Lake Louise Community Plan

PART I: INTRODUCTION

LOCATION & SETTING

Lake Louise Location and Setting
© Parks Canada/2000

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The Bow Valley in Banff National Park is an area of stunning scenery and critical environmental importance. For the most part, development in the valley is concentrated in the Hamlet of Lake Louise and the Town of Banff, 56 km to the south. The community of Field is located 26 km to the west. The Hamlet is bisected by the CPR.

Lake Louise has two distinct areas - Upper Lake Louise and the Hamlet of Lake Louise.

Upper Lake Louise

Set against the impressive backdrop of the Victoria Glacier, this is an area of towering peaks, spruce and fir forests, alpine meadows and, of course, the lake itself. Located at the base of the Plain of Six Glaciers, Lake Louise is one of the most photographed sites in the country, if not the world. The world famous Chateau Lake Louise dominates the lake’s eastern shore. Other development in the immediate area includes Deer Lodge and Paradise Bungalows.

The Hamlet of Lake Louise
(Lower Lake Louise)

Along the banks of the scenic Bow and Pipestone Rivers, the Hamlet of Lake Louise is the gateway for visitors to the region. The community is bounded on the east by the Trans-Canada, on the west by the Bow River, and divided in two by the railway. About 60% of this 131 ha area is developed or heavily disturbed. Visitor services include accommodation, restaurants, service stations, and supplies.

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