Picture cascading mountain ranges culminating around a glistening lake. Add a grandiose castle in the foreground and it sets the stage for what is a standard sight at Lake Louise in Alberta’s rocky mountains, Canada. The castle is the stately Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Lake Louise in Banff National Park
This glorious region is breathtaking during the summer. Wild animals can be seen roving the landscape and roughly 1,000 glaciers feed glossy streams. It’s easy to take a deep breath and forget the city. Well, until you reach the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Hiking at the Chateau Lake Louise
Camera-toting tourists congregate around the picturesque lake, arriving in busloads and standing there in awe. Fortunately, it’s easy to escape them and it only takes about 30 seconds. The chateau offers guests guided hikes around the lake that completely erase any sound of happy tourists. These walks can also be done solo for those who have knowledge of the outdoors (ex. know what to do if they encounter a bear).
Hikes run from 2.3 km (1.4 mi) and one hour up to 11 km (7 mi) and four hours. The remote Lake Agnes & Tea House takes travellers up 385 m (1,260 ft), while the Saddleback Pass goes up to 610 m (2,000 ft) in altitude. For those inclined, there is also canoeing on the lake, horseback riding and plain ol’ strolling.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel
A far cry from the original Chalet Lake Louise, which was a single-level Canadian Pacific Railway hotel built in 1890, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise can accommodate guests in 554 rooms. The drive from Banff takes about 45 minutes.
Lake Louise Restaurant
If the theme is classic Canadian Pacific Railway, then a dinner at the Historic Railway Station and Restaurant (200 Sentinel Road, 403-522-2882) is a must. The building is the oldest in Lake Louise, built in 1909, and is filled with the warmth that history creates. Wood floors, tri-partite leaded glass windows, the lounge ceiling and fireplaces have been restored to their original conditions.
The menu has a nice mix of casual food and some upscale options. The salads are creative and large, while the entrees range from burgers ($15.50) and pasta ($19) to duck confit ($25) and a salmon filet ($30).
A special option is to eat in the vintage dining cars. Currently, they’re only open for functions (popular events are weddings, anniversaries and birthdays), so you have to book ahead. 42 people can fit inside and different menus can be arranged.
Lake Louise Travel
Really take the time to drive around the surrounding region of striking Lake Louise in the Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The folks at Travel Alberta (1-800-ALBERTA) can assist with travel plans in and out of the province.
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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