Lake Louise

Travel Guide

Banff National Park which includes snow, landscape views and tranquil scenes
Banff National Park featuring tranquil scenes, mountains and a sandy beach
Lake Louise which includes mist or fog, mountains and boating
Lake Louise showing a lake or waterhole, mist or fog and boating
Lake Louise showing a lake or waterhole, boating and mist or fog
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, 3 miles (5 kilometers ) 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 35-mile (57-kilometer) 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥59,162 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
¥59,162
¥67,113 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
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! (1,849 reviews)
"Our condo interior was newly renovated, but the exterior of the building needs upkeep."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 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 ¥153,880 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥153,880
¥176,293 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 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 breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,543 reviews)
"Clean and convenient!"

Reviewed on Jun 18, 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.
Alpine Bliss | Premier Winter Getaway
Alpine Bliss | Premier Winter Getaway
Lake Louise
Stay at this apartment in Lake Louise. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Lake Louise Mountain Resort and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Nice small room.
"Room was as expected from listing. Could do with more storage for ski clothes for 4 people but was very nice. The pool and spa area is amazing and the restaurants onsite were great. A simple 10 minute bus straight upto the hill made it an easy stay."

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2025

Alpine Bliss | Premier Winter Getaway
Baker Creek | Two Bedroom Cabin
Baker Creek | Two Bedroom Cabin
Lake Louise
Stay at this cabin in Lake Louise. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Samson Mall ...
"Great"

Reviewed on May 20, 2025

Baker Creek | Two Bedroom Cabin
Family Superior Two Bedroom Cabin
Family Superior Two Bedroom Cabin
Lake Louise
Stay at this cabin in Lake Louise. Popular attractions Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Samson Mall are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
A Cute Cozy Cabin.
"Our Kids Loved the ice rink and outside fires to roast marshmallows and keep warm. The little kitchen was perfect and we enjoyed the TV break while we played games by the fire. Our hosts were fantastic and helpful.Thank you!"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Family Superior Two Bedroom Cabin
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

Reviews of Lake Louise

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
157
5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
49
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Best place I've traveled to!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I loved it, the horse drawn carriages and the ice bar right outside the hotel made me feel like I was in a hallmark movie. I have highly recommended this place to friends and family.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Lots of snow right now.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very clean quiet place.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Ice magic Festival was fun during the week. Weekend was madhouse.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Winter wonderland

Cities near Lake Louise