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Planning a trip to Lake Louise? Get ready to fall in love.
We live in Canmore, which is less than an hour’s drive from Lake Louise, so we visit all the time! There’s so much to do here, from glacier hikes to catching the sunrise at the legendary Moraine Lake. So now, after experiencing the best of what Lake Louise has to offer in every season, we’ve compiled our definitive guide to the best things to do here.
Whether you’re into scenic gondola rides, jaw-dropping hikes, or cozying up at the Fairmont Chateau, Lake Louise is packed with unforgettable experiences, and this guide includes all the details to help you plan the perfect visit. Let’s get started!
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 while staying in Lake Louise was this Columbia Icefield Tour! We loved the thrilling experience of walking on the Athabasca Glacier, learning from our expert guide, and then standing on the glass platform of the Skywalk.
Check out the 1,300+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- 1. Ride the Lake Louise Summer Gondola
- 2. Visit Moraine Lake
- 3. Explore the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield
- 4. Stay at the Fairmount Chateau
- 5. Go Hiking
- 6. Explore Banff and ride the Banff Gondola
- 7. Hike on a glacier
- 8. Explore Johnston Canyon on the hop-on hop-off bus
- 9. Spot the local wildlife
- 10. Drive the Bow Valley Parkway
- Where to Stay in Lake Louise
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Alberta
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
1. Ride the Lake Louise Summer Gondola
- Duration: 1 – 5 hours
- Time: Operates between 9 am – 4:30 pm
- Highlights: Scenic 14-minute gondola ride, panoramic views of Banff National Park, chance to spot grizzly bears and other wildlife, access to the Wildlife Interpretive Centre, mountaintop dining
- Inclusions: Gondola or chairlift ride, entry to the Wildlife Interpretive Centre
- Rating: 4.1 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for the best views in Lake Louise without an intense hike, the summer gondola is hands-down the way to go. We’ve done this ride more than once since living in Canmore makes it easy to pop over, and we promise, it never gets old!
There’s free parking at the base of the gondola, and once you arrive, you can choose to ride in either a fully enclosed gondola or an open chairlift. We always choose the chairlift when the weather’s good, but it’s up to you!
Keep your eyes peeled as you glide up the side of the mountain, because it’s an amazing opportunity to spot wildlife. In fact, the last time we rode the gondola, we were lucky enough to spot a grizzly bear wandering through the meadows below!
At the top, the views stretch out across the Bow Valley and over to Lake Louise, framed by glaciers and rugged peaks. You’ll find a mountaintop lodge up here where you can grab a snack or coffee, and the Wildlife Interpretive Centre is worth a stop too. It’s super educational and surprisingly fun, even if you’re not traveling with kids! There are also regular ranger talks about local bears and wildflowers, which we always enjoy.
If you go, my top tip would be to arrive early to beat the small rush and enjoy that fresh mountain air while it’s still crisp. Honestly, this is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the Rockies in summer!
Book your Summer Gondola tickets here and enjoy free cancellation!
2. Visit Moraine Lake
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: Departs between 4 am and 5:30 am
- Highlights: Sunrise at Moraine Lake, peaceful early access to Lake Louise, small-group experience, expert local guide, complimentary hot drinks, incredible photo opportunities
- Inclusions: Round-trip transport from Banff, certified local guide, headlamp rental, coffee/tea/hot chocolate, and bottled water
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Moraine Lake is one of the most stunning spots in the Rockies – that’s saying something! But it can get super crowded, and private vehicles can no longer access it. Fortunately, we’ve discovered that this sunrise tour allows you to experience both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise at their quietest and most beautiful. Trust me, it’s worth waking up early for!
Seriously, nothing can beat watching a dramatic sunrise over the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake, set against the backdrop of the jagged Ten Peaks. It’s one of the most beautiful things we’ve ever seen!
One thing we love about this tour is that you get 2 hours at Moraine Lake, which is way longer than most tours allow. After watching the sunrise, you can hike to the Rockpile (where we got engaged!) or stroll along a portion of the Lakeshore Trail. We also love renting a canoe here, which you can do at the Moraine Lake Lodge starting from $140 CAD+tax for an hour.
After Moraine Lake, it’s onto Lake Louise. It was still calm and quiet there when we arrived, and we loved being able to enjoy the lakefront without the usual tourist bustle. And if you don’t rent a canoe at Moraine Lake, you can always do that here instead!
This tour is a fantastic and easy way to see Moraine Lake at its finest, and we just loved how personal it felt. It’s no surprise that it has such glowing reviews – we would do it again in a heartbeat!
Book your spot on this epic sunrise tour here, before it sells out!
Moraine Lake Bus Company
If you prefer to visit Moraine Lake independently, we highly recommend booking a shuttle with Moraine Lake Bus Company. Sure, Parks Canada offers shuttles too—but we once made the mistake of using them and ended up waiting in line for HOURS just to get home!
With the Moraine Lake Bus Company, you can book a guaranteed seat and departure time, so there’s no stressful wait. They offer a wide range of dates and times, and you get to choose exactly when you want to leave.
The most popular options are the sunrise shuttle and early morning departures, so be sure to book well in advance. Plus, if your plans change, you can modify your booking up to 24 hours before—meaning you can even switch to another day if the weather isn’t looking great.
Shuttles pick up from Lake Louise Village or the Lake Louise Ski Resort parking lot (they’re the only company operating from this location) and drop you directly at Moraine Lake. You can also opt for a stop at Lake Louise or book their Lake Louise shuttle, which we always do—parking there is nearly impossible!
After taking this shuttle ourselves, we were impressed by how smooth and hassle-free the process was. It’s easily the most convenient way to visit Moraine Lake on your own.
Check availability and book the Moriane Lake Bus Company here!
3. Explore the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple departures between 10 am and 5 pm
- Highlights: Explore Athabasca Glacier on Ice Explorer, walk on the Glacier Skywalk, stunning views of the Sunwapta Valley and Rockies, expert local guide, access to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre
- Inclusions: Ice Explorer glacier tour, Glacier Skywalk admission, certified local guide, all safety equipment
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 1,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The Athabasca Glacier is another icon of the Canadian Rockies and guess what? This Columbia Icefield tour actually allows you to walk right on its surface!
This tour genuinely blew us away. It starts at the Discovery Centre, where we hopped onto a giant Ice Explorer. This is a rugged, all-terrain vehicle that basically looks like a snow bus on steroids!
We enjoyed a scenic drive across the ice, then we got to step out of the vehicle and walk around on the glacier itself. It was a totally surreal experience, and we even got to fill out bottles with freshly melted glacier water. It doesn’t get any purer than this!
After walking on the glacier, we then got to see the Columbia Icefield from a whole different perspective by visiting the Glacier Skywalk. This is a crazy glass walkway that justs out over the Sunwapta Valley. It’s a little scary to step out on it at first but I promise that the views are totally worth it!
Honestly, this tour is an epic experience and we learned so much about the icefield and glacier along the way. Don’t just take our word for it, either – check out thousands of 5-star reviews here!
Just make sure to book this tour in advance because it sells out fast! And trust me, you don’t want to chance your luck on the day. We did that and were left waiting for over 3 hours, so learn from our mistakes and reserve your spot ASAP!
Book this epic glacier adventure here!
4. Stay at the Fairmount Chateau
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 an amazing selection of wine. Both of these spots are now guest-only (a fairly 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!
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.
5. Go Hiking
Hiking is a must in Lake Louise! I mean, with all of that incredible scenery, how could you not want to go out and explore more? There are lots of hiking options, whether you’re a “casual stroll through the woods” type of hiker or a “summit a mountain” type of hiker. Here are a few of my favorite Lake Louise hikes:
Big Beehive
This is a popular hike that follows the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail (more on that next). After the initial 2 kilometers of nothingness, you’ll hit some switchbacks and finally sneak a peek at Lake Louise below. Then, you’ll see a junction that will take you more inland towards Big Beehive – follow that!
Shortly thereafter, you’ll reach the Big Beehive itself. This is a massive mountain sitting above Mirror Lakes, and it’s seriously impressive. This is only about 15 minutes away from the Lake Agnes Tea House.
Lake Agnes Tea House
As one of Lake Louise’s most popular hikes, the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail is a must! The hike to this historic tea house is a 7.4-kilometer (4.6-mile) trail, and while it’s rated as moderate, some beginner hikers will find the trail rather challenging. But there are plenty of spots to take breaks and enjoy the views.
Once you arrive at the tea house, you can enjoy the stunning blue waters of Lake Agnes and refuel with a snack and tea!
Fairview Lookout Trail
This trail to Fairview Lookout is a short, one-hour hike that takes you away from the busy crowds of the foreshore and up above to get sweeping views of Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Hotel! It’s 2.3 kilometers (1.5 miles) and is rated as an easy hike. There are a few sections that are steeper, but it’s short! Once you reach the top, the views are all worth it. This is an out-and-back trail that departs from the foreshore.
6. Explore Banff and 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 ride to get there is pretty fun too!
Before you head to the gondola, we highly recommend heading to Banff Ave Brewing for a beer! It’s our favorite spot in town for craft beer – and trust me, we’ve really done our research on this topic! Take the time to stroll along vibrant, pedestrian-friendly Bear Street, too. It really sums up what downtown Banff is all about!
Then, when you’re ready, head on over to the Banff Gondola for a scenic ride up Sulphur Mountain. The ride up takes 8 minutes and the views are spectacular, but they only get better once you reach the summit!
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. Just keep in mind it can get chilly at the top, even in summer, so bring a layer with you!
This is one of the easiest ways to experience Banff’s alpine beauty without a strenuous hike. Whether you visit in the morning or stay for sunset, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Book your Banff Gondola experience here and enjoy free cancellation!
Read thousands of 5-star reviews and book your gondola tickets here!
7. Hike on a glacier
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9:45 am, 11 am, 2 pm, or 3 pm
- Highlights: Guided hike across Athabasca Glacier, chance to explore crevasses and meltwater features, expert interpretation from certified glacier guides, pristine photo ops, drink straight from the glacier
- Inclusions: Certified guide, crampons and safety gear, hiking boots and rain gear (if needed), transport from Icefield Discovery Centre to the glacier
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve ever wanted to walk on a glacier, this is your chance! The pristine Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the Canadian Rockies, and this small-group guided hike is hands down one of the best ways to experience it.
The tour kicks off at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, where your guide outfits you with crampons and any other gear you need, such as rain jackets and boots if the weather dictates. Then, after a quick shuttle ride to the trailhead, you begin a 3-hour interpretive hike right onto the glacier itself.
What made us fall in love with this tour was that it was a totally immersive experience. We weren’t stuck on a bus or just snapping photos from a platform. We were right there actually walking on the ice itself, peering into crevasses, and learning about features like millwells, which are glacier waterfalls – how cool is that?
We loved our guide, Tamara, because she was an absolute pro and her passion for the glacier really inspired us! The hike itself was moderate, so no technical experience is required as long as you have a basic fitness level and no mobility issues.
This was easily one of the most memorable experiences we had in the Rockies. It’s a total bucket-list adventure, and we’d recommend it 100 times over! We’re not the only ones who love it either, since it has hundreds of 5-star reviews.
Book this unforgettable glacier walk here with free cancellation!
8. Explore Johnston Canyon on the hop-on hop-off bus
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: Departs at 7:45 am or 9:30 am
- Highlights: Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake, exploring each spot at your own pace, enjoy scenic rides along the Bow Valley Parkway, onboard host to help you plan your day
- Inclusions: Round-trip transport on retro-style school bus, onboard English-speaking host, guaranteed seat, hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
You can hop onto the Banff Bus from several locations around Banff National Park, including Lake Louise! This iconic yellow school bus tour lets you explore the park’s most famous spots, including the Bow Valley Parkway and the beautiful Johnston Canyon. Best of all, you get to do it at your own pace, without the hassle of driving or figuring out logistics.
There are so many epic highlights on this tour, including the Lake Louise Summer Gondola that we talked about earlier, and downtown Banff. But for me, Johnston Canyon is the real highlight, because it’s just so much easier to visit on a bus tour vs driving there yourself and battling it out to find a parking space!
As a Canadian and Canmore local, I’ve guided so many friends and family around the Johnston Canyon that some of the Parks Canada rangers even know me by name – yes, really!
The canyon hike is about 5 km (3 miles) round-trip, and it’s an easy and rewarding adventure. You can do the entire thing or just a portion of it – that’s the beauty of a hop-on hop-off tour!
We love the flexibility of this tour. The hosts were so friendly and helpful, too, and they were full of handy local tips. This is the perfect way to see the best of Banff without worrying about parking or driving, and 600+ glowing reviews will back me up on this!
Book this tour here with free cancellation!
9. Spot the local wildlife
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Between 2 pm – 5:30 pm (exact times vary by season)
- Highlights: Scenic tour of Banff’s top landmarks and hidden gems, incredible mountain viewpoints, expert wildlife tracking, chance to spot elk, bears, 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 500+ 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 even as we were in transit between spots! There was no scrambling for photos, because we all had front row seats.
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, binoculars, and rain ponchos when we were caught in a quick shower. 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 500+ happy reviewers clearly agree with us!
Check availability and book this small group wildlife tour here!
10. Drive the Bow Valley Parkway
Getting to Lake Louise is a fun activity in itself! There are two different ways to get to the lake – either by taking the more direct route via the Trans-Canada Highway or enjoying the scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway.
The Bow Valley Parkway is marked as 1A on the map and stretches for 50 kilometers (31 miles) along the route, offering stunning mountain views and unique stops. Since the stops are part of what makes this parkway so unique, you must add in a few!
Moose Meadows is a stunning meadow area with the Rocky Mountains draped in the background. You can likely spot a moose here, too, and this spot is especially stunning at sunset! This is a quick stop, but so worth it.
Castle Cliff Viewpoint is a roadside viewing platform with some of the best views of Castle Mountain. The eroded cliffs look like spires on a castle, hence the name! If you have a bit of extra time, I highly recommend hiking the Castle Mountain Lookout Trail. It’s 7 km (4.3 miles) and is an easy/moderate trail with even more views (and a great way to spend a day!).
Morant’s Curve is probably my favorite stop along the Bow Valley Park, as it’s seriously picture perfect! This stop has been made famous for the bright red trains that pass right along the river, with the staggering mountains in the distance. Trains usually come every hour, so you just might catch this iconic sight too!
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 – $$$
For those looking for a memorable stay, you can’t look past the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. The hotel sits on the shoreline of Lake Louise with epic views in the most stunning of locations. I’ve added spending a night or two here to my personal bucket list! There are also a few restaurants in the hotel that are exclusively available to hotel guests, not to mention the on-site spa.
Prices range by season but can be anywhere from $550 to $2k+ CAD per night. You can book the Fairmont online here!
Lake Louise Inn – $$
The Lake Louise Inn is a cozy, cabin-inspired hotel at a moderate price point. The hotel features an indoor pool, an onsite 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!
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!
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!
We hope you found this guide on the top things to do in Lake Louise helpful as you plan your next visit! Whether you’re here for a quick trip or a long, extended stay, you can see the best of Lake Louise and the surrounding areas if you follow our recommendations.
Need help planning the rest of your activities? Check out all of our Alberta blogs here for even more fun adventures! As locals, we have lots of resources to share and help you plan a memorable vacation. Here are a few related blogs to get you started – cheers!
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