1. Lake Louise

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    Lake Louise, AB

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    Lake Louise

    4.7 (221 reviews)

    Lake Louise Photos

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    Lake Louise
    Souporn H.

    What a breath taking view. I'm so happy to have had a chance to visit. It was such a fun walk around the lake. The lake was gorgeous. What a world we get to live in to be able to enjoy something like this.

    Gabriel B.

    Absolutely stunning. I recommend arriving anytime before 9am to beat the giant crowds and take a decent picture. There is a walking trail alongside the lake that made for a nice stroll. Summer temps were around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit in the morning, so cover up and avoid the mosquitoes!

    Lake view
    Michele B.

    Took a tour specifically to see Lake Louise and it was worth it! If I were recommending a visit, I would suggest staying there for a few nights at least, to fully experience hiking and canoeing the lake, which I didn't get to do. But the lake itself is so beautiful, like you're right in a postcard. Moraine Lake nearby is a must see as well. Take your time to explore but get here early because the perimeter of the lake is crowded with tourists.

    Trail Map
    Travis T.

    Coming to Lake Louise was a last-minute addition on my first trip to Banff National Park. I could not come all the way here and not see this beautiful lake. Lake Louise is a turquoise-colored glacial lake that is surrounded by high peaks in Alberta's Banff National Park. It is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Louise is known for its hiking trails, skiing and canoeing. Lake Louise is 30 minutes west of the Town of Banff. Parking here can be a real pain during peak season. Thankfully I was on a bus that dropped us off at the front. I came here during the summer and the crowds were crazy. But it was so worth it to finally see this lake in person. The water is crystal clear and has a greenish-blue color to it and is surrounded by a mountain range. Lake Louise lake's color is a result of natural geological processes and not artificially enhanced. In the distance you can see the Victoria Glacier. Lake Louise is named after Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria. The historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is located at the edge of the lake and offers beautiful views for those that stay there. There are several hiking trails around the lake. I ended up walking the nature trail for a little while to get photos of the lake at different angles. It was hard to get clear shots because there were so many people. But I really enjoyed my time exploring the surrounding area. Coming to Lake Louise was totally worth it and a highlight for me on my trip to Banff National Park. Entry to Lake Louise requires a Banff National Park entry fee or pass. It is highly recommended to ride the shuttle here as parking is limited.

    Canoeing
    Lori H.

    A must see when visiting Banff National Park! Parking can be tricky. It's kind of hit and miss whether the lot is full and the attendees let you in or not. We arrived around 1pm on a Tuesday afternoon. The sign said it was full, but the attendees waived us in. It only took two turns around the lot before we saw someone leave and took their spot. The walk down to the lake and hotel is very short. They have restrooms available as well. It was pretty busy while we were there. A lot of waiting for photo ops. They have long benches available on the boardwalk to just sit and enjoy the view. The turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the gorgeous view of Victoria Glacier was mesmerizing. I recommend walking all the way down and around the lake shore as the suns reflection changes and so does the deepness of the turquoise. It was such a treat to experience! We also walked around the Fairmont Chateau. It's huge! The original chateau is still on site too, which was cool to see. Overall one of our favorite stops on this trip. Would highly recommend!

    An incredible destination
    Joel H.

    I can't call Lake Louise just a destination spot... It is much more than that. There is a certain feeling looking out at this magnificent lake. The serenity and aura is mind captivating. It's a feeling of immense solitude. We arrived in the afternoon after two day train trip aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and saw some of the most beautiful scenery. After arriving at the Hotel Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, I grabbed my camera equipment (I am a photographer) and ran (not walked) down to the lake which was just a minutes from the hotel down a short path. It took me a short time to focus on this unbelievably beautiful Lake before I could even imagine how to capture its' beauty through a camera. I believe I did and have many pictures along with this review. I walked down and around the lake trying to capture each view I saw. While it was busy, it did not seem to hamper my photography and I used many of the people as subjects along with the lake and mountains. You could sit on the side on a bench or just a rock and look around. We had dinner at the hotel and watched the sunset create more magnificent views. I got up early to run down and capture the sunrise along with many people. As the sun ticks up, the light and reflections also change. Just so much beauty here. This trip has been on my list for 40 years and I am SO HAPPY that we finally made. I had the opportunity to experience this area with my wife and great friends. What more can you ask for?

    Sarah S.

    Lake Louise is one of the most gorgeous areas in Banff! It may have been my personal favorite spot, but while visiting we saw a wedding shoot, too! Perhaps proof of the epic beauty at Lake Louise. The .31 square foot Lake Louise is a glacial lake with the most magnificent blues and turquiose greens in color thanks to rock flour melting into the lake from the glaciers surrounding and overlooking Lake Louise. Great things about Lake Louise are not just the beauty but it's also not quite as busy as main Banff activities as you need to travel about 40 minutes to get there. There's a nice Chateau hotel located right next to the lake if you can spare a couple days to stay in town. They also have activities in the winter like ice fishing and ice skating, then in the summer, kayaking and canoeing are popular. I loved Lake Louise and would love to visit again. Absolutely stunning views among the Canadian Rockies!

    Sasha K.

    The glacier turquoise water is unreal. No matter how many times you've been, Lake Louise never gets old. My favourite thing to do is canoeing. Paddling across the blue-green water surrounded by mountains feels otherworldly. Whether you visit in summer for canoeing or in the winter when everything is covered with snow and lake Louise is frozen, it always seems to feel like a dream. In my opinion, It is the most breathtaking place in Canada.

    Lake Louis
    Long D.

    4 millions visitor a year said it all. Just go slow and take it in no matter which way you go

    Charmaine S.

    Best highlight of our two day tour, came to visit for a weekend get away---three full days in Calgary/Banff. First day it was cool, 2nd day was snowing. It felt like we came in separate seasons! Magical place to be. Every angle offers a different view and story. The pictures don't give justice to the grounding and calmness this place brings.

    Jason Z.

    If you've never seen an alpine lake with a mountain background, this spot might blow your mind. If you have, then Lake Louise is probably the best example of an overexploited spot that is ruined by capitalism and is likely to be disappointing. We took the shuttle up here; tickets were almost impossible to book. If you didn't get the shuttle tickets, good luck even finding paid parking up here in one of the parking lots, it's a disaster. We hiked the 8 miles to the Beehive overlook but on the way saw some of the most crowded and touron (tourist morons) activities on the way there. Over example, people renting kayaks literally swapped out to other members of their groups mid kayak instead of just renting individual boats (lol?!) and pretty much trying to bathe in the water. The population density along some parts of the trail made it unsuitable for those who enjoy peace and nature. The scenery is honestly not bad compared to the Colorado Rockies; you get the turquoise alpine lake, snow capped peaks, and blue sky background. The trail however is a bit disappointing; it's a lazy out and back that wasn't really challenging or had many features to this; again, this led to the trail being way too busy.

    canoeing in lake louise
    Julie Ying X.

    I reserved the earliest Roam Transit 8X bus to Lake Louise. I came during shoulder season (late September) and it was still pretty crowded. I definitely recommend reserving it early, the reservations get released two months before. I combined both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in one day and while it's doable, it's a bit exhausting. I think next time, I would do separate days so I would have time to hike to Lake Agnes Teahouse. Anyways, I did canoe on the lake and it was a great experience. FYI - there's no public restrooms in the Fairmount, you have to go to the parking lot but they're clean.

    Debi W.

    We came mid-September and arrived around 3:00. There was plenty of parking for $36 Canadian. Well worth the drive to walk to the Lake .

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    Page 1 of 6

    Lake Louise Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Lake Louise

    During our first attempt, we were there by 9am and we couldn't make it to either Moraine Lake or Lake Louise.

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    Emerald Lake

    Emerald Lake

    4.8(44 reviews)
    22.6 km

    Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park is a wonderful alternative for canoeing if the boathouses at…read moreLake Louise and Moraine Lake get too busy. What really stands out is the value; the canoe rental rates are significantly more affordable here than at the other major lakes. The staff that operates the boat house and the attached gift shop were wonderful, incredibly friendly, and helpful. While the lake is certainly less crowded than its more famous neighbors, parking can still a challenge. Expect to spend around an extra 20 minutes to park, and be prepared to walk a short distance from your spot to the water's edge. Once you're there, it's well worth the effort. There are also several beautiful, easy-to-moderate trails circling the lake to explore the scenery on foot after your paddle. Cilantro on the Lake restaurant can get busy, but The Window walk up food counter is quick, and perfect for grabbing some food for a picnic in the canoe. Highly recommended for a more relaxed and less crowded scenic mountain experience!

    I go to see three beautiful lakes on my first day in Banff National Park. Our last stop was at…read moreEmerald Lake in Yoho National Park. Yoho National Park is one of the four contiguous national parks in Canada's Rocky Mountains. Emerald Lake is a freshwater lake near the town of Golden. The lake has a emerald green color to it and is enclosed by mountains of the President Range. I had a nice time here. I did some of the hiking trials and saw a little bit of wildlife along the way. This lake is less crowed than Louise and Moraine lakes which I enjoyed. I enjoyed the views while hiking and came across a plaque about the fossil-bearing deposits of the Burgess Shale in the area. I grabbed lunch at the Cilantro on the Lake restaurant before heading out. There are canoe rentals at Emerald Lake if you want to get out on the water.

    Photos
    Emerald Lake - So blue!

    So blue!

    Emerald Lake - Emerald Lake

    Emerald Lake

    Emerald Lake - The trailhead for hiking paths among Emerald Lake.

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    The trailhead for hiking paths among Emerald Lake.

    Bow Lake - Amazing hiking trail around this beautiful lake

    Bow Lake

    4.5(11 reviews)
    32.4 km

    Bow Lake is one of the MUST-DO stops along famed Icefields Parkway. It's located right off the side…read moreof the road, 37 kilometers (or 23 miles) north of the Lake Louise area. And...it's situated just past Crowfoot Glacier. So...if you do stop at Crowfoot Glacier, be prepared to immediately stop again here at Bow Lake. Interestingly, I found Crowfoot Glacier to be absolutely wonderful, in terms of the incredible snowcapped setting from a quick pullover perspective. Now...here at Bow Lake, you still receive those wondrous snowcapped mountain viewpoints...but I had anticipations that the lake would be colorful and turquoise green/blue...and that was not the case, which disappointed me a little because of my sky high expectations. Yet...looking back at my photos and reflecting...I still have to give Bow Lake 5 stars no matter what! The scenery here would put many other lakes to shame throughout the world! The atmosphere was beautiful. It's just...this whole area in and around Lake Louise, even further south in Banff and just being along Icefields Parkway offered many glorious moments being in nature...I think I got spoiled by it all! Lol. I had this unblemished, postcard image in my head of Bow Lake, especially since there was fresh snow and ice floating in the water. So, when I didn't view any coloring to it (which would have been the pinnacle of it all!), it still remained terrific regardless of a slight letdown I may have had. A little north from Bow Lake is stunningly magnificent Peyto Lake. And...Peyto Lake has a short walk to a viewpoint (less than 1 mile) where you're standing "above it all" and it's there....where you'll discover those incredibly turquoise green waters. Now, lol, I know I'm being critical but, I do want to mention a few factors about maybe why, the waters weren't turquoise at Bow Lake... I visited back in late afternoon time and with the position of the sun in the sky...the surroundings weren't ideal for picture taking. My face was shadowy, which I'm trying to say that I was looking into the sun. I believe now thinking back...I would have been better served coming here in the morning time. This way, the sun could be at my back and help lighten up the backdrop and possibly offer that colorful effect into the waters. Another factor... Coming to Bow Lake, all you have to do is pull into the parking lot and walk a short distance to the edge of the waters. It's simple. But, now being nit picky about my exploring, lol...I think Bow Lake could have been perfect if I viewed it from an overlook perspective, where I'm looking down on the landscape. I find (in my travels) that seeing something at eye level doesn't always do justice. I guess maybe that's why they created gondolas and sky trams? Another element was...since it was already late in the day bordering on early evening, maybe I never gave myself enough exploring time around the lake to find those colorful perspectives. I think, just, when you compare Bow Lake to Peyto Lake, the comparisons much favored Peyto Lake, in my eyes. Ultimately, while writing this...Bow Lake is still fantastic and very, very worthwhile for stopping at while driving Icefields Parkway. Some last extras... - Here at Bow Lake, you can start the trailhead for Bow Glacier Falls - a 9 kilometer roundtrip hike that was recommended by other tourists. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to hike it. - I used 20 - 25 minutes to casually walk over to Bow Lake's edge and admire the views. There's nothing like taking in sights of snowcapped mountains among nature. - Make sure to stop at Crowfoot Glacier before you arrive here...and stop at Peyto Lake once you leave here. - This section of Icefields Parkway is probably the most scenic you'll find along the journey from downtown Lake Louise north to Jasper...and vice versa. - Remember, if you can...visit here in the morning time. - Lastly, I came to Bow Lake in the middle of June, 2022...and the conditions were perfect outside without rain or wind. Also, there weren't many tourists around for the season yet, so I'm glad I got a head start seeing the popular attractions without all the congestion. Alright, well, this is Bow Lake, located along Icefields Parkway within the Lake Louise area of Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.

    Beautiful and scenic stop along the Highway of the lake. Amazing blue colour that is so clear and…read morereflective of the mountains and tree. The mountains in the background with snow peaks adds to the majestic view. Definitely a great stop to take photos that's quick and easy.

    Photos
    Bow Lake - Nothing like snowcapped mountains surrounding you.

    Nothing like snowcapped mountains surrounding you.

    Bow Lake - The waters of Bow Lake weren't colorful when I visited in the middle of June, but still so picturesque here.

    The waters of Bow Lake weren't colorful when I visited in the middle of June, but still so picturesque here.

    Bow Lake - Happy to be here.

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    Happy to be here.

    Lake Minnewanka

    Lake Minnewanka

    4.7(26 reviews)
    53.6 km

    There is nothing more beautiful than visiting a glacial lake in the middle of Banff National Park…read more This lake was one of our first stops for viewing and hiking. Lake Minnewanka is 142 meters deep (465 feet) and 21 kilometers (13 miles) long. It is the closest lake to the town of Banff and it is the largest lake in the park. The color of the lake is so striking with jewel tones of emerald, it is so clear and clean. The beautiful color comes from the glacial meltwater. Minnewanka means "Water of the Spirits" and there is a legend that when the Stoney people would travel in the neighborhood of the lake, they could hear voices of the resident spirits. The lake offers plenty of recreation opportunities such as picnicking, hiking, taking a cruise, renting a canoe or kayak, rent a motorboat, or fishing for lake trout and mountain whitefish, and relaxing lakeside. Swimming is not recommended as the water is pretty frigid. The most unique thing about this lake is the town of Minnewanka Landing. In the early 1800's, it was once a thriving resort town. When the lake was dammed in 1941 to provide power to Banff and Calgary the water rose and now all that's left is a ghost town underwater. We decided to take a trail and hike. We were there in September and we were cautiously aware that bear season was approaching. We did not hike too far just about five miles around the lake's perimeter and returned as we had no bear spray. The scenery with the surrounding mountains was absolutely stunning and gorgeous. I believe the trail was the Stewart Canyon - Aylmer Pass Junction. On our way out, we got to see a couple of big horn sheep roadside. So cute! So much to see here and a great way to start our trip in Banff National Park. Love CANADA!!

    I know Moraine Lake and Lake Louise get all the glory, but I actually really liked Lake Minnewanka…read more It was less crowded and there were more things to do. They had boat cruises and you could rent a canoe, kayak, or motorized boat. Also, it was convenient and fast to take the Roam Transit 6 bus here. Also, it seems like all the wedding photoshoots were here since it's less crowded and you don't have to hike very far to get really great pictures. My tip - just follow the wedding photographers, they know the best spots to get good shots. The pier was just nice to hang out and take pictures as well.

    Photos
    Lake Minnewanka
    Lake Minnewanka
    Lake Minnewanka - September 2022

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    September 2022

    Lake Louise - lakes - Updated July 2026

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