Family Walks and Hikes in

A super easy and short interpretive walk to a magnificent view of colourful Peyto Lake.

Drive west on Highway 1, past Lake Louise, and take the Highway 93 turnoff (Exit 7) towards Jasper. Drive about 41 km and turn left into the Bow Summit parking lot.

Combine this trip with 42. Bow Summit Lookout Site (next) for great views of both lakes. The lower viewpoint is usually very crowded; the upper viewpoint less so.

1.The paved trail starts at the north end of the parking lot and is easy to follow. Stop to read the interpretive information panels along the way. Follow the trail for about 500 m to the potentially very crowded lower viewing platform and a wonderful view of the turquoise waters of Peyto Lake.

2.Continue following the paved trail, soon reaching a three-way junction and an “Explore” sign. This is the beginning of the interpretive loop as well as the gateway to the Bow Summit hike. Take the right fork and hike about 150 m to the first interpretive panel. Look for an unsigned, unpaved trail branching off to the right. Follow this trail for about 175 m (at first ascending and then descending) to the rocky upper viewpoint. As well as enjoying another magnificent and slightly better view of Peyto Lake, you may even get to enjoy some solitude here!

3.Return to the paved trail and continue along the counter clockwise interpretive loop, eventually retuning to the “Explore” sign. Note that you will encounter signs for the Bow Summit Lookout trail and the trailhead along the loop. If you would like to extend your day, see 42. Bow Summit Lookout Site (next trip). Otherwise, return to the parking lot the same way you came in or consider another trip extension that takes you closer to Peyto Lake (Going Farther: Down to Peyto Lake below).

Be one of the few hearty souls to venture all the way down to the shores of the lake. Gaining all that elevation back is the crux of the trip!

1.From the lower viewpoint, continue along the paved trail for a short distance, looking for the trail heading down on the right side.

2.Follow this steep trail all the way down to the lake, first through forest and then down an avalanche slope.

3.Explore the shores of the lake as desired and then slowly grind your way back up to the viewpoint. Return the way you came in.

What a view – and only ten minutes from the parking lot – some think the lake looks a ghost, some a dog – ask your kids what they think.

A couple at the upper viewpoint checks out the view towards the magnificent Wapta Icefield.

Gavin Emanuel, 3, takes in the view from the upper viewpoint (Courtesy Katy Emanuel).

Five hearty souls enjoy the lakeshore.