LAKE LOUISE: TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA’S WINTER WONDERLAND
The dead of winter might not be the warmest time to visit Canada’s iconic Lake Louise, but it’s certainly the most epic. The glacial lake that freezes over from November to April sits nestled in the Canadian Rockies, two hours from Calgary. The lake sits surrounded by mountain peaks and thousands of snow flocked trees, and ice skating here is nothing short of fantastic, as is the skiing, ice hikes, snow shoeing and dog sledding. Below is my complete guide to Lake Louise including the best places to visit, hikes, viewpoints, activities, hotels, restaurants and more.
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Ice skating around the prettiest ice castle facade at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
LAKE LOUISE TRAVEL TIPS
- PARK PASS – Lake Louise is located in Banff National Park, and a park pass is required for entry. These can be purchased online, at the park entrance or at a local visitors office.
- CURRENCY – The official currency of Canada is the Canadian dollar. Almost everywhere takes credit card, bit it’s always useful to have cash handy for small purchases and tipping.
- DRESS WARM – Winter temperatures in the Canadian Rockies can get very cold. Make sure to pack base layers, warm jackets, snow boots, gloves, beanies, etc. Anything you’ll need to keep warm.
It is absolute magic when it snows.
WHEN TO VISIT LAKE LOUISE
- DECEMBER-MARCH – The lake freezes over in late November and begins to thaw in April. Visit December through March for a magical winter wonderland setting, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, show shoeing and ice hikes.
- APRIL, MAY, OCTOBER – Shoulder season doesn’t have the warmth of summer – weather can be hit or miss.
- JUNE-AUGUST – Visitors are treated to warm, sunny weather during summer – a great time to visit for hiking, biking, canoeing and swimming.
One of several ice sculptures around the lake.
HOW MANY DAYS ON LAKE LOUISE?
If Lake Louise is your base for exploring Banff National Park, then I suggest four full days. Daylight hours are shorter in winter, but with four full days it’s possible to tackle most of the activities listed below.
Frozen feels on Lake Louise.
WINTER ACTIVITIES AROUND LAKE LOUISE
BANFF GONDOLA
A gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain isn’t cheap, but the snowy panorama is lovely if you decide to make the journey. I recommend reserving a table at Sky Bistro for dinner (it sits at the top of the mountain), to make the expensive journey up more worthwhile.
BANFF TOWN
The lovely resort town is a 40-minute drive from Lake Louise. Banff is surrounded by soaring mountain caps, and the streets are lined with several little shops, as well as loads of restaurants. Spend an afternoon exploring the town on foot, and grab a delicious dinner at LUPO, Block Kitchen + Bar or Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse.
BEEHIVE VIEWPOINT
For the best view of the Beehive that sits above Lake Louise, hike the Lake Agnes Trail to Mirror Lake. It’s prettiest just after a snow fall when the trees are covered in a thick blanket of snow. The hike is approximately 5.4 km, not too strenuous.
DOG SLEDDING
Wrap yourself in a blanket and let a team of huskies pull your sled through the snowy mountain scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Kingmik Dog Sled Tours is an excellent company with tours around Lake Louise.
GROTTO CANYON
It’s a 1.5-km hike on ice through picturesque Grotto Canyon to reach a stunning frozen waterfall. Ice spikes or crampons are a must. The hike can be done on your own, or with Discover Banff Tours if you’re more comfortable with a guide.
JOHNSTON CANYON
When Johnston Canyon freezes over in winter, it becomes one of the prettiest winter hikes in Banff National Park. It’s a 25-minute drive from Lake Louise, and a 2.4-km hike roundtrip. The trail is a mix of metal walkways, slippery steps and icy pathways – ice spikes or crampons are a must. It’s a relatively easy trek, and not very technical. Highlights on the trail include frozen waterfalls, caves and turquoise blue water. The hike can be done on your own, or with Discover Banff Tours if you’re more comfortable with a guide.
ICE SKATE LAKE LOUISE
Lake Louise freezes over November through April, setting the stage for a completely epic backdrop for ice skating. The lake sits surrounded by snow capped peaks and thousands of snow flocked trees, and there’s an ice castle facade that faces the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The lake is completely free to access, and paid skate rentals are available at the Chateau Ski and Snow Rentals.
SKIING
Banff Sunshine, Mt. Norquay and Lake Louise are the SkiBig3 ski resorts in the area, all part of the Ikon Pass. The closest (and prettiest) ski resort is Lake Louise, home to 4,200 acres of snowy ski terrain.
I brought my own ice skates, but there are also skates available to rent from Chateau Ski and Snow Rentals.
BEST LAKE LOUISE HOTELS
This is the most iconic hotel in the region. It’s undergone many iterations and expansions over the last century, and while it feels a bit dated, the location is absolutely fabulous. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the only property located on the lake where ice skating, ice castles and hiking trails all sit a mere stroll away. There are bars and restaurants on site
For upscale log cabin feels, look no further than Post Hotel & Spa. There are a selection of rooms, suites and small cabins available to guests, as well as an on-site spa and fine dining at the Post Hotel Dining Room. This Relais & Chateaux property is a 10-minute drive from Lake Louise.
Morning stroll in the snow.
WHERE TO EAT ON LAKE LOUISE
BILL PEYTO’S CAFE
Popular cafe that is located at the HI Lake Louise Hostel. The service is friendly, and the food is affordable, quick and homey. Menu options include pancakes, burgers, chili, sandwiches, stir fry, curry, falafel and more.
FAIRVIEW BAR & RESTAURANT
This beautiful bar and restaurant is located in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The retro glam setting is bright and airy thanks to oversized arched windows that overlook sweeping views of the lake. Menu includes scallops, prawns, risotto, steaks, salads and more.
LAKEVIEW LOUNGE
If you can’t get a table at the Fairview Bar & Restaurant, but still want the lakeside setting, the Lakeview Lounge is the best alternative. It’s the lobby bar and restaurant inside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Menu is a bit limited, but there are several window seats with lake views.
POST HOTEL DINING ROOM
A lovely fine dining option located at the Relais & Chateaux’s Post Hotel & Spa. There is a prix fixe menu for dinner, but a la carte is also an option. The menu changes, but a sampling includes risotto, sea scallops, salmon, lobster tail, cod filet, steak and more.
It’s completely surreal to walk across the massive frozen lake. OUTFIT DETAILS: Halfdays snow + sky outfit linked here.
GET AROUND LAKE LOUISE
If you’re staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, most activities are walking distance from the hotel. For non-guests, there is a lakeside parking lot next to the hotel. There are buses and shuttles available to explore the surrounding region, but it’s easiest to have a rental car for access to the ski slopes, ice canyons and Banff.
Fish & chips for lunch after ice skating at the Lakeview Lounge.
The most epic hotel setting.
GET TO LAKE LOUISE
Lake Louise is a two-hour drive from the Calgary International Airport with direct flights to several international destinations including Denver, Las Vegas, London, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle and more. Most major car rental companies have locations on-site at the airport.
