Banff 
Alberta’s must-visit lakes get their title for many reasons.
Credit: M.E. Sanseverino/Flickr
Many of the province’s Rocky Mountain lakes are some of the most beautiful (and possibly most-photographed) lakes in the world, with some even boasting cruise excursions or boat rentals.
A second reason you need to check out some of these Alberta lakes are for their prime watersport locations: boat, swim, fish, paddle, and see the lakes a variety of ways.
The Rocky Mountains
Peyto Lake
You can now take the Peyto turn off the Icefields Parkway and explore one of the prettiest lakes in the world. Peyto is a glacier-fed lake, giving it a bright blue colour which stands in contrast to the surrounding scenery. There are several great hikes to explore around Peyto if you have time.
Peyto Lake Coin/To Do Canada
Moraine Lake
The glacier-fed Moraine Lake is something to add to your bucket list of places to see in Alberta. Remember to book tickets on the Parks Canada Shuttle or local tour buses, as the lake road is closed to private vehicles. There is a boathouse and lodge, so you can book a night’s stay on the beautiful lake or explore by boat.
Lake Louise
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits right next to the gorgeous mountain lake and is where you can find the boathouse for rentals. You can explore the lake from the shores, but the ultimate Lake Louise experience is to explore by canoe.
Lake Minnewanka
Besides holding the title of Banff National Park’s largest lake, Minnewanka has several other reasons for a visit. You can explore the lake via cruise or scuba diving, two unique Rocky Mountain experiences. Or, you can pick from a wide variety of boat rentals and go explore on your own.
- Canoe, Kayak, or Paddleboard: 25 of the Best Paddle Spots in Alberta
Waterton Lakes
Waterton Lakes are yet another body of water in Alberta that you can explore on a cruise! The Waterton Lakes cruise is one reason to visit this massive chain of lakes, while others include the scenery, the wildlife, the prime camping and hiking, and the warm southern Alberta summers.
Maligne Lake
You can’t miss out on Maligne Lake if you visit Jasper National Park. You can drive, bike, or hike to the lake, and once you’re here, you can explore the water. The boathouse offers rentals and the Maligne Lake Cruise.
Credit: Pursuit Banff Jasper Collection
Pyramid Lake
You can access Pyramid Lake behind the Jasper townsite and away from the business of the main streets. It is a serene location where you can hike around parts of the shore, stay at the resort, or rent boats to take onto the lake. This is also an excellent stargazing spot, not far from the other hotels.
Abraham Lake
As a large reservoir for the Big Horn Dam, Abraham Lake appears to have no end at some points. You can drive for about 30 minutes from end to end, at highway speeds, too! And on this stretch of highway are a few ways to make the most of your trip to the bright blue lake: random camping, hiking, picnic areas, and fishing spots.
For Swimming and Recreation
Sylvan Lake
The shallow and expansive beach area at Sylvan Lake allows many Albertans to flock here in the summer. And the popularity extends beyond the beach, with the town of Sylvan Lake hosting events throughout the summer and having several options for dining. To make the most of your time at the lake, you can search for vacation rentals online, book watersport rentals, or pack a picnic.
Sylvan Lake is also home to Alberta’s only inflatable floating waterpark.
Visit Sylvan Lake
Gull Lake
Aspen Beach Provincial Park, on Gull Lake’s south shores, offers huge beach space, several picnic sites, and seasonal camping. The day-use area has sandy and grassy areas to set up for the day. The large size of Gull also makes it incredibly popular for boaters of all kinds.
Cold Lake
If you stop by Cold Lake for a day, you can visit either the Provincial Park or Kinosoo Beach. Both locations also offer camping and lodging, as you may need a weekend to explore Cold Lake completely. You can hop on a boat rental from the beach and explore this massive lake as far as time permits or paddle around the Provincial Park’s small bay areas- this is also where the park’s trails follow the shore.
Wabamun Lake
Many in central Alberta, especially those in Edmonton, hugely appreciate Wabamun Lake not only for its proximity to cities and towns, but also for all the outdoor recreation available to you upon your visit. You can relax at the Provincial Park, located on the shores of a small bay, or rent speedboats and Seadoos from the Marina for more thrills on the water.
Lesser Slave Lake
A summer getaway to Lesser Slave Lake can include a huge variety of family-friendly and outdoor fun. Choose from different types of outdoor recreation at the lake, hiking, festivals, and all the delicious dining around town.
Credit: Alberta Parks
- Summer Trip: Reasons to Visit the Town of Slave Lake This Summer
Whitney Lakes
Whitney Lakes Provincial Park has it all and offers outdoor or leisurely fun all year round. This is partly due to the fact that there are four lakes here, the smallest of which offers peaceful backcountry camping. The peaceful scenery at any of the four lakes is perfect for a combined camping and beach vacation and is close to several hiking trails, including the Iron Horse Trail.
Credit: Alberta Parks
Elkwater Lake
The Cypress Hills Provincial Park area is a peaceful little corner of Alberta with Elkwater Lake and the village central to it all. The small lake offers big fun and shallow waters- this allows for prime swimming temperatures. You can come here to camp or stay at the Elkwater Lake Lodge, where recreational rentals are available.
