Lake Louise

Lake Louise is globally celebrated for its surreal, turquoise-colored waters, which are framed by steep, jagged peaks and the imposing Victoria Glacier. This small hamlet in Banff National Park is one of the most photographed locations in Canada. At the water's edge sits the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a historic luxury hotel that has hosted mountaineers and tourists since the early 20th century, adding an air of classical grandeur to the rugged alpine environment. The animated color of the lake comes from rock flour carried down by glacial meltwater. The area is an absolute paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. In the summer, visitors hike extensive trail networks, such as the popular path to the Lake Agnes Tea House, or canoe on the calm waters. The local dining scene is concentrated within the hamlet and the major hotels, focusing on upscale mountain fare and hearty post-hike meals. Located about 40 minutes west of Banff via the Trans-Canada Highway, Lake Louise is easily reached by car or regional shuttles. Summer brings peak crowds for hiking and sightseeing, while winter turns the landscape into a snowy wonderland. During the colder months, the lake freezes over for ice skating, and the nearby Lake Louise Ski Resort has some of the best downhill skiing in North America.

Nearby cities

Lethbridge

Lethbridge is a southern Alberta city built around the Oldman River valley.

Red Deer

Red Deer is a central Alberta city between Calgary and Edmonton.

Airdrie

Airdrie sits just north of Calgary and has grown into a busy commuter city.

Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie is a growing city in northwestern Alberta and a key centre for the Peace region.

Fort McMurray

The urban service area for the oil sands region in Alberta.

Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat is a southeastern Alberta city on the South Saskatchewan River.

St. Albert

An affluent suburban city northwest of Edmonton.

Banff / Canmore

Banff and Canmore are world-famous mountain towns in the Canadian Rockies, celebrated for their dramatic peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, …

Banff

Banff is a prominent resort town situated within the Banff National Park in Alberta, surrounded by towering peaks and outdoor adventures.

Fernie

Historic Fernie is nestled in the Elk Valley of the Rocky Mountains, renowned for its epic winter snowfall and Victorian charm.

Golden

Located at the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers, Golden is surrounded by six national parks.

Jasper

Jasper is a mountain town in the Canadian Rockies and the commercial center of the 11,000 square kilometer Jasper National Park.

Banff Upper Hot Springs / Radium Hot Springs

These historic thermal springs in the Canadian Rockies offer hot, mineral-rich pools set against a dramatic alpine backdrop.

Banff / Lake O'Hara region (Field)

Field is a small village serving as the gateway to Yoho National Park and the highly restricted Lake O'Hara alpine area.

Banff / Icefields (Saskatchewan River Crossing)

A spectacular junction along the Icefields Parkway, surrounded by massive mountain peaks and raw alpine wilderness.

History & landmarks

Drumheller

The dinosaur capital of the world, located in the heart of the Canadian Badlands.

Peace Bridge (Calgary)

A distinctive pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Bow River.

Calgary Tower

A 191-metre observation tower in downtown Calgary.

Scotiabank Saddledome

An iconic arena in Calgary, known for its saddle-shaped roof.

Edmonton Funicular

An incline elevator that provides easy access between downtown Edmonton and the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

Nature

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is a glacier-fed lake in Jasper National Park and one of the best-known landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.

Bow River

A river in Alberta that originates in the Rocky Mountains and flows through Calgary.

More places

Mount Temple

A prominent mountain in Banff National Park, towering over the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Cascade Mountain

A massive mountain towering directly over the town of Banff, a classic postcard view.

Mount Rundle

An iconic, wedge-shaped mountain overlooking Banff, one of the most photographed peaks.

Columbia Icefield

The largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains, feeding water into three different oceans.

Mount Columbia

The highest point in Alberta, located on the Columbia Icefield.

Calaway Park

Calaway Park is a large family amusement park west of Calgary.

Bar U Ranch

A National Historic Site showcasing the history of the ranching industry in Western Canada from its late 19th-century beginnings.

Glenbow Museum

An art and history museum in Calgary that documents the history of Western Canada.