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Lake Louise, Alberta is one of those jaw-droppingly beautiful places that absolutely must be on any Canadian road trip itinerary. It’s got everything you need: a beautiful turquoise lake, epic mountain views, great shopping, tons of things to do, and – most important of all – delicious places to eat!
From casual hang-out spots to fine dining with gorgeous views to post-hike treats, there are a few amazing restaurants in Lake Louise to check out on your next trip! We’ve been lucky enough to have visited Lake Louise on countless occasions. And every time we go, we check out different restaurants in the area (we love a great meal!)
Based on our favorites, we’ve written this blog about the absolute best restaurants in Lake Louise. This blog includes everything from delicious takeaway cafes to fine-dining experiences. So no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find an amazing restaurant in Lake Louise perfect for your travels.
12 BEST Restaurants in Lake Louise
1. Lake Louise Village Grill
After a day outside exploring the natural beauty of Lake Louise, you’ll likely be hungry! The Lake Louise Village Grill is the best place to go for a casual burger and beer and just hang out and relax. It has a family-friendly vibe, with a bit of a fine-dining twist: epic views of the surrounding mountains right from the restaurant!
They serve a mix of Western and Asian dishes, and prices are affordable at around $15-$25 CAD for most entrees. This is also a great spot to catch the game as they have TVs in the dining area with sports playing. The Grill is open until 2:00 am, so it’s a good choice if you want a night out with some friends.
Now I must say, this isn’t a fancy place to eat. It is more casual and the last couple of times I went there I was a little disappointed with the service. With that said, the prices were great for happy hour which has kept me coming back (the mountain views helped too!)
I will warn you though, go early! This place literally has a line out the door some nights!
Related Read: Heading to Lake Louise from Calgary? Check out our guide to driving from Calgary to Lake Louise including the absolute best places to stop along the way!
2. Alpine Social
The Alpine Social has a home-away-from-home atmosphere. Pair that with their comfort food dishes and hand-crafted cocktails and you are sure to feel nothing but satisfaction.
It is conveniently located in the Fairmont Château right next to Lake Louise, making it a great stop after a hike around the lake. You won’t be disappointed by this culinary experience for lunch or dinner and the views are simply a bonus!
Luckily for you, Alpine Social is the only restaurant (besides the Afternoon Tea Experience) inside the Fairmont that is open to non-hotel guests.
After you’ve spent all day adventuring around Lake Louise, it’s time to sit back and relax with dinner and drinks. Alpine Social crafts alpine-inspired local food that is quite frankly hearty and delicious.
You can also stop in at the bar for a local beer or craft cocktail. This is always my favorite way to end a hike!
Reserve your table online, as it is a popular spot and hotel guests receive first priority! The restaurant is open year-round, so this can be a treat whenever you make it to Lake Louise.
The hours at Alpine Social are Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 1 am and Sunday to Thursday from 5 pm – 12 am. Note: food service ends at 11 pm.
3. Bill Peyto’s Cafe
A great budget-friendly restaurant in Lake Louise is Bill Peyto’s Cafe. Although less fancy, this place is very popular with raving reviews on TripAdvisor.
On a recent trip to Lake Louise, I stayed at the Hi Lake Louise Alpine Center (a great budget hotel option). Bill Peyto’s Cafe is actually located in the hotel so I really had no choice but to check it out for myself.
As it turns out, this place is actually a local favorite with hearty meals, a relaxed atmosphere, and affordable prices for both food and drinks. Every night I stayed there the restaurant was packed with visitors, the local police, and park rangers.
After eating there for myself I can totally see why – the food is amazing!
Dan and I shared a burger and a pasta dish and loved them both! I was actually annoyed that we ate there on our last night in Lake Louise – I would have been there every night if I knew it was that good!
4. Whitehorn Bistro
One of the best things to do in Lake Louise is to go skiing! The Lake Louise Ski Resort is a large and scenic downhill resort; skiers and snowboarders love the 160 runs over 4,200 acres of diverse terrain. And whether you are there during the winter, or exploring the resort in the summer, you should stop off at Whitehorn Bistro for a bite to eat!
The Bistro is located at 2,042 meters (6,699 ft) above sea level, so you better believe the views are epic! There are panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains from every corner of the restaurant.
They serve a delicious menu of contemporary Canadian dishes, such as the famous Whitehorn burger, charcuterie board, or cheese fondue. The dishes are made up of local and in-season ingredients so you know what you’re eating is high quality and fresh! The restaurant is only open until 3 pm, so this should be a lunch stop while enjoying your day at the resort.
While prices are reasonable at around $25-30 CAD, you can also save by taking advantage of the Ride & Dine ticket, which combines the Lake Louise Gondola ride with your meal for $70 CAD for breakfast and $75 CAD for lunch!
Related Read: The Lake Louise Ski Resort is one of the best stops on any road trip from Jasper to Banff – find out about some other great places to check out!
5. The Station Restaurant
One place I love to go for lunch in Lake Louise is The Station Restaurant. This restaurant is unique in the fact that it’s located at the old train station and is actually a heritage site you can walk around and explore – kids love it!
However, what I really come for is the food and service. Every meal I’ve had here is delicious but my favorite is the beef stew (pictured above!) It’s thick, filled with rustic-style veggies, and huge chunks of Alberta Beef. On top of that, the service is second to none so it’s always a pleasure. Hands down, The Station is one of the best restaurants in Lake Louise.
Expect to pay between $18-25 CAD for a lunch main and $25-58 CAD for a dinner main. They are open Wednesday to Friday from 5 pm to 8:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4 pm and 5 to 8:30 pm.
They are conveniently located in the Samson Mall, near the Lake Louise Visitor Centre, off the main road into town. From most hotels in Lake Louise, it is within walking distance.
6. Trailhead Café
Starting your day right is super important. For me, it always starts with a coffee and a bite to eat. There are two cafes in Lake Louise Village and my favorite is the Trailhead Café.
There’s not much to say about this tasty little cafe except that the coffee is delicious and the food is also. This place can get busy first thing in the morning but it’s worth the wait.
Trailhead has very limited seating, so I recommend grabbing your food to go. This is the perfect place to stop at on your way to a hike or tour in the area. You can also get sandwiches to go here which are the perfect packed lunch for any of the hikes in the Banff area. The last time I hike the Larch Valley Trail I grabbed my lunch from Trailhead and I wasn’t disappointed.
Expect to pay around $5.50 CAD for a coffee, $10 CAD for a hot breakfast meal, and $13 CAD for a sandwich. They also have a variety of baked goods to choose from including a wide range of delicious cakes.
Related Read: Another great hike in Lake Louise is Consolation Lakes – one of the best things to do at Moraine Lake if you ask me!
7. Lake Agnes Tea House
Lake Louise is popular in the winter for the close access to skiing and snowboarding in addition to skating and snowshoeing on the frozen lake. However, the summer in Lake Louise offers one of the best activities to take advantage of – hiking! There are so many awesome hikes in and around the area.
And the best part of hiking, as I’m sure any hiker will agree, is the post-hike snacks and drinks! The best place to do so is the Lake Agnes Tea House! This adorable tea house is located at the beautiful Lake Agnes, which is a 7 km (4.3 mi) roundtrip hike from Lake Louise. It takes about three hours to complete and has an elevation gain of 400 m (1,312 ft). It’s a good option for those who are moderate hikers.
The Lake Agnes Tea House was built back in 1901, serving hikers with fine loose-leaf teas to refresh themselves! And, it still serves those amazing teas – in addition to coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods – to visitors who come from all over the world.
The tea house is only open during the summer months (June to early October) from 8 am – 5 pm.
Hot Tip: Arrive early to ensure you can get parking at Lake Louise, otherwise you should arrange to ride the Park and Ride shuttle.
Related Read: For more awesome hikes in the area check out our blog about the best easy hikes near Canmore – this blog includes info about plenty of different hikes that are all easily accessible from Lake Louise.
8. Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
Okay, are you ready for another hike + tea house combo? The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House is yet another amazing, quaint tea house accessible exclusively by hiking in. It’s a 5.6 km (3.5 mi) hike from Chateau Lake Louise, with 360 m (1,181 ft) of elevation. The tea house is nestled right in the peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the views are truly amazing.
This place is truly a unique experience. To preserve its authenticity and original way of life (it was built in 1927), there is no electricity at the tea house. Instead, all food and drinks are prepared over propane stoves, with supplies that are flown or hiked in.
You can enjoy a variety of delicious meals, like homemade soups and sandwiches, along with different teas from the Banff Tea Co. Prices are very reasonable ($5-15 CAD); cash is the preferred mode of payment, and credit cards are subject to a $4 CAD fee.
For the 2023 season, the Plain of Six Glacier Tea House will open on June 4th at 9 am.
9. The Snowshoe Cafe
The Snow Cafe made our list of best restaurants in Lake Louise because of its iconic location – on the edge of Moraine Lake! This small cafe is more of a place to grab something to go rather than enjoy a sit-down meal, but with one of the most beautiful places in Banff at its doorstep, we just had to include it!
The Snowshoe Café is Moraine Lake’s very own boutique café serving all your favorites including delicious coffee. Even in the summer, it can be bitterly cold at Moraine Lake and there’s no better way to warm up or wake up, than with a hot brew in your hand. If it’s raining in Banff National Park, then escaping to the cafe for a little while is a good idea too!
The Snowshoe Cafe is located in Moraine Lake Lodge and besides coffee, also sells plenty of food items that are perfect to-go. They have breakfast foods such as quiches and croissants, or if you want, sandwiches for lunch too. My best advice is to grab a coffee and a bite to eat and go for a walk. Find a nice quiet spot along the Lakeshore Trail and enjoy a picnic!
Note: Getting to Moraine Lake is a huge challenge since there’s no public parking allowed anymore so be sure to read our blog before you go!
Best Restaurants Inside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an iconic landmark in Lake Louise and a place to splurge and treat yourself! Inside this grand hotel, they don’t slack on dining options and while the hotel used to allow the public to get a taste of luxury by eating at their various restaurants and cafes, unfortunately, this is no longer the case (except for Alpine Social as mentioned above).
If however, you are splurging and staying at this hotel, here’s an inside look at their top dining options that are sure to delight your tastebuds.
10. Fairview Bar & Restaurant
The location of the Fairview Bar & Restaurant could not be better, as the dining room looks out over the beautiful Lake Louise. They are a fine dining location, perfect for a date night or to celebrate a special occasion with loved ones. The romantic ambiance makes it a popular restaurant in Lake Louise for anyone staying at Fairmont Chateau for a Banff National Park honeymoon.
Food options are inspired by the Rocky Mountains, with delicious local ingredients taking center stage.
As an upscale restaurant, prices are on the more expensive side, with dinner entrees averaging $50-60 CAD. They are open for afternoon tea from 12-2:30 pm, as well as from 5-11 pm for dinner, so you can stop in for a bite to eat during the day, or go for a night late-night drink.
Note: From May until mid-October, you’ll be required to pay $36.75 CAD per vehicle per day to park at Lake Louise Lakefront (2024 updated price). The paid parking is in effect from 3 am until 7 pm daily.
11. Lakeview Lounge
The Lakeview Lounge is located right in the lobby of the Fairmont Chateau and offers a more relaxed and budget-friendly way for hotel guests to enjoy the luxurious environment of the Fairmont. There are gorgeous views of the lake and mountains right from the dining area. In the summertime, you can sit right on the patio and soak up the sun and fresh mountain air.
They are open for brunch, lunch, and dinner daily from 11 am to 9:30 pm and they serve a wide variety of Canadian dishes, including vegan options. Dinner mains average around $30 CAD, or you can go for the “Prix Fixe” for $65 CAD, choosing an appetizer, main, and dessert!
The Lakeview Lounge has a broad beverage menu, so this is also a great option if you are looking for a mid-afternoon coffee break or a pre-dinner cocktail!
Related Read: Check out all the best winter activities in Lake Louise
12. The Walliser Stube
You might be getting the idea by now… The Fairmont Chateau is worth staying at just to have access to all of these amazing dining options! The Walliser Stube is a cozy pub-style restaurant with dark wood decor and, of course, great views!
This restaurant has a very warm and homey vibe, similar to something you might find up in the Alps! It’s the perfect place to warm up in the winter after a day outside skating or snowshoeing.
Their cheese or chocolate fondue is the obvious choice and is said to be the best outside of Switzerland! You can even get the Chateau Experience which includes cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, and a wine pairing starting at $95 CAD for each person (with a minimum of two people).
Things to do While in Lake Louise
Besides eating, there is lots to do in and around Lake Louise! Plus, a delicious restaurant is best enjoyed after a day of exploring. We have a full list of the best things to do in Lake Louise, but I put together a few of my can’t-miss activities while you’re here.
- Ride the Lake Louise Gondola – The Lake Louise Gondola is the perfect summertime activity, where you can enjoy some amazing views and maybe spot some wildlife too! There are viewing platforms, hiking routes, and even a restaurant at the top, so you can make a day of it. Tickets for the gondola cost $65 CAD per adult and can be booked here.
- Hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House – My favorite hike in Lake Louise is the Lake Agnes Tea House trail. Starting right from the lakeshore, the trail has you hiking high above Lake Louise where you can peer down and see parts of the lake from above. It’s a 7.3 km (4.5 mi) return track that is moderately difficult but not technical at all!
- Walk on a Glacier – Seeing the Athabasca Glacier up close is pretty cool (literally!), so if you can check out this tour of the Columbia Icefield where you get to ride in an Ice Explorer vehicle and drink pure glacier water – what an awesome day trip this was! If you need a ride, this glacier tour includes transport from nearby Banff.
- See the sunrise at Moraine Lake – If you don’t mind being a bit of an early bird, it’s worth the effort to get out of bed to see the sunrise at Moraine Lake! It’s a bit complicated to get to Moraine Lake since the road is closed to public vehicles, so the best options are this private shuttle or taking this award-winning sunrise tour.
- Eat at a delicious restaurant – Located inside The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an amazing restaurant you just have to try. The Fairview Bar & Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Lake Louise. The location could not be better, as the dining room looks out over the lake. It’s a fine dining location, perfect for a date night or to celebrate a special occasion.
Where to Stay in Lake Louise
If you have more than just one day to spend in Lake Louise, then you’ll need to find somewhere to stay overnight. Of course, with being such a small village, there are limited places to stay in Lake Louise, so you should book online well in advance. Below are our favorite places to stay in all budget categories:
Hi Lake Louise Alpine Center
For budget travelers, the Hi Lake Louise Alpine Center is the best option in Lake Louise Village. To be honest, I find it to be one of the nicest hostels in Canada, considering that there aren’t many of them! The location is right in town, they have a shared kitchen basic but comfortable rooms, and friendly staff. A dorm bed here goes for around $66 CAD.
You can book a stay on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Lake Louise Inn
The Lake Louise Inn is still a budget option but a little fancier than the above hostel. The hotel features a renovated lodge-type style through the lobby and rooms and some of the amenities include an indoor pool, an onsite restaurant, and a bar. The modern rooms are super clean and spacious and there are even apartments with kitchens for larger groups. Prices will vary a lot based on the season but a typical price for a standard double room in peak season would be around $300 CAD.
You can easily check availability and book a stay at Lake Louise Inn online with Booking.com.
Fairmont Château Lake Louise
For those with a bigger budget, you can’t look past the Fairmont Château Lake Louise (especially after seeing all the incredible restaurants from this post!). The hotel sits on the shoreline of Lake Louise with epic views in the most stunning of locations. Their health club is complete with a heated indoor pool and fitness center. There’s also a spa and salon for your convenience. I’ve added spending a night or two here to my personal bucket list! The price per night averages around $700 CAD.
You can check availability and book the Fairmont Château Lake Louise on Booking.com.
Parks Canada Pass Quick Info
If you plan on spending time in Canada’s national parks (including Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Kootenay, and more) then you’re going to have to pay for a Parks Pass.
Single Daily Admission:
This type of pass is valid for one person for one day. It is ONLY the best value if you are traveling alone and only plan to visit a national park for a couple of days.
- Adult (ages 18-64) is $11 CAD
- Senior (65+) is $9.50 CAD
- Youth/Child (17 or younger) is FREE
Group Daily Admission:
If you’re traveling in a group or with family, you can buy a single-day admission for your entire vehicle (up to 7 people in one vehicle.)
- $22.00 CAD gets your entire vehicle entry for one full day
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
The “Discovery Pass” is what Parks Canada calls their year-long (365 days from the purchase date), multi-park entry pass. This pass will give 365 days of access to all participating national parks in Canada. This includes the most popular parks like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke, and so much more.
- Adult (age 18-64) – $75.25 CAD
- Senior (65+) – $64.50 CAD
- Group/Family (up to 7 people in one vehicle) – $151.25 CAD
Hot Tip: Although more expensive up front, if you plan on spending more than 7 days in different parks in Canada within a 12-month period, then the Discovery Pass is actually the better deal!
Parks Canada Passes can be bought online here or at one of the Visitor Centers or booths at the entrance to many national parks.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Well, there you have it! Some of the best places to eat and drink in the beautiful Lake Louise. Whether you opt for a fine dining experience or prefer a rustic post-hike reward, there are some pretty epic places to check out.
We hope you enjoy exploring these awesome restaurants and love your stay in Lake Louise!
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out a few of our other favorites:
Melissa
Thursday 9th of June 2022
Thank you for the reviews of the restaurants! We are traveling to Lake Louise for our 30th wedding anniversary for our first visit to Canada.