Looking to take a dip in a cold mountain lake? Look no further. Herbert Lake is a little oasis of mountain beauty. Just off Hwy. 93, approximately 7km north of Lake Louise you will find a day use area for this spot. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, and if it’s a warm sunny day, the perfect spot for a swim. You can follow a trail around the circuit of the lake. On the far SW corner of the lake you will come across a diving board and rope swing. The water is clear, deep and cold! Emi was brave enough to take the plunge on the rainy morning we were visiting.
If you head clockwise around the lake you will need to walk on the shoulder of the hwy. until you see a trail skirt off into the trees. The counter clockwise route is a little longer, but is very scenic and you will get great views of the lake. I would suggest doing the complete circuit. I have heard there can be leaches in the lake but we didn’t see any.
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ELEVATION: Minimal DISTANCE: 1 KM Round Trip A perfect roadside pit stop! There will be a sign on the Hwy. indicating the parking lot for Mistaya Canyon. On the south end of the parking lot the trail takes you 300meters to a bridge overlooking the canyon. Take in amazing views of the steep canyon and raging water below. If you continue on the trail, you will find some dirt trails leading the river. Be cautious as there are no rails on this portion of the hike. We found a large rock overlooking the entrance of the canyon and enjoyed views of the surrounding mountains. The walk back to the car has some slight uphill so keep that in mind.
Peyto Lake is a classic stop on the parkway. Hundreds of people file up to the viewpoint on any given day. It’s a short hike, following a paved path to the main viewing area. If you want to escape the crowds here is a tip. Follow the trail to the main viewing area and continue on the paved path that goes to the left of the platform (Don’t take the trail to the bus parking lot). Shortly after, you will come across a sign showing a small loop that can be hikes. Go right at the fork and take the first dirt trail you see. This trail leads to an amazing viewpoint of the lake which we shared with one other couple (compared to the swarm of people on the viewing platform). The extra 15 minutes of walking is 100% worth it! Head back the way you came.
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And into the forest I go. To lose my mind and find my soul. John Muir Archives |