Peyto Lake is the one every photographer wants, and a short climb is all it takes. From the car park at Bow Summit, the highest point on the parkway at just over two thousand metres, a paved path leads uphill for about ten minutes to a viewing platform, and then the whole lake appears below you, a vivid turquoise shape in the forest. It looks like the head of a wolf, with a long muzzle pointing down the valley, and the colour is so intense that visitors sometimes assume the pictures have been altered.
The lake was named after Bill Peyto, a Rockies guide and outfitter of the early twentieth century, known for his tall tales and his eccentric ways, and later one of the first wardens in the park. The colour, as in so many glacial lakes, comes from rock flour washed down from the Peyto Glacier, and it changes through the season, from a milky blue in July to a deeper green in late summer as the meltwater slackens. The viewpoint area is fragile, and rangers ask visitors to stay on the paths to protect the alpine vegetation.
For riders, Bow Summit is a pleasant pause. The road climbs gently from Bow Lake and crosses a high pass in open subalpine forest, with views of the Mistaya valley opening to the north. The corners are wide, the gradients easy and the surface in good condition. The car park fills up quickly, especially from mid-morning, and the viewpoint can be crowded, so arrive early or in the evening. Parking for motorcycles is usually easier but still limited.
Weather at this altitude changes quickly. Even in summer, snow can fall, and cloud can hide the view for hours, so be patient. A fog can lift in minutes and reveal the lake in full colour. Pack a warm layer, because the wind on the platform can be chilly.
There are no services nearby, so fill your tank beforehand. If you have time, the little forest around the car park is home to Clark's nutcrackers and grey jays, which hop around hoping for crumbs. Please do not feed them. This is a place to look, listen and let the mountains do the work.