Be ready for a short uphill trek to view this beautiful lake. The trail is short but it'll give you the exercise to burn off a few calories. Wear something with a good sole and grip. Spectacular views of the lake, absolutely an amazing sight. Come early, gets crowded when tour buses or big families arrive, gets crowded (and noisy sometimes)

It was quite cold and snowing on this short hike. It’s quite steep. The altitude, combined with the cold, combined with the dry air, had us huffing and puffing. No less than 7 groups of people stopped us as we walked back and asked us how much further, so that gives you an idea - it’s more challenging than it appears. However the blue of the lake when you finish - wow! If you need to, stop and catch your breath a few times, but try to keep going!

The water at Peyto Lake is just as blue as all the pictures that you have seen. There is a paved path from the parking lot that leads to an overcrowded overlook. Do not settle for the crowded overlook. As you approach the viewing platform, the paved trail heads off to the left. Follow the trail to the left and up an incline. There are several trails off to the right that lead to a deserted clearing where you have a peaceful view of the lake to enjoy without the throngs of bus tourists.

Located in Banff National Park about 40 mi/64 km north of Lake Louise, Peyto Lake is one of the most popular stops along the famous Icefields Parkway. My wife and I visited here on a chilly morning during mid-October 2023. The parking lot is quite large (parking for over 100 cars), with the trailhead at one end and a couple of vault toilets at the other end. The hike along the paved trail from the trailhead to the observation platform is 0.8 mi/1.3 km out-and-back, with a 229 ft/69.8 m elevation gain. NOTE that while the trail is accessible, it is very steep in certain sections, so it can be a real challenge for the person pushing the wheelchair or stroller. If you follow the signs for buses and handicapped parking, which will take you to an upper lot that enables you to bypass some of the steeper sections (this is typically not available during winter). Also NOTE that the trail can become icy and slippery during the winter, so crampons would be useful when conditions are icy. The observation platform provides an excellent view of lovely Peyto Lake, with its uniquely blue glacial waters. If you look toward one end of the lake, you’ll be able to see where the shoreline resembles the outline of a wolf’s head. During peak season the crowds can be large, but Peyto Lake is truly a unique sight that should not be missed.

Amazing, incredible blue glacial lake depending on the meltwater. It is a rather steep incline up the paved trail from the parking lot to the upper viewpoint, but do NOT park in the upper parking lot unless you have a handicap decal. The large tour buses also park there and you'll get blocked in. Just a word of advice. Otherwise, totally worth the view.

Amazing views, perfect photo ops. Short uphill walk from the carpark to the viewing platform above the lake. It was frozen for our trip but views were still worth the walk. Less busy than Lake Louise.

With Lake Louise parking posing a problem and shuttle buses running full, we decided to visit other nearby lakes and glad we did. We first went and walked around Emerald Lake which was very enjoyable, then on to Peyto Lake which is a beautiful and breathtaking sight. With a short walk to the viewpoint ( there are 2 options - easy/steeper), it was also good to get there early so as not to battle the crowds. The drive to Jasper has lots of opportunities and attractions which makes missing Lake Louise less unfortunate.

Fantastic viewpoint, with only a short but steep walk to the lookout. The path is paved and easy to navigate, but for those who are out-of-shape or older - it could be a little difficult. There are also other trails nearby that have amazing views, but also uphill and more challenging. Most people stick to the main path and it's pretty easy to get up the short and steep trail. I would recommend going early, as it does get very crowded! We were there around 9:30 am and by time we left there was already twice as many people coming up the trail and busloads of people eager to take their pictures.

This lake was better than most other lakes including Lake Louise and Moraine lake which are over rated. The glaciers above the lake really add to the beauty of the view. Requires a pretty steep climb from the parking lot which is bigger than most other lakes in the area.

If you only see one lake in Western Canada, go and see this one! It truly is spellbinding. It actually is the shape of a wolf and the colour is spectacular. It’s not far from the car park - maybe 300 metres and so people with limited walking ability should be able to make it. Sadly we saw a number of tourists disregarding the signs to stay behind the fences in order to take photos.