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.

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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.

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Top experiences in Lake Louise

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Lake Louise activities

$207.27 Day Trips & Excursions

Columbia Icefield with Glacier Skywalk from Banff

The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle. The Icefields Parkway runs from Banff National Park into Jasper National Park and is one of the most scenic drives in Canada. Visit Lake Louise, the icon of the Canadian Rockies, before your spectacular journey along the Icefields Parkway. At Lake Louise stand on its emerald green shores with a picture perfect view of the Victoria Glacier. With photographic stops at Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake, you head towards the impressive view at the Big Hill. On this guided tour learn about the unique ecosystem and the creation of the glaciers you experience on your way to the Columbia Icefield. After your ride on the all-terrain Ice Explorer, there is time to visit the Glacier Gallery, restaurant or gift shop at the Icefields Centre. Return to Banff in the late afternoon This tour is seasonal and only operates from May through to October.
$280.23 Day Trips & Excursions

Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk from Calgary

From Calgary, you'll travel the Trans Canada Highway across the prairie, through rolling foothills and into the Canadian Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park. Take a morning stroll on the shore of Lake Louise where Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier create a stunning backdrop. Visit Lake Louise, the icon of the Canadian Rockies, before your spectacular journey along the Icefields Parkway. At Lake Louise stroll along its emerald green shores with a picture-perfect view of the Victoria Glacier. With photographic stops at Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake, you head towards the impressive view at the Big Hill. Then embark on one of the most scenic drives in Canada, the Icefield Parkway. Ride on the all-terrain Ice Explorer and delight in the excursion on the Athabascar Glacier. Step out onto the glacier and stand on the ancient ice! On your scenic return trip, a stop in Banff provides time to dine and explore this historic mountain town before departing for Calgary in the evening. Please note: This tour is seasonal and only operates from May through to October.
$66.33 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 season road closures will limit access to Moraine Lake (until late May). Inquire at time of booking to learn the alternate stops and locations being used. Tour Highlights: Bow Valley Parkway Castle Mountain Lake Louise Chateau Lake Louise Moraine Lake This tour is seasonal and only operates from April through to November.
$43.43 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.
$50.87 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.
$710.64 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.
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