Remove Ads
4.0
22 votes

Lake Louise

111 Lake Louise Drive, Alberta T0L 1E0 Canada

1
Video
Free
Free to Visit
Open Now
Thu 12a-11:59p
  • Independent
Add to Trip
Remove Ads

“a picture-perfect mountain lake”

You have seen photos of the lake but they haven’t prepared you for how it feels to experience it yourself. Rounding the corner, the sight of the emerald green water and rugged peaks and glaciers hits you viscerally. You’ve never seen anything so dramatically beautiful. Late in the day, with the glowing sun dropping behind Mount Victoria, it is quiet and still. As you wander around the lakeside path it seems like the whole scene is for just you to enjoy. It is a feeling you will remember forever.  Lake Louise is world famous for its turquoise lakes, the Victoria Glacier, soaring mountain backdrop, palatial hotel, and incredible hiking and skiing. Surrounded by a lifetime’s worth of jaw-dropping sights and adventures, Lake Louise is a rare place that must be experienced to be believed. You couldn’t ask for more natural beauty every time you open your eyes.– Jade Anna Hughes of From the Inside blog The vibrant waters of Lake Louise are five kilometres (three miles) from the hamlet of Lake Louise. Named for Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter, Lake Louise is a truly awe-inspiring sight. The lake was previously known as Ho-Run-Num-Nay (the Lake of Lake of Little Fishes) by the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people. The hanging Victoria Glacier and an amphitheatre of rugged peaks provide an imposing backdrop to the lake, which is about 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) long and 90 metres (295 feet) deep.  During the summer the lake is an intense shade of turquoise, the result of light refracting off the rock flour (glacier silt) deposited in the lake by glacier run off. The colour of the lake is most vibrant in July and August when the flow of the melt water is at its highest. At an elevation of 1,750 metres (5,740 feet), Lake Louise normally thaws in June. Locals' tip: during the summer, visit Lake Louise before 9am or after 7pm to soak up the beauty without the crowds. THE HAMLET OF LAKE LOUISE The hamlet of Lake Louise is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). It has a small shopping centre, with a grocery store, bakery, deli, bar, sporting goods store, and visitor information centre. Lake Louise also offers a variety of restaurant and accommodation options. Smaller and quieter than the town of Banff, you really feel immersed in the mountains and nature when you spend time in Lake Louise. It is the perfect base for outdoor adventuring, including water activities, ice skating, skiing, hiking, and sightseeing.  - https://www.banfflakelouise.com/lake-louise

Read More >

Reviews

Add Review
Thanks!
Your Rating
1
2
3
4
5

Reviewed by
Haley

  • 28 Reviews
  • 56 Helpful
April 26, 2017
Rated 5.0

One of the most beautiful sites I have seen. Yes, the place gets very busy but that doesn't mean it is not breath taking. Get there very early and keep in mind that it will be busy and you'll have a great time. YOU MUST HIKE TO LAKE AGNES TEA HOUSE. This was my favorite experience of the entire trip. There's a hike from Lake Louise to a tea house and its quaint and wonderful. The hike is strenuous but not long

2 people found this review helpful
  • 2 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
January 25, 2015
Rated 4.0

While more touristy than others, it is still a great spot to visit. Worth attempting the Tea House Challenge, to see Lake Agnes, see a fantastic view of Lake Louise and eat some delicious chocolate cake (at the Plain of Six tea house)!! Great hike for groups or solo.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
megancdutka

  • 1 Review
  • 2 Helpful
January 14, 2014
Rated

http://www.lakeagnesteahouse.com/index.php This is the tea house that was mentioned in the above comments.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Joel Schat

  • Photographer
  • 237 Reviews
  • 541 Helpful
July 01, 2014
Rated

Definitely a fantastic place! Lake louise can get pretty crowded on weekends and in the summer even at sunrise! If you want a slightly less busy sunrise photo spot go up to moraine lake!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
demillion

  • 2 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
December 28, 2013
Rated

This whole area is fantastic. Unbelievable vistas with wildlife abounding everywhere. Go and see it for yourself. It is just what everyone dreams of ,when they think of Canada. Cheers!

1 person found this review helpful
  • 1 Review
  • 1 Helpful
November 17, 2013
Rated

There is a trail head on the right side, just past the chalet, that leads to a waterfall and a tea house.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
oxy_k

  • 4 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
April 14, 2013
Rated

DO these together: Lake Louise, Valley of the Ten Peaks, and Moraine Lake - maybe stay there for a couple of days

1 person found this review helpful
  • 14 Reviews
  • 4 Helpful
July 24, 2022
Rated 5.0

always beautiful- July busy month notes for RV travelers. You are lucky to find RV parking before 7am. I advise to park at the shopping center and take in the city bus that comes from Banff. Only $2 a person! Or park in overflow and grab the shuttle. When it’s super busy even that’s booked so the bus option works

Was this helpful?

Reviewed by
Celia Schouteden

  • 2 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
July 21, 2019
Rated 5.0

Beautiful place (a bit crowded the day I was there); I definitely think that Lake Louise should be seen at least once. It would be a shame to miss such a great scenic experience.

Was this helpful?
  • 14 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
July 05, 2019
Rated 5.0

This was a bucket list item for me to see. Even though it was pouring rain, it was still stunningly beautiful. It does get crowded, so be prepared. Parks Canada does an amazing job of monitoring the crowds though. I want to go back to do the tea house.

Was this helpful?

Be the first to add a review to the Lake Louise.

Lake Louise

111 Lake Louise Drive
Alberta
T0L 1E0 Canada
Remove Ads

Hours

Open 24 hours today
  • Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Problem with this listing? Let us know.

Has RV parking changed? Let us know.

Remove Ads
  • Unavailable
    Parking
  • Unknown
    Pets Allowed
  • Unknown
    Restrooms
  • Unknown
    Wifi
  • Unknown
    Wheelchair Accessible
  • Unknown
    Credit Cards Accepted
See More Details (1)
Remove Ads

Nearby Hotels

Alberta
FastBook

Click to discover a
great deal!

British Columbia
Alberta
FastBook

Click to discover a
great deal!

Alberta
FastBook

Click to discover a
great deal!

Remove Ads
Remove Ads
99187