Lake Louise in Banff National Park is a top attraction in the Canadian Rockies. Read our Lake Louise travel guide on the best things to do in the area, including tips on how to get, top hikes and activities, where to park, best time to visit, or where to stay.

Are you thinking about how is the visit to Lake Louise in Banff National Park like? Close your eyes. Imagine that you stand on the shore of a wonderful, turquoise lake.

You can feel a light breeze on your face. When you open your eyes, you see nothing but a glittering water surface. The water is so green-blue that you are not sure whether it is real or you're just dreaming.

Your eyes decide to leave the lake for a while and explore what is around. As your eyes scan the surroundings, you are slowly getting the whole picture.

You are on the shore of the lake, that's not news anymore, but only now you can appreciate the whole beauty.

Trees, snow-capped mountains, glaciers right in front of you, and of course, the lake that is right in the middle of this incredible scenery.

Even though this description might fit more beautiful lakes in the Rockies and around the world, this lake is pretty unique.

Welcome to a renowned Lake Louise, which is located in the Canadian Rockies, province of Alberta, in the Banff National Park, only a few minutes drive from Lake Louise Village and Lake Louise Ski Resort.

We are pretty sure, that if you started planning your Canadian Rockies itinerary, you've already heard about Lake Louise as it is one of the very top attractions in the region.

This glacial lake rightfully belongs among the most photographed places in Canada, and only one quick look explains its popularity that grows every year; the same has been increasing the number of visitors to the Rockies.

Lake Louise, same as the nearby Moraine Lake and Lake Agnes, are must-visit places.

And as we used to live in Calgary and visited this lake multiple times, we would like to share with you tips and tricks that will make your trip flawless.

First of all, we would like to show you that Lake Louise is a worthwhile destination where you can spend several hours, if not days, and it is not only a quick photo stop on your packed road trip.

Read our Lake Louise travel guide, including the best things to do near the lake, tips on where to stay, when is the best time to visit, how to get there, where to park, or what to pack.

Lake Louise is a top attraction in Banff National Park.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN LAKE LOUISE

The Lake Louise area offers plenty of activities. The name can be sometimes confusing as the name Lake Louise refers both to the lake and the village, but in this blog post, we would like to introduce this destination to more active travelers, which means you need to leave the village and start exploring the very surroundings of the lake.

Lake Louise village, being a tourist hot spot, of course, offers things to do such as shopping, bar hopping, or dining, but the area certainly has much more to offer, many more reasons to plan your trip in the first place.

And of course, the lake itself, named after Queen Victoria's daughter in 1884, which is only 4 kilometers from the township, is in the center of the attention.

The Lake Louise area is rich in things to do, and the good news is that every type of traveler will leave the place satisfied.

This tourist destination is here for active travelers, adventure seekers, but also people preferring comfort, and people who like to enjoy nature without undertaking much effort.

Some of the activities are available year-round, while some are possible to do only during the summer or winter.

What can you do around Lake Louise? Let's find out.

HIKING

Hiking is one of the favorite summer activities in the Canadian Rockies.

Snow can sometimes block the trails, but in general, hiking is possible between late May and early October.

If you want to enjoy the Lake Louise in winter, you should be well-experienced, be aware of avalanche hazards, always tell someone your plans, and last but not least, pack microspikes, snowshoes and trekking poles for keeping balance.

The Lake Louise area is perfect for avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts but also for travelers who prefer leisure stroll along the shore while having a restaurant or cafe shop in sight all the time.

When looking at the map, you will soon realize there are a few trails to choose from, so it is only up to your itinerary and mood how much time you want to dedicate to hiking.

The most trafficked trail is Lake Louise Shoreline Trail which, as the name suggests, follows the shore and provides visitors with wonderful views. As this path is flat, you must be mentally prepared for the crowds, as it is the most common thing to do by the lake.

Our favorite hike in the area was Plain of Six Glaciers, which takes approximately four hours to six hours, but the views are absolutely splendid.

The well-trodden path is perfectly signposted, and although this is one of the most iconic hikes in the area, you'll be able to leave crowds behind.

Follow the Shoreline Trail to the end of the lake, and then continue via Plain of Six Glaciers Trail that will take you to Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse.

From here, it is possible to carry on to Abbot Pass viewpoint and return to Lake Louise either the same way or take a detour via Beehive, Highline Trail, and Lake Agnes.

Another popular trail is a forest path that will take you to Lake Agnes Teahouse - it is a moderate hike popular with families.

The advantage of these trails is that all of them start on Lake Louise's shore, and you do not have to travel far.

Travel Insurance

We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.

Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.

SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.

Travel smarter and safer!

Plain of Six Glaciers is the best day hike in Lake Louise.

CANOEING

Do you like to spend your time actively but at a relaxed pace at the same time?

Canoeing or kayaking on Lake Louise might provide you with such a feeling. You've surely seen at least one popular photo on the Instagram of a red floating boat on an insanely blue water surface.

Before you decide that this activity is perfect for you, check out the weather forecast, though.

When the weather is nice and windless, this lake is an excellent spot for all of you who love getting as close to nature as possible. On the other hand, when it is windy or rainy, it gets really cold, and the serene moment can quickly turn into a very unpleasant experience.

Once you decide on the rental, paddle on a canoe towards Victoria Glacier and escape the crowds on the shore for a while.

You can rent a canoe in a boathouse on the Lake Louise shore that is opened seasonally, usually from June till September. We think one hour is completely enough for several reasons.

One of them is the price, which is a whopping $125 per hour. We find this activity ridiculously overpriced, but after all, it’s your money

Make sure to read our post on traveling the Canadian Rockies on a budget, as it is quite challenging.

Local people probably appreciate the information that it is possible to bring own canoe or kayak to any lake in Banff National Park, including Lake Louise.

It is even possible to purchase a basic inflatable kayak as it pays off immediately.

HORSEBACK RIDING

When we were hiking the trails around Lake Louise, we soon noticed that there were often intersections and signs that distinguished the trails solely for hikers and riders. Although hikers and horses share some routes, the infrastructure is really great, and thanks to it, horseback riding is another safe thing to do in Lake Louise.

Apparently, Lake Louise is a popular area for horseback riding as we could see a few groups climbing the hills for the best views, so consider this activity, even if you are a beginner.

Based on our experience from San Agustin, Colombia, we can confirm that views from a horseback are even more rewarding than from the ground.

It is possible to book a horseback riding tour in advance, or you can visit the concierge of Fairmont Hotel on Lake Louise shore, as they can arrange this activity even for non-guests.

MORAINE LAKE

Lake Louise is not the only popular attraction in the area; it has serious competition because only 20 minutes drive away sits Moraine Lake, another must-visit place in the Canadian Rockies.

Take advantage of the short distance between these two lakes, and make sure you visit them both, possibly on the same day. Of course, this part of Banff National Park is so breathtaking that if your travel schedule allows it, you can visit both lakes separately.

Moraine Lake is a famous sunrise or sunset spot, but it also offers plenty of hikes such as Larch Valley or Consolation Lakes, so it is necessary to plan your time carefully and define how much time you have and what you do not want to miss.

On top of that, the parking lot is not sufficient for all visitors, so it is often hard to find a spot, and you might consider different types of transport - you can read more about it in our detailed Moraine Lake guide.

Moraine Lake is not accessible during the winter by car, so plan your visit carefully.

Moraine Lake is only a short drive from Lake Louise.

ICE SKATING

It might seem that the summer season in the Canadian Rockies is way too short, but on the other hand, travelers who love winter sports will have a blast here.

One of the top activities to do in Lake Louise in the winter is ice skating.

We believe you cannot get disappointed by not seeing the blue water surface once you start gliding in this winter wonderland.

We loved ice skating during the winter in Calgary, and after we saw photos of the frozen Lake Louise, it is one reason to come back here during this time of the year.

SKIING

Lake Louise ski resort is one of the best-rated ski resorts in Canada for several reasons. First of all, skiing conditions are excellent every year, and second of all, the views are beyond amazing.

Skiing or snowboarding is definitely one thing you must do when in the Lake Louise area in the winter. Lake Louise Ski Resort is renowned for many slopes interconnected by numerous lifts.

It comes in handy that it’s possible to rent the gear on the spot. In the summer, you can use the gondola that will take you to the top of the hill for wonderful vistas.

Keep in mind that the ski resort is on the opposite side of the valley (and the lake itself).

WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE LOUISE

Lake Louise Village is about five kilometers from Lake Louise's shore; therefore, it is one of the best places where you can base yourself not only before visiting the lake itself but also for exploring the wonderful nature surrounding the small town.

The village itself offers a few accommodation options, even though we can only recommend you make your reservation as soon as possible, especially if you plan on traveling in the summer season.

The absolutely most famous hotel in the area stands right on the shore of the lake - some people love it, some hate it, but there's no denying that for many, spending a night in Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an iconic thing to do.

In case you aren't able to find a hotel room within your budget in Lake Louise, you can search for accommodation options in Banff, which is within driving distance. Ont top of that, you can read our comprehensive travel guide on where to stay in Banff.

Here we've hand-selected the three best hotels for every type of traveler near Lake Louise.

Budget | HI Lake Louise Alpine Center - We know it is pretty hard to find budget-friendly accommodation in the Rockies, but this accommodation is your best bet. You can choose between staying in a dormitory or a private room.

Mid-range | Lake Louise Inn - Wonderful location with views of surrounding mountains, heated indoor pool, and modernly furnished rooms are the main reason why you should check out this hotel.

Luxury | Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - This large 4* resort offers panoramic views over Lake Louise, and if you want to experience something unique, make sure you reserve at least one night here. The resort offers a large number of services, for instance, eight restaurants, so we are sure the time here will be well spent.

HOW TO GET TO LAKE LOUISE

How do you get to Lake Louise? We can just briefly mention that getting to Lake Louise is pretty easy, most visitors travel around the Canadian Rockies in a rental car or campervan, but you can also use public transport.

From our own experience, we believe that renting a car is the best way to get around the Rockies during your vacation.

Greyhound operates between Calgary and Lake Louise, or it is also possible to use a local service Roam Transit, that operates, for example, between Banff and Lake Louise Village, but during the summer also has shuttles to the shore of the lake.

Once you are in Lake Louise Village, how do you get to the Lake Louise shoreline?

BY CAR

If you are on a road trip around Canadian Rockies, we believe that you do not want to leave your car behind and would like to get to Lake Louise this way.

Even though reaching Lake Louise by car is theoretically the best way, it has one negative aspect that you must seriously consider.

The lake is so popular that the parking lot is often full even before sunrise, and finding a free spot is a lottery.

The biggest problem with the parking is between the high season, June to October; you should not experience such complications during the winter.

We visited Lake Louise a few times already, and both times we were lucky.

One time, we could not find a spot, and one of the workers turned us around, so we drove back, but we decided to return and found a space as some people had left meanwhile.

In case there's simply no space available, you must return to the village, park your car at Park and Ride parking lot (Lake Louise overflow parking), and take a shuttle.

SHUTTLE BUS

Shuttle bus is another way to get to Lake Louise. In case you travel in the peak season on a tight itinerary, it is worth considering whether this option is not better for you from the very beginning.

This way you do not have to worry if there will be parking available, and there won't be any delays.

Parks Canada has plenty of shuttles a day, leaving from Park and Ride parking lot, but you can also check out the local service Roam Transit.

In case you decide to use this option, make sure you read all the up-to-date information because conditions and bus schedules change almost every year, and you might be needing to make a reservation in advance.

TOUR

The most effortless way to get to Lake Louise is to take a tour.

This Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Tour that leaves from Banff will take you to two must-visit lakes in the area, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.

When traveling with an organized tour, you do not have to worry about transport at all, and another advantage is a knowledgeable guide that accompanies you the whole time.

Another way to inexpensively explore the highlights of Banff National Park and Lake Louise area is with Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus departing from Banff.

HIKING OR BIKING

In case you do not want to be dependent on public transport, do not have a car, and like to do things your own way, it is possible to hike or bike to the lake.

Although it is a bit time-consuming, the distance from Lake Louise Village is not large, so it is for sure absolutely doable.

WHEN TO GO

Unlike the road to Moraine Lake, Lake Louise's driveway is open all year round, and that's why Lake Louise is a destination that can be visited every season.

Summertime, between June and September, is the busiest time by the lake, but lately, the number of visitors has been booming even in the shoulder months, such as May and October.

We have only one recommendation. Do not be put off by the number of individual visitors and organized tours.

It is necessary to set your expectations right, but it is also good to know that once you walk a bit further from the main viewpoint that is near the parking lot and hotel, your experience will be much more pleasant.

Days in the summer are long, and temperatures are pleasant, but you should always remember that conditions can change in the mountains at any minute.

Therefore, it is not possible to guarantee you sunny days in the summer.

We visited the area in late June and then in mid-September, and both times we had sun accompanied by periods of showers.

Winter, roughly between November and late April, is very cold in the province of Alberta. Still, on the other hand, it allows you to enjoy pristine nature peacefully, without crowds.

Of course, expect a completely different experience - plenty of snow, and Lake Louise will most likely be hidden under ice and snow, but it does not mean it is less visually attractive.

What is the best time of the day to visit Lake Louise?

In the summer, the place is very busy all day, but your best bet is to arrive either very early in the morning, even before sunrise.

Or, consider visiting Lake Louise as the last stop on your itinerary that day. Visiting the area off-season is also a wise decision.

WHAT TO PACK

No matter if you plan only on snapping a few photos from the lake's shore or if you want to do several hours-long treks, you should always keep in mind the ever-changing weather in the Canadian Rockies.

What should you have in your backpack regardless of the season? According to our experience, the key to success lies in layers. Wear a functional t-shirt, fleece jacket, windbreaker, or rain jacket.

To be honest, when it rains hard, we still find the old-fashioned rain poncho the most efficient.

Hiking boots, hiking pants, and even rain pants are always a good choice.

When you visit Lake Louise in the winter, pack a down jacket, hat, and gloves as well.

In case you'll be doing activities outside for a few hours, bring a water bottle as well or water bottle with a filter.

To stay safe when hiking, carry a bear spray with you just in case.

For more information, check out our useful all-seasons Canadian Rockies Packing List.

Summer brings the best weather in the Lake Louise area.

Travel Resources

Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.

Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.

We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.

Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.

Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.

Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.

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A Complete Guide to Lake Louise