All in a Day: Four Beautiful Lakes – Louise, Moraine, Peyto and Vermillion – in Banff National Park

By MALIK MERCHANT

Cyclist on Moraine Lake Parkway, Banff National Park
A cyclist leaves the 10 spectacular peaks surrounding Moraine Lake behind him as he returns to the main gate of the Lake; Banff National Park, Alberta, July 18, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.

Canada’s beautiful landscape motivates and inspires me, as well as millions of people who live in Canada and visit the country from around the world! My July 18, 204, began with morning prayers at Westwinds Jamatkhana. Luckily, my camera was in the car, and being as spontaneous as I am, a quick check of the weather in Banff National Park made me take off!

I began my day by driving through the inspiring Bow Valley Parkway to pay my usual tribute to the Storm Mountain Lookout Point — and, of course, the CP freight train. Next, the beautiful Lake Louise, where I expected to see turquoise blue waters — but it was a dull emerald. An accessibility pass allowed me to drive to the spectacular Moraine Lake, where I saw contrasting colours, including turquoise.

Payto Lake viewing platform Banff National Park
Parks Canada invested significantly in building this fantastic multilevel wooden viewing platform — perhaps one of the best in Banff National Park — at Peyto Lake, Alberta; July 18, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.

The sun was high in the sky, and I could not let the opportunity of seeing Lake Peyto go by! Returning to Banff and contemplating on a bench at Vermillion Lakes, the sight of a lone canoeist passing through the reflection of the iconic Mount Rundle was breathtaking. My contemplation moment and a joyful day were complete, leaving me uplifted and happy. How I wish I could own a chalet in Banff! Then, would I ever return to Calgary? Yes, it’s a great city with good Jamatkhanas, scenic parks and beautiful malls — for example, did you know that CrossIron Mills Outlet Mall has a unique walking club? One walks 1.5 km through the mall’s wide corridors with an eye for window shopping!

Storm Mountain Lookout Point Travel Canada CP Train
CP train cuts through the Storm Mountain Lookout Point, Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1a), Banff National Park, Alberta, July 18, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.

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Lake Louise Banff National Park, emerald green
Canoes on Lake Louise amidst spectacular mountain scenery. The lake was a dull emerald, on July 18, 2024 at around 11:10 am; Banff National Park, Alberta. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.

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Lake Louise emerald
Canoes on Lake Louise amidst spectacular mountain scenery. The lake was a dull emerald, on July 18, 2024 at around 11:10 am; Banff National Park, Alberta. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.

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Old Logs on Moraine Lake
Old logs floating on the turquoise Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, July 18, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.

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Visitors in awe at Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, July 18, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.

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Moraine Lake shuttle Banff National Park
A typical scene on the 11 km Lake Moraine Parkway taking visitors to and from the Lake. Visitors have to take a shuttle to visit Lake Moraine; Banff National Park, Alberta, July 18, 2024.

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Peyto Lake, Banff National Park, Travel Alberta and Canada
Visitors stand in awe as they watch the turquoise waters of Peyto Lake from the lower section of the Lake’s awe-inspiring lookout point; Banff National Park, Alberta, July 18, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.

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Canoeing Vermillion Lakes and Rundle Mountain, Alberta and Canada Travels
A lone canoeist has the Vermillion Lakes to herself as she rows through the waters reflecting the iconic Mount Rundle; Banff National Park, Alberta, July 18, 2024.

Date posted: July 20, 2024.

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