Banff Adventures: Peyto Lake and Banff

After doing the crazy 13.1 hike In Lake Louise, my brother and I decided to take it easy on day three. We started the day off right with a breakfast at Deer Lodge. This breakfast was the perfect place to kick off our day before we headed over to Peyto Lake and the town of Banff.

Peyto Lake: We Got Really Lucky

Peyto lake had been closed for the past two years, but the viewing deck reopened a couple of weeks before we arrived. Eager to see the icy, blue water, Andrew and I hopped in the car and headed over to do the quick “hike”. The hike itself is an extremely easy half a mile that spits you out at this incredible viewing deck. This view was absolutely incredible and a must when you’re in the area. It is the perfect stop to add if you’re on your way to Jasper or if you just need something between big hiking days.

Hint: you can actually get photos without the fence if you jump below the deck. That is what Andrew and I ended up doing to get some of the photos below.

Driving Around

After driving north to see Peyto lake, Andrew and I headed back to Banff and leisurely made many pit stops to see glaciers and other breathtaking sites. On the drive to Banff, you’ll see lots of scenic pull over spots where you can stop and take in the nature. This is an easy way to see a lot of the mountains without hiking.

Park Distillery: Finally, Food

At this point of the vacation, Andrew and I were pretty much living on beef jerky, RX bars, and Beavertails. We needed some real food ASAP. Thankfully, Park Distillery came to the rescue with incredible burgers and perfectly salted fries. Since I’m a huge gin fan, I was happy to stop by Park Distillery as they distill their own gin. They have a long list of cocktails named after the hikes around Banff, but I highly recommend you try Cascade.

If you still need something sweet after dinner (I mean… you’re hiking so much you might as well) definitely get a Beavertail or ice cream from Cows. Andrew and I are seriously obsessed with the Beavertails.

Shopping in Banff

There are so many souvenir shops in Banff that are fun to explore. Since I collect pins, I was extremely happy to find a huge selection to choose from. If you’re from the states, make sure you stop at LuluLemon since it is cheaper in Canada. Roots is also an adorable store filled with mens and womens clothes.