Lake Louise, Canada

What to do in Lake Louise, Canada

Hot Springs

Soothe your spirit in the "Sacred Waters of the Mountains," where Native Americans went to cure illness and maintain health. In Banff, the renovated Upper Hot Springs capture the atmosphere of the original 1930s bathhouse with the amenities of a modern spa.

Skiing and Snowboarding

As morning dawns over the glorious Rockies, powder hounds face the toughest decision of their day - which mountain? One lift ticket includes transfers to three resorts - Banff Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise, with terrain varying from wide-open bowls, to tree-lined glades, and meticulously groomed slopes.

Hiking

One of the best things about Banff is that you don't have to sit on the sidelines and enjoy the view from a distance. Much of its dramatic scenery is easily accessible by easy day hikes along more than 80 trails for all skill levels. Even relatively easy walks will take you past waterfalls, springs, canyons, and blooming meadows.

Rafting

Glide down gentle rapids or test yourself on rugged whitewater, either way, the rivers of the Rockies wind through striking backcountry and often turn up sightings of bear, moose, elk, deer, and a variety of birds. Bring the kids and grandparents because everyone can enjoy these gentle rides!.

Horseback Riding

Saddle up and ride through crisp morning air, experiencing the mountains like the pioneers of old. Some of the most popular trips are the guided wilderness trail rides and cookouts, where you end a ride through an alpine valley with a campfire steak.

Dog-Sledding

Mush! Mush! Here is your quintessential Canadian experience! Learn to harness, handle, and drive your own dog team, through the fresh-fallen snow. This is an unequalled opportunity to travel through nature completely free of modern trappings.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Venture underground to explore naturally occurring, warm mineral springs. Outside in an emerald-colored basin and several trails where you can see warm water fish, garter snakes, warm mineral pools, and unique flora. There is also good birding and hiking, as well as a paved bike path to Sundance Canyon.

Fishing

The scenery, as you've gathered by now, is fantastic, and the fish are wild. Banff National Park catch-and-release lakes and rivers aren't stocked, so it's really Man vs. Nature as you set off in fully-equipped boats to tousle with Trout and Rocky Mountain Whitefish.

Shopping

Banff Avenue is like an open-air boutique mall, teeming with tickled-pink shoppers toting purchases that could have come from Manhattan's 5th Avenue, including New York and Paris designer clothes, fine jewelry, and high-end art.

Banff Park Museum

Stare down a grizzly bear in this turn-of-the-20th-century, rustic building that houses Canada's oldest natural history museum. Wildlife specimens date back to the frontier days of the 1860s. There is also a reading room, and a hands-on Discovery Room for kids.