Lake Louise
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is both an actual lake and a nearby village located in the Canadian province of Alberta in Banff National Park. The unique emerald colour of the lake comes from rock flour carried into the lake by melt-water from the glaciers that overlook the lake. Recreational activities in the area comprise hiking, scrambling and exceptional down-hill skiing.
In 1882, guided by a Stoney Indian, Tom Wilson became the first white man to discover what native Indians called “Lake of Little Fishes”. He named his discovery Emerald Lake, but it was later altered by the Geographic Board to Lake Louise in honour of Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, fourth daughter of Queen Victoria.
Romantic and relaxing, the pace in Lake Louise attracts people who want to savour the finer things of life; a good book in front of a fireplace, the stillness of the outdoors, or a quiet walk after dinner. The Chateau Lake Louise presents lake-side views of the towering Victoria Glacier, offering old-world charm and elegance amidst the wilderness. The lower village of Lake Louise holds an array of fine dining, first class accommodations and shopping. A scenic drive will bring visitors to the awe-inspiring Moraine Lake.
The lake can be reached by following Lake Louise Drive for a few kilometres up a fairly steep winding grade. Even with several large lots at the lake, parking is at a premium between 11am and 3pm in July and August. About two-thirds the method up Lake Louise Drive, the 15 kilometre road to Moraine Lake branches off to the southwest.
Banff National Park is a comfortable ninety minute drive west of Calgary in the province of Alberta, via the four-lane, year round Trans Canada Highway. The area is easily accessible with numerous international and charter airlines offering flights from around the world. Banff and Lake Louise are also serviced by rail, charter coach and programmed bus services. Major car rental agencies are conveniently located in Banff, Lake Louise and Calgary. Banff and Lake Louise are joined by a spectacular forty minute drive through the Bow Valley.