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What people say

"Drive about half an hour from Johnston Canyon to Lake Louise. To make sure you get to the right spot, put ‘The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’ into your maps app. You will see the iconic hotel as you’re pulling in and know you are in the right spot. The parking lot is large, has bathrooms and is only a few minutes walk from the lake. When you emerge through the trees you will be blown away by the views. Take a few minute to take it all in before putting on your skates. We spent a couple of hours skating here. The best place for photos is at the back of the cleared area. Make sure you position yourself in between the two mountain peaks for the best angles. There is also an ice castle that makes for very fun photos. Skate rentals are available in the hotel if you don’t have your own. If skating isn’t your favorite activity, it’s still worth making the drive to take in the views. You can walk the 4.5 km out and back trail around part of the lake and may be able to take a ride in a horse drawn carriage. "
Kathrine Linstrum
"Nestled amidst the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is a natural jewel that enchants travelers from around the world. With its pristine turquoise waters mirroring the surrounding snow-capped peaks, it's a postcard-perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Visitors can explore the tranquil shoreline, embark on scenic hikes, or even paddle across the serene waters in a canoe. We chose to canoe on the lake and we did not regret it! The iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise graces the lake's edge, offering luxurious accommodations and unrivaled views. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or simply yearning for a serene escape, Lake Louise promises a remarkable experience that will leave you in awe of its unparalleled beauty."
Marcos Thatcher
"While my original plan was to snowshoe along the trails around the lake, the Banff Adventures employees let me know that there wasn't really enough snow to truly enjoy the experience! Since I also had no desire to walk in ice cleats again, I opted into renting ice skates instead...even though I'm not really a fan of ice skating either. The views of Lake Louise were incredible and we were fortunate enough to visit during the Banff Snow Days - which meant we got to see a pretty impressive ice castle right on the lake! After a few scenic rounds of ice skating, we chose to simply walk on the perimeter of the lake instead!"

Mentioned in these guides

Welcome to the pristine wilderness of Canada's most iconic national parks – Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, and Jasper. Embark on an unforgettable journey through these breathtaking landscapes, where towering mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and verdant forests await your exploration. Lace up your boots, breathe in the crisp alpine air, and let our guide lead you through a tapestry of natural wonders, immersing you in the untamed beauty and rich biodiversity of these remarkable wilderness areas. Your next unforgettable adventure begins here. *** WHAT YOU GET IN THIS GUIDE *** - 70 curated spots. Way more than any traditional guide! - A FREE 7 day itinerary - Discount suggestions where possible - A collection of EASY, MEDIUM and HARD trails for day hiking. - Beautiful pictures of Canada's rocky mountains - A collection of good cafes, restaurants and coffee shops. - A collection of outdoor stores for mountain gear. - Fun trips for beginner and seasoned adventurers. - A packing list for outdoor adventures. - A list of important, must-know information such as a wildlife, seasonal information and useful tips from someone who has hiked the Rockies. *** WHO YOU SUPPORT THROUGH YOUR PURCHASE *** Meet Rachelle, a fervent outdoor enthusiast hailing from Maastricht, whose very essence thrives amidst the beauty of the natural world. With an unyielding passion for outdoor travel and a profound love for hiking, Rachelle has become a modern-day explorer, traversing untamed paths and scaling peaks in pursuit of exhilarating adventures. In sharing her outdoor odysseys, she kindles a spark within others to embrace the allure of the great outdoors. Their adventurous narrative beckons fellow wanderers to heed the call of the wild, lace up their boots, and set forth on the trail of discovery. As we embark on this journey alongside her, their story becomes an anthem to the joys of hiking, reminding us that the path less traveled is often the most rewarding.
Free
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So, you're going to the Canadian Rockies? After living in Montana for many years, I knew and expected the terrain to be quite similar. I was in for quite the surprise when this area of Canada turned out to be one of the most beautiful places I've EVER visited. Below you'll find my favorite stops (separated by location) that we found along the way from Edmonton to Calgary (and a few stops over in BC!), along with tips on the area and an interactive map. I've included the hotels used personally, as well as some additional top rated stays at several price points. I've also included some stops that we didn't make it to this first time around, but we will definitely be heading back for them! Quick Disclaimer: Respect nature and wildlife. Wildlife is WILD and nature is natural. Treat them as such. Leave no trace when outdoors, and respect wildlife by giving them space. Locations included: 🏔️ Edmonton 🏔️ Jasper National Park 🏔️ Banff National Park 🏔️ Banff, Alberta (town) 🏔️ Lake Louise (town) 🏔️ Canmore, Alberta 🏔️ Calgary, Alberta I've added quite a few hotel options, as they all book up extremely quickly and are not cheap. I did highlight the ones we stayed at as well as provided descriptions of those! Pssst. Above is the exact route we drove also! We drove up from Montana, but flying in to Edmonton and renting a car or RV to drive this itinerary down through to Calgary is an awesome option. If you wish to continue this trip further like we did, drive down to Yoho and Kootenay National Parks in BC and Glacier National Park in Montana from Calgary! I have a separate guide for Glacier, but highly recommend if you have the time! I have listed a variety of different things from nature and hiking to food and craft beer to a few select "other" options (that don't involve hiking). However, this guide primarily focuses on the true beauty of nature in Canada. You won't run out of options! We found the Parks in Canada to be extremely accessible, dog friendly, and overall pretty clean. The red Adirondack chairs were the coolest thing, and I'm not going to explain that... You'll see what I mean.
$19.98
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