Source: Vancouver Harbourfront
The endless ocean is a universally pleasant sight. But for many travelers, nothing is more beautiful than towering alpine lakes.
The striking shades of blue that greet the end of a hike or long train trip feel more rewarding than most waters.
Canada has many natural wonders, and a lake nestled in the Canadian Rockies was recently named one of the ten most beautiful alpine lakes in the world.
Conde Nast Traveler magazine collected lakes from around the world, and only one lake in Canada made the list: Lake Louise in Banff National Park.
The travel magazine recognized national parks as "home to dozens of glacial lakes," but few are as stunningly beautiful as Lake Louise.
The area is known for its dazzling blue lake, towering mountains, and luxury Fairmont Chateau Loch Louise overlooking the lake.
Banff National Park, where Lake Louise is located, was recently named one of the most beautiful places in the world and also named one of the best places in the world for Instagram photos.
Top 10 most beautiful alpine lakes in the world
Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia on Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia
South America's second-largest lake is like a vast ocean — it has more than twice as many footprints as Rhode Island. Lake Titicaca straddles the border of Peru and Bolivia, backed by the majestic Andes Mountains, and includes a series of natural islands and floating villages built by waterproof Tototola reeds.
Lake Louise, Canada, Lake Louise
Lake Pehoé, Chile
You'll rarely see anyone swimming in this large lake in the heart of Chile's Torres del Pena National Park, as its glacial water rarely rises above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, Lago Pehoé (pronounced "pay-oh-way") is one of the most popular photo spots in Chilean Patagonia, as it overlooks Cape Pane Hill and sees llamas, cougars, and Andean condors.
Lake Como, Italy
The man-made beauty of Lake Como often obscures its natural attributes. But as you take an airboat ride or, better yet, ride a wood-lined speedboat through the glittering lake, it's impossible not to marvel at the lake's spectacular limestone and granite mountains and stunning waterfront gardens planted with fig, pomegranate, and oleander trees.
Attabad Lake, Attabad Lake, Pakistan
In 2010, a devastating landslide buried the village of Attabad in northern Pakistan, impeding the flow of the Hunza River, flooding entire towns and displacing thousands. In the midst of this tragedy, a new lake - Lake Atabad - was formed. Today, the area is one of the main tourist attractions in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, attracting more than 2 million visitors every year.
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada, California and Nevada, California, USA
Lake Tahoe is not only the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada; It is also considered to be one of the oldest bodies of water in the world, with over 130,000 years of history. In the summer, visitors flock to its waters for kayaking, sailing, sunbathing and hiking the Lake Tahoe coastal trails, while in the winter, it's known for having some of the best ski resorts in North America.
Lake Kawaguchi, Japan Japan Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi is located in the Japanese resort town of Fujikawaguchiko, close to Mount Fuji. It is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and has the longest coastline. Lake Kawaguchi is also one of the most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes as it is a hub for tourists who come to climb Mt. Fuji during the mountaineering season.
Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Lake Lucerne, named after its city on its western edge, wedged between steep limestone mountains such as Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus, is irregularly shaped and extends outward to different bays and flanks. You could easily spend a holiday exploring the lake's spectacular cliffs, world-class resorts and spas, hiking trails, and remote mountain towns, many of which are accessible via cable cars and cogwheel tracks.
Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand, Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
Lake Wakatipu stretches for 50 miles and is New Zealand's longest lake. During the last ice age, huge glaciers carved out the lake, which sank to a depth of 1,300 feet. The surrounding mountains that supply the glacier with water provide a dramatic backdrop to the crystal clear waters.
Second Lake, California, Lake Secender, California, U.S
Second Lake's turquoise glacial waters — part of Big Pine Lake in California — reflect the towering Temple Crag, one of the highest peaks in the Eastern Mountains. Hike to a high-altitude lake, about 2.5 hours from the trail's start at about 2,300 feet, with views of the Palisades Range in the distance.