In early July, we found ourselves in Banff and had a chance to paddle Two Jack Lake. Parking here can be full on the weekend and on nice days. We got a spot in the lower lot at 9 am on a weekday without a problem. The carry was 25 feet to the water.
The parking area also has pit toilets and picnic tables. The gravel beach is shallow and it is an easy entry. The carry from the upper lot is not too bad, but is maybe 500 feet. Parks is using self-certification on this lake (either 48-hours dry or inspected by Parks staff).
The lake runs basically north-south. To the north it ends in a dam that controls the flow from Lake Minnewanka. This is a lovely rocky-shore paddle with amazingly clear water.
The south end of the lake sees the valley open up a bit with great vistas on a clear day.
The south end of the lake includes a canal. Half way down the canal, there is an old bridge that blocks access.
You can get out and carry around the bridge. We didn't bother going further as we had a long drive ahead of us that day.
Overall, Two Jack is a great and easy paddle that take just over an hour. There is an adjacent campground, if that's your jam and you can manage to get a reservation.
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