Lake Louise, Canada

Nearby areas in Lake Louise, Canada

Lake Louise

In 1882, guided by a Stoney Indian, Tom Wilson became the first white man to discover what natives called "Lake of Little Fishes." He named it Emerald Lake, but it was later changed to honor Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria. It's been called the ultimate getaway, and has hosted vacationing royalty, Hollywood stars, and heads of state. Increasingly, the rest of the world is discovering the romantic and soothing pace and inspiring vistas. Just as popular as skiing are things like reading a good book in front of a fireplace and taking a quiet walk after dinner in the stillness of the Great White North. The Lower Village has an array of fine restaurants, first-class hotels, and upscale shopping. Up the hill facing Victoria Glacier, the much-photographed Chateau Lake Louise is a landmark of old-world charm and elegance.

Banff National Park

In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning was born Canada's first, and the world's third, national park. The park contains 12 mineral hot springs, rugged mountains, glaciers, ice fields, alpine meadows, sky blue lakes, deep canyons, and the Castleguard Caves, Canada's longest cave system. This varied landscape harbors a tremendous amount of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bear, and Alberta's southernmost herd of the endangered woodland caribou. It's also a hiking wonderland, containing over 1,000 miles of trails for easy one hour rambles or month-long backcountry excursions.

For more information about Lake Louise, Canada

Lake Louise/Banff Tourism Bureau

PO Box 1298, Banff, Alberta, Canada T0L 0C0, phone 403-762-8421, fax 403-762-8163, email info@banfflakelouise.com.