Chateau /Lake Louise., Banff

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In the wintertime, a small part of Lake Louise right in front of the Chateau Lake Louise is cleared off so people can skate on it for free. There is no place to change inside, but there are benches to change into your skates and a rack to leave your shoes. I just left my shoes and purse under the bench and it was fine.

I went the weekend after the Ice Festival, so all of the ice carvings were still up, including the castle which is right on the lake. Good for
photo ops.

Make sure to dress very warmly! The temperature wasn't too low the day I went (around -5 C), but the wind was fast and hard and make it very chilly. Since the skating rink is on a natural lake, there can be bumps and cracks, so be aware of that.

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Named for Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, daughter of Queen Victoria, Lake Louise is 5680 feet above sea level. I would consider this one of the most beautiful lakes in the western hemisphere. The world famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits opposite Mt. Victoria and Victoria Glacier on the lake. The striking turquoise color is created by the melting glacier silt.
Swimming is impossible due to the year-round frigid temperatures. There is also Lake Louise Gondola here for more splendid views.

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If you like to skate, what better backdrop! I loved the Ice Castle and the horse drawn sleigh.

Take a hike around the lake, nothing too strenous but always lovely.

This time I didn't go inside the Chateau, I looks very newish from the outside. I wonder if it still has old world charm like I remember?

The dramatic view of Lake Louise will take away the breath of even the most jaded person. An emerald lake leads to the snow capped mountains of Mount Temple (3543 m), Mount Whyte (2983 m) and Mount Niblock (2976 m). The emerald colour of the lake comes from rock flour carried into the lake by melt-water from the glaciers that overlook the lake.

The village has a small shopping centre called "Samson Mall" which includes a park visitor centre, grocery store, bakery, sporting goods store, liquor store, and fast-food establishments.

Lake Louise is named after the Princess Louise Caroline Alberta (1848-1939), the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, and the wife of Sir John Campbell, who was the Governor General of Canada from 1878 to 1883. The province of Alberta is also named for the Princess Louise.

This lake and its famous glacier is about an hour from Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway. One look at the picture and you'll realize why it is a destination for a constant stream of tourists. Despite the crowds, though, the trail along the edge of the lake that heads toward the glacier is a must-do activity. It's a moderate trail, although you can take a harder one that branches off of it, and it gives you great views of the glacier, and of the famous Chateau Lake Lousie that sits on the lake's edge.

Chateau Lake Louise is part of the Fairmont hotel chain, just like Banff Springs Hotel. Once again, even if you can't afford to stay there, you should still go for a visit. The Chateau is a beautiful resort and once you're done hanging out in the rest area, you can go (depending on the season) hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, skiing or snowshoeing.

When visiting Lake Louise, you must go into the Chatteau. There are parts of the hotel open to the public, including the grand reception area, shops etc which holds 1100 guests in 550 rooms.
The hotel was named after Princess Louise Caroine Alberta who was the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and the wife of the Governor General of Canada in 1884. Sister hotel to Banff Springs hotel.
The costs can be around 1000 dollars a night I understand and the rich and famous often stay in these tranquil surroundings.
There is also a Hot Srings you can use

The Chateau Lake Louise, once a royal chateau..is now a world famous hotel. Even if you aren't planning on staying at the hotel..its a must see!
The Chateau has various levels, and the view from the patios is amazing! An unforgetful experience...

The Chateau at Lake Louise is a must see! ITs a gorgeous buliding...once a royal chateau..it is now a world famous hotel.
Even if you aren;t staying at the hotel, its great to visit and check it out. There are various levels at the chateau..and the view from the some of the patios is magnificent!

Officially, Queen Victoria's 4th daughter, Princess Louise Caroline Alberta is more often credited with the lake's name.

The province of Alberta is also named for Princess Louise!

This is what Lake Louise will look like in the Winter! Although it's May, the temperature is still low & the ice has not melted...