Welcome to Lake Louise

Lake Louise is what makes Banff National Park the phenomenon it is, an awe-inspiring natural feature that is impossible to describe without resorting to shameless clichés. Standing next to the serene, implausibly turquoise lake, the natural world feels (and is) tantalizingly close, with a surrounding amphitheater of finely chiseled mountains that hoist Victoria Glacier up for all to see. Famous for its teahouses, grizzly bears and hiking trails, it's also well-known for its much-commented-on 'crowds,' plus a strangely congruous (or incongruous – depending on your viewpoint) lump of towering concrete known as Chateau Lake Louise. But, frankly, who cares? You don't come to Lake Louise to dodge other tourists. You come to share in one of the most spectacular sights in the Rockies, one that has captured the imaginations of mountaineers, artists and visitors for more than a century.

Read More

When you're done with gawping on the shimmering lakeshore, try hiking up into the beckoning mountains beyond. Lake Louise also has a widely lauded ski resort and some equally enticing cross-country options. Thirteen kilometers to the southeast along a winding seasonal road is Moraine Lake, another spectacularly located body of water; it may not have the dazzling color of its famous sibling, but has an equally beguiling backdrop in the Valley of Ten Peaks and the jaw-dropping Tower of Babel, which ascends solidly skyward. In summer, this narrow road is sometimes shut to new visitors for short periods to empty out the traffic.

The village of Lake Louise, just off Hwy 1, is little more than an outdoor shopping mall, a gas station and a handful of hotels. The object of all your yearnings is 5km away by car or an equitable distance on foot along the pleasantly wooded Louise Creek trail, if the bears aren't out on patrol (check at the visitor center).

The Bow Valley Parkway between Banff Town and Lake Louise is slightly slower, but much more scenic, than Hwy 1. As it isn't fenced, it's a great route for wildlife sightings.

Read Less

Top experiences in Lake Louise

Amazing hotels and hostels

We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

or skip this step and see all hotels & hostels

Travel guides

Starting at $27.99

Image for

Lake Louise activities

$214.29 Day Trips & Excursions

Columbia Icefield with Glacier Skywalk from Banff

ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, AlbertaEnjoy the view at Lake LouiseDuration: 15 minutesPass By: Brewster Sightseeing, Banff National Park, AlbertaViews of Banff National ParkPass By: Victoria Glacier, Banff National Park, AlbertaViews of Victoria GlacierPass By: Crowfoot Glacier, Banff National Park, AlbertaViews of Crowfoot GlacierStop At: Big Hill Springs Provincial Park, Cochrane, AlbertaStop to stretch your legs and use restroomDuration: 15 minutesStop At: Glacier Skywalk, Jasper National Park, AlbertaExperience the Glacier SkywalkDuration: 30 minutes
$289.45 Day Trips & Excursions

Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk from Calgary

ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, AlbertaEnjoy the view at Lake LouiseDuration: 15 minutesPass By: Brewster Sightseeing, Banff National Park, AlbertaViews of Banff National ParkPass By: Crowfoot Glacier, Banff National Park, AlbertaViews of Crowfoot GlacierStop At: Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, Jasper National Park, AlbertaEnjoy the Icefield Experience on the glacierDuration: 1 hourStop At: Glacier Skywalk, Jasper National Park, AlbertaEnjoy the Glacier SkywalkDuration: 30 minutes
$67.17 Day Trips & Excursions

Banff National Park Tour with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

On this afternoon sightseeing tour, you'll visit the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies", Lake Louise, and the world renowned Moraine Lake.Learn about the mountaineering history and how a tragic accident at Lake Louise shaped Canadian mountain culture. Finally, walk to a viewpoint in the Valley of Ten Peaks overlooking Moraine Lake and capture fantastic photos and memories that will last a lifetime.Please Note: Early and late season road closures will limit access to Moraine Lake (until late May and from early October onwards). Inquire at time of booking to learn the alternate stops and locations being used.Tour Highlights:Bow Valley ParkwayCastle MountainLake LouiseChateau Lake LouiseMoraine Lake (when access permits)This tour is seasonal and only operates from April through to November.
$45.69 Tours & Sightseeing

Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus

The HopOnBanff buses transport you to the top attractions in Banff National Park. Hop-on and hop-off at the Banff Townsite, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Samson Mall, and the Lake Louise Gondola.Please note, the later you depart the fewer places you can explore. The 3:05 pm departure from Banff still gives time at Johnston Canyon or can be used as a one way to Lake Louise.Grizzly Route: Departing the Moose Hotel and Suites on Banff Avenue at 7:45am, 9:30am, 12:15pm, and 3:05pm or the Banff Train Station at 7:50am, 9:35am, 12:15pm, and 3:05pm and looping around Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Gondola, Lake Louise Village (Samson Mall), Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and then looping back to the Banff Train Station in reverse order with the last bus arriving in Banff at 5:45pm every day.On board each bus is an English-speaking host that will provide knowledge of the area, colorful stories, and also act as a personal concierge that can book other activities, simply take your photo, or even make dinner reservations for you.Connect with spectacular scenery.Explore the Banff Townsite at your own pace, rent a bike, hit the hot springs, or do some shopping.  Hop off at Johnston Canyon and hike up to the beautiful Upper and Lower Falls or even go all the way up to the famous Ink Pots.  Soar by gondola or chairlift to the most stunning views on the Lake Louise Gondola (skip the lines and purchase a direct to lift pass aboard your HopOnBanff bus).  Take the time to enjoy Lake Louise and all that it has to offer. From the Lake Agnes Teahouse to the breathtaking Plain of Six Glaciers. Samson Mall, down in the village of Lake Louise is a great place to have some food, rent bikes, or visit the award winning Information Center.The buses are school bus style and professionally driven. They are all guaranteed to be five years old or newer. Each bus seats up to 48 passengers.
$44.93 Outdoor Activities

Lake Louise Night Snowshoe Tour

Experience what it feels like to be in a winter forest while getting a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what really goes on at a busy ski resort after the last chair of the day. With easy-to-use snowshoes and friendly instructors, almost anyone can journey to some of the most thrilling panoramic winter views formerly only available to skiers and riders. The price of this tour includes a guide, head lamps rental, snowshoe rental, a snack, and a hot beverage, plus transfer to and from hotels in Lake Louise. The difficulty level is moderate. Please Note: Snowshoe tours require a minimum of two people. Children must be at least eight years or older to participate. Guests are required to wear warm winter gear. It's suggested to bring a winter jacket, snow pants, gloves, winter footwear, warm socks, and a toque or balaclava. A light backpack is also a good idea to carry a camera, water, and snacks.
$685.37 Private & Custom Tours

Private Tour of Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway

This 8 hour + tour of Lake Louise and the Icefield parkway begins with free hotel pickup in Canmore, Banff or Lake Louise.  The benefit of a small and private Tour is that you see more in less time at your pace. The first stop of the day is Banff National Park's largest Lake, Lake Minnewanka the area is home to a large population of wildlife such as Elk and Bighorn Sheep. You will then head up to Norquay lookout, this viewpoint gives a wide view of the Town of Banff, Vermillion Lakes and the Bow Valley. We will then head west on the scenic Bow Valley parkway along the banks of the Bow River to the iconic Chateau Lake Louise. After an hour at Lake Louise  there will be a short hike to the stunning viewpoint at Moraine Lake, one of the most scenic spots in Canada. Following lunch at a restaurant of your choice in Lake Louise we will head up the Icefield Parkway stopping along the way at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake and colorfull Peyto Lake at Bow Summit. As it is a private Tour, start time and itinerary can be modified to your convenience. To modify itinerary or start time please inquire at 1-587-897-1354 or email info@beyondbanff.com. Free pickup and drop off in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Golden included. Please confirm pickup details prior to the day of the Tour.
See More Activities
Lake Louise photo credits