Five Banff Lakes, One Day: Bow, Peyto, Vermilion, Minnewanka & Two Jack Lakes, plus Crowfoot Glacier views along the Icefields Parkway
Winter Walk at Peyto Lake: A short ice-cleat hike to the maple-leaf-shaped glacier lake — one of Banff's best viewpoints
Vermilion Lakes at Golden Hour: Half-frozen waters mirror Mount Rundle — Banff's classic sunset photo stop
The "Bubble Lake" at Lake Minnewanka: On cold, calm days, mist rises off the water — a winter-only spectacle
Easy Access from Calgary or Banff: Multiple pickup and drop-off points, plus winter airport transfer for evening flights
Calgary/Banff – Bow Lake (15 min) – Peyto Lake (90 min) – Crowfoot Glacier (drive past) – Lake Louise Village, free time (45 min, lunch on your own) – Vermilion Lakes (15 min) – Lake Minnewanka (20 min) – Two Jack Lake (15 min) – Banff/Calgary
Departing from Calgary or Banff, we first arrive at Bow Lake, loved for its charming waters framed by dramatic peaks. Next is Peyto Lake, famous for its distinctive maple-leaf-shaped shoreline.
The viewpoint here offers superb photo opportunities, and the visit includes a short winter hike (ice cleats are provided in winter).
We then drive past Crowfoot Glacier — even from the road, the sheer wall of ice and snow against the mountains is a stunning sight.
Lunch is free time in Lake Louise Village, the area's main visitor hub, with cafés, noodle shops and souvenir stores — you may even spot a few skiers.
Afterwards we visit Vermilion Lakes, where the winter lakes sit half-frozen, ringed by snow, with Mount Rundle glowing in the morning or evening light. From the viewing platform, snow-capped peaks reflect perfectly in the water; on clear days, the interplay of open water and ice is mesmerizing.
At winter Lake Minnewanka, watch for a magical phenomenon: when conditions allow, wisps of mist rise off the lake, creating the famous "bubble lake" effect.
We finish along Two Jack Lake, wrapping up the day's sightseeing in Banff around 17:30 at sunset.
*If you are catching a flight out of Calgary the same evening, please book domestic flights departing after 21:00 and international flights after 22:00.

Bow Lake

Peyto Lake

Lake Minnewanka

Two Jack Lake
09:30 AM|Banff
415 Banff Ave, Banff (in front of The Fat Ox of Banff restaurant)415 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B5, Canada
07:45 AM|Calgary
Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre1316 33 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2A 6B6, Canada
08:05 AM|Calgary
Bus stop in front of Harry Hays Building (across from Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown)on 4th Ave SE, Calgary
Banff
415 Banff Ave, Banff (in front of The Fat Ox of Banff restaurant)415 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B5, Canada
Calgary
Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre1316 33 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2A 6B6, Canada
Calgary
Bus stop in front of Harry Hays Building (across from Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown)on 4th Ave SE, Calgary
Calgary
YYC Calgary International Airport2000 Airport Road NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 6W5, Canada
If you plan to go shopping: For domestic flights within Canada, we recommend booking a flight departing after 9:00 p.m.; for international flights, we recommend booking a flight departing after 10:00 p.m. If you do not plan to go shopping: For domestic flights within Canada, please book a flight departing after 6:30 p.m.; for international flights, please book a flight departing after 7:30 p.m.

