Attractions Nearby Lake Louise, Day Trips and Excursions

(Lake Louise, Alberta - AB, Canada)

Those staying in Lake Louise really will need to be prepared to travel to some extent, to reach the many natural attractions residing nearby. The Banff townsite lies around 57 km / 35 miles to the south-east of Lake Louise and is amongst the most popular day trips available, attracting more than four million visitors per annum and teaming with recreational activities and attractions.

Dominating the south-central plains of Alberta, Calgary is a youthful and modern city, filled with skyscrapers and just over two hours' drive from Lake Louise Village, being located some 182 km / 113 miles to the east and filled with world-class attractions. Also close by is the town of Canmore, the Jasper National Park, and the very scenic Icefields Parkway.

Banff

A very attractive and charming Alpine-style town, Banff is based around its central Banff Avenue, which dissects the town and runs in a north-south direction. Banff is at its busiest in July and August, with attractions around the town being plentiful and including the Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola, Lake Minnewanka and the Upper Hot Springs, which are naturally-heated sulphur pools with excellent mountain views and good spa facilities. The more adventurous will enjoy whitewater rafting trips along the Bow River, while others will find the natural history and conservation exhibits at the Banff Park Museum of interest.

Calgary

Calgary enjoys an especially sunny and dry climate, with the city's leading attractions include the Big Rock Brewery, the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, the Olympic Plaza, and also the Calgary Tower, which is both an observatory and planetarium, and towers around 650 feet / 198 metres high, offering almost endless views. Families visiting the city will enjoy spending an afternoon at the Calgary Science Center. To the west, of Calgary, the Canadian Rockies are instantly visible and provide an impressive distant backdrop.

Jasper

The Jasper townsite has been referred to as the northerly counterpart of Banff, although in fairness, it is smaller with less attractions and things to see. Located within the Jasper National Park and around 232 km / 144 miles to the north-west of Lake Louise, Jasper is skirted by the Icefield Center, where glacial views and walking tours await. Many exceptional hiking trails are spread all around the Jasper National Park, with local mountain guides available to lead you to the most beautiful of scenery. Always popular is the Jasper Fitness and Aquatic Centre, the seasonal Snowmobile Tours, and the Jasper Tramway, which is actually Canada's highest tramway in existence.

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway connects Lake Louise with the Jasper townsite, and stretches for some 230 km / 143 miles. Created in 1940 and also known as Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway is a truly spectacular stretch of road and one of Canada's most noteworthy gems. The Icefields Parkway will lead you past many attractions, along a lake-lined valley and next to the Eastern Main Ranges. If you are travelling along this route onboard a bus from Lake Louise, do try to sit on the left-hand side, where the views are best. Look out for the glacial Peyto Lake, the Bow Lake, the Crowfoot Glacier, the Waterfowl Lake Parkers Ridge, and the wealth of wildlife, including wandering elk, bighorn sheep and goats.

Canmore

Canmore can be found approximately 80 km / 50 miles to the south-east of Lake Louise and just 26 km / 16 miles from Banff, lying within the Bow Valley and just off the Trans Canada Highway. Attractions around this appealing town include many outdoor activities, such as mountaineering and hiking along the Bow Valley Trail, Alpine helicopter tours over the Canadian Rockies, the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, and the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre (CMAGS). The town is famous for its annual events, such as the Canmore Ice Climbing Festival in January, the Rocky Mountain Ski Challenge in March, the 24 Hours of Adrenalin mountain bike race in July / August, and the Folk Music Festival in August.

Columbia Icefield / Athabasca Glacier

Situated roughly halfway between both Jasper and Lake Louise, the Athabasca Glacier is part of the Columbia Icefield, where it is amongst the main attractions. Close to the Athabasca Glacier, the Icefield Centre features a wealth of information about local glaciers and a useful Parks Canada desk, with details about the main hiking trails. Other places of interest around the Columbia Icefield include both the Athabasca Falls and the Sunwapta Falls.