Lake Louise [Suggest Edits]

Description

Lake Louise is an iconic Canadian landmark, due to its scenic beauty - its glacier-fed turquoise blue waters, its setting nestled in a valley surrounded by rugged peaks, and Victoria Glacier at its far end. Its popularity began around 1890 when ideas originated for what became Chateau Lake Louise, a magnificent Canadian Pacific Railway hotel built in the early 1900s, on the shores of Lake Louise to attract visitors (and therefore railway business).

Lake Louise is fed by glacial runoff from Victoria Glacier. The glacial silt suspended in the waters, gives Lake Louise it bright turquoise hue. Victoria Glacier's source is high on Mt Victoria. Both Victoria Glacier and Mt Victoria are named for England's Queen Victoria. Several popular trails of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty, are accessed from Lake Louise.

On the Road: Lake Louise is at the end of Lake Louise Drive, a short side road off of the Icefields Parkway (Trans Canada 1 between Jasper and Banff). Parking is at the end of Lake Louise Drive. From the parking lots, it is a short run to Lake Louise, and associated lodging, food, etc. Several trails also start from here.

Gem Type: Lake