Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lakes is Banff's best free viewpoint and its most reliable sunrise and sunset spot. Three shallow lakes and their marshes spread across the floor of the Bow Valley immediately west of town, and from their shores Mount Rundle rises in a perfect triangle, doubled in the water on calm mornings. Parks Canada maintains Vermilion Lakes Drive, a 4.3-kilometre scenic road that is open year-round, with docks and benches along the way, interpretive panels on the geology, wetland ecology and human history of the area, and wildlife viewing opportunities from elk and deer to beavers, birds and, occasionally, bears. The road is also part of the 26-kilometre Banff Legacy Trail, the paved path that links Banff and Canmore, which makes it a popular walk or bike ride from downtown. In winter the lakes freeze, but warm springs keep small patches of open water where steam rises at dawn and hoarfrost coats the reeds, producing some of the most photographed winter scenes in the park. Parking is limited near the First Vermilion Lake, with more parking and picnic tables at the nearby Fenland day-use area. There is no fee beyond your park pass, no ticket, no booking — just show up at first light with a warm drink and wait for the sun to hit Rundle.

The wetlands here are among the most productive habitats in the park, and people have used the valley floor for a very long time; archaeological work near the lakes has found evidence of human presence going back thousands of years. Parks Canada has worked to restore natural processes in the area, including fire and water flows, and the marshes support a rich mix of birds, especially in spring and fall migration. The warm springs that keep parts of the lakes open in winter are part of the same thermal system as the Cave and Basin.

When to go. Sunrise is the classic time: arrive before dawn, set up at one of the docks, and watch the first light turn Mount Rundle pink and gold while mist lifts off the water. Sunset is good too, with the light on the peaks behind the lakes, and on clear winter nights the area is dark enough for stargazing and, occasionally, northern lights. In summer, cycle or walk the road from town on the Legacy Trail and stop at each lake. In winter, the road is quiet; drive slowly, watch for wildlife and icy patches, and bring warm boots for standing on the docks.

Good manners. Keep your distance from wildlife — elk can be aggressive, especially in fall rut and spring calving — and never feed animals. Stay off the ice: the springs that create the open water also make the ice unpredictable. Respect any wildlife closures posted by Parks Canada. Because it is so close to town, Vermilion Lakes is easy to fit around other plans: go at sunrise before breakfast, or at the end of the day after the gondola or hot springs.