“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
Reviews
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
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.
http://www.lakeagnesteahouse.com/index.php This is the tea house that was mentioned in the above comments.
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!
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!
There is a trail head on the right side, just past the chalet, that leads to a waterfall and a tea house.
DO these together: Lake Louise, Valley of the Ten Peaks, and Moraine Lake - maybe stay there for a couple of days
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
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.
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.
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Lake Louise
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted