Winter in Lake Louise may be cold, but it sure is pretty – as in one-of-the-top-places-in-the-world kind of pretty. There’s loads to do for skiers and non-skiers alike.
Lake Louise is a great place to visit in winter whether you’re coming with your family or you’ve got a romantic getaway in mind.
A frozen lake with the most beautiful skating rink in the world set against a backdrop of truly stunning mountain scenery may be one of the first things people think of when they dream of Lake Louise in winter. But within 30 – 60 minutes of Lake Louise Village there are an incredible number of outstanding outdoor activities to keep you entertained.
In the evening you can count on many a fine dining experience. Some of the accommodation is world-class, and there are cabins in the woods if that’s what you’re after.
I’ve been visiting Lake Louise in winter for decades. Now I prefer it over the summer – not only because it’s magical in winter, but there are fewer people and you don’t need to pre-book a shuttle. What you should pre-book is accommodation – early, so you get good prices. More on that at the bottom of the blog.
I’d recommend these 25 incredible things to do in winter in Lake Louise. Certainly many people do day trips from Calgary, Banff and Canmore, but it’s way more fun if you have a few days in Lake Louise itself. That way you don’t have to drive the sometimes gnarly stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway between it and Calgary or Banff.
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How do you get to Lake Louise in winter?
Ideally you will want to drive to Lake Louise. Then you have maximum flexibility as activities are spread out. You won’t have nearly the hassles with regards to parking in Lake Louise in winter as you do in summer. Parking is free until May and there is lots of it – unless it’s the Ice Magic Festival – or a particularly warm and sunny weekend.
If you don’t have a car and you’re staying in Banff, you can take Roam Transit Bus 8x. You can get a pick up at the Banff High School Transit Hub or at the Banff Train Station. Try to be at the bus stop 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure. There are numerous departures every day. Make a reservation.
The price is $10 one way for adults, $5 one way for seniors and youth 13 – 18.
Taking a tour with a pickup in Banff is another option
Another option is to book a tour through Viator to Lake Louise. One of the most popular Lake Louise in winter tours picks you up in Banff and gets you to Lake Louise. Free time at Lake Louise is provided along with snowshoes and hot drinks.
If you want to visit Marble Canyon, Kootenay National Park and Lake Louise, thenthis winter tourwill be perfect. You’ll have time skate on Lake Louise too.
What are the top things to do in Lake Louise – and nearby in winter?
Most of the amazing things to do around Lake Louise in winter are located between the lake itself – and the townsite just a short distance off the Trans-Canada Highway. But I have included some things that are a little further away – for those of you with more than a couple of days in winter in Lake Louise.
1. Skate or play shinny on the world’s prettiest outdoor skating rink
Every winter, usually sometime in December, Lake Louise is transformed into a skating rink. Enjoy public skating with an entry through the ice castle or bring your hockey stick for a game of shinny in a separate area.
Lake Louise is lit until midnight but in theory you could skate around the clock. It’s free to skate.
Skate rentals are available at Chateau Ski and Snow (near the lobby of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise at the entrance to the parkade) at a cost for adults of $23 for 2 hours or $33 all day. It’s $13 for kids. Hockey sticks can be rented for $6. (All prices are 2023 – 2024). Skates are first some, first served.
2. Catch world-class ice carvers in action at Lake Louise in winter
In late January and early February (January 26 – 28 and February 2 – 4, 2024) from 6 PM – 9 PM teams of world-class ice carvers congregate at Lake Louise to transform the grounds of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise into a dazzling winter wonderland of carved ice. A block of ice will be converted into a work of art under your watchful eye. This years theme is Moments of Bliss in Banff National Park.
Apart from watching the ice carvers work their magic on a block of ice, wander through the ice carvings lit up at night – and be sure to check out the ice bar, serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
In 2024, you will have to park at Lake Louise Ski Resort and take a complimentary shuttle to the Ice Magic event up at Lake Louise.
3. Go downhill skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Love downhill skiing? Head to beautiful Lake Louise Ski Resort – voted Canada’s Best Ski Resort back in 2018. It’s one of the biggest ski resorts in North America boasting 4,200 acres of skiable terrain. It’s also one of the prettiest resorts I’ve ever skied at. Families love it as there are beginner, intermediate and expert runs from everyone of the chairlifts.
In total there are ten lifts including a gondola, 7 chairs and 3 carpets, 145 marked runs plus back bowls, some remote. The resort is also the home of one of the top three terrain parks in the world, a tube park and a top-notch beginner’s area.
With one of the longest ski seasons in North America (mid-November to May) you have plenty of time to discover not only the fabulous skiing and snowboarding but some of the special activities. Do a night tour under a full moon and finish with hot chocolate.
4. Go tubing at the Lake Louise Ski Resort
Not everyone loves to ski or snowboard, but most people – especially kids have a pile of fun on an inner tube as it screams down a hill. The tubing park is open from 10 AM until 4 PM in season. (Check current pricing online.) If you’re going as a family, don’t disappoint the kids under three, as they aren’t allowed.
I have always had a thrilling experience when tubing. It’s a great way to be in the moment.
5. Cross-country ski on one of the beautiful trails near Lake Louise
You can look forward to some exceptional cross-country skiing at Lake Louise – and in the immediate area.
Fairview Trail
One of my favourite trails – the Fairview Trail takes off right from the main parking lot at Lake Louise. It hooks up with the Tramline Trail. You can ski it all the way into Lake Louise Village and then back to the lake again.
Great Divide Trail
Another excellent one with consistently great early season snow is the Great Divide Trail. It takes you 10 km one way to the Lake O’Hara parking lot. Allow 3 – 4 hours to do the return outing that will take you across the Continental Divide and into British Columbia.
Pipestone Trails
The Pipestone Trail system is just a minute’s drive past the turnoff to the Lake Louise Ski Resort. It too is very beautiful and the snow is usually amazing. You can choose from loops of varying lengths and make a day of it.
Recommended reading: Where to Go Cross-country skiing in Banff and Across Alberta
6. Go dogsledding
There is one company that runs dogsledding tours in Lake Louise – Kingmik Dogsled Tours.
The most popular tour takes you on the Great Divide Trail towards the Kicking Horse Pass at the Continental Divide. There’s a shelter there where you can stop and get something hot to drink before retracing your steps. This is one of the most romantic things to do in Lake Louise in winter.
Enjoy snuggling up with your special somebody over the 16 km, 90 minute length. And trust me with all the blankets you’ll be plenty warm.
7. Take a winter hike along the Lake Louise shoreline
There are a couple of trails that take off right beside Lake Louise. The easiest one is the Lake Louise Shoreline Trail. It’s 4 km return with no elevation gain.
The trail follows the north shore of Lake Louise to where the melt-water from the Victoria Glacier enters the lake. Some days in the winter you can see ice climbers on the frozen falls.
8. Go ice-climbing on Louise Falls
There is ice climbing in Lake Louise – but it’s something that requires a lot of gear and know how. It’s fun – as I’ve tried it on a frozen waterfall in Maligne Canyon, but unless you’re experienced, you should go with a guide.
My post on ice climbing in Alberta has lots of recommendations.
Yamnuska Mountain Adventures will take you to a variety of areas in Banff National Park – either privately or with a group. The frozen waterfalls in nearby Johnston Canyon would be a great choice, preferably on a winter day that isn’t too cold.
9. Snowshoe or hike to Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes
Another winter hike or snowshoe is the one to Mirror Lake and potentially to Lake Agnes. It’s 2.6 km to Mirror Lake via a well-maintained trail though the forest.
From Mirror Lake you continue on good trails to reach the Lake Agnes Teahouse via a climb up a steep, slippery set of stairs in the winter. It’s 3.6 km one way with an elevation gain of 400 m.
IMPORTANT – After Mirror Lake there is a section of trail that crosses avalanche terrain. Banff National Park calls it Challenging Class 2 terrain for avalanche exposure and requires appropriate training and equipment. Continue from Mirror Lake only if you’re prepared with a shovel, transceiver and the know-how.
10. Snowshoe on a network of trails near Lake Louise
There is quite a network of numbered trail around Lake Louise itself in winter. A map comes in handy to get your bearings.
We did a loop hike one time that included the Fairview Trail (we had to break trail to stay out of the Nordic ski tracks), a jaunt up towards Paradise Valley and then a return on trail #17 that comes out by the trail to the Fairview Lookout.
There are also many other numbered trails that weave behind the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – crossing the Great Divide Trail. Stop in at the Lake Louise Visitor Centre to pick up a map and plan your outing.
I also find that Organic Maps – an offline hiking app works well.
11. Enjoy a slice of rhubarb pie in Lake Louise in the dead of winter
Most people who visit Lake Louise in winter have no idea that the Lake Louise Station and Restaurant even exists. It took me years of visiting Lake Louise to finally clue in.
The station is open every day for lunch and dinner, starting at noon. Meals are served in an atmospheric old building beside the railroad. Expect a train or two to ramble through while you’re eating.
You can also pop into the restaurant when you need a sugar fix in the form of a slice of rhubarb pie. We’d cross-country skied 17 km – and hadn’t had lunch so this seemed like a great solution to replenish our energy. It was.
The rhubarb pie has been served continuously year-round for over 30 years. It’s a little slice of heaven that pairs well with a glass of hot apple cider in winter!
12. Hike to the Fairview Lookout for a magnificent Lake Louise view
If you like a hike with a view then do the easy Fairview Lookout Trail. It takes you from Lake Louise up past snow-covered trees in winter to a lookout platform. It’s approximately 2.4 km return with an easy 165 metres of elevation gain. You should be able to knock it off in about an hour.
On the platform look down to Lake Louise, the skating rink and of course the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
13. Visit Morant’s Curve for some trainspotting
Morant’s Curve, named for a CP Railway photographer Nicholas Morant, is a curve on the rail line near Lake Louise that is very scenic when the red CP trains rumble through in the morning, especially when there is a snowy backdrop.
The parking lot across the street from the guard rail is small – but you probably won’t have any trouble finding it if you look for people standing on snowbanks beside the Bow Valley Parkway. (See location on the map at the bottom of the post.)
There doesn’t seem to be a schedule the trains run on, so you need a little luck or a lot of patience to catch the train in the curve. It’s one of the quintessential things to do in Lake Louise in winter.
14. Ride a horse-drawn sleigh
If a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh sounds like something you’d like to do, you’re in luck. In winter in Lake Louise sleigh rides are offered starting around mid-December until some time in April. You can book a ride with Brewster Adventures.
Rides are 45 – 60 minutes in length. Pricing in 2024 is $52 per adult and $45 per child 4 – 10 years old. There are also romantic two seater cutter rides that start at $550 per hour.
Blankets are provided but on cold days you’re still going to want to bundle up. The ride starts beside Lake Louise and takes you along the lakeside trail.
15. Drive the Bow Valley Parkway
The 48-kilometre long Bow Valley Parkway is a road that parallels the Trans-Canada Highway between Lake Louise and Banff. It’s bisected by a road about halfway along that takes you south into Kootenay National Park.
The speed limit is 60 kph on this road because it travels through a wildlife corridor. Go early or late on a winter day to spot wolves, elk, deer and coyotes – if you’re lucky. So far I’ve seen nothing on this road but I still find it to be a delightful drive. It’s especially pretty on the drive towards Lake Louise as you get fantastic views of Castle Mountain.
16. Enjoy a winter walk, snowshoe or cross-country ski on the Bow River Loop Trail
The 6.9 km Bow River Loop Trail has many starting points. A good place to park is at the Station Restaurant. Then you can simply walk the bridge across the river to start the loop. It’s trackset for cross-country skiing but there’s enough room to walk or snowshoe.
It’s an easy outing that will just take you a few hours. It goes down to the Village Centre and the Lake Louise Campground. It’s particularly pretty in winter after a fresh snowfall.
If you get hungry you can always pick up something to eat at Samson Mall – at the Trailhead Cafe or Laggans Bakery. Try their health cookies – quite addictive.
17. Dine well in Lake Louise
There are a couple of excellent spots in Lake Louise for a meal – aside from the Station Restaurant mentioned above.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The Fairmont property has several restaurants. I like the informal atmosphere and the views at the Fairview Bar & Restaurant. It’s a nice place to go for a drink after you’e been skating.
For something fancier choose Walliser Stube for fondue and other classic Swiss and German inspired dishes. They make excellent schnitzel.
Louiza is the newest addition – though I’ve yet to try it. The emphasis is on local ingredients that change with the seasons.
The Post Hotel
There is a fine dining room at the Post Hotel dining room – serving excellent food in a beautiful setting. But it’s pricey.
Another option that is very casual is The Outpost – the place for burgers, ribs, soups. It’s got a nice bar, TV’s in the background – but a good vibe.
Bill Peyto Cafe
Just a few steps from the Lake Louise Hostel is the Bill Peyto Cafe. I haven’t eaten here but a foodie friend says the food is quite good. Food is affordable and all three meals are served. The surroundings are cheerful and there’s a fireplace – perfect in winter for warming up when you’re in Lake Louise.
18. Go shopping in Lake Louise
There are only a couple of shops in Lake Louise in Samson Mall (other than in the hotels) but they’re very good.
Hit up Willson Mountain Sports for an excellent selection of outdoor clothing and gear. If you’ve forgotten something, this is the place to come. They also rent a lot of stuff.
The Viewpoint Canadian Rockies Books and Cards has a beautifully curated book section, lots of local maps, some gifts and plenty of cards. I could spend several hours in this store alone.
The Fairmont also has a great little book store called Mountain Lights Books. If you need a good read while you’re staying in Lake Louise in winter, eithe rof these two places will fit the bill.
What to do in winter near Lake Louise
1. Snowshoe to the Ink Pots – 25 minutes from Lake Louise
If you can walk, then you can snowshoe and what better place to do it than in Banff National Park. The trail to the Ink Pots is a great one. Its 12 km return with just 220 m of elevation gain.
The higher you go, the prettier it gets with the pièce de résistance the Ink Pots themselves. They are brilliant-coloured mineral hot springs located on the route to Mystic Pass. The trailhead is a few kilometres east of Castle Junction, close to the Johnston Canyon Trailhead.
2. Do the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk – 25 minutes from Lake Louise
The Johnston Canyon Ice Walk is a popular, family friendly winter outing, accessed via a 30 minute drive from Lake Louise or Banff. Slip-slide your way, preferably with icers attached to your shoes or boots, 2.7 km to the frozen waterfall.
Some days the trail is like a skating rink. Hold on to the railings like your life depends on it. On other days the trail is simply snow-packed and not the least bit icy. Make sure you go to the end of the trail (which is more work) so you can see the ice-climbers in action on the frozen waterfalls.
3. Cross-country ski to Boom Lake near the Alberta – British Columbia border – 20 minute drive
For something that’s only a short drive away from Lake Louise I’d recommend the easy five kilometre ski into Boom Lake. With an elevation gain of only 180 m (590 feet), you’ll barely break a sweat. Be sure to continue down the north side of the lake to reach the pretty icefalls.
And of course you should use common sense and avoid the lake itself until you know the ice is thick. There is also Class 2 avalanche danger along one section of the lake – easily seen by all the smaller trees. Don’t go near it unless you have the right gear and avalanche training.
4. Walk up Marble Canyon in nearby Kootenay National Park in winter – 30 minute drive
Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park feels a world away from Lake Louise in winter – and yet it’s only a 30-minute drive.
It’s well worth a visit as the winter walk up the canyon is spectacular. The hike is 1.9 km return – so it’s a good one for most people. Stop and admire the snow formations in the canyon and if you dare look over the edge to see turquoise-coloured Tokumm Creek below.
If there has been a lot of snow be very careful as sometimes you’re walking at a height above the summer railings!!
5. Visit Emerald Lake Lodge near Field – 30 minutes from Lake Louise
It’s a short drove from Lake Louise in winter to reachEmerald Lake Lodgein Yoho National Park. At the lodge you can hike or rent snowshoes and do a 5-kilometre loop around Emerald Lake – avoiding the one avalanche path.
There are a couple of restaurants in the lodge where you might want to enjoy lunch and a drink in beautiful surroundings.
On the way back to Lake Louise you could stop in at the Natural Bridge on the Kicking Horse River. If your timing is right and it’s really cold and has been for some time – you may be able to get up close to some frozen fall that are normally a place of intense power.
Recommended reading: A Guide to Yoho National Park in Winter
6. Drive a section of the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway can be a gnarly road to drive in winter – but if you time it right it can be one of the most beautiful sights on the planet. On a winter drive, you’re not likely to see many cars – and trucks aren’t permitted to drive it.
Go prepared – as there is no cell service. Be sure you’ve got a shovel, extra clothing, food and water. I highly recommendthese Hot Pocs– reusable handwarmers that work instantly.
Consider going up as far as Bow Lake or Peyto Lake and back. You get get out at either stop and enjoy a winter hike or snowshoe for an hour.
7. Head to Peyto Lake if there are Northern Lights in the forecast
If you catch a good Aurora forecast and you have a sense of adventure – and winter tires, head to Peyto Lake on the Icefields Parkway. It’s one of the best places in the Rockies to see them because of the layout of the land there.
It’s also inky black around Peyto Lake, so you don’t have to deal with any light pollution – a problem at Lake Minnewanka these days.
Do go prepared with warm clothes, hand warmers (for your camera too), and a good flashlight and headlamp.
Location map of things to do in Lake Louise in winter – and nearby
Tips for Visiting Lake Louise in winter
Go prepared for cold and snow
Once you get past the turnoff to Sunshine Village near Banff, you’ll notice the snow levels building quickly. Lake Louise in winter is far snowier and colder than Banff, even though they’re only 40 minutes apart. Dress in layers – and pack some of your warmest winter clothing.
Read: What to Wear in Canada in Winter on a -20°C Day
Driving can be challenging
The roads in Banff National Park are not always the best in winter. Slow down. Take your time. This is not a part of the world where you want to be in an accident. Pack a shovel!!
The days are short
On December 18th sunrise in Lake Louise is at 8:45 AM. Sunset is at 4:36 PM, so there isn’t a lot of daylight.
If you hate driving in the dark, plan accordingly. And don’t sleep in until noon unless you want to play outside in the dark! If you’re on a trail, plan to be coming off it by 4 PM. Pack headlamps in case you’re slower than you thought you’d be.
Where to stay in and near Lake Louise in winter
For a splurge stay at Lake Louise in winter at theFairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Then you can walk out the door and skate, ski, snowshoe – and take in the beauty of your surroundings.
A short drive away isBaker Creek by Basecamp– with individual cabins in the woods that are ideal in winter. They have a small skating rink, fat bikes and there is cross-country skiing across the street.
For good value stay at theLake Louise Hostel.
TheMountaineer Lodgeis a stone’s throw from the village – and offers comfortable rooms.
ThePost Hotel & Spabacking onto the Pipestone River near Samson Mall has a lovely pool and hot tub, well-appointed rooms and a couple of dining rooms to choose from.
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