Jun 21, 2012
Lake Louise, Alberta
Lake Louise is a village in Alberta, Canada. It was named after Lake Louise, which is just 5 kilometers from the hamlet.
This rural settlement is separated into two communities that consist of The Village, located at the lower elevation bordering the trans-Canada Highway and the second community that is situated at the higher elevation, wherein the main focus is the Chateau Lake Louise.
Lake Louise
History of Lake Louise
Lake Louise (Wikipedia) was formed by melted glaciers that overlook the lake and the blue-to-green waters come from melted snow and ice. It was originally named “Lake of Little Fishes” by the First Nations people mainly because fish could not thrive well in the cold temperature of the lake due to its altitude.
The first non-native to visit Lake Louise was a horse wrangler of the Canadian pacific Railway, Tom Wilson. He was led by a Stoney man named Gold Seeker in 1882 and because of its color, Wilson called this body of water “Emerald Lake”.
In 1884, it was given the official name of “Lake Louise” in honor of Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of John Campbell, Canada’s Governor General from 1878 to 1883.
Canadian Rockies
Tourism in Lake Louise
Lake Louise offers an immense diversity of adventures and recreational activities. The place is surrounded by magnificent scenery and it is the home of walking trails and downhill ski areas. Here are some attractions and activities that you find interest in:
- Columbia Icefield. This is the largest accessible icefield in the Canadian Rockies that stretches 325 square kilometers across the Continental Divide. Tours, including icewalks, can be arranged for you to have a glimpse of ice-fed streamlets and glaciers. You can also visit the Icefield Center where you can watch exhibits and learn about the area, local wildlife and how a glacier moves.
- Moraine Lake. This is a lake fed with glacier meltwaters located in Banff National Park (link to official site). It consists of several walking or hiking trails for you explore the upper lake, the hidden regions and take pleasure in the beauty of nature surrounding the area.
Lake Louise Gondola
- Lake Louise Ski Area. This is the largest ski resort in the Canadian Rockies. You can ski safely depending on your capabilities—novice, intermediate and experienced. Enjoy skiing through the terrains and slopes and get the adventure of a lifetime. There are also lodges and restaurants that can provide you with your basic necessities.
- Lake Louise Gondola. This 14-minute relaxing ride will give you the opportunity to see the marvelous snow-capped peaks and the glorious turquoise waters. You can also view different wildflowers and animals depending on the season.
How To Get To Lake Louise
Lake Louise Wildlife
If want to experience unforgettable adventures, then you should definitely give Lake Louise a visit. Here is a list of cities and approximation of travel time by land.
• Field: 30.4 km, 28 minutes
• Banff: 60.9 km, 49 minutes
• Canmore: 83.7 km, 1 hour, 3 minutes
• Golden: 86.6 km, 1 hour 17 minutes
• Radium Hot Springs: 134 km, 1 hour 53 minutes
• Calgary: 188 km, 2 hours 18 minutes
• Fairmont Hot Springs: 170 km, 2 hours 23 minutes
• Lacombe: 349 km, 3 hours 51 minutes
