Standing at the edge of Lake Louise - the soaring Victoria Glacier, canoes gliding through turquoise water - it’s easy to see why Lake Louise is one of the most popular stops in North America. Here's your guide to spending a day in the spectacular Lake Louise area. 

Local Tip: Thanks to a number of public transit options it has never been easier to visit the iconic lake. The easiest way to travel from Banff to Lake Louise is on Roam Transit. You can take the scenic route via the Bow Valley Parkway on Route 8S or the direct route along the Trans-Canada Highway on Route 8X. Once you arrive at Lake Louise, there are various shuttle options to get you to Moraine Lake and the Lake Louise Gondola. 

Start your day at the Lake Louise Summer Gondola

Get the day rolling with a buffet breakfast in the Whisky Jack lodge and hop on the Lake Louise Gondola to check out some of the best wildlife viewing in the Canadian Rockies. Grizzly bears are common (check out the daily sighting calendar) and there is an incredible interpretive wildlife centre which can be found mid-mountain below the Whitehorn Bistro. 

Experience one of the world's greatest mountain views

After you’ve enjoyed the sightseeing lift, take in the views of stunning Lake Louise from the panoramic deck or take part in a guided interpretive hike. You may also want to check out a few of the on-mountain dining options, including the Whitehorn Bistro or Kuma Yama.    

Head to the lake 

You’ve seen the lake from above, now it’s time to see it up-close. The Lake Louise Summer Gondola offers a complimentary shuttle to the lakeshore, so leave your car and climb aboard. The full schedule can be found here.  

After you’ve taken your lakeside selfie, it’s time to explore. 

One of the best ways to experience the lake and find some solitude is to rent a canoe. Group voyageur tours are also available through the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.    

Visit a historic tea house

Those looking for a relaxing walk will love the lakeshore stroll, which takes about an hour or so. There are also several more ambitious day hikes in the area, including up to the famous Lake Agnes tea house or Plain of Six Glaciers tea house. For a full list of hikes, please visit Hiking in Lake Louise. 

Great Divide Nature Tours and The Mountain Adventure Guides at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise also offer guided hikes.

Indulge in the best regional cuisine

Once you’ve finished adventuring for the day, check out some of the great dining options in Lake Louise, including Alpine Social, Deer Lodge, or The Lake Louise Station Restaurant.

Are you coming to Banff National Park?

Make sure you purchase your Parks Canada Discovery Pass in advance for express entry into the park. All of the details, including frequently asked questions can be found in our Guide To The Parks Canada Pass.