Lake Louise is not a town but a postcard made real - a glacial lake so improbably turquoise that first-time visitors routinely assume the colour has been enhanced. It hasn't. The hue comes from rock flour ground by the Victoria Glacier above the lake, suspended in the water and catching sunlight in a way that produces a shade of blue-green found almost nowhere else on earth. The lake sits at 1,731 metres, 5 km from the hamlet of Lake Louise (population 800), which itself is 55 km from Banff along the Trans-Canada Highway. At the near end stands the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a grand railway hotel built in 1890 that dominates the shoreline. At the far end, Mount Temple rises to 3,543 metres, its glacier feeding the lake in a continuous slow cascade of meltwater. Most visitors come for the iconic view from the lakeshore, but the real rewards are uphill. The Plain of Six Glaciers trail, Lake Agnes Tea House hike and the Big Beehive viewpoint each offer progressively more dramatic perspectives. In winter, the lake freezes solid and becomes an outdoor skating rink framed by a snow-and-ice castle, while the adjacent Lake Louise Ski Resort hosts some of the best powder skiing in North America. Moraine Lake, 14 km south, is equally stunning and even harder to reach - personal vehicles are banned from its access road in summer, making advance shuttle reservations essential.
Canoe the turquoise lake, hike the Plain of Six Glaciers, ski Lake Louise resort and visit Moraine Lake.
Things to Do
Canoe the turquoise lake, hike the Plain of Six Glaciers, ski Lake Louise resort and visit Moraine Lake.
Where to Stay
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits lakeshore; nearby Deer Lodge and Lake Louise Inn offer alternatives.
Best Time to Visit
How Many Days
1–2 days
Book your Lake Louise trip
Stays, tours and a car — all in one place.
Photographers & first-time Rockies visitors
Best Areas to Stay in Lake Louise
Lake Louise Lakeshore
First-time visitors who want the iconic lake view from their window
The iconic lakefront dominated by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, with direct access to the lake and trailheads.
Lake Louise Village
Budget-conscious visitors and skiers
The small hamlet 5 km from the lake, with a shopping plaza, visitor centre, and a handful of hotels and lodges.
Where to stay in Lake Louise
The iconic lakefront dominated by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, with direct access to the lake and trailheads.
The iconic lakefront dominated by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, with direct access to the lake and trailheads.
The iconic lakefront dominated by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, with direct access to the lake and trailheads.
The small hamlet 5 km from the lake, with a shopping plaza, visitor centre, and a handful of hotels and lodges.
The iconic lakefront dominated by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, with direct access to the lake and trailheads.
The iconic lakefront dominated by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, with direct access to the lake and trailheads.
Find your stay in Lake Louise
Compare hotels, vacation rentals and resorts in every area.
Month-by-month in Lake Louise
Weather, crowd levels and price trends to help you pick the right month for your trip.
-4° / -13°C, snow
Ice skating
-2° / -12°C, snow
Ski season
3° / -7°C, snow
Spring skiing
9° / -3°C, mixed
Lake still frozen
15° / 1°C, light rain
Lakeside trails
19° / 5°C, rain
Lake Louise thaws
22° / 8°C, thunderstorms
Canoe Lake Louise
21° / 7°C, rain
Summer hikes
16° / 3°C, light rain
Golden larches
9° / -2°C, snow
Fall colours
2° / -7°C, snow
Quiet winter
-3° / -11°C, snow
Skating on the lake
Where to stay in Lake Louise
Baker Creek By Basecamp
CabinNestled along the Bow Valley Parkway just outside the main village, these cabins offer a quiet, wooded retreat.
HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre
HostelLocated in the village area, this hostel offers a social atmosphere with communal kitchens and bunk or private room options.
Paradise Lodge and Bungalows
CabinOffering individual cabins close to the lake, this lodge provides a more quiet and intimate mountain experience.
Mountaineer Lodge
Mid-rangeA well-located lodge in the heart of the village, providing a comfortable base for skiing and hiking trips.
Post Hotel & Spa
LodgeA historic, world-class lodge located in the village area known for its exceptional wine cellar and fine dining.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
ResortSituated directly on the shores of Lake Louise, this historic resort offers unparalleled views of the Victoria Glacier.
Lake Louise Inn
Mid-rangeA multi-building complex located in the village, offering various room types and easy access to local amenities.
Deer Lodge
LodgeLocated just minutes from the lake, this historic property features a rooftop hot tub with mountain views.
Best Places to Stay in Lake Louise
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
ResortThe grand railway hotel on the shore of Lake Louise, with direct lake and trail access.
Post Hotel and Spa
LodgeA Relais and Chateaux lodge in the Lake Louise village, with a fine-dining restaurant and spa.
Lake Louise Inn
HotelA mid-range hotel in the village with a pool, hot tub and family suites.
HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre
HostelA hostel in the village with dorms, private rooms and a sauna.
Deer Lodge
LodgeA historic timber lodge in the village with a rooftop hot tub and mountain views.
Best things to do in Lake Louise
Lake Louise Canoe & Lakeshore
Paddle the iconic turquoise water and walk the easy lakeshore trail.
Moraine Lake & the Valley of the Ten Peaks
The other iconic turquoise lake, ringed by ten glacier-capped peaks.
Lake Agnes Tea House Hike
Classic switchback hike to a historic alpine tea house above Lake Louise.
Lake Louise Gondola & Wildlife Viewing
Open-air gondola ride up the ski hill for grizzly sightings and mountain views.
Build your own plan
Two days in Lake Louise?
Start from a day-by-day draft built from our Lake Louise attractions and stays, then change the dates, length or interests.
Suggested Itineraries
Getting There
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is 200 km east, a 2-hour drive via the Trans-Canada Highway. The hamlet of Lake Louise is 55 km from Banff along the same highway. Brewster Express runs shuttles from Calgary Airport to Lake Louise year-round. If driving, note that the Lake Louise parking lot fills by 7 AM in summer - pre-book the Parks Canada shuttle from the Lake Louise Park and Ride.
Getting Around
The hamlet of Lake Louise has a small shopping plaza, visitor centre and a few hotels, all within a 10-minute walk. Roam Transit Route 8X connects Banff to Lake Louise seasonally ($10). The Moraine Lake shuttle and Lake Louise Lakeshore shuttle must be pre-booked through the Parks Canada reservation system. A car is useful for reaching the Lake Louise Ski Resort and trailheads along the Bow Valley Parkway.
Travel Tips & Notes
How Much Does a Trip to Cost?
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise starts at $600/night in summer. The Lake Louise Ski Resort lift ticket is $130/day. Shuttle to Moraine Lake is $8. Park entry fee applies. Very limited budget options.
Still deciding where to go?
Compare these alternatives before choosing your base.
- Services without the drive
Banff
Under an hour east, and the practical choice if you want restaurants and shops without driving to them every night.
- A parkway day away
Jasper
A long drive north up the Icefields Parkway. Go for the emptiness and the wildlife, not for convenience.
Lake Louise FAQ
Yes — Lake Louise is worth visiting for photographers & first-time rockies visitors. Iconic emerald glacial lake Canoe the turquoise lake, hike the Plain of Six Glaciers, ski Lake Louise resort and visit Moraine Lake.
Most travelers spend 1–2 days in Lake Louise. That gives you enough time to see the main attractions, enjoy canoe the turquoise lake, and explore at a comfortable pace. If you want a slower trip with day excursions to nearby areas, add an extra day or two.
Lake Louise is known for canoe the turquoise lake, hike the plain of six glaciers, ski lake louise resort and visit moraine lake.. Iconic emerald glacial lake
The best time to visit is year-round, depending on your interests. For summer activities in particular, plan your trip during that season. Shoulder seasons usually offer fewer crowds and better lodging rates.
Lake Louise is generally a luxury destination. Expect to budget around 300-600 per day. You can control costs by staying outside the core, eating at local spots and taking advantage of free attractions and parks.
A car is recommended in Lake Louise. The hamlet of Lake Louise has a small shopping plaza, visitor centre and a few hotels, all within a 10-minute walk. Lake Louise Lakeshore lot fills by 7 AM in summer. Moraine Lake personal vehicles are banned from the access road in summer - shuttle reservation required. Park at the Lake Louise Park and Ride and take the shuttle.
Yes — Lake Louise is an excellent family destination (rated 4/5 for families). There are kid-friendly attractions, outdoor activities and accommodation options that work well for all ages.
Yes — Lake Louise is a great couples destination (rated 5/5 for couples). Iconic emerald glacial lake Boutique hotels, scenic walks and good dining make it ideal for a romantic getaway.
Don't miss: canoe the turquoise lake, hike the plain of six glaciers, ski lake louise resort and visit moraine lake.. It's especially great if you love photographers & first-time rockies visitors. Also leave time to wander and discover local cafés, neighborhoods and views that aren't in every guidebook.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits lakeshore; nearby Deer Lodge and Lake Louise Inn offer alternatives. See our full guide to the best hotels in Lake Louise for area-by-area recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions About
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