Adventure Dates: 09/17/2025 – 09/23/2025
Introduction
Lake Louise is one of the most famous destinations in Banff National Park, and my wife and I could not wait to see it for ourselves. After a morning at Moraine Lake, we hopped on the connector shuttle and arrived just before noon.
By then, the shoreline near the Fairmont Chateau was already bustling with visitors. Despite the crowds, stepping up to the turquoise waters of Lake Louise surrounded by towering peaks was a breathtaking moment that felt truly iconic.
Map of Location
Here’s a look at where Lake Louise is located:
Arriving at the Chateau
The first thing we noticed when arriving was how accessible Lake Louise felt compared to Moraine Lake. The area near the Fairmont Chateau had paved paths, benches, and easy access for strollers and wheelchairs. This made it welcoming for visitors of all ages and abilities.
We took some photos near the chateau, where the lake stretched out in front of us with its famous turquoise waters glowing under the midday light. The scene was busy but undeniably beautiful.
Shoreline Trail
From the main viewpoint, we began walking along the shoreline trail. The path was smooth and wide, making it easy for people to stroll together. However, it was noticeably more crowded than the shoreline trail at Moraine Lake.
Along the way, we noticed that unlike Moraine Lake, there was no real access down to the water. The lake came right up to the edges of the shore, leaving no pebble beach or rocks to step on. Even while on the trail, the lake maintained that same steep shoreline.
We did not walk the entire trail, but the parts we explored still gave us beautiful perspectives of the lake and mountains.
Quick Impressions
The lake is as beautiful in person as it is in photos, with its glowing turquoise color framed by mountains.
Nothing but humans!
The shuttle made it easy to reach, and the area is designed for visitors of all abilities. Don’t expect parking to be available though.
Very accessible with paved paths, benches, and space for strollers and wheelchairs.
Closing Thoughts
Lake Louise was beautiful and iconic, but also much busier than we expected. While we enjoyed the scenery and accessibility, the large crowds made it less peaceful compared to Moraine Lake.
We kept our visit short, opting to leave earlier than planned so we could continue to Johnston Canyon. Still, we are glad we experienced Lake Louise in person, as it is one of the most famous spots in Banff National Park.
Photo Gallery
We captured several photos during our time at Lake Louise, from the bustling Chateau area to the turquoise waters along the shoreline trail.
