Can't Get Enough of Canada

Written by Christy Waller / Photos courtesy of Fairmont Château Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs

Tucked in the spectacular Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise has become synonymous with awe inspiring nature. Millions flock to see the almost surreal beauty of the Lake, complete with picturesque mountains, views of the Victoria Glacier, and its famous turquoise waters.

The glacial Lake is a part of the Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The Park was established in 1885 as Canada’s first National Park and only the third National Park globally. The Park is now also a World Heritage Site per the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (more commonly “UNESCO”), which aids the Park in conserving the over 7,700 square miles it encompasses. Banff National Park is known for alpine tree lines, sweeping meadows, and massive glaciers that draw you toward Lake Louise. At an elevation of 1,600 meters, Lake Louise is just a 40-minute ride from the small town of Banff, with a population of just 7,500.

There is never a wrong time to visit Alberta—while Lake Louise can truly embody the idea of a ‘Winter Wonderland,’ you can see its turquoise waters at their most colorful when it has completely thawed by July/August. The lure of Lake Louise only begins with its aesthetic—regardless of when you visit, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Winter months bring skiing, ice climbing, sleigh rides, ice skating, and more quintessential winter activities. Similarly, the summer boasts hiking trails, canoeing the famous waters, rock climbing, and alpine mountaineering.

While the surrounding area experiences the heavy snows of October, the Lake itself typically begins to freeze in early November, marking the beginning of ski season for the Lake Louise Ski Resort. This time is the best time for ice-skating, as the blue waters have just frozen without too much snowfall on the ice. Finally, in early June, the Lake begins to thaw for canoeing.

When visiting Lake Louise, the opportunity to become immersed in its natural beauty is when you stay on-site at either the Fairmont Château Lake Louise or Fairmont Banff Springs.

At the heart of Banff National Park sits the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. A hotel to match the luxury of its namesake, the resort overlooks the Lake, inviting the magnificent beauty of the Canadian Rockies from your hotel window. The 539-room resort offers both fitness and wellness classes, spa, and seasonal activities such as winter snowshoeing or summer kayaking, in addition to its connections to a variety of activities near the hotel.

At the resort spa, you can find the perfect way to unwind and refresh after taking in all the outdoor experiences Lake Louise has to offer. The hotel’s staff of professional spa therapists provide a range of over 20 services, from soothing massages and facials to wellness treatments. So, whether you are looking to relax after a vigorous day exploring the Canadian Rockies or simply looking for an alternative to the outdoors, the Fairmont Lake Louise’s spa offers the perfect answer.

The hotel also serves as an excellent touchstone to the breathtaking nature, especially during ski season. Not only does the hotel offer gear rentals through the Château Ski and Snow Rentals inside the hotel, but it also connects guests to ski resorts in the area. Within the hotel’s vicinity is the Lake Louise Ski Resort, awarded ‘Best Ski Resort in Canada’ in 2019 by the World Ski Awards. Its 4,200 acres for skiing make it one of the largest on the continent, with opportunities for beginners and lifetime skiers alike. Regardless of who you travel with, you can access all levels of runs from each chair, allowing groups to enjoy skiing and snowboarding together. The hotel makes access to this fun for everyone easy with its complimentary shuttle. The ski resort is just a ten-minute drive from the hotel, and two other resorts—Mount Norquay and Sunshine Village—are less than an hour away.

If you are looking to step outside of your comfort zone with more unorthodox winter activities, snowshoeing with Powderfest Snowshoeing is another great way to explore outside the hotel. Great for all ages, snowshoeing allows you to traverse in some of the fluffiest snow the world has to offer and take in all that the Banff National Park has to offer.

All of this outdoor exploring can work up an appetite, but the eats in the area have you got covered. Whether it’s dining alongside the inspiring views of the Canadian Rockies at the Fairview Bar and Restaurant or the Fairmont Château Lake Louise’s Afternoon tea, there is no shortage of fabulous eateries in the area. Other options include the comforting dark wood of Walliser Stube, famous for having the best cheese fondue outside of Switzerland. Poppy Brasserie is the perfect spot for a family breakfast before hitting the slopes, while Alpine Social features the best from the local Alberta area.

In addition to Fairmont Château Lake Louise, the Fairmont Banff Springs offers a similarly cozy yet luxurious stay. The 757-room resort styled after a Scottish baronial castle offers a range of experiences from quiet, quaint rooms to luxury suites—all complete with the brilliant views of the National Park. Located at the base of Rundle Mountain is just minutes from the cosmopolitan mountain town of Banff.

The hotel is also home to Stanley Thompson-designed Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, allowing guests to golf amidst the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies’ mountains and the Willow Steam Spa, offering the sounds of waterfalls during their rejuvenating and restorative treatments.

As for eating in the area, the hotel has 12 acclaimed restaurantsboasting the best of Canada. If you are looking for classic French-Canadian dining, the Vermillion Room is the perfect spot. Similarly,1888 Chop House and STOCK Food & Drink offer incredibleselections of drinks and cuisine. Waldhaus Restaurant servesBavarian food in a cozy lodge setting with a crackling fire.

Their newest private outdoor dining venue, the 360° Domeoffers three dining experiences including brunch, après, and dinner.Located on the picturesque Upper Garden Terrace, the 360° Domeis surrounded by panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies andthe 132-year-old Castle. The luxurious venue is reservable foran extravagant family-style brunch in the morning, an intimateGrapes Wine & Charcuterie experience in the afternoon, and a fivecoursegourmet menu in the evening.

No matter what time of year you choose to explore Alberta, you will undoubtably experience a true Canadian “RockyMountain High.”

Fairmont Château Lake Louise / 111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, Alberta T0L 1E0, CANADA / (403) 522-3511 / www.fairmont.com Fairmont Banff Springs / 405 Spray Avenue, Banff, Alberta T1L 1J4, CANADA / (403) 762-2211 / www.banff-springs-hotel.com