Cascade Ponds credit Andrew Hempstead

Heather Dempsey of Parks Canada suggests these scenic lakeside picnic sites:

• Picnic at the west end of Lake Minnewanka and gaze at panoramas of the Canadian Rockies’ longest lake.
• Southeast is Two Jack Lake and secluded Johnson Lake. Walk short trails and swim in shallow waters (on hot days).
• Watch for deer, elk and pileated woodpeckers in tree cavities at Muleshoe Lake (5 min via the Bow Valley Pkwy W of Banff townsite).
• Visit Bow Lake (Icefields Pkwy) for breath-taking Crowfoot Glacier and Waputik Range views.

Editor’s Note: Canmore’s Quarry Lake offers a sandy beach, swimming, trails and Ha Ling Peak view.—RM