The Rockpile
The classic view.
Gorgo — Public domain · DXR — CC BY-SA 4.0 · DXR — CC BY-SA 4.0
A turquoise glacial lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks in the Rockies, backed by a row of ten jagged summits, considered by many the loveliest view in all Canada, so much so that it was printed on the back of the Canadian twenty-dollar note in the 1960s and 1970s. The best-known view is from the Rockpile, a heap of huge boulders at the end of the lake reached by a short trail, giving the classic scene of turquoise water and snow-capped peaks. Canoes can be rented, and a path follows the shore. From the lake, mountain trails lead to Larch Valley, which turns gold in late September when the larches yellow, and to Sentinel Pass. The lake's colour is at its best in July and August. The road to the lake has been closed to private cars since 2023; access is by bookable Parks Canada shuttle or organised tour, from 1 June to mid-October in 2026, per visitor guides. A Parks Canada pass is required. The lake stays frozen until June.
The classic view.
Gold in September.
On turquoise water.
Moraine Lake Road, near Lake Louise, Banff National Park
No, the road has been closed to private cars since 2023; go by Parks Canada shuttle or a tour.