Lake Louise What to Pack

Luggage and bags: any type of luggage is acceptable- butleave plenty of space to bring back the goodies that you have bought whilst in canada. The exchange rate makes lake louise very good value for money.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: If you are going to lake louise in the winter, you could be facing temperatures up to -30c with windchill, so suitable clothing is a necessity. Layers of clothing are the best way of protecting you against the elements. Start with thermal vest and long-johns( not very sexy, but necessary if you are going to venture outside- save the sexy underwear for the nights that you dont leave the warmth of the hotel)
Next layer would be some warm trousers and a medium weight jumper or fleece, followed by a fleece jacket or gilet.
A top layer of an insulated ski jacket or similar with a hat, gloves and scarf or "turtle neck " fleece.
On your feet some warm (preferably insulated) non slip boots.
Finally a good pair of sunglasses-when the sun shines in the rockies it is literally blinding, even down in the towns.
If you are skiing you will need skiwear and ski goggles .

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Most of your usual toiletries can be bought locally, although you may have to make a trip to Banff for the more sophisticated products, but basic shampoos , toothpaste etc is easily available in lake louise. The chateau has a very good in house shop where you can buy any toiletries that you may have forgotten.
One thing that must be on your list is sunblock and lipbalm- the combination of high altitude and strong sunshine, combined with mountain winds mean that you must protect your skin.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Never go out without a hat and gloves, weather can change dramatically in a couple of minutes, temperatures can plummet in no time. To enjoy yout time in the rockies in the winter you must be sensibly clothed.

Miscellaneous: Although i have been banging on about the cold, dont let that put you off- once indoors in your hotel it is warm and cosy., another reason for dressing in layers- as well as layering being the most efficient way of keeping warm it also means it is easy to strip off a few layers indoors to regulate your temperature.