Beautiful Lake Louise (in Banff National Park, near the southern terminus of the Icefields Parkway and 110 mi/175 km northwest of Calgary) is a stunning, turquoise-blue lake fed directly by the dramatic Victoria Glacier at one end.
Be aware that ice may be covering Lake Louise through May and possibly even June. If so, you won't be able to enjoy its remarkable color and famous reflection of the surrounding mountains.
Almost as famous as the lake is the Chateau Lake Louise, a deluxe resort that stands on one shore. Like the Banff Springs Hotel, it was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 1800s. If you're staying there, be sure to get a room overlooking the lake (they aren't cheap, but none of the rooms at the hotel are cheap). If you're just there for the day, splurge on lunch in the Victoria Dining Room, which offers views of the water. Unless you are staying or dining at the hotel, you may not get to see much of the chateau's interior: Many areas are now off-limits to nonguests because of the large numbers of daytripping gawkers who used to crowd the lobbies. A shopping arcade is open to day visitors, however.
Try to stay at least one night in the area so you can take advantage of some of the opportunities for outdoor recreation (there are several fine places to stay near the lake aside from the Chateau Lake Louise). From the terrace of the Chateau, hiking and packhorse trails fan out to various historic teahouses. One sits on the shore of nearby Lake Agnes, and another is at the toe of the Plain-of-the-Six Glaciers.
Near the Chateau is Moraine Lake, a visual treat in its own right and site of the trailheads for Larch Valley, Sentinel Pass and Eiffel Lake. They are all particularly stunning in the fall when the larch trees shellac the slopes with shades of gold. To access Moraine Lake, follow the winding road that begins near Chateau Lake Louise. (The road is closed in winter.)
Though the majority of visitors to Lake Louise arrive in the summer, when things can become quite crowded, downhill skiing attracts cold-weather tourists. The Lake Louise Ski Area is one of Canada's most spectacular: There's a view of the glorious glacial lake from the slopes. More than 4,200 acres/1,700 hectares of skiable terrain are spread over several mountain faces, with several lengthy runs. The Front Side has lots of slopes geared to intermediate and beginning skiers, and advanced skiers and hardy snowboarders should head to the Back Bowls.
The Larch Area also has something for everyone. There are no accommodations at the ski area, but hotels are available in the nearby village of Lake Louise.
While visiting the area, be sure to check out the Northern Art Impression Gallery, which showcases Inuit and Native American arts and crafts.
Recreation
There are myriad outdoor activities in the Lake Louise area. There is always something to do there year-round.
Visitors can choose between skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, ice fishing, dog sledding, golfing, hiking, swimming, whitewater rafting and horseback riding.
The newest activity in the area is the hybrid sport of skijoring. Orginating in Scandinavia and introduced at the Lake Placid Winter Olympics, skijoring combines skiing with dog sledding. Skiers get harnessed to three sled dogs and off they go. Not only is it a great activity for families, but some sled operators will even train the family dog to become part of the action.
Whatever you do, make sure to spend plenty of time in majestic Banff National Park. Try booking a tour with one of the adventure guides in the area and spend time exploring the Canadian Rockies.
Calendar
Since the village of Lake Louise has fewer than 1,000 permanent residents, large-scale events are hard to come by. Nevertheless, there are several festivals on the calendar.
For detailed information about upcoming events in the Lake Louise area, contact Banff Lake Louise Tourism. Phone 403-762-8421. http://www.banfflakelouise.com.
To call any of the numbers listed in this calendar from outside the U.S. or Canada, you must first dial your country's international access code, followed by Canada's country code, 1.
Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.
July, 2009
Throughout July—
The Banff Summer Arts Festival Cultural events ranging from plays to musical performances to art displays are put on all summer long by the The Banff Center. 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive. For specific events, times and dates call 403-762-6301 or toll-free 800-413-8368. http://www.banffcentre.ca. Continues through early September
August, 2009
Early August—
Banff Culture Walk This city-wide event features free downtown entertainment and gives the public an opportunity to visit galleries and museums to interact with local artists. This event occurs as part of the Banff Culture Weekend. For more information call 403-762-7610. http://www.banffculturewalk.com.
Early August—Doors Open Banff This self-guided walking tour allows the public to visit Banff's most interesting homes and buildings. This event occurs as part of the Banff Culture Weekend. For more information call 403-762-0284. http://www.banfflakelouise.com.
Late August—Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival For one weekend each August, Lake Minnewanka plays host to this boat racing festival. Dragon-boat racing was adopted by the Canadians from Chinese tradition. Hand-carved wooden boats holding 22 teammates compete in 200-, 500- and 1,000-meter races. For more information call 403-762-0284. http://www.banfflakelouise.com.
Throughout August—The Banff Summer Arts Festival Cultural events ranging from plays to musical performances to art displays are put on all summer long by the The Banff Center. 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive. For specific events, times and dates call 403-762-6301 or toll-free 800-413-8368. http://www.banffcentre.ca. Continues through early September
September, 2009
Early September—
The Banff Summer Arts Festival Cultural events ranging from plays to musical performances to art displays are put on all summer long by the The Banff Center. 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive. For specific events, times and dates call 403-762-6301 or toll-free 800-413-8368. http://www.banffcentre.ca. Concludes early September
November, 2009
Late November—
WinterStart Festival A festival commemorating the start of the winter season in Lake Louise. Activities vary widely and include Christmas craft making, a Santa Claus parade and downhill ski races. Cascade Plaza on Banff Avenue. For more information call 403-762-0284. http://www.banfflakelouise.com.
January, 2010
Late January—
Ice Magic Festival Sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association, this prestigious festival sees 12 teams compete to create the most beautiful sculpture possible in three days. The event is hosted by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Weather permitting, the sculptures remain on display through late March. 111 Lake Louise Drive. For more informaiton call 403-762-8421. http://www.banfflakelouise.com.
May, 2010
Late May—
Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival For two days in late May, enjoy wine, liquor and food samplings from award-winning chefs based in the Banff and Lake Louise area. The event is hosted by the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. 405 Spray Ave. For more information call 403-228-0777 or toll-free 866-228-3555. http://www.rockymountainwine.com.
Late May—The Wine Summit Lake Louise This annual gathering is a wine lover's dream. Connoisseurs from around the world gather in Lake Louise for a long weekend of wine tasting and food sampling. The event is hosted by the Post Hotel Lake Louise. 200 Pipestone Drive. For more information call 403-522-3989 or toll-free 800-661-1586. http://www.winesummitlakelouise.com.
Late May—The Banff Summer Arts Festival Cultural events ranging from plays to musical performances to art displays are put on all summer long by the The Banff Center. 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive. For specific events, times and dates call 403-762-6301 or toll-free 800-413-8368. http://www.banffcentre.ca. Continues through early September
June, 2010
Mid June—
Bike Fest A weekend of bike races for kids, amateurs and professionals involving more than 200 cyclists from across North America. Highlights include an individual time trial on a 13 mi/21 km course around Lake Minnewanka. Downtown Banff. For more information call 780-427-6352 or toll-free 877-646-2453. http://www.albertabicycle.ab.ca.
Throughout June—The Banff Summer Arts Festival Cultural events ranging from plays to musical performances to art displays are put on all summer long by the The Banff Center. 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive. For specific events, times and dates call 403-762-6301 or toll-free 800-413-8368. http://www.banffcentre.ca. Continues through early September
