Lake Louise Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Lake Louise, Alberta - AB, Canada)

Whilst the main tourist attractions of Lake Louise are without question the trails and natural sights around the Banff National Park, and the exceptional ski resorts around Lake Louise Village, there are a number of very specific sights and activities that tourists should consider. These attractions include a ride on the sightseeing gondola, a trip to Moraine Lake, the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and endless hiking opportunities Lake Agnes and the Paradise Valley.

Lake Agnes is a very beautiful and tranquil lake, being easy to reach from Lake Louise along a scenic walking trail through the Canadian Rockies. Also of note are the south-easterly attractions within the Bow Valley Provincial Park, where mountain views really just don't come any better.

Recreational Activities / Cruises

Address: Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Canada, CA
All through the year, outdoor activities and attractions abound within the Lake Louise area of the Banff National Park. The summer months offer everything from boating and canoeing on the lake, to trout fishing, mountain biking and cycling, horse riding and rock climbing. Come winter, there is much more than just skiing available at the main resorts, with sledding, snow shoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and even ice-carving competitions on offer.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for equipment hire

Moraine Lake

Address: Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Alberta (AB), Canada, CA
Many tourists who take the time to visit Moraine Lake do consider it be even more impressive than the larger Lake Louise, with its calm, deep-teal colour water reflecting the nearby mountains rather like an enormous vivid blue mirror. Moraine Lake lies approximately 13 km / 8 miles to the north-west and within the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The lakeshore trail leading to the nearby Consolation Lake is extremely popular and easy.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Sightseeing Gondola

Address: 1 Whitehorn Road, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, T0L 1E0, Alberta (AB), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 403 522 3555
During the summer months, the Lake Louise Ski Area is where many tourists head to take a ride on its leading attraction, the Sightseeing Gondola, a fully-enclosed cable car. Once aboard, gondola passengers will be whisked up more than 2,050 metres / 6,725 feet to the very top of Mount Whitehorn, with the overall journey lasting around 15 minutes and large windows affording panoramic birds-eye views of glaciers, mountains and wildlife from everywhere you look. Attractions at the mountaintop include views of the Victoria Glacier, various hiking trails, and a restaurant.
Open hours: daily, May - 09:00 to 16:00; June and September - 08:30 to 18:00; July and August - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Hiking Trails

Address: Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Alberta (AB), Canada, CA
In the summer months, hiking has become one of most popular of Lake Louise's recreational attractions, with countless busy hiking trails available, offering tasters of the beautiful landscape. Most trails are very well used and signposted, and so therefore very easy to follow. Popular hiking trails in the area include those around the Eiffel Lake, Lake Agnes, Mirror Lake, the Panorama Ridge, the Paradise Valley, the Wenkchemna Pass, and the Boulder Pass at Skoki Valley. The Moraine Lake - Larch Valley - Sentinel Pass Trail is also recommended, being amongst the premier hikes in the Canadian Rockies. The very detailed Parks Canada Hiking Guide may be of use and comes completely free of charge.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Bow Valley Provincial Park

Address: Bow Valley Parkway, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Alberta (AB), Canada, CA
The Bow Valley is to be found alongside the upper Bow River and around 20 minutes to the south-east of Lake Louise. Many people choose to drive along the Bow Valley Parkway in preference to the busier Highway 1 (Trans Canada), enjoying breathtaking scenery and mountainous backdrops from all angles. Bow Valley attractions include the Johnston Canyon Trail, the Backswamp Viewpoint, the Muleshoe Picnic Area, and also the Moose Meadows.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Lake Agnes

Address: Lake Agnes, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Alberta (AB), Canada, CA
Lake Agnes is relatively small and has a total surface area of just under 130 acres / 53 hectares, boasting views across the Continental Divide and beyond. Various trails lead you to a number of appealing attractions, such as the Little Beehive and Big Beehive structures, Mount Niblock, and also a popular teahouse, close to the Plain of Six Glaciers.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Information about nearby Banff attractions.