The Ultimate Guide to Lake Louise Canada Winter Activities
Visiting Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada, is the ultimate bucket list destination for people looking for luxury in a picturesque setting. The glacier-fed blue lake mesmerizes visitors and ranks as one of the top summer destinations, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. But did you know that Lake Louise is also a magical winter getaway? Explore the many Lake Louise, Canada, winter activities with me at this picture-perfect retreat.
Surrounded by towering mountain peaks and blanketed in pristine white snow, Lake Louise transforms into a true winter wonderland from November through April each year. Some of the many winter activities you can enjoy in Lake Louise include downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, ice climbing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and more. As an added bonus, spend cozy evenings by the fire after action-packed days playing in the snow.
With endless options for winter fun amid stunning scenery, Lake Louise is a premier destination for an unforgettable winter vacation.
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Where to Stay at Lake Louise
There is no better place to stay in Lake Louise, Canada during the winter than the striking Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This iconic and historic hotel has been hosting guests since the late 1890s when it began as a chalet for railway visitors. It has since developed into a premier destination in the Canadian Rockies.
Overlooking the frozen lake and the Victoria glacier, the Lake Louise Fairmont is a hub for numerous winter activities. You can do everything here from sleigh rides to Bavarian curling to ice skating or simply enjoy roasting marshmallows over the fire pits.
In addition to the numerous winter activities at the hotel, the outstanding views from the hotel rooms, the attentive service from the staff, the free shuttle to SkiLouise, and the availability of exclusive Fairmont guest experiences make this hotel your perfect spot to explore Lake Louise.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Lake Louise
Lake Louise Ski Resort, SkiLouise, is located in Banff National Park. Ski or snowboard across 164 runs spread across four mountains. The terrain ranges from gentle beginner hills to expert bowls and chutes.
There are eleven lifts, including a gondola and three mobile magic carpets. The front side features wide-open groomers and mogul runs, while the backside area is known for advanced terrain and spectacular views.
The ski village at the mountain’s base has many amenities, including restaurants, shops, and a ski school. The Juniper Zone has gentle green runs serviced by magic carpets perfect for beginners.
You can purchase full-day, half-day, and after-2 p.m. lift tickets online or in person at the ticket office. A learning zone ticket at a reduced price is also available for those just learning to ski.
Equipment rentals and ski/snowboard lessons can be booked through the Snow School.
Tour the Mountains with Ski Friends
Make sure to take advantage of the opportunity to ski with local tour guides. The resort offers a unique mountain adventure that lets you ski alongside “Ski Friends,” experts in skiing SkiLouise.
The Ski Friends conduct group mountain tours twice daily and offer excellent advice on lifts, runs, and skiing in this area.
Look for the Ski Friends in bright yellow jackets. Tours are free and leave at 10 AM and 1:15 PM daily.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is hugely popular at Lake Louise. In fact, there are over ten cross-country ski trails in the area suited to various fitness levels.
Beginners may enjoy the Great Divide trail, also known as the Old 1A Highway, that leads to the BC/Alberta border.
Another popular trail is the Lake Louise Loop, located at the backside of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The hotel offers guided tours from the Nordic Stop, the log building at the shoreline.
Escape the downhill crowds and enjoy an active day exploring the peaceful surroundings of cross-country skiing at your own pace.
Lake Louise Gondola
If you are not interested in skiing, you can take the Lake Louise gondola, a scenic 14-minute ride that is open from 10 am to 3:30 pm.
An adult ticket costs $60 for one trip. Unfortunately, no facilities are at the top of the gondola, including restaurants, restrooms, or shelters.
The gondola simply takes you up for a view and brings you back down.
Personally, I did not take the Lake Louise gondola, but chose to take the Banff Gondola near downtown Banff, instead.
The Banff gondola has much more to offer at the summit: a four-level viewing deck, two restaurants, a coffee shop, restrooms, and a gift shop. You can spend time taking in the views and enjoying amenities before heading back down.
The Lake Louise gondola seems quite limited in comparison.
While I’m sure the view is beautiful, the lack of facilities at the top makes it hard to justify spending $60 for a quick 14-minute ride.
The Banff gondola is likely the better option if you want more bang for your buck and a more well-rounded experience. The amenities allow you to make a day of it rather than just a quick up-and-down.
Lake Louise Winter Activities Besides Skiing
Ice Skating on Lake Louise
There’s plenty more to experience in Lake Louise besides downhill skiing and snowboarding. Ice skating on the frozen waters of Lake Louise with the peaks in the background is an iconic Canadian winter experience.
You can rent skates at Chateau Ski and Snow in the hotel lobby and glide around the natural frozen skating rink maintained on the lake all winter long.
Snowshoeing in Lake Louise
Snowshoeing is another excellent way to explore Lake Louise’s winter trails and scenery.
You can choose from four guided tours at Ski Louise. The tickets begin at $115, including a gondola ticket and 1.5 hours of snowshoeing.
If you want to snowshoe the Lake Louise Loop behind the Fairmont without a guide, rent snowshoes at one of the many stores, like Banff Adventures in Downtown Banff, for around $20 a day.
Lake Louise Sleigh Ride
Experience the area from a different perspective on an old-fashioned sleigh ride along the frozen Lake Louise with Brewsters Adventures.
This is one of my favorite Lake Louise winter activities. It is the epitome of a perfect winter experience.
As the crisp winter air nips at your cheeks, you climb aboard a horse-drawn sleigh.
Snuggled into warm blankets, travel along the Lakeside Trail beneath Lake Louise’s Victoria Glacier.
You will first notice the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses’ hooves echoing peacefully around you, adding to the experience. The scene unfolds like a winter fairytale with the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies ahead.
The morning sun shines softly on the pristine snow, making it sparkle beautifully. It’s a mesmerizing sight to see the whole landscape covered in glittering snow.
As your ride continues to Ice Falls, you’ll see tall evergreen trees with delicate snowflakes lining the path. As Lake Louise stretches out beside you, it feels like you’ve entered a world full of enchantment.
Everything around you slows down, and each sound and sight fills you with peace. It’s a winter activity you should experience when visiting Lake Louise. You will not be disappointed.
Other Popular Lake Louise Winter Activities
Lake Louise offers many other popular winter activities to complete your itinerary.
You can go ice climbing, fat biking, dog sledding, and snow tubing.. The possibilities for spending time outside in the winter near and around Lake Louise are endless.
Lake Louise Ice Bar
The Lake Louise Ice Bar is one of the most unique winter attractions at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
The Ice Bar, constructed from enormous ice blocks, overlooks Victoria Glacier and the ice skating area.
Guests can enjoy drinks from the Ice Bar while relaxing in the nearby seats or wander to the fire pits close by.
I had the Nanaimo Bar made with maple rye, Nanaimo bar cream, chocolate bitters, and hot chocolate. It is the perfect warm drink for the cold weather.
Northern Lights Viewing
One of Lake Louise’s most magical winter experiences is witnessing the dazzling Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. The Lake Louise area offers prime viewing due to low light pollution and elevation. Some of the best spots to see the Northern Lights near Lake Louise include:
- The shores of Lake Louise – This majestic lake provides an unobstructed view north towards the auroral oval.
- Moraine Lake – The “Valley of the Ten Peaks” creates a stunning backdrop for viewing the Northern Lights here.
- Lake Minnewanka—One of the largest lakes in the area, its vast open views make it ideal for watching the Northern Lights.
For the best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis, visit between late December and March, when longer hours of darkness allow the lights to be visible. Peak viewing is typically between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Check Aurora forecasts and watch for high activity and clear skies.
Winter Festivals and Events
Lake Louise hosts a variety of exciting winter festivals and events. The highlight is the Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival, which occurs over several weekends in January and February.
This festival features awe-inspiring ice carving competitions and exhibitions. Artists use chainsaws and chisels to sculpt massive ice blocks into beautiful sculptures along the Lakefront Terrace.
Due to warmer than usual temperatures on our visit in February, only the smaller ice sculptures remained after the festival, but they are still delightful to witness in person.
Best Times to Visit Lake Louise in Winter
The best time to visit Lake Louise in the winter is from November through April. This is when the temperatures are cold enough for winter activities, and Lake Louise is typically frozen over and covered in snow.
Visiting in early winter, like November and December, means fewer crowds, especially before Christmas. However, the temperatures can be warmer and the snow conditions may not be ideal yet for skiing and snowboarding.
The heart of winter from January to February is busy with winter break travelers. But snow conditions are excellent for skiing and winter sports during these months. The lake is also frozen solid for ice skating, ice fishing, and the Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival. Just be prepared for colder temperatures.
Visiting in late winter, like March and April, means warmer weather and more daylight. However, there’s a higher chance of icy or slushy conditions. The lake starts thawing in May.
Overall, the best times are December for smaller crowds and January-February for ideal winter conditions. Avoid major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and spring break for the fewest crowds.
Lake Louise Restaurants
Louiza
One advantage of staying at the Lake Louise Fairmont is enjoying restaurants like Louiza. Louiza is a Mediterannean inspired restaurant serving breakfast and dinner.
The breakfast is absolutely amazing! It is served buffet-style and offers the opportunity to order a la carte items for one price. Choose from menu items such as Brioche French Toast, Spanish Egg Coccette, or a Brie and Honey Ham Omelet.
This breakfast was one of the highlights of our trip to Lake Louise. This breakfast is only available to hotel guests.
Fairmont Lake Louise’s Afternoon Tea
Another way to enjoy a winter activity in Lake Louise is to be a guest at the Fairmont’s afternoon tea service. You’ll enjoy beautiful Lake Louise views when you take part in this long-standing tradition.
This experience allows you to take a break in the day to enjoy finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and warm scones with your favorite tea or afternoon cocktail at the Fairview Restaurant in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Ski Louise Base Area Dining
When you are headed to the Ski Louise mountain area, you have many food options at the base of the mountain.
You can enjoy grab-and-go options at the Lodge of Ten Peaks Cafe, pizza and wings from the Powder Keg Lounge, or sushi from Kuma Yama.
Getting To Lake Louise, Canada
The closest major airport to Lake Louise is Calgary International Airport. From here, most visitors rent a car and drive approximately two hours to Lake Louise along the Trans-Canada Highway.
Another popular option is to take a shuttle bus from Calgary or Banff, which offers a convenient and scenic transfer. Some options for bus transportation include:
The Lake Louise Ski Bus provides direct service from Calgary and Canmore to the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Roundtrip bus tickets cost around $55 per person, and reservations are required.
Brewster offers a daily shuttle bus from the Calgary Airport to Lake Louise for around $65 per person one-way.
For those already staying in Banff, the Roam public transit bus offers regular routes between Banff and Lake Louise year-round. Fares start at around $10 each way.
Conclusion
Lake Louise is truly a magical winter wonderland with endless activities and natural beauty to explore. The village offers world-class skiing and snowboarding at Lake Louise Ski Resort, featuring some of the most expansive terrain in North America.
But there is much more to experience than just the slopes. Ice skating on the frozen waters of Lake Louise, snowshoeing through quiet powder-covered forests, and exploring ice sculptures at Lake Louise are just a few of the unique activities. Witnessing the dazzling Northern Lights dance across the night sky or participating in lively winter festivals are also bucket list worthy.
If an unforgettable Rocky Mountain winter adventure is on your bucket list, start planning your Lake Louise getaway today. The endless activities, stunning scenery, and friendly Canadian hospitality will create lifelong memories.
