Lake Louise & Area

Located 57 km (35 mi) west of Banff, Lake Louise is a charming resort village (Map 2). Exit TransCanada Hwy 1 and turn left onto Lake Louise Dr. The first right leads to the Lake Louise Visitor Centre with geology and history exhibits. Samson Mall boasts shops and restaurants; walking trails are on both sides of the Bow River. Continue 5 km (3 mi) on Lake Louise Dr to the lake and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a grand hotel built in the late 1800s by the Canadian Pacific Railway. The lakeshore promenade offers world famous views of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier; it’s a 3.5 km (2.2 mi) hike one-way to Lake Agnes Teahouse. Two outfitters in the area offer horseback riding. Return toward the Village, go right at Moraine Lake Rd (closed Oct-May) and drive 12 km (7 mi) to Moraine Lake, once shown on Canada’s $20 bill. Scamper .5 km (.3 mi) up the Rockpile for the best view of the lake and Valley of the Ten Peaks. The café, patio and restaurant at Moraine Lake Lodge offer respite; several walks begin here. Backtrack over Hwy 1 and along Whitehorn Rd to the Lake Louise Ski Area. The Lake Louise Sightseeing Lift & Gondola offers views, plus dining, hiking and interpretive displays. Fact: Rich hues of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake result from light reflecting off glacial ‘rock flour’ suspended in the water.

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