When I was a child, I had an aunt who worked for a travel agency. I remember waiting in the sitting area for her to finish her work day. All along the walls, I’d see images and brochures of places one could visit.
There was this one travel pamphlet that included a picturesque view of the Fairmont at Lake Louise. I was moved by the striking colour of the lake, peacefully resting in front of a castle-like structure.
It appeared to be a magical place tucked away between the mountains. Since then, it’s been a dream to see it firsthand, and after visiting, I can say it did not disappoint! It was just like the image in the pamphlet from all those years ago.
The Fairmont at Lake Louise
The Fairmont is situated at the entry of the lake, with a nearby parking lot for those wanting to drive. Since it can get busy, there are rarely parking spots available. For those who manage to find parking, the rates are not too bad, it’s about twenty dollars for the day.
If you decide not to drive, you can take a Parks Canada shuttle bus. Be sure to book a shuttle in advance on the Parks Canada website, under the ‘Day Use’ section. This shuttle also does drop off at Lake Moraine, where you’ll find more wonderful lakeside views.
Lake Louise has canoeing rental options, and even during peak times, the lake itself was not too busy. I recall seeing a few kayakers and some canoeing tours but other than that there weren’t too many people on the water.
Lake Louise – Canoeing Groups
For hikers, there’s the option to follow the trail along the lake. Further down the path, there are clearer views of the surrounding mountains. Similar to Banff, you can spot some rock climbers scaling the mountainside.
Lake Louise – Mountainside View
If you are so inclined, you can hike around the entire lake. There’s a path that loops up the mountain and back down towards the lake’s entry. Plan your hikes in advance by perusing the day trail options here! There are plenty of little critters, like marmots, squirrels, and chipmunks, in the area, adding to the charm of the trails.
Lake Louise was my last stop in the national park before heading home. It was a popular destination with tons of visitors. Not to my surprise as Lake Louise is truly a natural wonder.
Next time I visit, I plan on starting earlier in the day and exploring more of the trails in the surrounding area.
Thanks for staying until the end! For more travel-related content, take a look at the Travel Series page.
