In Canada

The Magical Color of Canada’s Peyto Lake

February 27, 2025

Yes, it really is that color. No, it’s not altered. We’ve been there. Peyto Lake, in Banff National Park is one of hundreds of gorgeous glacier-fed lakes that have a vibrant turquoise hue to them.

Caused by glacier rock flour, the silt-size rock particles cause this lake to get particularly colorful in the summer months, when glacial melt is highest.

Known as the Canadian Alps, this entire area is stunning, and definitely worthy of a visit.

The 2.8km long (1.7 mile long) lake is located at an elevation of 1,860 m (6,100 ft).

A photograph by Annegret Kammer of Peyto Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta — a glacial lake whose water takes on a brilliant turquoise color from fine rock flour suspended in glacial meltwater, captured from an elevated vantage point that reveals the full sweep of its otherworldly color against the surrounding alpine wilderness — Photo by Annegret Kammer on Unsplash

There’s something truly magical about the bright turquoise contrasted against the deep green of the forests and Rocky Mountains. Below are some of our favorite photos of this stunning lake.

Ben VanderVeen is the founder and editor of Moss & Fog, one of the web’s longest-running visual culture destinations. Since 2009, he’s been finding and framing the most beautiful, surprising, and thought-provoking work in art, architecture, design, and nature — reaching over 325,000 readers each month. He lives in Portland, Oregon.