The Vermilion Lakes are a series of lakes located immediately west of Banff, Alberta, in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Vermilion Lakes
Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain reflected in the lakes
Vermilion Lakes is located in Alberta
Vermilion Lakes
Vermilion Lakes
LocationBanff National Park, near Banff, Alberta
Coordinates51°10′41″N 115°35′56″W / 51.17806°N 115.59889°W / 51.17806; -115.59889
Primary inflowsBow River
Primary outflowsBow River
Basin countriesCanada
Surface area0.48 km2 (0.19 sq mi)

The three lakes are formed in the Bow River valley, in the Banff National Park, at the foot of Mount Norquay. They are located between the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks. A hot spring is found at the third lake.

History

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Archeological evidence proves human activity around the lakes dating back 10,800 years.[1] The site was excavated by Parks Canada's Daryl Fedje,[2] and found remains of campsites and obsidian tools.

Activities

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Activities on and around the lakes include canoeing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, wildlife watching, birdwatching, and hiking. The shorelines along Vermilion Lakes Drive are popular locations for sunrise and sunset photography.


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References

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  1. ^ Alberta Heritage - Vermilion lakes
  2. ^ Montreal Gazette - Ice Age Tools Found in Banff
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