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Lakes & Rivers

Canada has the most lakes out of any country in the world. We believe they’re the most beautiful too!

Canadian Rockies

Discover pristine, glacier-fed lakes in brilliant shades of blue.

Two people sitting on a rock overlooking Peyto Lake at sunrise.

Lake Louise is the most famous of all the jewel-coloured lakes in Banff National Park. The historic Chateau Lake Louise hotel sits on its shore.

This picturesque glacier-fed lake is in Banff National Park. The luxurious Moraine Lake Lodge looks over it.

This remarkably blue lake stretches down the Icefields Parkway and attracts all kinds of nature enthusiasts.

Crossing the length of Kananaskis Country, this river’s scenic views and wild rapids make it excellent for water sports.

Known to the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people as “Lake of the Spirits,” this deep, blue lake has a special place in the land’s history.

The Bow River originates in the Rockies and flows through Calgary into the Prairies. Locals love it for fishing and summertime rafting.

Located in Jasper National Park, this expansive lake can be explored via cruise, kayak, canoe or rowboat.

Only 5 km (3 mi) from Jasper, this lake sits at the base of Pyramid Mountain. Cross its long wooden bridge to Pyramid Island.

Alberta's longest river flows from Jasper National Park to the northeast. It’s popular for paddling adventures, boat trips and fishing.

Lake Louise Canoeing

The luminous blue lake is at its most beautiful when seen by canoe. Here you can watch rock flour beneath the water’s surface reflecting the sunlight.

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Southern Rockies

Waterton Lake
Waterton is nestled beside this serene lake. Explore it by renting a watercraft, taking a scenic cruise or relaxing on Emerald Bay.

Explore the Southern Rockies

Lakelands

Cold Lake
Cold Lake is part of the northeast city of the same name. Kinosoo Beach is a 3-block stretch of sand that attracts summer vacationers.

Lac La Biche
Visit Lac la Biche and you’ll understand why we call this area the Lakelands. This large lake will inspire you to kayak, boat, fish and more.

Explore the Lakelands

People curling on a frozen lake near a lighthouse in the setting sun.
Man and child looking out the window of a boat on Maligne lake with binoculars.

Maligne Lake Classic Cruise

Sail across Jasper’s Maligne Lake to the serene Spirit Island. Once there, disembark and take a short trail toward an epic viewing platform.

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Northern Rockies

Peace River
The town of Peace River straddles this 800 km (497 mi) stream. Sleep alongside it in a rustic cabin or an authentic Indigenous tipi.

Explore the Northern Rockies

West Country

Abraham Lake
You’d never guess this is a man-made reservoir. When it freezes in the winter, methane bubbles get trapped in the ice, making it a beautiful ice skating and photography destination.

Explore the West Country

Two people making waves on green jet skis on Sylvan Lake.

Sylvan Lake Boating & Watersports

Enjoy a day on the lake and experience something new. Everything from boats to kayaks to wakeboards are available for rent at Sylvan Lake.

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Wood Buffalo

Astotin Lake
Located in Elk Island National Park, Astotin Lake is a kayaker’s dream. Explore islands, bird watch and find beaver dams.

Christina Lake
Stretching 28 km (17 mi) between Lac La Biche and Fort McMurray, Christina Lake features a family-friendly lakeside lodge and boat rentals.

Explore Wood Buffalo

People curling on a frozen lake near a lighthouse in the setting sun.

Central Prairies

Sylvan Lake
Just a short drive west of Red Deer, Sylvan Lake is among Canada’s best lake destinations, with tons of room to relax, swim, paddle and play.

Explore the Central Prairies