Lake Louise
We visited Lake Louise on a sunny day in early October, after the first snowfall in the Rockies, so the surrounding landscape was covered in a fresh layer of snow. It turned out to be the perfect day at one of the most beautiful (and popular) destinations in the Canadian Rockies. We spent a few hours exploring the lake, including a hike into the valley for up-close views of glaciers. After our hike, we came back towards the parking lot, and the mid-afternoon reflection on the lake was perfect!
Lake Louise was definitely our highlight in Banff National Park and one of the most enjoyable days we had in the Rockies. One of the reasons for its popularity – aside from the views – is the fact that it is an easy lake to visit. The parking lot isn’t far from the main viewpoint, and we saw everyone from extreme hikers to Japanese Businessmen in suits. It wasn’t until we went for a walk that we truly got to see Lake Louise in its full glory.
We hadn’t planned on spending most of the day exploring Lake Louise; we had originally wanted to go see Moraine Lake in the same day, but the road up was recently closed for the season due to the extreme winter conditions. We were sad that we didn’t get to see it, but it meant we could spend more time at Lake Louise and would find another worthy attraction to stop at on our way to east Banff.
We arrived around 9 in the morning after a quick breakfast in Lake Louise. The main parking lot was nearly full which also meant that the main viewing area was full of people fresh off the tour buses, fighting for a place to take pictures of the incredible view. This is also where the world-famous Fairmont Lake Louise is located. We tried to imagine what the views from the penthouse balconies must look like. We looked at the hotel in envy; we had slept in our car the night before.
We decided to go for a short walk around the lake and we quickly left the crowds behind the further we walked. We had not planned on going for an actual hike, originally we just wanted to take a short walk to find a different view of the lake. When we got to the far end of the lake, there were only a handful of people, and some of them were walking up the valley.
We noticed that the trail up towards the glacier was fairly well packed down, and we decided to see how far we could go. The trail wasn’t perfect, and we had to walk carefully at times due to the ice, but we kept pushing each other to go “just a little bit further” to see if the next viewpoint was better.
This was the best decision of the trip. We hiked up for just over an hour towards one of the most beautiful viewpoints we have ever been to, on the edge of the Plain of the 6 Glaciers. We found a clearing and were surrounded by some of the most incredible scenery; jagged mountains, snow-covered trees, icicles hanging off rocks and the incredible glaciers. Behind us, we could look down at the tiny lake below.
It was a pretty mind-blowing experience.
From this final viewpoint, we knew we had made it. We wished we could have planned ahead, as the trail went further into the mountains, but we were out of drinking water and had no snacks. We found a pretty great spot and the valley in front of us was spectacular. It was one of the best 360-degree views imaginable.
As you can tell from the following pictures, this place was out of this world!
Lake Louise






























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Loved this! The images are gorgeous and yet i’ve got the problem of adding another place to see list!
Kirstin
http://LetsGoSomewhereElse.co.uk
It definately does have to be added to your bucket list. There are four National Parks that make up the Canadian Rockies… there is so much to see.
this is so beautiful!!! I want to be there now!!
It was cold in October, im sure it’s even colder in January! We want to go back in the summer so we can go hiking.
Wow, this is gorgeous! I once went to Banff but didn’t have the opportunity to go to Lake Louise, but one day
Loren | Plaid & Sugar
We’re already planning our return trip; there were just too many amazing places we couldn’t or didnt see on our last trip.
What a stunning place! I hope I get to visit someday. Thanks for sharing!
There is so much to see in the Canadian Rockies! I can’t say enough good things about this place, it should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Wow!! Okay, that’s it! I am definitely spending more time in Lake Louise next time I head out that way. I am always put off by the thousands of tourists that flock there each year and just take a quick look and head out. Those icicles on the mountain are stunningly beautiful! Love seeing posts about Alberta! So glad you had an amazing time and pushed yourself to go higher up on your hike!
Honestly, if you walk 20 minutes along the side of the lake the crowds shrink exponetially. We walked a bit further and found it to be out of this world!
What spectacular scenery. Would love to visit some day
You really should! The Rockies are amazing, especially between Banff and Jasper! Give yourself lots of time
Your photos are incredible – eye candy! There’s nothing like the beauty that nature offers. Thanks for sharing!
You’re very welcome!! Thanks for enjoying them as much as we enjoyed taking them!
Your photos are amazing!! I love Lake Louise, although I’m not sure I’d be confident enough to hike in that snow!
The trail wasn’t too bad, it was fairly packed down. We had hiking boots and didn’t have too much trouble. We only went about 3/4 of the way before the trail went towards the glaciers. It was worth it.
So beautiful
Gorgeous photos! Thanks for sharing 💖