Lake Louise Travel Guide

if your going to take a trip to a place that has mountains and just overall a beautiful sight. my trip to canada this past february included a visit to banff national park, lake louise, and calgary. i went and it had just snowed like 6 inches on the ground and when it gets to a certain point in depth, the people at lake louise allow you to walk on the lake. the lake was completely covered in snow and if i had the time, i could have walked all the way to the end of the valley. there is not much to do there besides stay in the expensive hotel on the lake, cross country ski, sleigh rides, and ice skate. this place is incredible, it really is. it doesnt cost a dime to go, besides gas money. the scenery is amazing! out of all three places i went, the place i had most fun with my aunt was in lake louise. it was surely something out of a dream. if your going to spend your time sightseeing and enjoying canada for its beautiful natural environment, then you must stop by lake lousie. i was lucky enough to get there on a clear and sunny day right after a huge snow storm. i said it once and i will say it again. this place is spectacular. also, make sure to bring warm clothes and ski pants. you cant avoid falling in the thick snow.

Your options for cheap dining are pretty limited - as many other Travel Brain users have found out. Best place to pick up breakfast or a lunch remains at Laggan's Deli in Sanson Mall, down at village level (opens from 6am, last I was there). Other cheap eats options in the village include the Lake Louise Restaurant (right above Laggan's in the Mall) and Mountaineer Restaurant across the street next to the gas station. Both should be options if and only if you have absolutely no other place to go to.

A nice place that's usually overlooked is The Station Restaurant. It's converted from the village's train station, when VIA Rail used to run their passenger train through Calgary-Banff-Lake Louise on the way to the west coast. It's not uber-cheap (but then, not much in Lake Louise is), but it's got some pretty good dinners and is a viable option to folks who don't want to shell out the prices charged at the Chateau Lake Louise or Post Hotel. Main dishes go from about C$20 for the pastas and chickens, up to about C$35 for the tenderloin.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is one of those places you definitely have to visit at least once in a lifetime. The Chateau is located right beside the lake, and you can take a walk around the lake for the most incredible views. The more adventurous can hike up the mountain. There are grizzlies in the area, so make sure you find out what to do if you encounter a bear! There are different room types at the Chateau. Some of the rooms on the far end of the Chateau have amazing bathrooms. The tubs are really deep, just perfect for soaking away all the cares in the world! There are also walk in showers that take up the entire width of the bathroom. The lakeview lounge is a perfect place to sit down, and enjoy afternoon tea, or sip on your tea, and relax by the fire with a good book. Look out for "Happy" hour, where they serve complimentary light refreshments. The glacier saloon serves amazing ribs, and delicious cocktails!!! :)