Two Jack Lake is a calm and scenic spot just minutes from Banff. Known for its peaceful vibe and easy access, it’s perfect for paddling, picnicking, or simply soaking in the mountain views. While Lake Louise and Moraine Lake often steal the spotlight, many locals head to Two Jack Lake for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning surroundings. The lake is small enough to feel intimate but large enough to offer a variety of activities. It’s a hidden gem that balances natural beauty with easy access.

Discovery Pass

Parks Canada Discovery Pass is compulsory visiting National Parks across Canada. You can purchase online beforehand, or purchase the pass when you visit National Parks at specific Park Gate.

You can be fined if you did not show your Discovery Pass or Day Pass when visiting Canadian National Parks.

Where is Two Jack Lake Located?

Two Jack Lake is located along the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, just 12 minutes by car from Banff. It’s part of the same area that includes Lake Minnewanka and Johnson Lake.

It’s also accessible by bike, and many visitors choose to cycle the scenic loop that includes Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, and Johnson Lake.

Parking Information

Two Jack Lake offers free day-use parking right by the shoreline, but it is extremely busy on weekends and holidays. Arrive earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowd.

Things to do at Two Jack Lake

Canoeing and Paddleboarding

Two Jack Lake is a dream for paddlers, especially those new to the sport. The lake is small, relatively calm, and surrounded by beautiful views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain.

What makes it great for paddling:

  • Gentle water with few waves or currents
  • Great visibility and clear water
  • Ideal for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and floaties

Rentals are available in nearby Banff if you don’t have your own gear, and there’s an easy shoreline launch point at the parking lot.

Best time to paddle? Early mornings offer glassy water and peaceful silence, often with mist rising from the lake.

Swimming and Lakeside Relaxation

While glacier-fed, Two Jack Lake is warmer than many other lakes in Banff, making it a popular (and refreshing) spot to swim during summer. There’s no official beach, but the grassy shoreline and shallow entry points are perfect for wading in.

Just remember:

  • There are no lifeguards
  • The water is still cold, especially early or late in the season
  • Bring water shoes for rocky areas near the shore

It’s also a perfect place to lay out a blanket, dip your toes, and just watch the clouds drift across the peaks.

Picnicking and Nature Photography

Two Jack Lake offers plenty of picnic tables and flat grassy spots that are perfect for a laid-back meal with a view.

Bring:

Photography-wise, this lake is full of surprises. Reflections of the mountains, interesting driftwood, and golden-hour light make it a favorite among landscape photographers, especially for sunrise and sunset.

Hiking Trails Around Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Lake Shoreline Walk

If you’re looking for a gentle, scenic walk, the shoreline trail at Two Jack Lake is ideal. This informal path hugs the edge of the lake, offering continuous views of the water and surrounding peaks.

  • Trail Length: ~2 km return
  • Duration: 30–45 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Unpaved, flat shoreline route

It’s perfect for families, photographers, or anyone wanting a peaceful stroll by the water. You can stop to skip stones, take photos, or simply relax on one of the many boulders near the shore.

Stewart Canyon Trail

  • Trail Length: 3 km return
  • Duration: 1–1.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Highlights: Bridge views, canyon walls, clear turquoise river

The Stewart Canyon Trail begins at the Lake Minnewanka day-use area and follows a well-marked path along a picturesque canyon carved by the Cascade River. This 3 km out-and-back hike features a wooden bridge, river views, and forested paths. It’s ideal for beginners or families looking for a peaceful, scenic walk close to Banff townsite.

Lake Minnewanka Trail (longer option)

  • Trail Length: Up to 24 km (choose your length)
  • Duration: 2–6+ hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Highlights: Lake views, wildflowers, forested sections

The Lake Minnewanka Trail stretches along the shoreline of one of Banff’s largest and most scenic lakes. This out-and-back trail offers stunning views of turquoise waters, surrounding mountains, and frequent wildlife sightings.

Johnson Lake Trail

  • Trail Length: 2.8 km loop
  • Duration: 45–60 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Highlights: Another peaceful lake setting, great for birdwatching and casual walks

Johnson Lake Trail is a gentle 3 km loop ideal for casual hikers and families. Circling the tranquil lake, the trail offers mountain reflections, shaded forest paths, and open views of Cascade Mountain. It’s a popular spot for picnics and a quick nature escape near Banff. In warmer months, you might even see people swimming or paddleboarding in the clear waters.

Bankhead Loop

  • Trail Length: 1.1 km loop (Lower Bankhead)
  • Duration: 30–45 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Highlights: Fascinating historical site with ruins of an old coal mining town

The Bankhead Loop leads you through the fascinating remains of a once-thriving coal mining town from the early 1900s. This easy interpretive loop offers both natural beauty and historic ruins, with signs explaining the area’s industrial past. Surrounded by forest and mountain views, it’s a short but enriching walk that blends history, storytelling, and scenery all in one.

These trails are great for extending your Two Jack Lake visit into a half-day hiking adventure.

Best Time to Visit Two Jack Lake

Summer: June to September
Warmest water, ideal for swimming, paddling, and camping. Wildflowers bloom, and the lake is full of activity.

Fall: late September to October
Golden colors appear in the trees and grasses, and the air is crisp and cool. Fewer visitors mean more serenity.

Winter: November to March
The lake often freezes, offering quiet snowshoeing and stunning frozen reflections. Some paths may be closed due to snow.

Spring: April to May
Snow melts, and trails reopen. The lake begins to thaw, and it’s a great time for wildlife sightings and peaceful morning walks.

Camping at Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Main Campground

Two Jack Main is a large, popular campground located just a few minutes from the lake itself. It’s ideal for campers who want to be close to Banff while still enjoying a peaceful, wooded setting.

This site is less lakeside and more forested, offering shade, privacy, and quiet surroundings. It’s a great basecamp for those exploring Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, and nearby hikes.

Two Jack Lakeside Campground

For something even closer to the water, Two Jack Lakeside offers fewer sites, but direct access to the lake and beautiful morning views.

This campground is one of the most scenic in Banff National Park. Imagine waking up, unzipping your tent, and sipping coffee with a view of Mount Rundle reflected in the lake. It’s a favorite for photographers and those looking for a true nature experience.

Pro tip: Reservations are highly recommended in summer, as spots fill quickly, especially on weekends.

Nearby Attractions

Banff Town

If you’re wrapping up your time at Two Jack Lake or looking for a bite to eat, Banff townsite is just 10 minutes away. Banff has more of a resort-town feel, with world-class amenities and natural beauty right in town.

Lake Minnewanka

Just a short drive from Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park and offers a wide range of activities. You can take a boat tour, rent a canoe, or hike along the Lake Minnewanka Trail for stunning lakeside views.

Johnson Lake

Johnson Lake is a peaceful spot surrounded by forest and mountain views, popular for swimming, paddleboarding, and picnics. Its calm waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a postcard-perfect setting. With an easy loop trail and frequent wildlife sightings, it’s a favorite for families and those seeking a relaxing nature escape.

Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain is a small but rewarding hike right in Banff town. The short trail leads to panoramic views of the Bow Valley, Mount Rundle, and the townsite below. It’s a great option for sunrise or sunset, offering a taste of the Rockies without needing to leave the heart of Banff.

Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lakes offer a tranquil landscape just minutes from downtown Banff. Framed by Mount Rundle and often reflecting colorful skies, the lakes are ideal for sunrise photography, canoeing, or quiet walks along the shoreline. Wildlife like elk and birds are commonly spotted, adding to the peaceful, natural charm of the area.

FAQs

Can I swim in Two Jack Lake?

Yes, you can swim here, though the water is cold. It’s warmer than other glacial lakes and a popular spot in summer.

Are there washrooms near the lake?

Yes. There are pit toilets at the day-use area and campground.

Do I need a permit to camp at Two Jack Lake?

Yes. Reservations through Parks Canada are required, and a valid Parks Canada pass is needed for park entry.

Is Two Jack Lake good for beginners with kayaks or paddleboards?

Absolutely. The calm, shallow water makes it ideal for first-time paddlers.

How early should I arrive in summer?

Aim to arrive by 8:30–9 a.m. on weekends for the best parking and peaceful conditions.

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