Lake Louise

Travel Guide

Moraine Lake showing landscape views, snow and mountains
Lake Louise showing mountains, tranquil scenes and kayaking or canoeing
Lake Louise
Lake Louise
Lake Louise

This remote hamlet is named after its glacier lake, which is so picturesque and placid that you won’t believe it’s real.

All of the glacial lakes of Canada’s Rocky Mountains are stunning, but there is something about Lake Louise that makes it look too good to be true. Yet, this hamlet is very real and even though it feels like it’s a world away from Calgary, it’s not hard to reach. Finding a diamond like this deep in the vast wilderness of Banff National Park certainly adds to the lake’s appeal.

The village of Lake Louise, 5 kilometres (3 miles) downhill from the lake, has shops, gear rental stores, restaurants and a range of accommodation options. The stately hotel Chateau Lake Louise is part of the elevated Lake Louise Mountain Resort at the lake’s edge, providing a scenic place to eat, rest or soak in the spa.

Lake Louise is a popular tourist destination during both the ski season and summer months and offers plenty of exciting, or relaxing, activities year-round.

In summer, put your feet up in the resort or camp out in the wilderness. If you like hiking or horse riding, join a guided tour to traverse the trails around the lake, until you reach the point where you can overlook Peyto Lake with its beautiful turquoise-colored water. Another trail leads to Mirror Lake. Canoeing is the best way to explore the lakes, because the water is too cold for swimming.

By winter Lake Louise is in full swing again as it shifts to accommodate the flocks of wintersports fanatics. Lake Louise is home to some of Canada’s best powdery slopes. The town’s luxury ski resorts offer gear rental and direct shuttles to the mountains.

Reach Lake Louise, in the province of Alberta, by driving along the Trans-Canada Highway northwest from Banff, a 57-kilometre (35-mile) journey. Buses from Calgary, which has an international airport, take just over two hours to get to Lake Louise, but the best way to see the area is by car. The next town up, Jasper, is more than three hours away along the Icefields Parkway, a very scenic journey.

Lake Louise Inn

Lake Louise Inn

3 out of 5
210 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB
The price is P22,986 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P22,986
P26,075 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Lake Louise. Enjoy free parking, 3 restaurants, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,977 reviews)
Lovely lake Louise
"We really liked our one bed condo loft at Lake Louise and it worked pretty well for our group of seven which spanned three generations. The room was clean and comfortable and our kids loved the bunkbed. We did use the pool facility. This was lots of fun. We were very pleased to make use of the on-site ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Lake Louise Inn
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

4 out of 5
111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, AB
The price is P69,687 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
P69,687
P79,502 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Lake Louise. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Best location if you want to visit Lake Louise"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Mountaineer Lodge

Mountaineer Lodge

2.5 out of 5
101 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB
Book a stay at this ski hotel in Lake Louise. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a steam room. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,571 reviews)
"It’s nice and convenient to have complimentary breakfast."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Mountaineer Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hidden Ridge Resort

Hidden Ridge Resort

3.5 out of 5
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,541 reviews)
"Beautiful views, clean rooms, friendly inviting staff"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Hidden Ridge Resort
Basecamp Resorts Canmore

Basecamp Resorts Canmore

3.5 out of 5
1102 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Canmore. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,293 reviews)
"Wonderful place to stay"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Basecamp Resorts Canmore
Sundance By Basecamp

Sundance By Basecamp

2.5 out of 5
2 Sundance Rd Hwy 40, Kananaskis, AB
Stay at this campground in Kananaskis. Enjoy free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Bronze Chair Ski Lift and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (275 reviews)
"I really enjoyed my stay overall. The glamping tent is set up beautifully and the property was easy to navigate. The staff and selection at the office/shop was great. The bathroom situation is like summer camp, fairly clean but very run down and it seemed rather small for the amount of visitors. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Sundance By Basecamp
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do