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Lake Louise Destinations and Activities

As for activities , most operators - especially rafting companies - are based in Banff or elsewhere , though many offer pick-ups in Lake Louise, typically with a $10 add-on to their listed Banff prices; a handful operate trips directly out of Lake Louise itself. Companies actually based in or near the village include Wild Water Adventures (tel 678-5058, 522-2211 or 1-888/771-9453) who run half- or full-day white-water rafting trips on the Kicking Horse River in nearby Yoho National Park (half-day trips at 8.30am and 1.30pm, from $69). If you don’t want to hike alone, or wish to know more about what you’re walking past, the national park and Friends of Banff run guided walks three or four times a week in July and August: the Lake Louise Lakeshore Stroll (Mon & Fri 10am; 2hr) and the Plain of the Six Glaciers (Tues, Thurs & Sun 9am; 6hr; $12). Drop by the visitor centre’s Friends of Banff store to confirm latest timings and to reserve a place (do so in good time - the walks are popular) or call 522-3833. Cyclists can rent bikes from Wilson Mountain Sports in the mall , or sign up for cycling tours (from $55 for half a day, $85 full day) and transfers that’ll take you up to Bow Summit on the Icefields Parkway so you can pedal downhill or freewheel all the way back to Lake Louise. Serious canoeists can rent canoes from Wilson for trips on the Bow River, while more sedate paddlers can rent canoes and kayaks (daily in summer 10am-7pm; $30 per hour) at Chateau Lake Louise to dabble on Lake Louise itself (tel 522-3511).

Good trout fishing is possible on the Bow River between Lake Louise and Banff, with support and advice available at the Castle Mountain Chalets on the Bow Valley Parkway . Rental equipment is again on offer at Wilson Mountain Sports. Compulsory fishing permits ($6 weekly) are available from the visitor centre. If you fancy horse riding , contact Brewster Lake Louise Stables at the Chateau Lake Louise hotel (tel 522-3511 ext 1210, or 762-5454) and enquire about their ninety-minute trips along the shores of Lake Louise ($45), half-day tours ($60) to the Lake Agnes or Plain of the Six Glaciers or full-day treks to Paradise Valley and Horseshoe Glacier ($120 including lunch). Timberline Tours (tel 522-3743) run similar if slightly cheaper treks from the Lake Louise Corral behind the Deer Lodge hotel; all-day trips to the Skoki Valley east of Lake Louise; one- and three-hour trips at Bow Lake on the Icefields Parkway from the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge .

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The Rocky Mountains rise majestically throughout Banff Nation al Park, making the whole area a place of spectacular beauty. Nestled in the heart of this premier Canadian wilderness reserve are the communities of Banff and Lake Louise. As Canada’s largest ski area, Lake Louise offers skiers and snow boarders unlimited possibilities. With over 11 square miles of terrain spread across four mountain faces, Lake Louise provides a choice of more than 100 named runs, as well as thousands of acres of wide open bowls. Featuring some of North America’s most exciting terrain, it is also skier- friendly with a green, or easy run, from every chairlift on the mountain. Tied together with a system of 11 interconnecting lifts, Lake Louise is hard to beat. With an abundant amount of natural snow (15 feet in the bowls), backed up by Canada’s largest snowmaking system, Lake Louise guarantees skiing from early November to mid May. With dozens of long protected tree lined runs, and 65% of the terrain below the tree line, you can ski at Lake Louise even when it is snowing.

The area has been welcoming international visitors for more than a century. In 1883 the attempts of three Canadian Pacific Railway workers to stake a claim to the natural hot springs they had discovered bubbling from the base of Sulphur Mountain led to the establishment of Canada’s first national park. Today, Banff National Park is one of four adjoining mountain parks comprising more than 5200 square miles of spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountain landscape. For current visitors, bathing in the same hot springs is one of many activities offered in Banff National Park. If you visit the Banff/Lake Louise area you will quickly see why each year more than 3.5 million visitors travel there from all over the world to enjoy the unique experience of the Canadian Rockies.

At Lake Louise, there a lower village with a wide choice of fine dining, first class accommodations and shopping. Up the hill, the Chateau Lake Louise presents lakeside views of the towering Victoria Glacier amid old world charm and elegance against the backdrop of the Canadian wilderness.

The lower village of Lake Louise is south of the Trans-Canada Highway in the Bow River valley. Next to the Samson Mall at the entrance to the village, is the Lake Louise Visitor Center, featuring exhibits on the history of the area. The center also provides current information on trails and activities.

The Lake Louise trails are busy in summer, and provide a good introduction to the local scenery. They are well worn and well marked, so that the hiker doesn’t need to be a skilled map reader. The two most popular trails end at mountain chalets which serve tea.

Skiing started at Lake Louise in the 1920s. The first chalet was built in 1930, the first lift in 1954. The resort’s real birth can be dated to 1958, when a wealthy Englishman, Norman Watson, invested a large part of his inheritance in building a gondola up Mount Whitehorn. Further lifts and other developments followed. More would have materialized had it not been for environmental concerns. Further protests forestalled a bid for the 1968 Winter Olympics and put an end to a plan for a 6500-bed mega-resort in 1972. Even so, the resort has experienced environmentally responsible, steady growth, and now regularly hosts World Cup skiing events in spite of the extremely low temperatures during January and February.

The ski area divides into four distinct faces, served by two express quad chairs, one regular quad chair, two triple chairs, three double chairs, a T-bar, a platter lift and a children’s tow rope. The vast terrain (some of the bowls are the size of entire European resorts) is divided as follows: Novice 25%, Intermediate 45% and Expert 30 %.

The top elevation is 7900 feet, giving a 3000 ft. drop to the base elevation at 4900 ft. One day lift tickets are available, but the three day Ski Banff/Lake Louise area pass is a much better buy. It allows six days of skiing in Lake Louise, Mount Norquay and Sunshine Village. Facilities in the ski area include three day lodges, each of which has a restaurant and bar, a ski school, ski shop, rental shop, day care center and lockers.

Free shuttles run from Lake Louise, with transfers from Banff. Free tours of the mountain are also available three times daily.

Banff Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise are three world-class ski resorts, all within easy access of the towns that provide more than 7,558 acres and over 200 trails offering skiers and snowboarders of any ability countless challenges. From wide-open bowls and tree-lined glades covered with fresh, dry champagne powder, to meticulously groomed slopes and state-of-the-art snowmaking, visitors enjoy unspoiled scenery, short lift lines, and friendly hospitality.

Skiers and snowboarders can easily visit each ski area during their stay and then settle at the mountain that suits their style or choose a heli-ski excursion to find the untracked snow. Banff and Lake Louise present many options, numerous choices and the freedom to try them all.

Lake Louise Attractions & Things To Do

**Bow Valley Parkway ** Also known as Hwy 1A, this 51 km (30.6 mi) route is a scenic alternative to the Trans-Canada Hwy between Banff and Lake Louise. There are peaceful picnic areas, short hikes and three lodges offering cabin accommodation and services for travelers. At Johnston Canyon, a self-guided tour takes you along Johnston Creek to two impressive waterfalls. It’s a 5.6 km (3.5 mi) hike to the Ink Pots, which has six cold water springs bubbling out of the ground. Access the parkway 7 km (4.3 mi) west of Banff and from the Lake Louise overpass.

**Columbia Icefield ** This massive field of ancient ice covers 125 sq mi. and reaches depths estimated at 385 m (1,270 ft). It is composed of the Athabasca, Stutfield and Dome glaciers. Straddling the Continental Divide, the icefield feeds four of the continent’s major river systems: the Columbia, Fraser, Mackenzie and Saskatchewan. Meltwaters from the icefield flow to three different oceans (the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic). Called a ‘hydrological apex,’ it is one of only two in the world (the other is in Siberia). Markers at the icefield indicate the rate at which the toe of the Athabasca Glacier has receded this century. Tours of the glacier given on custom designed Sno coaches from April 20 to Oct 15, depart every 15 min. daily 9 am - 5 pm Admission charged. 762-6700. Ice-walk tours are also available mid-June to mid-Sept, book by calling 852-5595 or 1-800-565-7547. 125 km (75 mi).

The Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper is 230km of unsurpassed scenery. It is considered one of the greatest mountain drives in the world. The mountain peaks (often snowcapped) and many rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and above all the glaciers, make this drive a must for any visitor to the Alberta Rockies. Despite the rugged terrain, this is an excellent highway that makes for easy driving (except on occasion in winter). There are numerous viewing points along the route, and this are well signed with information on the immediate area. Often there are hiking trails leading off from these areas, and there are plenty of campsites, so it is possible to spend a number of days to take in the whole route. The highlight of the Parkway is undoubtedly Columbia Icefields. There is a visitors center that explains the glacier, and it is possible to walk or take a trip by snocoach onto the glacier itself

Lake Louise Information Center 522-3833522-3833 a few steps from the parking area, offers not only information but also hi-tech natural history exhibits (daily: mid-June to early Sept 8am-8pm; early Sept to late Sept & mid-June 8am-6pm; Oct-May 9am-5pm.

Lake Louise Gondola Lake Louise Gondola (the “Friendly Giant”) runs thirteen minutes to 2042m, partway up Mount Whitehorn (2669m). To reach it, take the free shuttle which operates from village hotels or return to and cross over the Trans-Canada Highway, and follow the road toward the ski area. Signs lead the way to the gondola. daily: mid-June to Aug 9am-9pm early to mid-June & early to mid-Sept 9am-6pm; 522-3555 There is a choice of enclosed gondola cars, open chairs, or chairs with bubble domes. At the top (2034m) there is a sensational view: rated as one of the best in the Rockies as well as a self-service restaurant, sun decks, picnic areas, souvenir shops and several trailheads through the woods and meadows. One track takes you to the summit of Mount Whitehorn, 600m above the gondola station.

Banff

The Banff Center: The Banff Centre began as a summer theatre school in 1933. Today, it is an internationally renowned cultural centre for the arts, providing resources and instruction to professional performing artists. The Banff Centre presents a number of events year-round, including music, dance, opera, theatre, films and lectures. Annual special events include the Banff Arts Festival, June through August, and the prestigious Banff Festival of Mountain Films in November. For more information contact The Banff Centre, St. Julien Road, (403) 762-6300.

Canada Place Canada Place is a centre where visitors of all ages can discover interactive displays which explore Canada’s natural and built historical heritage, as well as the events and people who shaped them. Admission to the Canada Place exhibit is free.

Kananaskis Country Kananaskis, to the southwest of Banff National Park,or ‘K Country’ as it is known, is an unspoiled paradise. Full of picture perfect mountain scenery, wildlife and flora, Kananaskis Country can be visited at any time of the year. There are excellent cross-country skiing trails, which become excellent hiking trails in the spring. There is also an excellent golf course.

Banff Park Museum (403) 762-1558, ext. 4295. 91 Banff Avenue Daily 10-6 (June-Sept.) Call for hours rest of the year. Learn about local wildlife in turn-of-the-century style. This rustic building is Western Canada’s oldest natural history museum, with wildlife specimens dating back to the 1860’s. A National Historic Site, the museum also houses a comfortable reading room and a hands-on Discovery Room for children.

Cascade Gardens The gardens circle the park’s administration building. Admission free. The beautiful, fragrant Cascade Gardens at the Banff National Park Administration Building are a summer highlight. Ponds and cascading water add special interest to this lovely spot, making it a popular setting for photographs.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site 311 Cave Avenue 403-762-1557. Visit the birthplace of Banff National Park at this historic site. See the cave, the subterranean spring discovered in 1883, and the basin, the natural pool with a replica of the original bathhouse built in 1886, where the film “Steam, Schemes and National Dreams” was produced. Upstairs, find interactive exhibits or walk the scenic boardwalks onto the marsh, an ecosystem of unusual plants, animals, birds and fish.

Luxton Museum 403-762-2388. Journey back in time to the days before Europeans arrived and experience the rich culture of the Natives of the Northern Plains and Canadian Rockies. Lifesized scenes featuring ornamental costumes, teepees, and other artifacts depict Native arts and daily life.

Natural History Museum 112 Banff Avenue (403) 762-4747. Daily 10-6. 1-5 after September The Natural History Museum traces the geological evolution of the Rockies. There are displays of rocks and minerals, fossils and dinosaur bones, flowers and plants, a film on the eruption of Mt St Helens, and a life sized model of “Big Foot,” the legendary giant ape said to live in remote mountain regions.

**Walter Philips Gallery* (403) 762-6281 In Glyde Hall at the junction of Mountain Dr. and St. Julien Rd. The Walter Phillips Gallery presents the latest in contemporary art, with exhibitions by national and international artists investigating the issues and ideas of our time. The gallery maintains a permanent collection and organizes nine shows of art, video screenings, lectures and performances every year. Media include ceramics, textiles, printmaking, sculpture, and painting.

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies (403) 762-2291 111 Bear Street, Banff Admission charged. Daily 10-5 Discover the spirit of the wilderness in the heart of Banff. The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies houses four art galleries, exhibiting works of contemporary and historic art, often incorporating a mountain theme; a heritage collection of artifacts, archives, museum shop and six heritage homes on its grounds. The museum hosts a regular program of talks, slide shows and discussions.

Movie Theaters The Lux Cinema has four movie theatres showing the latest first-run features. Located at the corner of Bear and Wolf Streets in Banff. Call the 24 hour cinema line at (403) 762-8595.

Performing Arts The cultural heart of Banff and the Canadian Rockies, the Banff Centre presents year-round performances and exhibitions, concerts, and events in the visual and performing arts. The Banff Centre for the Arts has for over 60 years been a major training centre for musicians, artists and writers. In summer, the Banff Arts Festival is presented annually from May to August. The Festival is a celebration of talent featuring performances and exhibitions by the Centre for the Arts participants and guest artists in music, opera, drama, dance, jazz, vocal, writing and visual arts programs. During the winter months, The Banff Centre offers top-notch music concerts, music theatre performances and inter-arts events. The popular Playbill Series features a variety of entertainment by well-known touring performers. Other Banff Centre events include the Banff Festival of Mountain Films (November), the Banff Mountain Book Festival (November) and the Banff International String Quartet Competition (every third April). The Walter Phillips Gallery holds exhibitions of contemporary art, with works by guest artists, participants of the Centre for the Arts, and touring shows.