Lake Louise

The Basics

Lake Louise is the name of both the lake and hamlet inside Banff National Park, each located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) apart. Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is near Jasper National Park and glacial attractions like Athabasca Glacier, the Columbia Icefield, and the Glacier Skywalk. You might spend the majority of your time at Lake Louise, or take a tour from Banff that covers Kootenay National Park, Marble Canyon, and the lake. Hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking are popular summertime pursuits, while Lake Louise Ski Resort provides wintertime recreation and some winter tours include snowshoe treks. To see nearby sites without transportation hassles, take a hop-on hop-off bus through Banff, with stops running from Banff townsite to Lake Louise.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The elevation of Lake Louise is 5,740 feet (1,750 meters), while Banff is at 4,540 feet (1,384 meters); drink plenty of water to stay hydrated at the high altitudes.

• Some short trails in the area provide wheelchair accessibility, such as the Banff Legacy Trail and Bow Riverside Trail.

• The area’s public shuttles are not wheelchair accessible.

• A Park Pass is required to enter Banff National Park and to travel on the scenic parkways such as the Icefields Parkway; this requirement is covered in most tours.

How to Get There

Lake Louise is 35 miles (57 kilometers) northwest of Banff, which is 79 miles (127 kilometers) west of Calgary, Alberta’s largest city and home to Calgary International Airport. The Rocky Mountaineer has regularly scheduled train service with a stop in Banff. Once in Banff, the hop-on hop-off bus tour provides transportation around Banff National Park, including to Lake Louise.

When to Get There

Banff and Lake Louise are year-round destinations, so plan your visit according to the experiences that interest you. Warm-weather activities like hiking generally run from June to mid-October with July and August being the warmest months. The larch trees around Lake Louise turn yellow and orange in late September or early October. Winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing run from December through April.

Visiting the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

In addition to natural splendor, Lake Louise boasts a man-made icon, as well—the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Dating back to 1911, the luxury hotel has hosted Hollywood stars and European royalty and is worth a visit for afternoon tea, a fondue dinner, a spa treatment, or a drink with a view of the turquoise lake.

Ways to explore

Lake Louise is a popular stop for sightseeing and strolling on tours of the Banff region. If you’d like to spend more time admiring the area, rent one of the iconic red canoes for a lazy float, or check out the nearby hiking trails. It’s a great destination as a half- or full-day trip, and its proximity to Banff makes for easy access. Other popular activities at Lake Louise include enjoying a decadent afternoon tea at the waterfront, dining or staying at the 19th-century Fairmont Château Lake Louise, or taking a horseback tour of the area.

Accessibility

There are wheelchair-accessible public restrooms, and some of the trails around Lake Louise are wheelchair-accessible.

Age limits

There are no age limits, although children should always be supervised around water.

What to pack

Credit card for parking, water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses

What to wear

Layers appropriate for changeable weather, hiking boots if you plan to hike, a hat

Not allowed

Fishing outside designated zones and times without a permit, feeding, or approaching wildlife

Amenities

Public restrooms, paid parking, benches

Address

You can drive, take the bus, or book a tour that includes a stop at Lake Louise. If you choose to drive, be aware that the parking lots can fill up quickly in summer.

Driving

It’s a 45-minute drive to Lake Louise from Banff, along the Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Continue for 34 miles (54 kilometers) and then turn left onto Lake Louise Drive, and follow the road to the parking lot.

Public transportation

It takes an hour by bus to get to the lake from Banff. Catch the 8X bus from the Banff High School Transit Hub, and get off at the Lakeshore stop. The bus runs roughly every hour, but check the Roam Transit website for up-to-date schedules.

Best times to visit

If you want to find parking, get there early in the morning. Early morning and late afternoons are also good for photography, with softer, richer light.

Best days to visit

Focus on picking the day with the best weather, rather than worrying about the day of the week.

Best months to visit

The entire Banff region fills up in both summer and winter—the May and October shoulder seasons offer quieter trails, but still plenty of beauty.

Special events

The Fairmont Château Lake Louise resort offers themed events throughout the year, including Pride brunches, haunted dinners, and winter extravaganzas.