Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Lake Louise

"The most iconic lake in Banff National Park and the one that EVERYONE is trying to get to, Moraine Lake. While it’s most popular for canoe rentals, you can paddle board on Moraine Lake. If you had your heart set on paddle boarding on Moraine Lake, you’ll need to beat the rush to get a parking spot before they close the road when the parking lot is full."

"The waters of this glacial lake are famous for being a vivid turquoise. Light reflecting off particles of glacial rock flour gives the lake its hue. The intense color and water level both peak in late June, but the lake is stunning any time of year."

"There are numerous stops on the Icefield Parkway such as Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca waterfalls and hiking trails. You won’t have enough time to drive the entire Icefield Parkway and most people drive an hour to the Peyto Lake viewing point before they turn back to Lake Louise. Peyto Lake is another alpine glacier fed lake located off the Icefield Parkway, about 40km northwest of Lake Louise. Most people don’t visit the lake itself but rather walk up to the view point to admire the lake from above."

"Some stops worth mentioning include Athabasca Falls, Athabasca Glacier, Cirrus Mountain Viewpoint, Chephren Lake, and Bow Lake. One of my favourites is Peyto Lake, which is a lake shaped like a wolf that is surrounded by endless amounts of pine trees and mountain ranges. The water is so blue it looks like Kool-Aid (maybe it is, who knows)."

"Do not miss out on Athabasca falls, Pyramid Lake, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Abraham Lake to see the frozen ice bubbles. We did not get to see this but I know I’ll have to make another visit back!"

"You will spend some time around quaint little mountain towns: Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, travel through the World famous Icefields Parkway and visit the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies - Jasper. On the way back west to Vancouver this guide will take you via Wells Gray Provincial Park and back along the Sea to Sky Highway to give you a chance to see all the things you didn't manage to see on the way up."

"40 minutes from Banff is the beautiful Lake Louise. Lake Louise is known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks and overlooked by a stately chateau (Hotel Chateau Lake Louise). Access to the lake is free."

"Canyon-clinging catwalks will lead you through the gorge to two waterfalls- the Lower Falls at 1.1 km, then the Upper Falls at 2.7 km. Most people end their hike at the Upper Falls, but we recommend carrying on another 3 kilometers to the Ink Pots. Here you can enjoy seven greenish-blue pools of spring water surrounded by open meadows. It’s a fantastic place for a quiet picnic."

"Morning: Johnston Canyon Afternoon: Banff Gondola or Tunnel Mountain Hike or East of Rundle Hike (In Canmore) Evening: Dinner in Banff (the Town) If you are doing to Calgary to Banff drive in the morning then you can push the activities above to later in the day since Banff in the summer has a lot of day lights and the sun does not set till 10pm or so at night."

"The fireplace and big comfy couch will keep you warm after a day out on the slopes. It’s perfect couples who want to dine out and explore walking around the town. Conveniently, this home is right next to a laundromat which means one less stop to make on your travels."

"Our first destination was the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Plenty of photos of this fairy tale looking hotel have helped inspire this trip. Those rooms have an enviable view!"

"There are several trails around Lake Louise including one up to the Agnes Tea House and the Fairview Lookout point. Get here early since the parking lot wasn’t very big. Though, there were shuttle buses from offsite locations to take visitors here."

"Optional Day Trip from Banff: Yoho National Park Yoho National Park is a much smaller national park next to Banff National Park. Most visitors do not know about Yoho National Park but it has some amazing lakes and waterfalls such as the Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, Wapta Falls, and Kicking Horse River. If you were able to do more each day during your 3 days in Banff and have extra time, then you should definitely try to add Yoho National Park to your Banff summer itinerary."

"Although the smallest (1310 sq km) of the four national parks in the Rockies, Yoho is a diamond in the (very) rough. This wilderness is the real deal; it's some of the continent's least tarnished.East of Field on Hwy 1 is the Takakkaw Falls road, open from late June to early October. At 255m, Takakkaw Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. From here the Iceline Trail, a 20km hiking loop, passes many glaciers and spectacular scenery."

"First, the advantages: very close to Lake Louise; the hotel is very old; staff service is welcoming, including restaurant service staff; parking is convenient; there is also a small spa on the roof that has not had time to try. Disadvantages: The hotel is too long, set up for a long time, there is no passenger elevator, if you live on the second floor and above, carrying a heavier suitcase, it is a little laborious; the cabin that allows double occupancy is small, only able to get out of bed and a short The cabinet is visible in the house, and the corner is neglected to clean up (in order to find the socket, the low cabinet is removed...). The type of room we stayed in was called a “chalet” and the cabin just said it was a wooden structure."

"It has such a warm and rustic feel with magnificent views of the Victoria Glacier. Their menu highlights Rocky Mountain Cuisine with Canadian ingredients such as elk and bison, sustainable seafood, locally sourced vegetables, and prairie-grown grains. They also have an extensive award-winning Canadian wines list from central B.C."

"Located at just a five-minute walk from the shores of Lake Louise itself, the Deer Lodge is a somewhat historic building, which follows the theme of old and rustic housing. The outdoor pool overlooks the Victoria Glacier, and as you can imagine, the view is simply amazing!. Photo from Deer Lodge website"

"Most visitors do not know about Yoho National Park but it has some amazing lakes and waterfalls such as the Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, Wapta Falls, and Kicking Horse River. If you were able to do more each day during your 3 days in Banff and have extra time, then you should definitely try to add Yoho National Park to your Banff summer itinerary. You can also check out this Canadian Rockies itinerary to see some other ideas for your Banff visit."

"Emerald Lake is not in Banff but in neighboring Yoho National, making it one of the best lakes near Banff. Given its close proximity, accessibility, and natural beauty, it felt wrong not to include it. Emerald Lake is a stunning lake and makes for a great family-friendly day out."

"There are numerous stops on the Icefield Parkway such as Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca waterfalls and hiking trails. You won’t have enough time to drive the entire Icefield Parkway and most people drive an hour to the Peyto Lake viewing point before they turn back to Lake Louise. Peyto Lake is another alpine glacier fed lake located off the Icefield Parkway, about 40km northwest of Lake Louise. Most people don’t visit the lake itself but rather walk up to the view point to admire the lake from above."

"Some stops worth mentioning include Athabasca Falls, Athabasca Glacier, Cirrus Mountain Viewpoint, Chephren Lake, and Bow Lake. One of my favourites is Peyto Lake, which is a lake shaped like a wolf that is surrounded by endless amounts of pine trees and mountain ranges. The water is so blue it looks like Kool-Aid (maybe it is, who knows)."

"Do not miss out on Athabasca falls, Pyramid Lake, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Abraham Lake to see the frozen ice bubbles. We did not get to see this but I know I’ll have to make another visit back!"

"Canyon-clinging catwalks will lead you through the gorge to two waterfalls- the Lower Falls at 1.1 km, then the Upper Falls at 2.7 km. Most people end their hike at the Upper Falls, but we recommend carrying on another 3 kilometers to the Ink Pots. Here you can enjoy seven greenish-blue pools of spring water surrounded by open meadows. It’s a fantastic place for a quiet picnic."

"Morning: Johnston Canyon Afternoon: Banff Gondola or Tunnel Mountain Hike or East of Rundle Hike (In Canmore) Evening: Dinner in Banff (the Town) If you are doing to Calgary to Banff drive in the morning then you can push the activities above to later in the day since Banff in the summer has a lot of day lights and the sun does not set till 10pm or so at night."

"The most iconic lake in Banff National Park and the one that EVERYONE is trying to get to, Moraine Lake. While it’s most popular for canoe rentals, you can paddle board on Moraine Lake. If you had your heart set on paddle boarding on Moraine Lake, you’ll need to beat the rush to get a parking spot before they close the road when the parking lot is full."

"The waters of this glacial lake are famous for being a vivid turquoise. Light reflecting off particles of glacial rock flour gives the lake its hue. The intense color and water level both peak in late June, but the lake is stunning any time of year."

"The Station offers an historic interior dining room, a sunny patio overlooking a flourishing heritage garden, and a historic dining car--the Delamere. They offer a great selection of contemporary cuisine and an excellent selection of wines. You can enjoy your meal in the Station building or enjoy the luxury of the Delamere just a few steps away."

"The Station Restaurant and Heritage Railway Station is a historic space that was built in 1910 and served as the local depot for the Canadian Pacific Railway. The menu includes baked Camembert, burgers, schnitzel, ribs, and salmon. I would highly recommend the schnitzel, especially if you have worked up your appetite from all the hikes."

"We came here during covid restrictions so it was takeout only. We called ahead and it was about a 30min wait to pickup our seafood chowder, French onion soup…”more"

"Emerald Lake Lodge offers you a more privy place than most other lodges, which is one of the reasons why it’s preferred by couples a lot more than other sites. The outdoor hot pool is open throughout the year and offers you a brilliant view of the mountains that it lies among, as well as Emerald Lake, which the lodge is named after. If you’re keenly looking to get away from the rush and the noise of the cities and want someplace secluded and silent for you to recharge, then this is the best place for you."

"Located in the Yoho National Park surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, Emerald Lake Lodge features rooms with wood burning fireplaces. An outdoor hot tub, 3 restaurants and a lounge are also provided. Emerald Lake Lodge rooms include a private bathroom and balcony."

"If you have a chance, stay for a night in Emerald Lake Lodge, a little log cabin with amazing views of the lake and surrounding areas. In the winter months, you will truly feel like you are living in a snow globe!"

"Located beside the Mountain Restaurant and Husky Gas Station, across the road from Mountaineer Lodge, this cafe serves light meals, coffee and specialty drinks. Great for gas up and go."

"Family owned restaurant located in Samson Mall is convenient for families. Their menu offers a variety of options from hearty meals to children's menus."

"At Mountain Restaurant you can have both a scenic view and a delicious dinner. Our family owned and operated restaurant in Lake"