The beautiful Lake Louise is situated in Banff national park, Alberta. There is a small town here, but we stayed at Canmore some 50 miles away.
So another early start, we drove to the famous Lake Louise, we drove up the Bow valley parkway instead of using the highway. Read about the bow valley parkway here

Lake Louise

We drove to the Lake but after driving all the way up the hill, we got diverted back to the highway to a huge overflow car park. Bearing in mind this was September so I dread to see what the peak season is like! They had free shuttle buses (actually yellow school buses) taking people to the local attractions. It was very well organised. So 20 mins later we arrived at Lake Louise itself. Now I don’t want to be negative but as lake Louise is the most visited place in the Canadian Rockies it gets busy! Crowds of people standing by the waters edge, but wait for a space and wow absolutely breathtaking.

The beautiful lake is surrounded by high peaks which is reflected in the calm turquoise waters, its a photographer’s dream and is probably one of the most photographed places in Banff national park. From the lake you can take numerous hiking trails but be prepared there are bears around. We had no time though, so we just strolled along the edge of the lake.

Sitting on the waters edge is the imposing hotel chateau lake Louise. Only open for residents this hotel is very expensive. If you could get a room with a view, maybe…. Its worth staying here. There is a cafe on the side of the hotel, so we grabbed a hot drink and a cookie and enjoyed the views.

Before leaving this amazing place we grabbed a couple more pictures then hopped back on the school bus and took the next shuttle to Moraine lake.

Moraine Lake

Moraine lake, is less known than lake Louise but just as beautiful, possibly even more. I’ve also heard in the summer if its too busy they will actually stop people going here. So I feel quite lucky to have had the chance to visit. Again hikes lead off from the lake, you could spend a day here. Places to hire kayaks, which seem to be available at most lakes. The mountains sit close to the water’s edge and the water is bluer than blue.

Lake Louise Gondola

We took the shuttle back to the car park and drove to the other side of town where mount Whitehorn sits. There’s a gondola that goes up this mountain which boasts grizzly bear sightings.

The gondola costs $35.95 adult, they also do ‘ride & dine packages’ for buffet breakfast or lunch. lakelouisegondola.com

We went quite late in the day and towards the end of the season, so the 4 restaurants there were all closed. But also less people.

The small gondola takes 4 people and about 10/15 mins to arrive at the top. Look out for bears down below. Our eyes were peeled but we didn’t see any. Various walks and trails can be taken (depending on bear season) and in the winter plenty of ski slopes. The views look out over the mountain ranges and way down below Lake Louise can be seen with the chateau hotel next to it. It was a very impressive view.

A short walk down the hill and you get to the wildlife interpretative centre, which describes all the animals and birds that can be found in the area. Above this centre is the Whitehorn Bistro which has amazing views and an outside terrace. Its open for lunch and dinner, but we just stopped for a hot drink before descending back down on the gondola.

That was our day in the Lake Louise area and what a day! Amazing views, beautiful lakes just an incredible place.