The three lakes are formed in the Bow River valley, in the Banff National Park, at the foot of Mount Norquay.

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 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.