Canada is a land of boundless natural beauty, and nothing captures that essence quite like its lakes. From vivid turquoise waters nestled in alpine peaks to mirror-like expanses reflecting ancient forests, these 24 lakes are so stunning, they look like they’ve been painted by an artist rather than formed by nature. Discover the surreal beauty of these unforgettable Canadian treasures.
Lake Louise, Alberta
With its signature turquoise hue and backdrop of Victoria Glacier, Lake Louise is one of the most iconic lakes in Canada. Located in Banff National Park, it shimmers with surreal beauty, particularly in summer when the water glows an almost unbelievable shade of blue. The contrast of ice-capped mountains and the lake’s pristine surface is picture-perfect.
Peyto Lake, Alberta
Shaped like a fox’s head when viewed from above, Peyto Lake stands out with its bright, milky-blue color. This glacier-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies owes its dreamy hue to rock flour, fine particles from glacial erosion that remain suspended in the water. Its unreal appearance draws thousands to the Icefields Parkway each year.
Moraine Lake, Alberta
Surrounded by the towering Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is nothing short of jaw-dropping. The intense blue color is caused by refraction from the glacial silt. Early mornings are magical here, when mist floats over the water and the peaks reflect off the still surface, creating an almost fantasy-like landscape.
Emerald Lake, British Columbia
Tucked within Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake lives up to its name with water so green it appears digitally enhanced. It sits in a basin of snow-dusted peaks and dense forest, and during summer, wildflowers dot the shoreline, amplifying the visual feast. Canoeing on its calm, jade water feels like entering another world.
Garibaldi Lake, British Columbia
This alpine lake is a sparkling blue gem surrounded by volcanic mountains and glaciers. Garibaldi Lake’s surreal color is the result of glacial melt and mineral deposits, giving it a mesmerizing quality. Hiking the trail to reach it is demanding, but the panoramic view from the top feels like something out of a dream.
Lake Superior, Ontario
The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior is a freshwater inland sea with a mystique all its own. Its vastness creates the illusion of an ocean, complete with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and the kind of shifting colors you’d expect in a tropical paradise. Sunsets here are ethereal, casting golden hues across the rippling surface.
Abraham Lake, Alberta
Famous for its frozen methane bubbles in winter, Abraham Lake is an artificial reservoir that surprises visitors with its otherworldly ice formations. During summer, it turns a milky turquoise, reflecting the rugged surrounding cliffs. Whether frozen or flowing, its surreal beauty has earned it a devoted following among photographers and nature lovers alike.
Spotted Lake, British Columbia
Unlike any other lake on this list, Spotted Lake near Osoyoos features hundreds of mineral-rich pools that form a natural mosaic in summer. As water evaporates, the minerals create distinct colorful “spots,” ranging from green to yellow and blue. It looks more like a sci-fi landscape than something you’d find in British Columbia.
Lake Ontario, Ontario
Though it’s often overlooked compared to its northern cousins, Lake Ontario has its own magical charm. On calm days, its water reflects the sky so clearly it’s hard to distinguish the horizon. From the Toronto Islands or Prince Edward County, the serenity of this vast lake feels both peaceful and surreal.
Lake Minnewanka, Alberta
Meaning “Water of the Spirits,” Lake Minnewanka is Banff’s largest lake and a spectacle of natural wonder. The long, winding shoreline, flanked by towering mountains, creates a setting of mythic beauty. In the fall, the golden larch trees contrast against its deep blue surface, making it look straight out of a painting.
Kluane Lake, Yukon
Set in the remote wilderness of Yukon’s Kluane National Park, this lake is immense and serene. The surrounding St. Elias Mountains tower dramatically above the shoreline, and wildlife is often spotted nearby. Its ever-changing colors, from icy blue to stormy gray, make it a dynamic and awe-inspiring destination.
Maligne Lake, Alberta
Known for Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in the Rockies, Maligne Lake is impossibly beautiful. The surrounding glacier-streaked peaks and cerulean waters create a hauntingly peaceful scene. Whether shrouded in mist or sparkling in the sun, it has a mystic quality that feels almost unreal.
Kananaskis Lakes, Alberta
Lower and Upper Kananaskis Lakes offer double the beauty with their glassy surfaces reflecting rugged peaks. Less crowded than other Alberta destinations, they provide a peaceful alternative that still feels like it belongs in a fantasy world. Kayaking or hiking here is a feast for the senses, especially in early autumn.
Bow Lake, Alberta
A glacier-fed lake along the Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake offers a more secluded but no less magical experience. The light blue water set against the towering Crowfoot Glacier makes it a scene straight from a fantasy novel. Early mornings are particularly enchanting, with mirror reflections and mist hanging over the still surface.
Cameron Lake, Alberta
Situated in Waterton Lakes National Park, Cameron Lake is flanked by steep, forested cliffs and backed by snowcapped ridges. Its deep green waters and tranquil surroundings give it an almost enchanted feel. It’s not uncommon to see wildlife drinking at its edges or to catch the reflection of hawks soaring overhead.
Waterton Lake, Alberta
Straddling the U.S.-Canada border, Waterton Lake blends dramatic scenery with serene charm. The historic Prince of Wales Hotel perches above it like a scene from a European fairytale. With its deep blue waters, wildflower meadows, and towering cliffs, it looks too picturesque to be real.
Lake O’Hara, British Columbia
Known for its limited access and pristine wilderness, Lake O’Hara is a treasure for those lucky enough to visit. The emerald waters are cradled by peaks and alpine meadows, creating a landscape that feels untouched by time. The surrounding trails lead to even more hidden gems, each more surreal than the last.
Lakes of the Clouds, British Columbia
This cluster of alpine lakes is perched high in the Purcell Mountains, accessible mostly to backcountry adventurers. The sapphire-blue water set in glacier-carved basins is so remote and clear, it feels sacred. Few get to see them in person, but photos alone are enough to take your breath away.
Eva Lake, British Columbia
Located in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Eva Lake is a hidden gem often covered in alpine wildflowers. With its calm, dark blue water and a backdrop of rocky crags, it feels like a secret world. Hiking in this region is rewarding, as the beauty of the lake seems untouched and perfectly preserved; perfect for photo opportunities mid walk.
Kinney Lake, British Columbia
At the foot of Mount Robson, Kinney Lake offers a dazzling reflection of the towering peak above it. Its glacial waters shift color depending on the light—from muted green to vibrant turquoise. The peacefulness of the area enhances its beauty, making it a place that feels more like a dream than reality.
Valhalla Lake, British Columbia
Hidden in Valhalla Provincial Park, this lake is surrounded by jagged peaks and alpine meadows. The isolation adds to its allure, it feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret that few people know about. The water is a pristine green, and in late summer, the surrounding flowers add vibrant splashes of color.
Lac Beauvert, Alberta
This small lake near Jasper is known for its crystal-clear water and vibrant surroundings. In summer, its emerald-green hues almost glow under the sun. Canoes and paddleboards skim across the surface, often trailing soft ripples that reflect the jagged ridgelines above, creating a peaceful and surreal tableau.
Mistaya Lake, Alberta
Located off the beaten path, Mistaya Lake offers a quiet escape into alpine tranquility. The lake is flanked by untouched forests and craggy cliffs, with few signs of development in sight. Its remote location and perfectly still waters make it feel more like a dream than a real place.
Clearwater Lake, Manitoba
This lake lives up to its name with striking clarity and an azure-blue tone. Surrounded by the boreal forest, it offers excellent opportunities for paddling, swimming, and stargazing. On calm nights, the water reflects the Northern Lights, creating a celestial mirror that has to be seen to be believed.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
