Just outside the mountain town of Banff, the Vermilion Lakes offer one of the most iconic winter sunrise locations in the Canadian Rockies. In winter the lakes mostly freeze over, but small pools kept open by hot springs create perfect mirrors for the surrounding peaks.
That morning we arrived just in time and found an open patch in the ice with a perfect reflection of Mount Rundle. As sunrise began, the sky exploded in the most incredible vermilion, magenta, and pink hues. It felt as if the lake had earned its name that morning—the very color of the sunrise mirrored perfectly in the still water.
This photograph captures that serene winter moment when the open pool created a flawless reflection of Mount Rundle against the vibrant vermilion sky. Bring this dramatic Canadian Rockies beauty straight into your space so you can enjoy it all year.