Lake Louise — Attraction in Alberta

Review Date: July 13th, 2015

Lake Louis is quite possibly the most breath-taking place I have ever seen. I don’t mean that lightly. Lake Louise is one that is etched in my mind of what peaceful and serene is like in landscape form.

As we made our way west to our destination of Nakusp, Laura told us that we should take a detour to see Lake Louise. At this point in my life, I never heard of the place and the mental images I had were lackluster, to say the least. I envisioned just a lake with tall grass, weeds, and maybe a local fisherman trying to catch something special for dinner. What I didn’t expect was to be blown away by Mother Nature.

The van rounded the turn and what I saw unfold was a sight like no other. Mountains horizontally across the landscape that came down and blended seamlessly with this large blue body of water. That body of water was the one and only Lake Louise. Once I was able to take the full place in, I knew this place from scenic photos on the internet. Even those high quality photos did not do this place justice.

From the moment we walked to the lake from the van, this place held your attention. The blue coloring of the water was mesmerizing and very unique. The sediment that comes from the surrounding mountains causes it to have it’s signature color. The lake blends seamlessly in to the surrounding trees and mountains. The mountains rise up all around you, which helps trap in cool air. With each breath, you feel like you are breathing in cool autumn temperature air but it has a mountain-quality to it. Almost like it is cleaner than anything else you’ve ever breathed.

While our visit here was about 90 minutes, there are a ton of activities to do besides being mesmerized. You can walk along the waterfront and also this side stream we found. You can rent some canoes and paddle on the lake. On the opposite side of the road is a ski lift area. There is also a huge hotel next to the lake you can camp out in if camping in the woods isn’t your thing. Actually, I don’t know if you can go camping in this area but hey, I don’t think anyone is gonna stop you. Maybe a bear or moose, but then you have other problems besides camping.

No matter how many or few words I write can properly encapsulate how breathtaking this place is. At the time of writing this blog, I still recall how hypnotically blue the water is and how fresh and crisp that mountain air is. If there is anything you need to do in Canada, the whole of Banff National Park (where this is located) needs to be at the top of your list.

Also ‘trying authentic poutine’ should be...

Alberta has over 600 fresh water lakes of which 30 beautiful lakes are in the Banff National Park. Lake Louise and Lake Moraine are two of the most scenic alpine lakes nestled within the Rocky Mountains. Unfortunately, we could not visit Lake Moraine since it was full of tourists, and the roads leading to the lake were closed to the traffic.

Although Lake Louise (80 hectares) that springs from mount Victoria glacier is much smaller than Bow Lake (321 hectares) and Lake Minnewanka (2,200 hectares) in Banff, it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world; The 2.4 km long, 1.2 km wide, and 70-meter-deep lake at an elevation of 5,680 feet, draws millions of people every year from all over the world.

Glacier-fed alpine lakes in Banff National Park are among the cleanest in the world, and Lake Louise, with its pristine clean, turquoise water, surrounded by jagged peaks of Rocky mountains, creates such an incredibly stunning landscape that the lake and mt. Victoria which serves as its backdrop, have become the most scenic and photographed places in Banff.

The astonishing lake is the most popular of all lakes in Banff since, besides its magnificent alpine views, it has a lot to offer to its visitors. There are a few scenic trails. also, there is a track that leads to the historic tea house that has been existing for 118 years; we could not go there because of a sudden downpour. Furthermore, there is a boathouse from where canoes may be rented ($145 + tax for one hour) to paddle close to the peaks of the Victoria glacier.

What’s more, the renowned five-star hotel, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, also, is a must visit place for the lake’s visitors. The majestic hotel adds to the beauty of the Lake Louise and Rockies.

Our group of five people had enchanting experience that we will cherish...

Lake Louise is truly one of the most magical places on Earth. The moment you arrive, you’re greeted by a view so stunning it almost doesn’t feel real — a turquoise-blue lake surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and lush pine forests. The water sparkles like glass under the sunlight, and every glance feels like a painting come to life. It’s peaceful, grand, and absolutely unforgettable.

What makes Lake Louise so special isn’t just its beauty, but the serenity that comes with it. The air is crisp and refreshing, and the silence of the mountains wraps around you like a comforting blanket. Whether you’re taking a slow walk along the lakeside trail, renting a canoe to glide across the calm water, or simply sitting on a bench to take it all in, every moment feels sacred. The reflections on the lake — especially at sunrise or sunset — are nothing short of breathtaking.

The area is beautifully maintained, with clear paths, helpful signs, and plenty of spots for photos or quiet reflection. The nearby Fairmont Chateau adds a touch of elegance, offering cozy cafés where you can sip hot chocolate while gazing at the view. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and nature — ideal for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking peace and inspiration.

One of the most unforgettable moments was watching the color of the lake shift with the changing light — from icy blue in the morning to a soft emerald by afternoon. It felt like watching nature paint before my eyes.

Lake Louise is not just a destination; it’s a feeling — one of calm, awe, and pure joy. A true five-star wonder of the world that captures the heart and...