Banff National Park of Canada
What to See and Do - Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Area
Lake Louise
© Parks Canada
Known to the Stoney Nakoda Indians as "Lake of the Little Fishes" Lake Louise was named in 1884 in honour of Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, daughter of Queen Victoria.
Elevation: Village: 1,540 m (5,052')
Lake: 1,731 m (5,680')
A Park Pass is required for use of park facilities such as picnic areas, viewpoints and scenic drives such as the Bow Valley Parkway and Icefield Parkway. Fees go towards maintaining and improving facilities for park visitors.
Lake Louise Visitor Centre by Samson Mall
Parks Canada information: 403.522.3833
Banff / Lake Louise Tourism: 403.762.8421
Exhibits explain the geology and history of the Canadian Rockies.
Lake Louise© Parks Canada
Lake Louise - the Lake
5 minutes from the Village of Lake Louise
The view from the lakeshore is known the world over. Prepare for crowds! But walk half a kilometre along the shore to leave the crowds behind. Public parking: Keep left at the Chateau Lake Louise junction.
Moraine Lake© Parks Canada
Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks
15 km (20 min) from the Village
Go before 10 am or after 5 pm to avoid the crowds. Road closed early October to late May.
Check Ahead: Hikers must be in a tight group of four or more when grizzly bears are using habitat in Larch, Consolation and Paradise valleys.
Valley of the Ten Peaks© Parks CanadaAvoid parking pressure...
During July and August, the lots at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake can be full from 11 am - 4 pm any day of the week. There is congestion as drivers search for vacant spaces.
Our advice? Go before ten or after five.
Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola
4.5 km from the Village; 403.522.3555
Gondola runs June to September
Camping
Lake Louise Power
Lake Louise Unserviced
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