CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF CANADA The Canadian Rockies provide natural beauty and year-round appeal
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 68 slmag.net
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.
