Lake Louise

Lake Louise, nestled within the heart of Banff National Park, is a glacial lake renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and dramatic alpine surroundings. Fed by meltwater from the Victoria Glacier, the lake's vibrant hue is the result of finely ground rock flour suspended in the water, which reflects light in a way that gives it its iconic color. Towering peaks such as Mount Victoria and Fairview Mountain frame the lake, creating a breathtaking backdrop for photography, hiking, and canoeing. The historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits at the lake’s eastern shore, offering luxurious accommodations and panoramic views. In summer, the lake is a hub for outdoor recreation, while in winter, it transforms into a magical ice-skating rink surrounded by snow-covered forests and frozen waterfalls. Its year-round accessibility and postcard-perfect beauty make Lake Louise one of the crown jewels of the Canadian Rockies.

Lake Louise is one of the most iconic and photographed destinations in the Canadian Rockies, located approximately 60 kilometers northwest of the town of Banff. Set at an elevation of 1,750 meters (5,740 feet), the lake stretches about 2 kilometers long and half a kilometer wide, bordered by dense subalpine forest and steep glacial valleys. The surrounding mountains, part of the Bow Range, include towering peaks like Mount Lefroy, Mount Aberdeen, and the majestic Mount Victoria, whose glacier spills dramatically into the valley above the lake. This combination of lake, glacier, and mountain creates a picture-perfect alpine scene.

Lake Louise

The lake was named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, and it has been a major attraction since the Canadian Pacific Railway built a luxury hotel on its shore in the late 1800s, now known as the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The hotel has hosted mountaineers, artists, royalty, and outdoor enthusiasts for over a century.

Visitors flock to Lake Louise year-round. In summer, the lake's trail system offers hikes of varying difficulty, from the flat lakeshore path to high alpine routes like the Plain of Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes Tea House trails. Canoe rentals are popular, allowing visitors to paddle across the serene, glacier-fed waters. In autumn, golden larches glow in the higher valleys, while in winter, the lake freezes solid and becomes a natural skating rink, often with an ice castle and snow-covered trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Just above the lake sits the Lake Louise Ski Resort, one of Canada’s top alpine destinations.

Wildlife such as grizzly bears, black bears, elk, and mountain goats can be found in the surrounding wilderness, and interpretive signage throughout the area helps educate visitors on the ecology and geology of the region. Lake Louise natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and peaceful reflection stands as a symbol of Canada's alpine grandeur.

Tours and Attractions in Alberta