Herbert Lake, Banff National Park

Detour to here when Lake Louise is way too busy in the summer time. The view here is breathtaking and the water has dreamy colors. The water was cold despite the 30-degree weather and had many bugs by the shore. However, the trail around the lake was super fun and kid-friendly. It’s berry season so we saw a black bear on the trail but it just wandered away when it saw us.

If you're getting an early start on the Icefield Parkway, make sure to include a stop here. In the morning on a clear day without wind, this lake offers an amazing view with a glassy reflection. There's a very small shoulder in front of the lake where you can stop and take a quick picture. If going later in the day, this lake appears to be super popular for kayaking and paddle boarding.