Hello outdoor adventurers, are you planning a trip to the pristine waters of Lake Louise in Banff National Park? If so, you’ve come to the right place to read about how to visit Lake Louise and to gain some helpful advice on visiting this beautiful piece of country. So, without further ado, here is your traveler’s handbook with tips for visiting Lake Louise.
Why Visit Lake Louise?
Lake Louise is simply a must-visit if you’re in Banff National Park. The birthplace of Canadian mountaineering, Lake Louise is located about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the townsite of Lake Louise. This spectacular place is famous for the lake’s striking blue-green color and its surrounding mountains and glaciers. The area offers numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and simply soaking in the majestic scenery. Lake Louise is one of the most photographed locations in Canada, and once you’re here, you will definitely understand why.
Best Times to Visit Lake Louise
Lake Louise offers breathtaking beauty year-round, but your experience will vary greatly depending on the season. Before planning your visit to Lake Louise in Canada, you need to understand the weather conditions and available activities. If you love summer activities and stunning waters, visit in July or August. For fewer crowds and unique seasonal beauty, fall or winter might be your ideal time.
Summer (June to August)
The summer months transform Lake Louise into a stunning alpine paradise with its iconic turquoise waters at their peak. This is the best time for outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, and rock climbing. The trails are open, and wildflowers blanket the meadows. However, summer is also the busiest time, so early mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds.
Fall (September to October)
Fall brings a quieter atmosphere to Lake Louise, along with a spectacular display of golden larch trees. The cooler weather makes it perfect for hiking, and the reduced crowds allow for a more peaceful experience. This transitional season offers a mix of late-summer greenery and early snow-dusted peaks.
Winter (November to March)
For snow and winter sport enthusiasts, winter is magical at Lake Louise. The frozen lake becomes a hub for ice skating, and the surrounding slopes host world-class skiing and snowboarding. Snowshoeing and dog sledding are also popular activities. The snow-covered landscape creates a postcard-perfect setting.
Getting to Lake Louise From Afar
For some, getting to Lake Louise is quite the endeavor. So, let’s run through getting to the area from major travel hubs and then jump into direct access to the lake afterwards.
If you are traveling to Banff National Park and Lake Louise from abroad, you’ll most likely arrive in Canada at the Calgary International Airport. From this airport, travel time to Lake Louise is approximately two hours (202 km/125 miles).
If you are renting a car, driving is a great option to maintain some flexibility and spontaneity in your schedule. Otherwise, there are plenty of shuttle options from the Calgary airport to Canmore or Banff, which help to make your trip simple and carefree.
Where to Stay in the Bow Valley?
The Bow Valley offers a wide range of accommodations, as we receive nearly 5 million guests per year. This makes finding your ideal accommodations easier with so many options. Regardless of your accommodation preference, consider staying in Lake Louise, Banff, or Canmore. These hot-spots are great areas to establish your home base before heading out on your adventure to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake.
Let’s Go to Lake Louise!
Getting to Lake Louise is a scenic journey that adds to the charm of visiting this iconic destination. There are multiple options for transport to the lake. You can choose to drive, though roads can be congested and parking is limited, or you can take a shuttle for added convenience.
Parking Challenges
While Lake Louise is still technically accessible to visitors via personal vehicle, the parking lot fills up by sunrise most mornings, and your odds of getting one of the few parking spaces are minimal. The parking area at Lake Louise is managed by full-time traffic personnel who monitor the available parking spaces. Once the lot is full, staff will turn you away and you’ll be left with no other good option, as most shuttles sell out in advance.
Grab The Bus to Lake Louise
Taking a shuttle is the most convenient way to reach Lake Louise. After boarding the bus, your only responsibility is to sit back and watch the beautiful scenery pass by your window. Learn more about the benefits of choosing a shuttle service for your Lake Louise visit.
Convenient Travel
To access Lake Louise, there are a few shuttle options at your disposal, all offering various experiences and schedules to visitors. Some experiences include tours or cycling rentals. You can save yourself the stress of planning a trip to Lake Louise and securing parking for your vehicle (especially during peak season) by booking a spot on the shuttle to Lake Louise with the Moraine Lake Bus Company.
Booking Your Shuttle
Reservations
Reserving your seat on the shuttle bus is essential for your Lake Louise visit, especially during the busy summer months (late June through mid-September). Book your tickets online through the Moraine Lake Bus Company website. Tickets sell out quickly, so plan ahead and book early!
Ticket Options
- Round-Trip Tickets: This includes transport to and from Lake Louise. Pick your departure and return times to suit your group’s needs.
- Combo Tickets: Combine your trip to Lake Louise with a visit to Moraine Lake for a one-hour experience at Lake Louise, followed by as much time as you like at Moraine Lake. This option makes for an unforgettable day that is perfect for most visitors.
Getting to the Pick-Up Point
Park & Ride
The Moraine Lake Bus Company operates from the parking lot at the Lake Louise Summer Gondola. The parking lot is conveniently located off the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).
Shuttle Schedule
Shuttle buses operate throughout the day, with departures times spanning from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Check the schedule online to plan your trip accordingly.
The Ride to Lake Louise
Onboard Experience
The bus ride to Lake Louise takes about 15 minutes. The buses are comfortable, outfitted with luxury seating and temperature control, as well as large windows that let you enjoy the scenic views along the way. The Moraine Lake Bus Company has some of the friendliest drivers in the Bow Valley and they share plenty of interesting facts along the way.
Scenic Views
After exiting the bus, follow the yellow lines through the parking lot on your approach to the Lake Louise shoreline. As you break through the trees, you’ll be treated to glimpses of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier at the back of the lake, which are features that make this area so special.
Arriving at Lake Louise
Getting to Lake Louise feels like stepping into a postcard. As you approach, the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies frame the shimmering turquoise waters, creating a breathtaking first impression. You’ll likely be greeted by the sight of canoes gliding across the water in summer or skaters enjoying the frozen surface in winter. Get ready for a day full of outdoor fun and beautiful views!
What to Expect
At Lake Louise, you’ll see Banff National Park’s natural beauty along with the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a historic hotel offering luxurious accommodations and dining with a view. This area is one of the most photographed spots in Canada, and for good reason! Whether it’s the serene summer reflections or the frosty magic of winter, every angle feels like a masterpiece waiting to be captured. With hiking trails, canoeing, and incredible views wherever you look, Lake Louise offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
What to Do at Lake Louise
Once you arrive, there’s plenty to do:
- Lakeshore Trail: This short, easy lakeshore walk takes you to the back of Lake Louise and offers a new perspective on the Chateau Lake Louise, and the Lake Louise Ski Resort across the valley.
- Canoeing: Rent a canoe and paddle on the lake to experience the vibrant colors up close. Canoe rentals are available onsite. Arrive early to avoid lengthy wait times.
- Hiking: Lake Louise is the starting point for several fantastic hikes, including Lake Agnes Teahouse, the Plain of 6 Glaciers Teahouse, the Devil’s Thumb, Big Beehive and Little Beehive, Fairview Mountain and Saddleback Pass trails.
- Rock Climbing: Lake Louise is a sport climber’s dream. Follow the lakeshore trail to the back of the lake where there are plenty of bolts lining the steep, quartzite walls.
- Photography: Don’t forget your camera! The views around Lake Louise are some of the most photographed in the world and will surely please those with an eye for composition.
Tips for Visiting Lake Louise
- Arrive Early & Plan Ahead: Due to the lake’s popularity, it’s crucial to plan your visit in advance. This includes booking shuttles or tours early and arriving at the parking lot or shuttle pick-up point well before your intended start time.
- Check Conditions: Weather and road conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Check the Parks Canada website for up-to-date information on trail conditions.
- Pack Accordingly: Bring water, snacks, bear spray, and layers of clothing. Even in the summer, temperatures can be cool in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Respect Nature: Stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and respect wildlife. Let’s keep Lake Louise beautiful for future visitors.
Return Times from Lake Louise
Make sure to check the bus schedule for return times. Buses run regularly, but you’ll want to plan your return trip to ensure you don’t miss the last shuttle. When booking your return, keep in mind that most guests spend 1.5 hours at Lake Louise. If you want to return early with the Moraine Lake Bus Company, staff will do their best to accommodate your needs, but you are only guaranteed a wait-free seat on your scheduled return.
Final Thoughts
Admiring the beauty of Lake Louise has become more challenging in recent years, but thanks to dedicated tour operators and shuttle companies like Moraine Lake Bus Company, you can still enjoy the remarkable sights and experiences at Lake Louise. Whether you’re traveling from afar or making a day of it, there are plenty of transportation options available for visitors to Lake Louise.
Now, get ready for an unforgettable adventure to one of Canada’s most iconic destinations. Have fun and enjoy responsibly!
