Lake Louise is an experience that truly is as magical as what you see on the instagram pictures. Nestled in the amazing landscapes of Alberta, Canada, this destination is a must for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. In this post, I'll share insights, recommendations, and tips to make the most of your visit.
Getting There:
Getting to Lake Louise was much easier than I had anticipated! From Houston, we caught a direct flight into Calgary and rented a car (a must to get to Lake Louise). Since our flight got in late, we decided to stay in Calgary for one night and wake up refreshed to head to Lake Louise. Lake Louise is about a 2 hour drive from Calgary and was a very easy drive (no scary mountain driving!)
Where to Stay in Lake Louise:
The Post Hotel: For our first night in Lake Louise, we stayed at the Post Hotel. We chose to stay here because the cost of our hotel for the other nights was quite expensive so this helped with that! To our surprise, we really loved staying here! The hotel is located right on a beautiful river and has two restaurants on property.
The Fairmont Lake Louise: You really can't go to Lake Louise without staying at The Fairmont for the convenience factor and easy unlimited access to the lake. It is a splurge hotel with insane prices and ok rooms, so just know you are paying for the location.
What to Do in Lake Louise: Visit Moraine Lake: Another super popular and just as stunning lake to visit. Be aware, the parking lot is small and people get here early to watch the sunrise, so if you are staying at the Fairmont take the free shuttle service. Once you are here you can go hiking or rent a canoe. There is a cafe (with limited options) and a nice gift shop.
Hike: The surrounding area of the Fairmont, is a hiker's paradise, with numerous trails waiting to be explored. To ensure an enjoyable hiking experience, I highly recommend hiring a guide from the Fairmont who makes the hike for non-hikers (like me) way more enjoyable. We did the Lake Agnes Tea House Hike and continued to Little Beehive, which for those who have experience hiking will have no problem at all! There are plenty of people along the trails but having a guide gave me the boost of confidence I needed and really helped me enjoy my experience. When we go back our next hike will be the Plain of Six Glaciers!
Canoe on Lake Louise: To rent a canoe, you go through the Fairmont's boathouse. Staying at the Fairmont simplifies the process, as they offer a priority line for guests. You can even pay extra to do a sunrise canoe where only guests are allowed on the lake for a special experience.
Relax in Nature: In between hiking adventures, there is not much to do in the area. Bring a book and enjoy the once in a lifetime views.
Where to Eat in Lake Louise:
Since we were at the Fairmont for the majority of the time, we ended up eating at one of their restaurants for almost every meal. They have many dining options to mix up your choices during your stay and highly recommend eating or having a drink in their Lakeview Lounge if you get the chance. In town, we ate at Outpost Pub which is located at the Post Hotel. For those staying outside of Lake Louise like in Banff or Canmore there are many options to choose from but do know that the town of Lake Louise itself is fairly limited!
Important Considerations:
- July is an ideal time to explore this stunning destination, as the weather is generally pleasant and the scenery is at its peak. Many people miss an important point, the lake is frozen most of the year so you want to give it time to thaw and see the stunning blue in the warmest months!
- It's also important to note that Lake Louise can be quite expensive, both in terms of getting there and accommodations. If you're seeking more affordable options or enjoy a more adventurous approach, there are alternative accommodations available in the area that may better suit your needs, so definitely look around if what I've described doesn't fit what you are looking for.
- The town of Lake Louise has one plaza with a few shops and a handful of restaurants (be prepared for this). For those looking for more to do after your time in Lake Louise, consider exploring Banff, Canmore or Calgary! We actually made Lake Louise a stop on a longer roadtrip of destinations I'll share in another post to provide an overview of our whole journey.
- Bring the right equipment and dress in layers for an enjoyable hiking experience; we brought our hiking boots, hiking poles [provided by the hiking guide] and a backpack made for hiking, to ensure we were prepared for the adventure!
Lake Louise really is a place of pure magic, a destination that captures the essence of natural beauty. Pack your bags and go explore!