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake gets its name from Bill Peyto, a pioneer, trapper and guide who, beginning in 1913, was one of the first wardens in Banff National Park. But the lake gets its fame from its striking, almost eerie, blue waters. The colour is a trick of the light—but what a trick. It is the result of dust produced as Peyto Glacier grinds down the surrounding mountains. This “rock flour” is carried into the water and then refracts the light. The result is an awe-inspiring sight that is well worth a stop as you travel the Icefields Parkway. Recent improvements to the site added new bathrooms, more parking and an improved viewpoint. That viewpoint is about a 10-minute walk on a paved path from the parking lot. Those with limited mobility can take advantage of the dropoff point in the upper parking lot.