Lake Louise

One of the most photographed lakes in North America, famous for its striking turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glacier-fed pristine beauty. The area offers exceptional hiking, skiing, and camping opportunities in Banff National Park.

Things to do

• Lake Louise Shoreline Walk — A gentle 2km paved path along the turquoise glacier-fed lake offering iconic views of Mount Victoria and the Valley of Ten Peaks.
• Plain of Six Glaciers Trail — A moderate 14km round-trip hike starting from the Lake Louise trailhead that leads to a teahouse with views of six visible glaciers.
• Mount Victoria Climb — A challenging backcountry scramble offering panoramic views across the Lake Louise region and surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks.
• Lake Louise Ski Resort — One of Canada's largest ski resorts featuring 1,645 vertical meters of terrain and access to extensive backcountry skiing.
• Moraine Lake Day Trip — A scenic 15km drive to a neighboring glacial lake with dramatic Ten Peaks backdrop and excellent hiking trails in summer.
• Fairview Lookout Hike — A steep 6.5km round-trip day hike ascending 305 meters with sweeping vistas of Lake Louise and the continental divide.
• Backcountry Camping — Access remote wilderness campsites via trails like Skoki Lodge route for an immersive Rocky Mountain experience.

Food to try

• Wild Alberta Bison Steak — Locally-sourced lean bison meat served at Lake Louise restaurants and lodges, offering a distinctive high-altitude dining experience.
• Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse Baked Goods — Fresh-baked goods including bannock bread and pastries served at the historic teahouse, carried in by staff hiking the trail daily.
• Rocky Mountain Trout — Fresh lake trout caught from local waters and prepared simply at Banff-area restaurants to highlight the pristine flavor.
• Poutine with Local Cheese Curds — A Canadian classic available throughout Lake Louise village using fresh Quebec-style cheese curds and gravy.
• Elk Burgers — Locally-hunted and raised elk prepared as gourmet burgers at casual village eateries and lodge restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Wildlife Distance Rules — Keep at least 100 meters from bears and wolves and 25 meters from other wildlife; feeding any animal is prohibited and dangerous.
• Trail Closures and Weather Changes — Check with Parks Canada daily for avalanche warnings and trail closures, as conditions can change rapidly due to high elevation and mountain weather.
• Leave No Trace Principles — Pack out all waste, stay on designated trails, and avoid removing natural objects; the pristine environment depends on visitor stewardship.
• Indigenous Land Acknowledgment — Lake Louise and Banff National Park are on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy and other Indigenous nations; visitors are encouraged to learn this history.