Attractions of Lake Louise
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Lake Louise, Alberta.
Visitors to the mountain village of Lake Louise can't miss the town's prized attraction and namesake, the striking Lake Louise. An iconic symbol of Alberta's Rocky Mountains, the lake has an ethereal beauty that has captivated outdoor adventurers and artists since the late 19th century. During summer, admirers can gaze upon its turquoise water from the crowded shore, or glide across it in a rented canoe. In winter the lake ices over, becoming a favourite spot for skating, and for a weekend in January it's home to glistening ice sculptures during the Ice Magic Festival. No matter the season, this enchanting lake should be the first stop on the itinerary when exploring Lake Louise and its unique attractions.
NATURE
Located within one of Alberta's most naturally magnificent attractions—Banff National Park—Lake Louise counts its lakes, mountains and glaciers among its top sights and visitors are drawn to the area to enjoy these inspirational natural attributes year round.
In an attempt to absorb it all at once, take a ride part-way up Mount Whitehorn on the Lake Louise Sightseeing Lift (or gondola) in summer for a sweeping view of the lake and surrounding peaks and a good chance to spot a grizzly bear. The Wildlife Interpretation Centre at the top of the gondola highlights local wildlife—with a focus on grizzlies—through various exhibits, presentations and guided walks. In winter, the sightseeing lift and gondola services skiers and snowboarders at the Lake Louise Ski Resort—the area's main drawcard during the winter season.
Mount Whitehorn is just one peak in a sea of spectacular summits worthy of photographing in the Lake Louise area. The impressive convoy of crags that make up the Valley of the Ten Peaks will challenge any photographer to capture them all within the frame from the best vantage point at Moraine Lake—a scene that graced the Canadian twenty-dollar bill in 1969 and '79. This remarkable mountain backdrop contributes to the beauty of Moraine Lake, Lake Louise's deserving rival. Glacially fed, the lake is at its fullest in late June, when its vibrantly blue water reflects the chain of mountains in a stunning display of natural beauty. At 3,084 m (10,118 ft) tall, Eiffel Peak is not the grandest of mountains adorning Lake Louise, although it is endowed with a lofty pillar—aptly named Eiffel Tower—which is best viewed from the top of the peak (after a three-hour scramble). The tallest mountain seen from the Lake Louise townsite is Eiffel's neighbour, Mount Temple, at 3,543 m (11,624 ft).
And then there's Mount Victoria. Crowning the Lake Louise itself, it is undoubtedly the most photographed mountain in the area. This perfectly placed mountain is garlanded with the Victoria Glacier, tumbling towards the lake. Many glaciers ice mountainsides in the Lake Louise area, including Hector Glacier and the six major glaciers of the Columbia Icefield in the nearby Icefields Parkway Region, just north of Lake Louise.
These frozen "falls" also have their fluid counterparts. The Bridal Veil Falls is one such cascade that attracts visitors despite the 5-km (3-mi) ascent from the shore of Lake Louise to reach it. Pouring over the lip of Lake Agnes, this waterfall can even be enjoyed from the rustic teahouse perched lakeside at the top of the falls.
While exploring and admiring the area's many natural splendours, keep an eye open for wildlife at all times. Bears, moose, elk and cute, little ground squirrels are commonly sighted in and around Lake Louise.
HISTORY, ARTS & CULTURE
Aside from astounding geographical history that stretches back millions of years, Lake Louise's heritage was carved by brave pioneers who, in the late 19th century, climbed hostile mountains, set up camp and paved the way to a paradise now easily accessible to all. The Lake Louise Visitor Centre is a must for those with an interest in the area's past. This welcoming centre displays exhibits about both natural and human history in the Rockies, as well as gives lots of helpful information about what to see and do in and around Lake Louise.
The landmark Chateau Lake Louise opened in 1890 and is a historic site that can't be missed by tourists heading to the lake itself. The imposing hotel lords over the luminescent lake and couldn't possibly have a more magical setting. Visitors can take a peek inside, browse its on-site shops and admire the lake view from a table in one of its restaurants. Hardly as opulent but with an equally breathtaking lakeside setting, the aforementioned Lake Agnes Tea House (found at the top of a steep 5-km (3-mi) trail that starts near the chateau) is a rustic, early 1900's log cabin built by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) as a facility for trail surveyors and guides. It still services hikers today by providing baked treats and more than 50 kinds of tea.
Lake Louise's natural beauty inspires artists of all mediums, and an original painting or sandstone sculpture is the perfect souvenir to take home. The Northern Art Impressions gallery at Samson Mall and Art of Man gallery inside the Chateau Lake Louise both offer an array of works by First Nations artists that capture the essence of Lake Louise and the Rocky Mountains.
NATURE
Located within one of Alberta's most naturally magnificent attractions—Banff National Park—Lake Louise counts its lakes, mountains and glaciers among its top sights and visitors are drawn to the area to enjoy these inspirational natural attributes year round.
In an attempt to absorb it all at once, take a ride part-way up Mount Whitehorn on the Lake Louise Sightseeing Lift (or gondola) in summer for a sweeping view of the lake and surrounding peaks and a good chance to spot a grizzly bear. The Wildlife Interpretation Centre at the top of the gondola highlights local wildlife—with a focus on grizzlies—through various exhibits, presentations and guided walks. In winter, the sightseeing lift and gondola services skiers and snowboarders at the Lake Louise Ski Resort—the area's main drawcard during the winter season.
Mount Whitehorn is just one peak in a sea of spectacular summits worthy of photographing in the Lake Louise area. The impressive convoy of crags that make up the Valley of the Ten Peaks will challenge any photographer to capture them all within the frame from the best vantage point at Moraine Lake—a scene that graced the Canadian twenty-dollar bill in 1969 and '79. This remarkable mountain backdrop contributes to the beauty of Moraine Lake, Lake Louise's deserving rival. Glacially fed, the lake is at its fullest in late June, when its vibrantly blue water reflects the chain of mountains in a stunning display of natural beauty. At 3,084 m (10,118 ft) tall, Eiffel Peak is not the grandest of mountains adorning Lake Louise, although it is endowed with a lofty pillar—aptly named Eiffel Tower—which is best viewed from the top of the peak (after a three-hour scramble). The tallest mountain seen from the Lake Louise townsite is Eiffel's neighbour, Mount Temple, at 3,543 m (11,624 ft).
And then there's Mount Victoria. Crowning the Lake Louise itself, it is undoubtedly the most photographed mountain in the area. This perfectly placed mountain is garlanded with the Victoria Glacier, tumbling towards the lake. Many glaciers ice mountainsides in the Lake Louise area, including Hector Glacier and the six major glaciers of the Columbia Icefield in the nearby Icefields Parkway Region, just north of Lake Louise.
These frozen "falls" also have their fluid counterparts. The Bridal Veil Falls is one such cascade that attracts visitors despite the 5-km (3-mi) ascent from the shore of Lake Louise to reach it. Pouring over the lip of Lake Agnes, this waterfall can even be enjoyed from the rustic teahouse perched lakeside at the top of the falls.
While exploring and admiring the area's many natural splendours, keep an eye open for wildlife at all times. Bears, moose, elk and cute, little ground squirrels are commonly sighted in and around Lake Louise.
HISTORY, ARTS & CULTURE
Aside from astounding geographical history that stretches back millions of years, Lake Louise's heritage was carved by brave pioneers who, in the late 19th century, climbed hostile mountains, set up camp and paved the way to a paradise now easily accessible to all. The Lake Louise Visitor Centre is a must for those with an interest in the area's past. This welcoming centre displays exhibits about both natural and human history in the Rockies, as well as gives lots of helpful information about what to see and do in and around Lake Louise.
The landmark Chateau Lake Louise opened in 1890 and is a historic site that can't be missed by tourists heading to the lake itself. The imposing hotel lords over the luminescent lake and couldn't possibly have a more magical setting. Visitors can take a peek inside, browse its on-site shops and admire the lake view from a table in one of its restaurants. Hardly as opulent but with an equally breathtaking lakeside setting, the aforementioned Lake Agnes Tea House (found at the top of a steep 5-km (3-mi) trail that starts near the chateau) is a rustic, early 1900's log cabin built by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) as a facility for trail surveyors and guides. It still services hikers today by providing baked treats and more than 50 kinds of tea.
Lake Louise's natural beauty inspires artists of all mediums, and an original painting or sandstone sculpture is the perfect souvenir to take home. The Northern Art Impressions gallery at Samson Mall and Art of Man gallery inside the Chateau Lake Louise both offer an array of works by First Nations artists that capture the essence of Lake Louise and the Rocky Mountains.
Whitewater Rafting
Centrally Located
Yoho National Park
Near Lake Louise
Icefields Parkway Motel
