Lake Louise, Canada

Lake Louise, Canada Overview

The towns of Lake Louise, aka "Canada's Diamond in the Wilderness," and Banff, aka "Canada's Highest Town," lie within Banff National Park. The "Diamond" lake is really a shimmering green and looks more like an emerald dropped by giants. The combination of a wilderness setting so arrestingly beautiful it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a town that has evolved as a favorite getaway for discerning travelers, makes it a special destination indeed. As you browse designer boutiques on fashionable streets, or gab with friends over a cappuccino at the many sidewalk cafés, a train whistle blows in the distance to remind you of the town's railway roots.

From a sleepy summer resort that used to close its doors in the winter months, Lake Louise/Banff has grown into a year-round attraction that lures an international crowd. On Banff's bustling main avenue, virtually every language from Japanese to Spanish is heard, yet just minutes away you can walk in solitude along the banks of the Bow River or countless other stretches of pristine wilderness. The village that's grown up in the valley below the lake has become a resort destination in its own right, with easy access to boating, the largest ski area in Canada, and hiking along the Continental Divide. Locals rightly claim that their hometown is a fine blend of heaven and earth!.

Reasons to visit Lake Louise, Canada

Lake Lousie/Banff's popularity is based first and foremost on its unsurpassed natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the definition of "breath-taking," and its protection as a Canadian National Park high in the Rockies, has kept it as pristine as when it was first discovered. Every season brings its share of fun, like hiking, skiing, canoeing, wildlife viewing, camping, dog-sledding, and horseback riding. The natural slow pace of the region, combined with the cosmopolitan flair derived from its constant stream of international well-to-do visitors, has made the town a très chic "base camp" for a wilderness escape.