Vermillion Lakes

The Vermilion Lakes Drive is 11 km (7 mi.) long and leads to the three Vermilion Lakes west of the town of Banff. They lie in the floodplain of the Bow River and are a refuge for numerous waterfowl. Ornithologists come here to observe bald eagles, osprey and Canadian geese. With a little luck beavers and elk may also be spotted.

This is generally regarded as the best area of Banff National Park for migrant waterfowl. In the early spring it's possible to see Tundra Swans, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shovelers, and White-winged and Surf Scoters, to name just a few. This is also a good area to spot bald eagles, which nest in the Vermillion Lakes area.

In the summer months the American Bittern, Red-necked Grebe