Tucked away in Canada’s Banff National Park Lake Louise is one of the most photographed places on the planet. Carved by the Victoria Glacier, massive peaks flank beautiful turquoise water and is anchored by the palatial Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. These postcard views put Lake Louise at the top of many travelers’ wish lists for any trip to Banff. With miles of back country wilderness you could easily spend weeks here but if you’ve only got one day in Lake Louise you’ve got plenty of time to experience this mountain paradise.
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Lake Moraine
So your day at Lake Louise actually starts early at nearby Lake Moraine. Located 14 km from the village of Lake Louise the beautiful waters of Lake Moraine are one of the most iconic views in the Canadian Rockies (so much so that Lake Moraine was once featured on the back of Canada’s twenty dollar bill). Aim to get to Lake Moraine around 6 am; not only is the lake at it’s most beautiful in the early morning light, the tour bus crowds have yet to arrive and once the parking lot is full Parks Canada staff will turn cars away (Don’t worry, if this happens a shuttle is available from Lake Louise and the Lake Louise Park and Ride later on in the day).
You could easily spend all day at Lake Moraine doing one of several amazing day hikes (Constellation Lake an Sentinel Pass are popular moderate half-full day hikes) or canoeing on this pristine glacial lake ($100/hour CAD) but with just one day in the Lake Louise area head up to the Rockpile, a short 15 minute walk from the parking lot, to admire one of the most beautiful views in Canada.
Trailhead Café
After Lake Moraine head back to the village of Lake Louise to grab breakfast from the Trailhead Cafe. This tiny cafe serves a variety of breakfast wraps and sandwiches to fuel your mountain adventures. Portions hear are huge and you can customize your breakfast any way you wish, the Trailhead Cafe also brews up a pretty good cappuccino to get you properly caffeinated for your day. The space is pretty small and very popular so it’s best to get your meal to go.
Lake Louise
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has several large parking lots onsite but if you’re visiting during the busy summer season try to get here by 8 am to secure a spot. Getting here early also allows you to enjoy Lake Louise before the tour bus crowds arrive. Whether you just want to snap a classic Instagram shot from the Fairmont or embark on one of the epic hikes you can take from Lake Louise there is something here for everyone. There’s also tons of great things to do in Lake Louise in the winter.
Canoeing Lake Louise
Paddling a red canoe through the turquoise waters of Lake Louise is no doubt an amazing experience but it’s one that’s definitely on the pricier side. If you absolutely have your heart set on canoeing Lake Louise be prepared to shell out up to $135 CAD per hour, rates are slightly less for hotel guests. If you you only have one day in Lake Louise I recommend that you try to canoe as early as possible, not only is the light better earlier in the day but the lake is much less crowded earlier in the morning. Lake Louise opens for canoeing once the lake has fully thawed, generally by mid June and goes through late September or early October. There are several options for canoeing Lake Louise depending on the experience you want.
Sunrise Canoe $135CAD/hour for nonguests, $115CAD/ hotel guests departs at 5:30am and includes breakfast for up to 3 people. Contact Fairmont Concierge to arrange this.
Hourly Canoe Rental $125 CAD/hour for nonguests , $85CAD/hour for guests; hours vary during the season. Each canoe can hold 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. General canoe rentals can be made at the boathouse on the western shore of the lake.
Voyageur Canoe– Adults $55CAD hour, children ages 8-12 $30CAD. The Voyageur Canoe is a guide-led group paddle on a 26 foot cedar strip canoe. During your paddle a guide will share stories about wildlife, indigenous people and early explorers. Contact Fairmont Concierge to arrange.
Sunset Canoe – $85CAD, available for Fairmont guests only. The evening paddle leaves at 8:15pm and you must make a reservation by 6pm the day you want to canoe.
Hiking Lake Louise
Lake Louise has a hike for just about everyone. With just one day here I recommend sticking to the easy Lakeshore walk or the moderate Lake Agnes Teahouse hike continuing on to the Little Beehive if time permits. For other options check out this list of hikes around Lake Louise and always check trail conditions before you go.
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
This wide flat trail hugs the shore of Lake Louise and brings you to the glacial creek that feeds Lake Louise. The Lakeshore Trail is 2 km long one way and takes about an hour to complete.
Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail to Little Beehive
The Lake Agnes Teahouse hike from Lake Louise is one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park. You’ll find the trailhead just a few minutes walk from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the hike up to the Lake Agnes Teahouse is a moderately steep on a packed dirt path most of the way and the payoff for your effort is well rewarded with stunning views to be had at.
Plan for 2–3 hours roundtrip with plenty of time to stop at Mirror Lake as well as Lake Agnes and it’s famous teahouse where you can stop for a cup of tea, hot soup and a pastry (the teahouse accepts cash only and waits can be up to 45 minutes during the busy summer season). After a snack hike 30 minutes past the teahouse to the Little Beehive, a rocky outcrop with one of the best views of Lake Louise and the Canadian Rockies.
The Lake Louise Gondola
If you didn’t do the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike or just want more bird’s eye views of the Canadian Rockies head over the the Lake Louise Ski Resort for a ride on the summer gondola. There is a free shuttle to the gondola from both the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Lake Louise village, you’ll also find plenty of free parking available at the gondola
The Lake Louise Gondola costs $37.95 CAD for adults and $16.95 CAD for children age 6-15 (children under 5 are free). After a 14 minute ride to the top you’ll find and expansive viewing platform, hiking trails with guided hikes available as well as the Whitehorn Bistro. The Lake Louise gondola is also widely regarded as one of the best places in Banff to view grizzly and black bears.
Where to Stay in Lake Louise
Post Hotel Lake Louise (Read my review)
Karen says
Hi Briana great post. We are planning on 6 months in Canada, hopefully next year, subject to Brexit, so really helpful, thank you. kx
Rhonda Albom says
Lake Louise is my mother’s favourite spot in the world. She only visited once, but she described it as lovely as your photos display. I can’t believe I have been yet. The closest I have come is Vancouver.
Gabby says
What a stunning place! There’s no way I could stay here for just one day! Perhaps a week would do, or maybe two! 😆
Nancy says
Hi Brianna,
Banff is up there on our bucket list. Your photos are a gorgeous reminder of what a magical place it is. Thanks for a great post.
Emma says
Why are the Rockies so beautiful? It ruins every other place for me. I love Lake Louise but it is getting busier the last couple times I’ve been. I’ve always wanted to go to Moraine Lake but haven’t managed it yet. Theme of lakes in the Rockies seems to be getting up early, but wow is it worth it. I had no idea there were so many canoe options, that’s on my list for next time
Tori says
Banff is high on my bucket list! I can’t wait to visit!
Timpani says
Gorgeous photos! I visited Alberta last year. It’s such a beautiful place, I definitely wish we would have spent a little more time in the Lake Louise area though.
Tania Muthusamy says
Stunning photos. The turquoise waters of Lake Moraine and Lake Louise are just gorgeous. And the views are picture-perfect. I love your one day itinerary. Keeping this for a future trip.
Hil says
We’re always looking for quick stops on the road. This guide is perfect for making the most of a one or two day stop. I have to admit… I’m surprised canoe rentals are so expensive. lol That might be something we have to skip.
Rob + Ann @TravelLatte says
Hi Briana – Love this, but it’s making us REALLY want to book a trip. Like, right away. Lake Louise has long been one of those places we’d love to visit, but have yet to make time for the trip. Thanks for the extra inspiration to correct that. 🙂
Laura says
This is literally my dream travel itinerary! Every photo people take at Lake Louise looks like a postcard! I’m hoping to make it to Banff next year so I love these tips 🙂