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Lake Louise Information

Population: **Lake Louise: 500 (Banff/Lake Louise 7,600) **(3.5 million visitors annually). Location and Description: Lake Louise is located in Banff National Park, northwest of Banff. It is about 1 1/2 miles long, up to 1970 feet wide and 69 feet deep. The Victoria glacier reaches down almost to its shore. At the eastern end of Lake Louise is Mount Victoria, which is about 11,385 feet in height. The waters of Lake Louise are turquoise to dark green in color.

Statistics for Lake Louise:

Vertical Drop: 3,250 feet

Skiable area: 4,200 acres

Number of Trails: 196 marked runs plus thousands of acres of open bowls: 20% Beginner, 55% Intermediate, 25% Expert

Base elevation: 5,400 feet

Snowfall: 144 inches

Snowmaking: 1,700 acres 100% natural snow

Lifts: Total 28

Snowboarding: Half-pipe and park Cross-country trails

Elevation: The highest point along the Icefields Parkway is Bow Summit at 6787 feet above sea level, while the elevation at the Village of Lake Louise is 5,033 feet above sea level.

Area: 46 square miles (Lake Louise) Banff National Park (2,564 sq. miles)

Time: Mountain Standard Time zone, which is 7 hours behind Greenwich mean time and 2 hours behind Eastern Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time is in effect from the first Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October.

Average Temperatures (in Fahrenheit): High Low January - March 38 5 April - June 66 27 July - September 71 38 October - December 50 5

For** trails report**, please contact Parks Canada at (403) 762-1550

When to Go: The weather in the Canadian Rockies is variable due to the high elevation and rugged topography. Cool, crisp air and warm days are typical of autumn. Warming Chinook winds can bring spring-like conditions in winter, and spring offers both skiing and golfing opportunities. The summer climate is pleasant with low humidity, warm temperatures and daylight hours stretching until 11:00 p.m. The relatively dry climate is responsible in winter for the consistency of the Canadian Rocky Mountain powder snow. The snow is world renowned as being dry and light with an average moisture content of only 7 percent. The average moisture content of snow in other North American and in European Ski Resorts, is typically at least 10 percent.

What To Wear: Casual dress is the norm in Banff and Lake Louise. In summer, bring a raincoat, warm sweater, hat, sturdy shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses. In spring, summer and fall, a light coat or warm jacket may be required, particularly at higher altitudes. In winter, a heavy coat, winter boots, hat, gloves or mittens and warm clothing are essential.

Email retrieval: Many hotels have dedicated telephone outlets in the rooms for internet access. Check with the hotel.

Electricity: Adapters not required for US appliances.

Visitors with disabilities: Canadian Paraplegic Association National Office provides information about accessibility in Canada. (613) 723-1033.

Telephones The country code for Canada is 1. Area Code: The province of Alberta has two area codes In the northern area which includes the cities of Edmonton and Jasper, the area code is (780). In the southern region (including Calgary/Banff/ Lake Louise the area code is (403). For assistance from an operator, dial “0”.

International Calls: International calls can be direct-dialed from most phones; dial 1, followed by the country code, the area code and then the number. The front pages of many local telephone directories include a list of overseas country codes. To have an operator assist you, dial “0” and ask for the overseas operator.

Public Holidays: Jan. 1 New Year’s Day March or April(varies) Good Friday March or April(varies) Easter Monday May (Third Monday) Victoria Day July 1 Canada Day August (First Monday) Civic Holiday September (1st Monday) Labor Day October (1st Monday) Thanksgiving Day November 11 Remembrance Day December 25 Christmas Day December 26 Boxing Day

Government: Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Canada and Canada’s head of State. This means that the Queen is the formal head of Canada. The Governor General is the Queen’s representative in Canada. The Queen is also represented in each province by a Lieutenant Governor and by a Commissioner in the territories.

Useful Conversions of weights and measures: 1 hectare 2.471 acres 1 inch 2.54 cm 1 ft. 30.48 cm 1 oz. 28.57 grams 1 lb. 0.454 kg. 1 cm. 0.39 inches 1 meter 3.28 feet 1.09 yards 1 km. 0.62 miles 1 liter 0.26 US gallons 1 foot 0.39 meters 1 yard 0.91 meters 1 mile 1.60 km. 1 kg 2.21 lb. 1 gallon 3.78 liters

Currency: The Canadian currency is in dollars. There are one dollar coins (called “loonies” because of the loon depicted on the gold colored coin); two dollar coins with a gold colored center and silver border ( called “toonies” because they are equal to 2 loonies); dime; nickel and penny. The paper currency comes in denominations of $5; $10; $20; $50; $100. The present exchange rate is between $1.42 and $1.50 Canadian for every US dollar. Rates vary widely depending on where money is exchanged. Banks give the best rate. The easiest method of securing cash at the best exchange rate is to make withdrawals using a US credit card from the ATM machines found at the major banks and stores. As in the US, some banks charge a fee and a transaction tax, so check with the banks to find the best value. Save remaining Canadian dollars for your next trip as the exchange rate to convert back into US money from Canadian is usually not favorable.

Customs and Duty-Free Allowance: In Alberta, visitors to Canada may bring in free of duties a maximum of 1.5 litres of wines, 1.14 litres of liquor (40 oz.), or 24 355 ml cans or bottles (8.5 litres) of beer or ale, as long as they meet the minimum age of 18 years. Personal baggage can also include up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of manufactured tobacco, and 200 tobacco sticks. Visitors importing such items must be over 18 years of age.

Entry Regulations: Residents of countries other than the USA must carry a valid passport. Visitors from some countries may also require a visa or other documentation. Please check with the nearest Canadian consulate well in advance of your departure. All visitors should carry proof of citizenship. For general enquiries please call the regional customs office at 902-426-2911. USA citizens and permanent residents can cross the Canadian border either way without passports or visas. However 2 of any of the following pieces of identification are required to prove citizenship: driver’s license birth certificate certificate of citizenship certificate of naturalization

Metric Everything in Canada is measured in metric units, though many stores use both metric and Imperial systems. Speed limits and distances are in kilometres. For example, within the Park the highway speed limit is 90 kilometres per hour (km/hr), equivalent to 55 miles per hour (mph). With regard to temperatures, 20 degrees Celsius is about 68 degrees Fahrenheit; 30°C is 80°F; 10°C is 50°F; and 0°C is 32°F. Gas is sold by the litre and there are 3.8 litres in a U.S. gallon.

Park Entry Fees: An independent traveler day pass for up to seven people in a vehicle is $10 a day. There are also multi-park passes that allow entry to all national parks in Alberta and British Columbia For further information contact: The Superintendent Banff National Park PO Box 900 Banff, Alberta, Canada T0L 0C0 Tel (403) 762-1504

Goods and Services Tax GST is a value-added tax similar to that used in many other countries. It is applied at time of purchase to a broad base of goods and services at a rate of 5%. Special features designed to minimize impact of GST on foreign visitors are in effect.

GST Rebates for Foreign Visitors: Visitors may claim a full rebate on GST paid on goods which they take out of Canada within 60 days of purchase and on short term accommodation (less than 30 days per location). Claims can be made by submitting receipts. Forms and further information is available in Banff at F-1 Refund Serviced at (403) 760-3316 and at Custom House Currency Exchange Unlike other provinces, Alberta has no provincial sales tax; however, a 5% provincial tax is charged on accommodation.

Tax Refund for Visitors to Canada GST/HST VISITOR REBATE PROGRAM QUESTIONS and ANSWERS

Visitor Rebate Program call toll free from anywhere in Canada 1-800-668-4748

                  From outside Canada (902) 432-5608

                

or write to: Visitor Rebate Program Summerside Tax Centre Canada Customs and Revenue Agency 275 Pope Road, Suite 104 Summerside PE C1N 6C6 Canada

Business Hours: Many banks also have ATMs for 24-hour banking Most stores are open Monday to Saturday from 9amto 5:30 or 6pm, with shorter hours on Sunday. Most restaurants serve lunch from about 11:30am to 2:30pm and dinner from 5:30 to 10pm. They sometimes serve later on weekends. Nightclubs and bars are open later.

Emergencies Telephone Numbers Ambulance in Banff 911 Ambulance in Lake Louise 911 Fire in Banff 911 Fire in Lake Louise 911 Hospital/Banff 403-722-2222 Police - RCMP in Banff 403-762-2226 Police - RCMP in Lake Louise 403-522-3811 Warden’s Office/Emergency 403-762-4506 Crisis Line 1-800-332-1287 Poison Centre 1-800-332-1414

Currency Visitors to Banff/Lake Louise are advised to use Canadian currency during their visit. For best rates, exchange money at Canadian Chartered Banks, Credit Union, or currency exchange outlets situated throughout Banff and Lake Louise. .Cash machines (ATM) are available for direct withdrawal of funds from your bank account. Major credit cards including VISA, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted by most establishments.