Lake Louise Canoe & Lakeshore
Paddle the iconic turquoise water and walk the easy lakeshore trail.
What to Expect
Lake Louise is the postcard image of the Canadian Rockies — a glacial lake of impossible turquoise framed by Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier. Rent a red canoe from the boathouse to paddle the still water, or walk the flat Lakeshore Trail that traces the lake's edge to the far end.
The colour comes from rock flour suspended in the meltwater, scattering light. Canoe rentals run from June through early October once the lake thaws; arrive at dawn in summer to beat the crowds and catch the calmest water.
Best Time to Visit
June–early October once the lake is thawed; arrive before 9 am in peak summer for parking and calm water.
Practical Tips
Lake Louise is a 2-hour drive from Calgary and 40 minutes from Banff. Parking fills by mid-morning in summer — Parks Canada runs a shuttle from the Lake Louise park-and-ride. Canoe rentals are at the boathouse on the shoreline.
Where to Stay
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits on the lakeshore; Lake Louise village a few minutes down the road has mid-range and budget lodges and a hostel.
Book this experience
Tickets, tours and stays for your Lake Louise trip — all in one place.
2 hours · $
Hikers, photographers & mountain romantics
More things to do in Lake Louise
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.