Vermillion Lakes, Banff

We paddled the Vermillion Lakes in Banff this summer because we could rent boats there while our own boats sat out the 48-hour drying period that is now required. Access and boats rentals are on in the Bow River at the Banff Canoeing Club.

We paddled up Echo Creek, which was nice and high this year. It was also very busy with other paddlers.

We had mixed weather, with periodic cloudy/smokey periods obscuring the sun. The creek itself was lovely.

We then cut over to the lakes, having to portage a small beaver dam. The portage was short but tricky and Jenn was a real trooper here (we did not put on a master class of dismounting on a steep bank). On the way back, we just shot the beaver dam.

We paddled the first and second lake but then couldn't find the third lake and ended up meandering up the creek that feeds them. It was fairly windy and hot so, after an hour, we turned around and retraced our steps.

Echo Creek was a welcome relief from the heat and was a great float back down to the dock. 

Next time we might try paddling up the Bow instead.