Canada/Alberta: Banff NP – Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is a stunning glacial lake known for its brilliant turquoise color. Situated at an elevation of about 1,860 meters (6,100 feet), Peyto Lake is right by the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). The lake is shaped like a wolf’s head and is very popular, especially in the summer when the colors are most vibrant – expect a bit of a zoo. But it’s so worth it! There are NO FILTERS in these pictures! This lake should be considered a wonder of the world – it’s so insanely blue! It’s a glacial lake and the meltwater from the glacier comes with loads of glacial powder (super tiny flour-like rock particles created when the glacier scrapes the rock bed like sandpaper). Once the water hits the lakes, this glacial powder remains suspended in it and absorbs red/yellow/orange colors in the light, while reflecting the blue. It’s beyond blue – sharp and almost fluorescent!