How to Enjoy Lake Louise in the Winter

Lake Louise is famous for its beautiful glacial watercolours throughout the year and its as beautiful as you could imagine, so when it comes to attractions at Banff National Park, this turquoise lake is hard to beat. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers many excursions and adventures to the public in addition to their own guests.

What to do at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the Winter

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise wants to connect you to the spirit of winter with their events and excursions. During early winter, canoes are a historic way to experience paddling around the lake and offer the most iconic photos of the Victoria Glacier. On a cloudless day, the aquamarine colour of the water is as dramatic and pristine as expected and you can rent these bright red canoes hourly. When the lake freezes over later in the winter season, there is an option to ice-skate on the lake. It is open daily until 11 pm to skate under the stars and renting ice-skates is $20 for adults. The hotel also offers the Winter Mountain Adventure Program where the guides tailor a program for any ability for excursions such as an ice canyon walk, or snowshoeing.

The Tea Houses

Winter is a perfect time for a guided hike. In the early morning, the lake is particularly beautiful and there are many chances to catch glimpses of wildlife. This half-day hike went all the way up to Lake Agnes Tea House. Along the way, there are horse trails, peaceful views of the lake and beautifully frozen Mirror Lake. The secret path-less-travelled route sports amazing views of Big Beehive. The tea house has every classic and specialty tea you can imagine, along with rustic desserts and lunch options. The tea house is open until around Thanksgiving weekend each winter. There are also snowshoeing and cross country ski options during the winter to check out through the hotel.

How to Get to Lake Louise

From downtown Banff, you can drive your own car 45 minutes to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. If you opt for public transit, there is an express bus stop with a bus stop in a town that will take you to and from  Lake Louise.

Your Winter Travel Guide to Banff National Park