Lake Louise Resort
Canada
About Lake Louise Resort
Lake Louise is a major tourist destination and can get crowded, especially during the peak summer months. However, its beauty and accessibility make it a must-visit for anyone traveling through the Canadian Rockies. The lake itself is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. The color of the water comes from rock flour carried into the lake by meltwater from the glaciers that overlook it. The surrounding peaks, including Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier, add to the picturesque landscape.
Lake Louise is an all-year-round playground! In the summer, grab your hiking boots and hit the trails, paddle across the crystal-clear waters, or soak in the panoramic views from the Lake Louise Gondola. There are several hiking trails around Lake Louise catering to different skill levels. The Lake Agnes Tea House Trail is a popular hike that leads to a charming tea house overlooking Lake Agnes. The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail offers breathtaking views of glaciers and the surrounding mountains.
When winter rolls around, think ice skating on the frozen lake, shredding the slopes at nearby ski resorts or just cozying up by the fire with a hot cocoa. Skiing in Lake Louise is like skiing in a postcard. Imagine skiing through snow-covered forests with majestic peaks towering overhead and the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Louise in the distance.
For adventure enthusiasts, you've got the steep and demanding double black diamond runs that'll have you feeling like a ski movie hero. Picture yourself bombing down runs like ER3, Boomerang, or the infamous Men's Downhill, where Olympic athletes have tested their skills. But if you're not quite ready to tackle those beastly runs just yet, Lake Louise has plenty of intermediate and beginner-friendly slopes too. Cruise down wide-open groomers like Wiwaxy or Eagle Ridge, perfect for carving up the fresh powder or practicing those turns.
There are several accommodations available right in the Lake Louise area. Staying in Lake Louise Village puts you near the lake itself and provides easy access to hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
While Lake Louise is a bit secluded, staying in Banff is a popular option. Banff offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels and cozy bed-and-breakfasts to upscale resorts and boutique hotels. It's about a 45-minute drive from Banff to Lake Louise, so it's doable if you prefer the amenities and nightlife options that Banff has to offer. Staying in Banff allows you to explore not only Lake Louise but also other attractions in Banff National Park, such as Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, and the town of Banff itself. Plus, Banff has a vibrant dining and shopping scene, making it a great base for your Rocky Mountain adventure.
Can you hear Lake Louise calling your name? It’s time to start planning and hit the road for your next mountain escape.
Getting to Lake Louise Resort
To reach the enchanting Lake Louise, embark on a picturesque drive via the TransCanada Highway from Calgary, or alternatively, journey from beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia, for a scenic route through the mountains.
Directions from Calgary International Airport (YYC), 198 km, 2 hours Get on Airport Rd NE. Continue onto Barlow Trail NE N. Stay left to turn onto Country Hills Blvd NE. Use the right lane to merge onto AB-2 N via the ramp to Red Deer. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 271 for Alberta 201 W/Stoney Trail. Merge onto Stoney Trail NW/AB-201 W. Take the exit toward Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Slight right to merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Take the exit toward Lake Louise. Turn left onto Bow Valley Pkwy/AB-1A W. Continue straight onto Lake Louise Dr.
Directions from Kelowna (YLW), 411 km, 4 hours 47 minutes Head west on Airport Way. Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 N. Keep right to continue on 32 St/Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 N. In Enderby turn right onto Cliff Ave. Turn left onto Enderby Grindrod Rd. Continue straight onto Vernon-Sicamous Hwy/BC-97A N. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Vernon-Sicamous Hwy/BC-97A N. Turn right onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 E (signs for British Columbia 1 E/Revelstoke). Keep right to stay on Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 E. Continue onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 E. Take the exit toward Lake Louise. Merge onto Lake Louise Dr.