Lake Louise Accommodation Guide

Lake Louise is among the top destination choices for tourists in Alberta. With clean fresh air, boundless acres of glorious mountain scenery and nature's most breathtaking terrain readily available, it's easy to see why. In addition to what Mother Nature has to offer, Lake Louise also boasts some of the trendiest cafes, spas and shopping villas around. Guests will find both repose and recreation in the legendary hills of Lake Louise, exploring the rich culture and experiencing firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by true beauty.

Trans-Canada Highway in Alberta, Canada 1

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Lake Louise is 180 km (112 mi) west of Calgary, AB and is backed by four infamous, snow-capped mountains, Parker's Ridge, Mount Victoria, Eiffel Tower and Eiffel Peak with all four reaching heights of well over 9000 ft. While showcasing their own loveliness, the four peaks are also responsible for the crystal clear lakes surrounding the area. When rock flour falls from the mountains, it is carried into the lake by melt-water in the glaciers, causing the lakes to appear emerald in color. Named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, Lake Louise is both a lake and a nearby Hamlet. Located along the Trans Canada Highway, in the heart of the historic Banff National Park, Lake Louise is easily accessible and conveniently situated.

Being such an excellent location for skiing and snow boarding has made winter a popular time to go to Lake Louise. It can get quite cold during this time of year, averaging less than -7°C (20°F) as a normal winter high temperature. However, the heavy snow fall makes the slopes great for skiers and boarders of any skill level.

	Skiing at Lake Louise Mountain Resort 2

Spring is not the best time to visit Lake Louise; the temperatures are still quite cool, so enjoying the outdoors is limited because the once snowy ground has been replaced with muck. Outside of ski season, the glacial blue waters of scenic are the main attraction, but expect the lake to be frozen until about mid-June.

Visitors interested in visiting Lake Louise over the summer should remember to bring a coat, as the area remains an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) throughout the warmest months. The summer daylight hours are long, making it possible to enjoy a long day of activities. The lake itself is best enjoyed during the summer months and if travellers are planning a hike through any of the mountain trails an array of clothing should be packed due to the variety of weather conditions. Overnight lows in summertime average 3°C (16°F).

Autumn is also an excellent time to head to Lake Louise. Tourists empty out of the area, so taking in the changing colours of the trees, and seeing the crisp, emerald lakes can be a breathtaking experience. Autumn temperatures are relatively moderate and this season is quite short; by October, daily high temperatures have dropped to an average 8°C (46°F).

Taking advantage of what occurs naturally, Lake Louise has two prestigious ski resorts, Ski Norquay and Lake Louise Mountain Resort. Ski Norquay offers beginner and intermediate runs with five lifts and a number of expert routes. Ski Norquay is the area's oldest ski hill, established in 1926, and is a good spot for families and beginners looking for an easygoing, quality experience as well as productive learning lessons.

Lake Louise Mountain Resort is Canada's largest single ski area. This notorious ski area is of the top 10 in North America, offering crisp, spine tingling scenery, four mountain faces and the latest in high-speed lifts.

Lake Louise Frozen in January 3

A shuttle bus runs from each Lake Louise accommodation to the Resort every 30 minutes during Peak Season (mid-December through mid-April), and every hour during the balance of the season. Also, a single lift pass covers all lifts at Mount Norquay and Lake Louise, so skiers are free to explore the different hills without any extra cost. In addition to the slopes, Lake Louise Mountain Resort also boasts a sight-seeing gondola, open year round, offering panoramas of glaciers, natural springs, wildlife and flowers.

Even if skiing isn't in the forecast, Lake Louise still has plenty of opportunities for entertainment. Appropriately themed shopping malls and villas offer the latest in ski equipment and snowboard gear, as well as top brand fashions. Samson Mall is the largest shopping center in the area, providing a number of services including a visitor station, bakery, sporting goods, groceries and park space. The Alpine Ski & Sports Boutique at Lake Louise Mountain Resort is another popular shopping scene, favored by the younger generation for its cherry fashions.

No guest should leave without experiencing the Lake Louise Torchlight Dinner and Ski at Whitehorn Lodge, at the Lake Louise Mountain Resort. This lively event is must see and do, offering an evening gala complete with appetizers, a full buffet dinner, live entertainment and a guided torchlight ski down the mountain.

TIME FOR BED

After a long day of hitting the slopes, hiking various trails or walking to all the sights, Lake Louise has a number of different accommodation options that are great for settling down in for the night. Finding the perfect home away from home requires thinking ahead —Knowing what type of accommodation to look for will ensure the perfect match for total vacation satisfaction.

CABINS, COTTAGES & CHALETS

Travellers in search of something a little more isolated and private than a standard hotel room may prefer a unit that is self-contained. Cabins, cottages and chalets offer guests a chance to be as quiet or as loud as they please without being disrupted or disturbing any fellow neighbors also each unit has a kitchenette which is helpful for budget travellers. The Baker Creek Chalets & Bistro Restaurant offers a number of private chalets ideal for anyone needing a little space from the rest of the world. Also, Paradise Lodge and Bungalows offers guests either individual cabins or lodge suites. These cabins have been beautifully renovated and offer spectacular views of the area. A barbecue can be shared between all cabin guests and children are free to play on the large playground located on the premises.

LODGES

Lodges are an ideal accommodation choice for large groups of people travelling together. Booking at the same time and in advance will allow up to 20 travellers a room of their own within a single detached building that is secluded from other buildings. In lodges, groups may enjoy the convenience of the common area that is shared by everyone while maintaining privacy inside their own rooms. Moraine Lake Lodge and West Louise Lodge, which is located at the summit of the famous Kicking Horse Pass in Yoho National Park, both offer a number of private lodges overlooking clear azure lakes. West Louise Lodge is only a 10 minute drive from the Lake Louise Resort, and fully equipped with an indoor pool, gift shop and licensed restaurant.

Fairmont Chateau Hotel, Lake Louise 4

The Emerald Lake Lodge, in Field which is about a 15 minute drive away from Lake Louise, also provides guests with group oriented privacy. Overlooking a glacier lake, this luxury retreat offers rooms with wood burning fireplaces, duvet comforters and Rocky Mountain-style cuisine. Both West Louise Lodge and The Emerald Lake Lodge provide a courtesy shuttle to the Lake Louise Mountain Resort. Deer Lodge Lake Louise also offers quiet repose to all that rest there. In addition to the delicious food served and historic hand hewn log structure present, the astounding views of the Rockies from Deer Lodge are renowned the world over.

HOTELS & MOTELS

Lake Louise is famous for its natural beauty, but when guests prefer to just view these wonders rather than be a part of them, hotels and motels serve the purpose. With convenient novelties such as private bathrooms in each room, front desk assistance, day and nigh room service, pools, exercise facilities and saunas, hotel guests have it made. For the traveller in search of pure luxury, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a wise choice. This timeless beauty, surrounded by snow-frosted Rocky Mountain peaks, oozes inviting grandeur. Through a daily menu that speaks volumes, guests are welcomed to experience savory cuisine from Canada and around the globe served in a dining atmosphere like no other. Also, a courtesy shuttle to Lake Louise Mountain Resort runs on a flexible schedule every day. With staff available to wait on every request, travellers won't even have to go outside to know they are on vacation.

The Post Hotel is also offers a nice combination of warmth and elegance. This newly expanded hotel offers guest rooms with wood burning fireplaces, indoor pools, a large hot tub and sauna. The Post Hotel offers services for the guest with higher expectations, including superlative dining, a sparkling martini lounge and a courtesy shuttle to Lake Louise Mountain Resort. really liked my work so I was thinking that I would