Best Lakes In Alberta To Add To Your Travel Bucket List

There is no denying that Alberta boasts some breathtaking lakes. "Visit beautiful lake in Alberta" is undoubtedly at the top of any traveler's list of things to do when visiting this province.

One thing is certain: Alberta has the ideal lake for you, whether you want to swim in it, paddle about it, enjoy it from the shore and take pictures in the summer, or skate on it in the winter. The famous lakes in Alberta are must-see locations because of their stunning surroundings and vibrant colors, particularly when the sun is warm and the days are long. Keep reading to discover the best lakes in Alberta.

List Of Lakes In Alberta Worth A Visit

If you've ever seen any photos of Alberta's most popular tourist destinations, we're willing to wager that there’s been a turquoise or emerald lake in the mix. So why not take in all those breathtaking sights firsthand? Here's the list of lakes in Alberta that you should not miss:

Moraine Lake

It would be hard to write an article about the best lakes in Alberta without mentioning Moraine Lake. It is without a doubt the most famous lake in Alberta, if not all of Canada, or even the entire world.

In the past, the Canadian twenty-dollar bill used to feature Moraine Lake. It is obvious why it is the most visited location in Banff. It is a breathtaking sight to behold this incredibly blue lake with the famous ten peaks directly behind it. After only one paddle on the lake, you will feel as though you are paddling in paradise.

If you are concerned about getting turned away at the parking lot, take the Moraine Lake shuttle instead, as parking fills up quickly. It peaks in Lake Louise and runs periodically from mid-May to mid-October. 

Moraine Lake is without a doubt the most famous lake in Alberta

Lake Louise

The second most visited lake in Alberta after Moraine Lake is Lake Louise. With its blue, glacier-fed waters encircled by the angular peaks of the Rocky Mountains, this lake is one of Alberta's most picturesque and most photographed locations. Enjoy the view from above on the many walks in the area or paddle the smooth waters in the summer. You may cross-country ski and skate on the thick ice during the winter months when the cold sets in. There are fantastic activities in Lake Louise all year round, and this location is well-known for that reason.

Stay a while if you want to turn it into a major experience! There are lots of campers at Lake Louise (and the surrounding area), beautiful hotels, and excellent restaurants.

Abraham Lake

Abraham Lake, a man-made lake on the North Saskatchewan River in David Thompson Country, is renowned for its stunning jade-colored water. You may camp around the lake and take in the stunning water, making it a great destination in the summer.

Abraham Lake is best known to Albertans as the lake with renowned ice bubbles throughout the winter months. You have a very excellent chance of seeing methane ice bubbles frozen in the ice if you visit here between December and March. It is one of the windiest areas in Alberta, so make sure to pack appropriately!

Abraham Lake is renowned for its stunning jade-colored water

Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is definitely on the list of the best Alberta lakes for swimming. In Jasper National Park, Pyramid Lake is located directly beneath the famous Pyramid Mountain. Compared to other lakes in the area, this one is not as influenced by wind and is warm enough to swim in. 

Pyramid Island, a little island reachable by bridge from the road, is the focal point of Pyramid Lake. 

Barrier Lake

One of the famous lakes in Alberta you will see when traveling from Calgary into Kananaskis Country is Barrier Lake, one of those lakes in Alberta that does not receive the credit it merits. Located directly beneath Yates Mountain, this azure lake offers a stunning view of Mount Baldy from its shores.

This lake is a favorite with Albertans since it is fun to paddle around on, has a little beach area for relaxation, and has easy parking. If the weather permits, ice skating is another activity that may be done on Barrier Lake in the winter. 

Barrier Lake is a favorite with Albertans since it is fun to paddle around on

Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake, Alberta's well-liked recreational, is situated between Edmonton and Calgary and one of the top 10 biggest lakes in Alberta. Aqua Splash, the water park of Sylvan Lake, is open from late June to early September. It is an inflatable park with a trampoline, climbing towers, and slides that float on the lake. You should make time to visit Aqua Splash if you are ever in Sylvan Lake. 

Sylvan Lake is also one of the best fishing lakes in Alberta. You should bring your fishing rod to the lake because it’s full of whitefish for catching throughout the fishing season. Make sure you look up any catch and release restrictions before you cast your line.

Spray Lakes

Kananaskis Country's Spray Lakes are a breathtaking sight. This is one of the lakes to visit in Alberta for taking your boat out or going fishing from the shore.

You can ice fish on the lake in the winter, or if you are lucky, you can catch Spray Lakes when they freeze over. However, you can also ice skate on the lake before the snow falls. If you hike up West Wind Pass, Tent Ridge, Windtower, or Rimwall Summit, you'll get stunning views below.

Surface of winter ice on Spray Lake in Alberta

Annette Lake

Even though Annette Lake is not one of the biggest lakes in Alberta, it is a hidden treasure that is worth visiting if the crowds at the other lakes get to be too much. 

There are easily accessible hiking and walking routes all around Lake Annette, which is a part of Jasper National Park. The slightly over 11-kilometer Lake Annette hike is paved, making it safe for anyone with restricted mobility.

Scuba diving is one of the main reasons Annette Lake is a must-see lake in Alberta. The lake is a well-liked location for novice and experienced divers who want to experience cold-water diving. 

Annette Lake is a hidden treasure that is worth visiting

Best Time To Visit These Best Lakes In Alberta

The best time to visit these lakes in Alberta is dependent upon the type of experience you like. If you like warm weather, clean waters, and activities such as swimming, kayaking, and hikes, summer (June through September) is the best season for you. This is when the lakes have their best coloration, and the season is optimum for sightseeing and photography. However, summer is the peak season, and this means larger crowds and less space available for parking. If you like less crowding and good weather, you can also visit during the late spring (May) or the start of fall (October). These seasons will give you less tourism and less chaos.

For a vastly different experience, Alberta’s lakes during the winter season (November–March) transform into spectacular ice sceneries. Winter is the season for those fond of playing winter games, ice skating, or even admiring the sight of snowy surroundings. Special ice structures are also formed over some lakes, resulting in spectacular scenery. Winter vacations require prior preparation, however, as the temperature can dip very low, and access can also be limited by snowfalls.

The best time to visit these lakes in Alberta is dependent upon the type of experience you like

Things To Know About Traveling Alberta

• No matter the season, always be ready with a jacket because the weather can change at any time!
• Even in the prairies, there is wildlife everywhere. Be cautious when driving on highways or in national parks since deer and moose might suddenly appear out of nowhere.
• You will require a separate Kananaskis Conservation Pass in order to park in Kananaskis Country.
• The distances between points of interest might be quite far, so be sure to look up the locations you want to visit on Google Maps and account for travel time.

Conclusion

Exploring the best lakes of Alberta is something every adventurer has to add to their bucket list. Whether you prefer the bright turquoise color during the summer season or the snow-capped scenery during the winter, the lakes offer something for everyone—nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photography enthusiasts.

If you're planning to travel to Canada, don’t forget to apply for your Canada eTA through our website. We make the process swift, secure, and hassle-free. Our website will guide you every step of the way and you can get your visa within 3 working days. Apply now and set yourself up for the breathtaking lakes of Alberta!