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Planning a winter trip to Lake Louise? You’re in for something special.
Lake Louise looks like a scene from inside a snow globe during the winter months. You can skate on the frozen lake, snowshoe along quiet trails, and bundle up on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. We live in Canmore, which is less than an hour from Lake Louise, so we’ve visited in every season, but winter always leaves us speechless.
If it’s your first time here, I’m honestly a bit jealous, because you’re about to experience one of Canada’s most stunning winter landscapes. To help you plan, here are the 12 best things to do in Lake Louise in winter.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did this Banff National Park tour! This easily let us see the park’s highlights, including Lake Louise, Marble Canyon, downtown Banff, and more – all in one day!
Check out the 2,400+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Lake Louise in Winter
- 1. Spot the local wildlife
- 2. Explore Banff National Park's best sights
- 3. Go skating on Lake Louise
- 4. Ride the Banff Gondola
- 5. Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- 6. Go stargazing
- 7. Hike to Fairview Lookout
- 8. Go on an ice walk in Johnston Canyon
- 9. Snap unbelievable photos at Abraham Ice Bubble Lake
- 10. Ride the Lake Louise Winter Gondola
- 11. Explore Lake Louise by horse-drawn sleigh
- 12. Go cross-country skiing on the Moraine Lake Road Trail
- Where to Stay in Lake Louise
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Alberta
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in Lake Louise in Winter
1. Spot the local wildlife
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 2 pm
- Highlights: Scenic tour of Banff’s top landmarks and hidden gems, incredible mountain viewpoints, expert wildlife tracking, chance to spot elk, wolves, and more, stories and local insights from your guide
- Inclusions: Small-group transport, certified local guide, wildlife viewing equipment, refreshments, hotel pick-up, and drop-off
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Banff is home to some truly incredible wildlife, and this small group tour is hands down the best way to see it! We were so excited for this tour, and we were right to feel that way because within 15 minutes of setting off, we were winding up Mount Norquay for panoramic views over Banff and the surrounding peaks.
But of course, the real highlight was the wildlife itself. Our guide, Jacob, took us to lots of hidden spots far away from the crowds, and boy, did it pay off! We saw bighorn sheep, a herd of elk grazing by Two Jack Lake, and even a fox darting into the trees.
Our bus had large panoramic windows, which meant that everyone had a great view, and we were able to spot plenty of wildlife but stay nice and warm within the bus. And while some might say you could simply drive around looking for wildlife on your own, we think it’s nice to sit back and enjoy the experience, and let the expert guides navigate!
Lake Minnewanka and the nearby glacial lakes were absolutely gorgeous, and the short walks to places like the Hoodoos and Bow Falls gave us time to stretch and soak in the views. It never felt rushed, and we appreciated the thoughtful little extras Jacob provided, such as hot drinks and binoculars. He really had considered everything.
The tour leaves from Banff Train Station, which is a 30-minute drive from Lake Louise. We think it’s totally worth the trip, and 700+ happy reviewers agree!
Check availability and book this small group wildlife tour here!
2. Explore Banff National Park’s best sights
- Duration: 8–10 hours
- Time: 9:20 am
- Highlights: Lake Louise, Banff town, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, scenic winter viewpoints
- Inclusions: Private guide, transport, crampons, hotel pickup, and drop-off
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 2,600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Exploring Banff National Park on this award-winning tour is one of the best ways to experience the Rockies, whether it’s your first time or your fifth! The small-group setup means you’ll get personalized attention, and your guide will tailor the day to avoid crowds so you get to see Banff at its most serene.
The tour starts with the iconic Lake Louise, where the frozen lake and Fairmont Château create the most picture-perfect winter scene imaginable. During winter, it also takes you to Marble Canyon, where you’ll strap on some ice cleats and walk along the suspended catwalks above sparkling frozen waterfalls. It’s truly amazing at this time of year! Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about the area while helping you navigate the icy paths safely.
Later, you’ll have time to explore Banff town and grab lunch, then visit Surprise Corner and Bow Falls. We always love visiting Surprise Corner because it offers fantastic views of the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, and it looks even better when the castle is covered in snow. Your guide will be on hand to offer photography tips to help you capture all of these breathtaking wintery views!
What really makes this tour stand out is that it’s a small group experience with fun-loving guides who know the area really well. And you don’t just have to take our word for it because there are thousands of 5-star reviews that attest to that!
Check availability and book this top-rated sightseeing tour here!
3. Go skating on Lake Louise
We may be biased since we live close by, but I think Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful places to skate in the world. Every winter, a huge section of the lake is cleared of snow so you can skate with the backdrop of the Rockies.
The best part is that if you have your own skates, this activity is completely free. If you don’t have your own skates, you can rent them at Alpine Social Rentals right at the lake. Skate rental starts at $33 CAD for 2 hours, and they also rent hockey sticks.
The ice skating rink on Lake Louise usually opens in mid-December until mid-April (weather dependent of course). If you want an extra magical experience, visit in the evening! Skating under the stars and moon is incredible and you may even get the ice all to yourself.
4. Ride the Banff Gondola
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple departures throughout the day
- Highlights: Scenic gondola ascent to Sulphur Mountain summit, panoramic views across six mountain ranges, access to ridge-top boardwalks and interpretive exhibits
- Inclusions: Round‑trip gondola tickets, access to summit boardwalks, and an interpretive centre
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 2,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
A visit to downtown Banff is an absolute must when exploring the Canadian Rockies, and if there’s one activity you shouldn’t miss, it’s the Banff Gondola! It’s hands-down the most popular attraction in town, and for good reason.
The panoramic views from the top of Sulphur Mountain are spectacular, and the 8-minute gondola ride to the top is fun in itself!
We recommend walking the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak, a national historic site, or heading up to the 360-degree rooftop observation deck. The summit building also features interactive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre, and a few restaurants with epic views.
It can get quite windy and cold at the top, so you’ll want to be prepared with the proper winter gear. I’m talking about a good jacket, hat, gloves, and warm footwear. It’s especially cold on the boardwalk!
If it’s a bit too cold for your liking, there are still fun indoor things to do. The interpretive centre has unique exhibits, as well as indoor viewing areas. I love sitting in the cafe, enjoying a hot cup of coffee while taking in the views, and if you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by the restaurants for a bite to eat.
Since the winter brings shorter days, the gondola’s operating hours are also a bit shorter, so check the times before you go. But it’s actually much calmer during the winter, and seeing the valley dusted in snow is simply breathtaking!
Read thousands of 5-star reviews and book your gondola tickets here!
5. Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is hands down one of the most iconic places to stay in the Canadian Rockies. It sits right on the edge of Lake Louise, and it looks more like a grand castle than a hotel. Every room offers stunning views of either the turquoise lake or the beautiful Château grounds – just imagine waking up to mountain and glacier panoramas every morning, and you’ll start to understand why this place is so popular!
As well as giving you a front row seat to Lake Louise’s legendary beauty, this hotel has all the luxury perks you could want: a heated indoor pool, a top-notch fitness center, and a full-service spa to relax after a day outdoors.
There are also two incredible restaurants on site: the Fairview Dining Room, which serves fresh, local dishes, and the Walliser Stube, which offers mouthwatering cheese and chocolate fondues, plus a fantastic selection of wine. Both of these spots are now guest-only (a relatively new rule), so staying here gives you exclusive access to not one but two of Lake Louise’s best restaurants!
During the winter months, the hotel even clears the snow on a section of the frozen lake out front so that guests can go ice skating. Seriously, does it get any more magical than starting your day skating in front of a snow-dusted castle? (Short answer: no!)
You probably won’t be surprised to learn that staying here is a bit of a splurge, but if you’ve got the budget for it, it’s worth it for this unforgettable experience. The Fairmont Chateau is not just a bed for the night, it’s an attraction in its own right!
Ready to spoil yourself? Book your stay at the iconic Fairmont Chateau here!
6. Go stargazing
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 6 pm or 6:30 pm
- Highlights: Nighttime forest walk, stargazing, spotting constellations, listening to coyote howls, panoramic mountain views
- Inclusions: Local guide, walking tour, headlamps and lanterns, telescope for stargazing, small-group experience
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 180+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
What’s the best way to see Banff National Park at night? By joining this incredible sunset and stargazing tour, of course! We had such a magical experience exploring the park after dark. Banff is part of the Rocky Mountain Dark Sky Corridor, so the night sky here looks amazing, and it’s a side of Banff that most visitors never get to see.
The evening started at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, which is about a 40-minute drive from Lake Louise Village. Our guide greeted us and helped everyone get ready with headlamps and any equipment we needed. Then we set off into the park, where we walked along some flat trails as we admired the spectacular sunset. As the stars came out, our guide pointed out constellations and shared stories about the night sky.
When darkness fully fell, the Milky Way appeared in all its glory. It was truly incredible, and winter is the best time of year to spot the Aurora Borealis. But even if you don’t see the Northern Lights, the stars are absolutely spellbinding.
The walk itself was about 5.6 km (3.5 miles), and we took it at a leisurely pace. I’d say it’s pretty easy for most travelers, as long as you wrap up warm! It was great to have a guide with us to ensure that we didn’t get lost in the dark. It meant we could just enjoy the wilderness without worrying!
Book this epic stargazing tour here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
7. Hike to Fairview Lookout
In winter, many of the best hikes in Lake Louise are either too dangerous to hike or not suited to most visitors. With that said, there is one trail that, even in winter, is accessible to most, and that’s Fairview Lookout.
This short 2.5-kilometer (1.6-mile) out-and-back leads to a stunning viewpoint over Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel. The trail begins at the Lake Louise foreshore, heading left past the boathouse before climbing to the viewpoint.
There are two ways to the top, one heading along the shoreline before ascending steeply to the top, and the other a more gradual climb (at the fork, turn left). You can take one up and the other down to create a nice loop.
In winter, though, the gradual climb is much safer, and I recommend going up and back down this way, especially if you don’t have ice cleats. Although possible without them, they help a lot!
8. Go on an ice walk in Johnston Canyon
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 8:30
- Highlights: Frozen waterfalls, canyon icewalk, stunning winter scenery, hot chocolate and cookies, small-group experience
- Inclusions: Local guide, transport, crampons/ice cleats, hiking poles, hot drinks and snacks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Johnston Canyon on this ice walk tour is one of the best ways to experience Banff National Park in winter! The small-group setup means you get personalized attention, and your guide ensures you can enjoy the canyon safely while avoiding crowds. And I’m telling you, it looks just incredible when it’s frozen!
It’s a unique way to see the Rockies when the landscape is transformed into a sparkling frozen wonderland. The tour starts with pickup from Banff hotels before heading to Johnston Canyon. When you get there, you’ll strap on the provided ice cleats and begin your hike along the steel walkways that wind through the canyon.
The canyon looks absolutely stunning when it’s covered in layers of glittering ice. Your guide will make sure you feel secure as you navigate the icy paths as you progress towards the lower and upper waterfalls. Seeing the waters frozen mid-cascade is a breathtaking experience!
After completing the hike, the tour wraps up with a warm cup of hot chocolate and a snack. It’s such a cute and cozy note to end on!
Johnston Canyon is a must-visit from Banff or Lake Louise at any time of year, but doing the icewalk in winter takes it to the next level. It’s an unforgettable adventure, and the hike isn’t too strenuous. If you want to see Banff’s winter beauty up close, this icewalk is absolutely unforgettable!
Read 450+ glowing reviews and book this ice walk tour here!
9. Snap unbelievable photos at Abraham Ice Bubble Lake
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Time: 9 am or 9:50 am
- Highlights: Frozen bubbles at Abraham Lake, explore Lake Louise’s winter scenery, admire the snowy peaks near Peyto Lake, amazing photography opportunities
- Inclusions: Local guide, transport, crampons, hot drinks and blankets, hotel pickup and drop-off
- Rating: 5.0 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you ask me, one of the most amazing things to see in the Rockies during winter is the frozen ice bubbles at Abraham Lake! And this full-day tour makes it easy to see this incredible natural phenomenon without the stress of planning. It even includes everything you need, from transport and crampons to warm drinks and blankets!
The tour actually takes you to see a lot of the Rockies’ best winter scenery, but Abraham Lake is definitely the highlight. This lake is famous for its frozen methane bubbles trapped beneath the ice – I think it’s one of the most unique winter sights in the whole of Canada. Seeing them in person is unforgettable, and the lake is a photographer’s dream. In fact, your guide shows you the best spots to see and photograph the bubbles, which makes it easy to get amazing shots.
As well as visiting Abraham Lake, the tour takes you along the beautiful Icefields Parkway, which is one of the most spectacular roads in the entire world. You’ll get to see some of its most beautiful sights, including Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the Crowfoot Glacier. Peyto Lake is one of my favorite spots because it’s shaped like a dog’s head, and I love seeing Bow Lake when it’s quiet and surrounded by snowy peaks.
Check availability and book this unique sightseeing tour here!
10. Ride the Lake Louise Winter Gondola
Just because you don’t ski or snowboard doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the incredible views at Lake Louise Ski Resort! The winter sightseeing gondola is one of the few gondolas in the Rockies that operates during winter, giving everyone the chance to ride up into the mountains and enjoy the scenery without a ski lift ticket.
The gondola starts running at 10 am, and the last ride up is at 3:30 pm. Tickets cost $63 CAD per adult and can be purchased online in advance here. Once you reach the resort, simply hop into one of the enclosed gondolas and enjoy the ride up.
A few things to keep in mind: there are no facilities at the top in the winter, so you’ll want to dress warmly with a winter jacket, mitts, and proper footwear. You’ll be outside in the snow for the entire visit, but I promise that the views more than make up for it! From the summit, you can see Lake Louise and its surrounding peaks that just go on and on. And for more info, check out our complete guide to the Lake Louise gondola!
11. Explore Lake Louise by horse-drawn sleigh
I don’t think you can get a more Hallmark-worthy experience in Lake Louise than taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy landscape. The sleighs are traditionally styled and you can wrap up warm in cozy blankets while you admire views of the Fairmont Château and Victoria Glacier.
This is such a romantic experience for couples to do together, and you can even book a private two-seater cutter! There are also larger sleighs for families and groups of friends. Rides typically last for between 45 and 60 minutes, and there are at least five departures daily during the winter.
Rides run from mid-December to early April, weather permitting, so it’s best to book in advance, especially during the busy holiday season or Valentine’s Day. It costs $65 CAD per adult and $55 CAD per child, and children under 4 ride for free! You can find out more and book your winter sleigh ride here.
12. Go cross-country skiing on the Moraine Lake Road Trail
Cross-country skiing on the Moraine Lake Road Trail is one of the best ways to experience the Lake Louise area in winter. Once the road closes to vehicles, it becomes a wide, groomed trail that’s perfect for beginners, although as an experienced skier, I can tell you that it’s still beautiful enough to keep the more advanced among us entertained! The valley views along the route are stunning, with snow-covered peaks on either side and the occasional frozen creek here and there.
The full route is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) round trip, but you can turn around at any point, so don’t feel you have to do the entire thing. The trail is regularly groomed and easy to glide along, and most people stick to the safe section up to the viewpoint. We don’t recommend venturing past that point because it can put you at risk for avalanches.
If you don’t have your own skis, rentals are easy to find in Lake Louise Village. We can vouch for Wilson Mountain Sports, as they have a wide selection of gear and friendly staff who can help you get set up if you’re new to cross-country skiing.
Related Read: Planning a longer trip? Check out our best three-day Lake Louise winter itinerary here for a complete, day-by-day guide.
Where to Stay in Lake Louise
Now that you have a list of the top things to do in Lake Louise, you need somewhere perfect to stay! Lake Louise is often a day-trip destination, but if you can spend a few nights here, you’re in for a real treat. If these hotels have availability when you’re ready to book, they will be your best options, no matter what your budget is.
Fairmont Château Lake Louise – $$$
For those looking for a memorable stay, you can’t look past the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. The hotel sits on the shoreline of Lake Louise with epic views in the most stunning of locations. I’ve added spending a night or two here to my personal bucket list! There are also a few restaurants in the hotel that are exclusively available to hotel guests, not to mention the on-site spa.
Prices range by season but can be anywhere from $550 to $2,000+ CAD per night. You can book the Fairmont online here!
Lake Louise Inn – $$
The Lake Louise Inn is a cozy, cabin-inspired hotel at a moderate price point. The hotel features an indoor pool, an on-site restaurant and bar, modern rooms, and even apartments for larger groups. It basically has all the comforts you’d expect at a standard hotel, and the reviews are really good. Its location is also ideal, right in the heart of Lake Louise Village.
Prices range from $200 to $700 CAD per night. You can book the Lake Louise Inn online here!
Hi Lake Louise Alpine Center – $
For budget travelers, the Hi Lake Louise Alpine Center is the best option in Lake Louise Village. The location is right in town, they have a shared kitchen, basic but comfortable rooms, and friendly staff. You can choose between dorm rooms or private rooms. It is by far the cheapest place to stay in Lake Louise, and honestly, it’s a nice hostel, and we’ve actually stayed there a few times.
Dorm beds start for around $75 CAD per night, and you can book a private room for $200 CAD per night. Check prices and book it online at Booking.com!
Related Read: Looking for more great accommodation options? See our list of the best areas and hotels in Banff, including Lake Louise!
Renting a Car in Alberta
If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough! Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.
Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Check availability and prices on Discover Cars here!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Check out my review of Motorhome Republic here for tips before you book.
And if you’re planning to camp but don’t want to splurge on a huge RV, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!
In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
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.
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We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.
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Thanks for reading!
Lake Louise is truly one of our favorite winter escapes! Not only is the frozen lake stunning, but there are so many unique activities to do here. It feels like a completely different place than during the summer!
Before you go, stop and check out some of our other Canada blogs! As a Canadian myself, I’ve traveled all over the country during every season, so we have a lot of resources to help you plan your getaway. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination – cheers!
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Banff in the Winter: The Best 3-Day Itinerary
15 Best Things to do in Whistler, British Columbia in Winter