Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places 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!"

"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."

"Not inside the town of Banff, but a half-hour away from town is the Storm Mountain Lodge. The lodge restaurant serves up meals with freshly baked sourdough bread, braised short ribs, and fondue. A great menu that changes seasonally so check their website for the latest offerings."

"Double check the hours as this place isn’t open everyday, but if you’re in Banff when it is, GO. With a focus on local or sustainable Canadian food, you will absolutely find something you love. Don’t be surprised that when your food comes out it looks like a piece of art!"

"The inside is clean, with lots of charm, and the bedding is soft and comfortable. It has a cozy living space for the family to enjoy. Soak in the hot tub after a day of activities exploring Golden."

"Another dining at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise option is the Lakeview Lounge, set right off the main lobby, with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the mountain and lake. Although the scenery is elegant, the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly. As guests walk into the Lakeview Lounge, they enter a large bar and lounge area, and to the right (facing the windows) is the dining area."

"The Lakeview Lounge is located right in the lobby of the Fairmont Chateau and offers a more relaxed and budget-friendly way to enjoy the luxurious environment of the Fairmont. There are gorgeous views of the lake and mountains right from the dining area. In the summertime, you can sit right on the patio and soak up the sun and fresh mountain air."

"Featuring seasonally inspired lunch fare and a delicious evening dinner menu menu, the Lakeview Lounge offers guests a one-of-a-kind dining experience surrounded by architectural and natural beauty. Non contractual photo"

"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!"

"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."

"Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike is the most iconic and popular hike in the Lake Louise region. Not only will you get the chance to see Lake Louise from a higher vantage point, you’ll also get to try some delicious tea and pastries at the historic tea house. The hike there is about 3.5 km one-way and is a steady climb throughout."

"Lake Agnes is the only spot on this list that requires a bit of an effort to get to. It's an hour or 90 minutes easy uphill walk. A little exercise won't hurt anyone and if it means sitting and taking in the views on the shoreline of this lake then you can be rest assured that it was worth it."

"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."

"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 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."

"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."

"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."

"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"

"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."