Lake Louise
The emerald of the Rockies: a glacial lake at the foot of Victoria Glacier, with the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on its shore. Canoeing and the hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House are classic experiences.
Lake Louise lies 57 km northwest of Banff town, at an altitude of 1,731 m. The lake is 2 km long, and its water shows an emerald blue-green color due to glacial rock flour. It faces Victoria Glacier at the head of the lake and Mount Victoria, which rises to 3,464 m. On the shore stands the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, built in the 1890s, a landmark of the Canadian Pacific Railway era.
Classic activities:
First, walk the Lakeshore Trail (4 km round trip, gentle) in the early morning to the head of the lake. When few people are around, the lake surface is like a mirror.
Second, rent a red canoe (about CA$145/hour, seats up to 3, June–September) from the boathouse beside the Chateau and paddle to the middle of the lake for photos.
Third, hike the Lake Agnes Tea House trail (7 km round trip, 400 m elevation gain, about 3 hours). The wooden tea house, built in 1901, still has no electricity. Supplies are carried in by hand and by helicopter. It serves over 100 kinds of tea and freshly baked scones. You can continue up Little Beehive for a panoramic view over Lake Louise.
Fit hikers can take the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House trail (14 km round trip) to get close to the glaciers.
In winter, the lake freezes into a natural skating rink (skates available at the hotel), and in January there is an ice sculpture festival. Nearby, Lake Louise Ski Resort is one of Canada's largest ski areas. In summer, the Lake Louise Gondola takes you up the mountain for views over the lake, and grizzly bears are often spotted.
Transport and parking are key. In summer (mid-May to mid-October), the lakeside parking lot charges about CA$36 per day and fills before 8 a.m., after which the road is closed. It is better to take a Parks Canada shuttle bus (departing from the Lake Louise Ski Resort parking lot; reserve in advance at reservation.pc.gc.ca; about CA$8, including a connection to Moraine Lake), the Roam 8X bus (departing from Banff town; reservation required), or join a tour. Driving before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m. is the easiest way to get in.
Notes: The altitude is high and the water is about 4°C, so swimming is strictly prohibited. Tea houses accept only cash or some cards. Trails have snow at higher points until mid-June. Accommodation nearby is very expensive, so consider staying in Banff or Canmore.
Opening hours
Open all day (houseboat rental approx. 08:30–19:00, Jun–Sep; shuttle bus approx. 06:30–19:30)
Nearby sights
- Lake Agnes Tea House
- Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
- Lake Louise Gondola & Ski Resort
- Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass
- Moraine Lake
- Morant's Curve
- Lake O'Hara
- Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint