Destination inspiration: Lake Louise, Canada

Why go?

The little village of Lake Louise is your gateway to the mighty Canadian Rockies. By the Bow River in the vast wooded wilderness of Banff National Park, this hamlet is named after one of the many nearby glacial lakes. These glistening, turquoise-tinted pools are framed by snow-capped peaks and sloping spruce forests that showcase the area’s beauty like a natural amphitheater.

Lake Louise is the hiking capital of Canada, with over 900 miles of trails that take in some truly scintillating scenery. There are gentle flat trails that loop around the pristine Moraine Lake or more moderate elevations that lead up to the placid Lake Agnes and its charming teahouse. Those who choose the challenging Saddleback Pass are rewarded with jaw-dropping widescreen panoramas of Mount Temple and Paradise Valley.

Photo enthusiasts will want to snap a picture at every turn, with the majestic Valley of the Ten Peaks—a crumpled curtain of miles-high mountaintops—the main prize. In winter, everyone heads up to Lake Louise Ski Resort to snowboard, ski, and apres-ski the cold away. When it comes to accommodations, there’s a wealth of great places to stay in Lake Louise, from stately hotels to lodges and log cabins.

When to go

Lake Louise enjoys cool summers and snowy winters, with peak periods for visitors being June to September and December to February. If you book early or late in the season, you’ll find better value deals – and have more of the splendid scenery all to yourself.

Where to stay?

Fairmont Château Lake Louise

For a touch of grandeur, look no further than Fairmont Château. This plush hotel has been spoiling guests since 1890, with spa services, top-class restaurants, and elegant rooms that overlook Lake Louise. Attentive concierge staff make your stay extra special, with guided hikes, helicopter tours, and sleigh rides.

Moraine Lake Lodge

With crackling log-wood fires, comfy handmade furniture, and large soaking tubs provided, you won’t want to leave your room at Moraine Lake Lodge. Perhaps when the snow melts, the lodge’s free hiking and canoeing activities will snap you out of your luxurious hibernation.

Baker Creek Mountain Resort

Tucked away in the Bow Valley, this resort is ideal for a romantic winter getaway. Its gas-heated wooden chalets boast stone fireplaces and no TV, which means more time spent on the ice rink or in the sauna.

Start planning

If you’re flying in from abroad, the international airports at Calgary and Edmonton are your two best options. There are direct flights from several major European cities, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. You’ll also find direct flights from most major US airports.

Getting there is half the fun, right? Airport shuttle buses are available, along with a few (very) limited train routes. If you prefer to rent a car, it’s a two-hour drive from Calgary and a five-hour drive from Edmonton.

Be sure to convert your money into Canadian dollars and stock up on adaptors if your home country uses a different plug type and/or standard voltage. Canada uses type A and B plugs—two flat parallel pins, with and without the grounding pin—and has a standard voltage of 110.