Banff's Closest Lakes: Lake Minnewanka Scenic Loop, Two Jack Lake and Vermilion Lakes Sunset

While Lake Louise and Moraine Lake sit 40 to 50 minutes north-west of Banff Town, five extraordinary mountain lakes sit literally 5 to 15 minutes from downtown Banff, connected by flat bike paths and the 24-kilometre Lake Minnewanka Scenic Loop Drive (also served every 20 to 30 minutes in summer by Roam Transit Route 6).

1. Vermilion Lakes Road (5 Mins West of Downtown Banff, #1 Sunset & Sunrise Spot)

Turn off Mount Norquay Road just outside Banff Town onto the quiet, 4.5-kilometre paved lane of Vermilion Lakes Road (walking or cycling there from downtown takes 15 minutes). Stretching along the northern bank of the Bow River are three shallow, reed-bordered wetland lakes that stay completely sheltered from wind, acting as a giant natural mirror directly opposite the landmark, tilted 2,949-metre limestone slab of Mount Rundle. Sit on one of the wooden docks at the First, Second or Third Lake 45 minutes before sunset (or at sunrise when thermal springs keep mist rising off the water) as bald eagles, ospreys and elk pass by.

2. The Lake Minnewanka Scenic Loop: Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake & Lake Minnewanka

Just 10 minutes north-east of Banff Town, drive (or ride Roam Bus 6) around the one-way Lake Minnewanka Loop, the #1 road in Banff for spotting Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep with their curled horns right beside the road:

• Johnson Lake (Warmest Swimming Lake in Banff): because it sits in a lower, sun-warmed forest basin, the 3 km flat loop around Johnson Lake is where locals come for a refreshing summer swim and stand-up paddleboarding.
• Two Jack Lake (Famous 'Parks Canada Red Chairs' Viewpoint): a serpentine emerald inlet offering the classic postcard composition of Mount Rundle reflected over smooth pebbles.
• Lake Minnewanka (Boat Cruise & Stewart Canyon Hike): stretching 21 kilometres into the rugged Palliser Range (with the submerged ghost town of 1912 Minnewanka Landing lying preserved 30 metres underwater beneath the dam), take the 1-hour panoramic boat cruise out to vertical Devil's Gap, or walk the easy 3 km lakeshore path to the wooden bridge over Stewart Canyon.