Adventure in Lake Louise
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Lake Louise, Alberta.
Lake Louise is a pristine alpine village nestled in majestic Banff National Park, an hour northwest of Banff towards the Columbia Icefields and Jasper. Visitors approaching the hamlet from the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) are introduced to a small centre that includes a park visitor information office, shopping arcade, grocery store and restaurant. The high-altitude glacial lake is across the highway and a few minutes' drive up the mountainside. Summer visitors are awed as they approach its vibrant turquoise water and winter tourists are equally inspired by the icy presence of Victoria Glacier pouring onto its frozen surface.
Known by the Stoney First Nations as the Lake of Little Fishes, Lake Louise was discovered by Europeans in 1882 and was quickly established as a tourist destination. Wealthy patrons have been drawn to this area since, enjoying the peaceful setting and luxurious accommodations, wandering the trails and taking leisurely horseback rides along the lake to seek out elusive wildlife. More adventurous explorers have been—and are—drawn to the sky-high mountains, deep valleys, sheer grottoes and crystal waterways for exhilarating activities.
TOUR THE RUGGED WILDERNESS BY LAND, WATER OR AIR
Many visitors choose to begin their visit with a tour or sightseeing venture. They can opt for an all-inclusive package, an ideal way to maximize short visits. Tour operators arrange meals and free time, which can be used by participants to return to a favourite site, try an activity or just take a leisurely stroll around the lake and chateau.
Tours are available on almost every conceivable mode of transport. Tourists can choose a self-guided tour around the lake or explore the many walking trails that have been developed in the area. Cycling enthusiasts can tour the Rockies on two wheels by renting cross-country or downhill mountain bikes from Wilson Mountain Sports in Samson Mall. See the awe-inspiring valleys and peaks from an elevation of 2,088 m (6,850 ft) from the Lake Louise Gondola or from the vantage of a waterway with one of the many rafting operators in the area.
HAVE FUN IN THE SUN ALL SUMMER LONG
In summer, visitors take advantage of the long, warm days by exploring the dozens of walking, hiking or biking trails winding through the area. A flat trail skirts around the northern margin of the lake and is well suited to all levels of fitness. Those looking for a challenge can continue along the route as it steepens and leads to the Lake Agnes Teahouse. For a truly spectacular view, advanced hikers can venture above the tree line to the Plain of Six Glaciers. Adrenaline junkies can hike and climb the steep alpine peaks; there are plenty of companies that provide adventure equipment rental and guides.
The rough terrain can also be traversed on a trail ride or pack trip. Timberline Tours takes guests on short rides or full-day trips to Lake Agnes, the Plain of Six Glaciers and Baker Lake. Many companies also offer camping and backpacking tours, overnight or up to ten days in length.
Alternatively, the mountains can be explored from the peaceful, turquoise waters of the lake. Canoe rentals are available on the southern shore of Lake Louise, and these vessels can be guided to the base of Victoria Glacier at the other end of the lake. Glacial-fed lakes and streams are plentiful in the area; float serenely on a lake in a rowboat, take a fishing trip to a secluded stream, or brave the rapids on a rafting tour.
ENJOY SNOW & ICE ON A WINTER ADVENTURE
Downhill skiers and snowboarders are drawn to the exceptional runs at the famous Lake Louise Mountain Resort. Visitors needn't worry about packing for a snowy adventure as there are plenty of opportunities to rent ski equipment. The slower, quieter pace of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice walking allows recreationists to savour the landscape and possibly catch a glimpse of elusive wildlife. White Mountain Adventures takes individuals and groups on high-altitude snowshoeing excursions, which start with a gondola ride, so guests are treated to spectacular views throughout the trip. Discover Banff Tours offers short and half-day guided ice walks; all equipment is provided. One of their most popular tours begins before dusk and ends under the stars with a roaring campfire, toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate and a few good stories.
A quintessential Canadian winter experience can be found in one of the many activities taking place directly on and around Lake Louise: skating, sleighing and dog sledding. Free skating and impromptu hockey games are common in front of the chateau. Brewster Lake Louise Stables takes visitors, wrapped up in warm furs, on a traditional horse-drawn sleigh to the far end of the pristine lake, where the icy glacier meets the lake's frozen surface. Kingmik Dog Sled Tours guides enthusiasts on excursions around the lake and for longer jaunts up to the scenic Great Divide. Adventurers can sit back and enjoy the ride or take up the opportunity to mush their own dogsled team.
RELAX
Sometimes on a cool winter day the most enjoyable activity is to stay indoors in a warm sanctuary, relaxing while looking out over the pristine mountains and lake. The legendary Escape Spa at Chateau Lake Louise offers fashionable therapeutic and aesthetic services, including European-style massage, wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and hot stone massage. Guests at the Temple Mountain Spa at the Post Hotel can enjoy similar services as well as aromatherapy and detoxification treatments in private rooms.
Known by the Stoney First Nations as the Lake of Little Fishes, Lake Louise was discovered by Europeans in 1882 and was quickly established as a tourist destination. Wealthy patrons have been drawn to this area since, enjoying the peaceful setting and luxurious accommodations, wandering the trails and taking leisurely horseback rides along the lake to seek out elusive wildlife. More adventurous explorers have been—and are—drawn to the sky-high mountains, deep valleys, sheer grottoes and crystal waterways for exhilarating activities.
TOUR THE RUGGED WILDERNESS BY LAND, WATER OR AIR
Many visitors choose to begin their visit with a tour or sightseeing venture. They can opt for an all-inclusive package, an ideal way to maximize short visits. Tour operators arrange meals and free time, which can be used by participants to return to a favourite site, try an activity or just take a leisurely stroll around the lake and chateau.
Tours are available on almost every conceivable mode of transport. Tourists can choose a self-guided tour around the lake or explore the many walking trails that have been developed in the area. Cycling enthusiasts can tour the Rockies on two wheels by renting cross-country or downhill mountain bikes from Wilson Mountain Sports in Samson Mall. See the awe-inspiring valleys and peaks from an elevation of 2,088 m (6,850 ft) from the Lake Louise Gondola or from the vantage of a waterway with one of the many rafting operators in the area.
HAVE FUN IN THE SUN ALL SUMMER LONG
In summer, visitors take advantage of the long, warm days by exploring the dozens of walking, hiking or biking trails winding through the area. A flat trail skirts around the northern margin of the lake and is well suited to all levels of fitness. Those looking for a challenge can continue along the route as it steepens and leads to the Lake Agnes Teahouse. For a truly spectacular view, advanced hikers can venture above the tree line to the Plain of Six Glaciers. Adrenaline junkies can hike and climb the steep alpine peaks; there are plenty of companies that provide adventure equipment rental and guides.
The rough terrain can also be traversed on a trail ride or pack trip. Timberline Tours takes guests on short rides or full-day trips to Lake Agnes, the Plain of Six Glaciers and Baker Lake. Many companies also offer camping and backpacking tours, overnight or up to ten days in length.
Alternatively, the mountains can be explored from the peaceful, turquoise waters of the lake. Canoe rentals are available on the southern shore of Lake Louise, and these vessels can be guided to the base of Victoria Glacier at the other end of the lake. Glacial-fed lakes and streams are plentiful in the area; float serenely on a lake in a rowboat, take a fishing trip to a secluded stream, or brave the rapids on a rafting tour.
ENJOY SNOW & ICE ON A WINTER ADVENTURE
Downhill skiers and snowboarders are drawn to the exceptional runs at the famous Lake Louise Mountain Resort. Visitors needn't worry about packing for a snowy adventure as there are plenty of opportunities to rent ski equipment. The slower, quieter pace of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice walking allows recreationists to savour the landscape and possibly catch a glimpse of elusive wildlife. White Mountain Adventures takes individuals and groups on high-altitude snowshoeing excursions, which start with a gondola ride, so guests are treated to spectacular views throughout the trip. Discover Banff Tours offers short and half-day guided ice walks; all equipment is provided. One of their most popular tours begins before dusk and ends under the stars with a roaring campfire, toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate and a few good stories.
A quintessential Canadian winter experience can be found in one of the many activities taking place directly on and around Lake Louise: skating, sleighing and dog sledding. Free skating and impromptu hockey games are common in front of the chateau. Brewster Lake Louise Stables takes visitors, wrapped up in warm furs, on a traditional horse-drawn sleigh to the far end of the pristine lake, where the icy glacier meets the lake's frozen surface. Kingmik Dog Sled Tours guides enthusiasts on excursions around the lake and for longer jaunts up to the scenic Great Divide. Adventurers can sit back and enjoy the ride or take up the opportunity to mush their own dogsled team.
RELAX
Sometimes on a cool winter day the most enjoyable activity is to stay indoors in a warm sanctuary, relaxing while looking out over the pristine mountains and lake. The legendary Escape Spa at Chateau Lake Louise offers fashionable therapeutic and aesthetic services, including European-style massage, wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and hot stone massage. Guests at the Temple Mountain Spa at the Post Hotel can enjoy similar services as well as aromatherapy and detoxification treatments in private rooms.
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