The main attraction in Banff National Park is Lake Louise in its delightful setting 1731 m (5680 ft) above sea-level and 60 km (37 mi.) north-west of Banff. Its shimmering waters are mainly turquoise to dark green in color, and it is about 2 km (11/4 mi.) long, up to 600 m (1970 ft) wide and 69 m (230 ft) deep and surrounded by glacial mountains up to 3000 m (9850 ft) in height. The Victoria Glacier reaches right down almost to the shores of the lake. Although the water is too cold for bathing it is ideal for canoeing. At the western end of Lake Louise Mount Victoria, 3469 m (11,385 ft) in height, rises in majestic splendor.
A breathtaking view can be had from the famous Grand Hotel Château Lake which stands in beautifully tended gardens.
The Stoney Indians named Lake Louise "Lake of the Little Fishes". This "Jewel of the Rocky Mountains" was discovered in 1882 when the Pacific Railroad was being laid. Tom Wilson, survey packer of the CPR, named it Emerald Lake. However, in honor of Princess Louise, the daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of the Governor-General of Canada, the name was soon changed to Lake Louise.
In 1890 the CPR built the first Château Lake Louise on the moraine at the end of the lake. Easily accessible by rail, Lake Louise and the surrounding countryside soon developed into a tourist center. From here expeditions started out to explore the rocky region on horseback. Mountaineers from England and the United States scaled the as yet unknown peaks. The present massive hotel was built in 1924 after a fire had destroyed its smaller wooden predecessor. In the early days horse-driven coaches - later to be superseded by trams - transported guests from the rail station down in the valley to the hotel 6 km (4 mi.) away.
In the 1920s a road was built from Banff to Lake Louise. In the Bow River Valley the holiday village of Lake Louise developed, with nearly 400 permanent inhabitants.
Plain of Six Glaciers
Well-known from many picture postcards, Lake Louise is a starting point for some rewarding walks, the best of which perhaps being that to the Plain of Six Glaciers, which will take a total of some five hours. First follow the tarred and even road along the north-west shore of the lake as far as the river mouth, then climb up 360 m (1180 ft) to the travelers' rest, where food and drink can be purchased in summer, below the Victoria Glacier. A further 6 km (4 mi.) brings the walker to a good viewing-point.
Lake Agnes
Another very popular walk is that to Lake Agnes (difference in altitude 365 m (1200 ft)) picturesquely situated between the two round hills known as the Bee Hives. The strenuous climb to the top of one of the Bee Hives will be rewarded by a superb view. In summer the restaurant supplies food and refreshing drinks.
Mount Whitehorn
On the far side of the Bow River Valley a chair-lift provides access to Mount Whitehorn and the Lake Louise ski-slopes. This chair-lift operates mid-Jun.-mid-Sep. daily 8am-6pm. The viewing platform at 2034 m (6675 ft) - with restaurant and terrace - offers a magnificent view of Lake Louise, the Victoria Glacier and the glaciated ridges and peaks of the Bow Range. There is skiing from mid-Nov.-mid-May, with ski-school, ski hire and cafeteria.
Lake Louise ski hill is one of the two leading ski resorts in Banff National Park.
Read More
Read Less
Lake Louise
