Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Lake Louise

"Banff national park – Canada’s oldest – is an easy hour-and-a-half drive from Calgary. But don’t skip the picturesque and vibrant mountain town of Canmore, just outside the park’s boundary, where the peaks of the Rockies provide the backdrop to numerous music and arts festivals throughout the year."

"There is a good chance that you will encounter wildlife, most often a squirrel, marmot, or mountain goat. But, like all the other hikes, make sure that you have bear spray. There is a national park fee to access these hikes and the pass can be purchased upon entering the park."

"The Banff National Park is one of the main reasons people visit Banff. A recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park. The Canadian Rockies is one of those breathtaking sights which you must see at least once before you die."

"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."

"Then return to Lake Louise and hike into the hills for lunch at one of the historic mountain teahouses, Lake Agnes or the Plain of the Six Glaciers. From Lake Louise, drive the Bow Valley Parkway south toward Banff, stopping to follow the trail through Johnston Canyon. When you arrive in Banff, see an evening concert, lecture, or other event at the modern Banff Centre."

"Continue a bit higher to Minnestimma Lakes, or higher yet to Sentinel Pass, and you’ll be rewarded with wonderful views of the Valley of Ten Peaks. It’s 4.3 km one way to Larch Valley/Minnestimma Lakes and the round trip can take up to 4 hours."

"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."

"If you are pretty fit and have a lot of time, you can do the Beehive Circuit Trail at Lake Louise to see both Lake Agnes and the Plain of Six Glaciers. Food at the tea house"

"This World Heritage site protects the amazing Cambrian-age fossil beds on Mt Stephen and Mt Field. These 515-million-year-old fossils preserve the remains of marine creatures that were some of the earliest forms of life on earth. You can only get to the fossil beds by guided hikes, which are led by naturalists from the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation. Reservations are essential."

"There are too many good restaurants inside Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to count, but among the best: Alpine Social, a modern-day apres-ski hangout with 20 Canadian bourbons and whiskeys to choose from in addition to souped-up pub fare; and Walliser Stube, a dark, moody German and Swiss-inspired eatery, where the fondue is everything. The generously poured hot toddies at Lakeview Lounge make for a warming indulgence after a long day on the slopes, and each table looks out onto the water."

"The classic Old Fashioned can’t go unmentioned and Alpine Social at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise does it justice. Their redesigned lounge is a mountain-modern cozy retreat that was meant for the Old Fashioned; crafted with Alberta Premium Dark Horse Rye, maple syrup, black walnut bitters, topped with an Okanagan cherry, and a lemon twist. Order the warm mini doughnuts to match, they’re dusted with cinnamon and come with a delectable maple dip."

"Inspired by the glory days of Canadian mountaineering, Alpine Social is the place to eat, meet and celebrate in Lake Louise. It’s the perfect place to enjoy hearty, gourmet comfort food after a day of mountain adventure."

"On the opposite end of the spectrum of the Fairview is a great budget-friendly restaurant in Lake Louise, Bill Peyto’s Cafe. Although less fancy, this place is very popular with raving reviews on TripAdvisor. On a recent trip to Lake Louise, I stayed at the Hi Lake Louise Alpine Center (a great budget hotel option.) Bill Peyto’s Cafe is actually located in the hotel so I really had no choice but to check it out for myself."

"Bill Peyto’s Cafe is the Lake Louise equivalent of Cougar Pete’s in Banff. Again, Bill Peyto’s Cafe is located in the Lake Louise Hostel. The food at Bill Peyto’s is simple, cheap food that’ll fill you up in a hurry."

"A locals favorite for casual atmosphere, apres ski drinks, great burgers, sandwiches and salads. Good value, standard restaurant fare with good sized portions. Located in HI-Hostel."

"This stay has listed several different cleanliness practices. Featuring a rooftop terrace, an indoor pool and a Jacuzzi, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers charming, modern and themed rooms. It is also minutes from Lake Louise Town's well-known attractions and landmarks."

"Highly recommended Golden Lake Room at Fairmont Lake Louise!. The floor of the room is relatively high, Lake Louise is out of the window, and the view is very good!. The rooms are relatively new and should have been renovated later."

"On the opposite end of the spectrum of the Fairview is a great budget-friendly restaurant in Lake Louise, Bill Peyto’s Cafe. Although less fancy, this place is very popular with raving reviews on TripAdvisor. On a recent trip to Lake Louise, I stayed at the Hi Lake Louise Alpine Center (a great budget hotel option.) Bill Peyto’s Cafe is actually located in the hotel so I really had no choice but to check it out for myself."

"Bill Peyto’s Cafe is the Lake Louise equivalent of Cougar Pete’s in Banff. Again, Bill Peyto’s Cafe is located in the Lake Louise Hostel. The food at Bill Peyto’s is simple, cheap food that’ll fill you up in a hurry."

"A locals favorite for casual atmosphere, apres ski drinks, great burgers, sandwiches and salads. Good value, standard restaurant fare with good sized portions. Located in HI-Hostel."

"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!"

"This is my all time favourite place to eat breakfast in Lake Louise Village. The grilled sandwiches here are unbelievable, and they’re the perfect breakfast, brunch or lunch option if you just want to grab something and go. For breakfast, I absolutely love the avocado and toast (with extra bacon), but you really can’t go wrong."

"Trailhead Cafe is also located in the Samson Mall in Lake Louise. They offer a selection of great coffee, hot breakfasts including breakfast sandwiches and baked goods."

"Located in the Samson Mall, the Trailhead Cafe serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, great goodies to go and of course, coffee and drinks."

"Then return to Lake Louise and hike into the hills for lunch at one of the historic mountain teahouses, Lake Agnes or the Plain of the Six Glaciers. From Lake Louise, drive the Bow Valley Parkway south toward Banff, stopping to follow the trail through Johnston Canyon. When you arrive in Banff, see an evening concert, lecture, or other event at the modern Banff Centre."

"Banff national park – Canada’s oldest – is an easy hour-and-a-half drive from Calgary. But don’t skip the picturesque and vibrant mountain town of Canmore, just outside the park’s boundary, where the peaks of the Rockies provide the backdrop to numerous music and arts festivals throughout the year."

"There is a good chance that you will encounter wildlife, most often a squirrel, marmot, or mountain goat. But, like all the other hikes, make sure that you have bear spray. There is a national park fee to access these hikes and the pass can be purchased upon entering the park."

"The Banff National Park is one of the main reasons people visit Banff. A recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park. The Canadian Rockies is one of those breathtaking sights which you must see at least once before you die."