Lake Louise
Lake Louise
4.5
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Top ways to experience Lake Louise
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
29 within 5 kms
Attractions
20 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
7,507 reviews
Excellent
5,174
Very good
1,603
Average
509
Poor
140
Terrible
81
Evan Gatchek
United States9 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Couples
Get ready for your eyes to be fixed on one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world. We drove here before 4am to catch the sun rise and boy was the early wake up worth it!
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
david n
Manchester, UK4,226 contributions
Jan. 2023
Just the most stunning spectacular views in wintertime when you can walk around the side of the lake and truly appreciate its beauty.
Written January 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aussie_Binturong
Queensland, Australia309 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Solo
Just lovely. They say that in Canada you have to visit everywhere twice and this is especially true of Lake Louise. I look forward to the day I can stand before it in the Summer.
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2TravelersMn
Stillwater, MN545 contributions
Jul. 2022
Lake Louise is a brilliant blue glacier-fed body of water surrounded by mountains. Be sure to walk the Lake Louise Shoreline Trail to view the Victoria Glacier.
Written January 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnnnita
Napa, CA2,401 contributions
Oct. 2022
There are many beautiful lakes in the Jasper/Banff national park area. During our visit, we were lucky to see a number of them. While each lake has its own unique beauty and sense of place, Lake Louise seems to have the ideal combination of beauty, majesty, accessibility, and variety. That makes it unique and special we think.
A visitor has so many options unlike other lakes where there is more or only nature around and less access or little options for other activities. Lake Louise of course has its grand hotel, the Fairmont Chateau with all its amenities. Behind this hotel is this majestic view of the lake. You can walk side to side on very wide paths. You can also walk up the lake sides and continue further if you so desire. Everything just seems so much more accessible. Yes, it's more civilized and user friendly. Some visitors may prefer the more natural and rugged scenery that other lake areas have. Those are great too, but this lake is special.
We've had this place on our "bucket list" and so glad we spent time here taking it all in. It's exactly as we imagined and viewed online and in pictures.
A visitor has so many options unlike other lakes where there is more or only nature around and less access or little options for other activities. Lake Louise of course has its grand hotel, the Fairmont Chateau with all its amenities. Behind this hotel is this majestic view of the lake. You can walk side to side on very wide paths. You can also walk up the lake sides and continue further if you so desire. Everything just seems so much more accessible. Yes, it's more civilized and user friendly. Some visitors may prefer the more natural and rugged scenery that other lake areas have. Those are great too, but this lake is special.
We've had this place on our "bucket list" and so glad we spent time here taking it all in. It's exactly as we imagined and viewed online and in pictures.
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lgpanther
Oshawa, Canada368 contributions
Oct. 2022
beautiful setting and great view of the lake. The parking lot is a short walk, but can be very slippery with snow.
Written December 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dforstate
Carnegie, PA35 contributions
Jun. 2022
This is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in Western Canada. The lake is surrounded by snow capped mountains in late June and the water is clear blue. The only problem is that everything is very expensive
from the hotel to food to the boat rentals. If you are staying at the hotel, the lake and walking trail is very easy.
from the hotel to food to the boat rentals. If you are staying at the hotel, the lake and walking trail is very easy.
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TarHeel
Durham, NC1,054 contributions
Sep. 2022
Just an amazing natural place filled with beauty. Unfortunately, that also means it attracts thousands of tourists and parking can fill up quickly. We tried to book spots on the bus from a local resort but found the website and process to be too confusing. Instead, we woke up and parked before dawn before hiking up to the farther teahouse on the trail. Definitely a memorable experience. Keep in mind that the Fairmont Hotel has signs up saying it's for guests only, although it looked like some people just wandered in anyway. We thought the canoe rentals were pretty pricey so opted not to do that. Come early and take plenty of photos!
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ian A
Penang Island, Malaysia35 contributions
Jul. 2022
Unbelievable scenery, wonderful views from all around the lake! Clean, fresh air, and a simply beautiful spot to either watch the world go by or hike around. A must visit for anyone in the area. The best time to go would be at sunrise where you can watch the majestic colours emerging from behind the mountains and then reflecting in the waters, a truly magical thing to do!
Written November 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alexandra T
Murrieta, CA1,883 contributions
Aug. 2022
Make sure you pay to park your car in the lot. Then it is just a short walk to the lake. No one is allowed on the hotel grounds unless you are a guest! Way expensive! The lake is beautiful.
Written November 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
William N
6 contributions
I have booked a trip to Lake Louise for my wife and myself. We depart from the Atlanta airport in two weeks, flying into Calgary then renting a car to drive to Lake Louise. I thought I did all my homework regarding winter conditions and a couples months ago when asking about driving I found information that said a front wheel drive car with all season tires should be fine as long as I am on major highways like the trans-Canada highway. I would love to update my rental and book a 4WD with snow/winter tires, but online there doesn’t seem to be a way. I will call when business hours begin, but does anyone have any feedback on driving from Calgary to Lake Louise in winter?
Alex C
Guelph, Canada48 contributions
I would not drive without 4 wheel drive there. Even in June when we went there was snow..I can’t imagine it now.
ilseee94
5 contributions
Is het begin september mogelijk om vroeg in de ochtend te parkeren bij lake louise? Daar willen we een grote hike doen van 8 uur en vervolgen nog kijken bij moraine lake. Kunnen we dan in de middag rond 15.00 vanaf lake louise doorrijden naar moraine lake?
Sharon R
Tucson, Arizona240 contributions
I was there at the beginning of summer so it was less busy. July and August are very busy but by September it is much quieter. The weather is probably pleasant.
JulieGoodall
Coventry, UK89 contributions
Looking to go tomorrow, I understand the lake is frozen but can you still walk there
Confamished
Ontario, Canada83 contributions
Yup! Theres a gorgeous walk around the lake!
palmtree34
Burlington, Canada3,995 contributions
where to stop to eat before Lake Louise??
casual lunch spot
Lori T
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada116 contributions
sorry we were on a bus tour and it was included. Private place
Victoria Y
Toronto1 contribution
Does anyone know if there's any kayak rental by Lake Louise? I found a place at Fairmont but I only see canoe rental. I'll be doing this activity alone, so I can only do kayak. Any tips or advise will be greatly appreciated.
Anne M
Toronto, Canada146 contributions
What time has parking filled up at Lake Louise recently? Looking to go tomorrow (Wednesday Sept 9) and hoping to arrive around 8am but wondering if that’s too late.
Darlene A
Ballston Spa, NY124 contributions
We got to Moraine Lake at 6 an and the parking lot was about 98% filled. My husband dropped us off and found one a few last spots left. Lake Louise parking lot is larger so you might have better luck and also because some of the sunrise people may be leaving by 8. The sunrise at either is beautiful if you are able to fit in your schedule.
travelmama52
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL4 contributions
We are going to be arriving in Banff on Jun 23 and have accommodations at the Tunnel Mountain Resort until Jun 26th. We will have a rental car and would like to be able to make the most of our time and see as many attractions as possible. Wondering if you can advise me on the best way to go about booking things so that we optimize our time wisely.
Some of the things we would are thinking about are; the Columbia Ice Fields (Ride on the Ice Explorer and Sky Walk), Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, Banff gondola, Hot springs. Also would love to have any suggestions that you maybe able to offer.
Wondering if we should book guided tours (ie-Columbia Ice Field and Glacier Skywalk from Banff) or would we be better off to drive ourselves and book attraction tickets at various sights. If we book individual sight tickets does that guarantee us entry on the day and save waiting in line ups.
I appreciate hearing any advice
Thanks
Carol
kshah2
Pompano Beach, FL9 contributions
Did you do the trip on your own last yr? We are going this year in June, Any tips you could give us will help.
pingu2
Mississauga, Canada53 contributions
Is there a bathroom once at the top of the Lake Louise gondola ride?
Agassi_explorer
Nashville, TN10 contributions
Yes, beautiful facility on top. Pack a snack bag and save yourself some $$
LAKE LOUISE - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (Alberta)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Louise
- We recommend booking Lake Louise tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 18 Lake Louise tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Lake Louise:
- Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway - Full-Day Tour (From C$183.52)
- Banff National Park Tour with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (From C$106.52)
- Day Hike in Lake Louise (From C$178.43)
- Discover Lake Louise (Spring & Fall Sightseeing) (From C$106.52)
- Rockies Western Canada Iconic Sites Tour (From C$2,747.41)
- Hotels near Lake Louise:
- (0.16 km) Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- (0.49 km) Deer Lodge
- (1.42 km) Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
- (2.68 km) Post Hotel & Spa
- (2.73 km) Lake Louise Inn
- Restaurants near Lake Louise:
- (0.09 km) The Walliser Stube
- (0.14 km) Lakeview Lounge
- (0.11 km) Fairview Bar & Restaurant
- (0.11 km) Poppy Brasserie
- (0.14 km) Alpine Social
- Attractions near Lake Louise:
- (0.13 km) Wild Water Adventures
- (0.15 km) Brewster Adventures
- (0.15 km) Saddleback Pass
- (0.17 km) Lake Louise Canoeing
- (1.32 km) Banff Photography at Lake Louise