More Activities
Activities at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Summer Activities
Winter Activities
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MOUNTAIN HERITAGE PROGRAM - Summer Adventures
RECAPTURE THE EXPERIENCE
The first Chalet on Lake Louise was built in 1890 as a base for 'Outdoor enthusiasts and alpinists'. To ensure the safety of their guests, the chalet employed professional Swiss Mountain Guides beginning in 1899. Over the next 55 years they would lead hundreds of first ascents and teach generations of Canadians how to climb mountains. When the last of the Swiss guides retired in 1954, they left with an enviable safety record: Under their care, not one person was ever seriously injured while climbing. Their lesson is simple, 'If you want to have a great day in the mountains, take a guide!'
In 1997 The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise revived its time honored guiding tradition. Led by award winning naturalists our Mountain Heritage Program offers adventures for all skill levels. Choose from a leisurely stroll along the lake, a half day hike to a Tea House or a full day hike into the alpine of Alberta. Our program focuses on enjoying the 'journey' as much as it is about reaching the 'destination'.
What ever you choose, we know you will leave with great stories, wonderful photos and a deeper appreciation of Banff National Park, part of a United Nations 'World Heritage Site'
The summer program runs June 15th to September 15th but exact activity and destinations may vary due to weather, trail or wildlife conditions.
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HALF DAY HIKES Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays
8:30am to 12:30pm
Adults: $49 CAD
Child 8 - 12: $24 CAD
Children 7 and under not recommended
Options Include:
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Lake Agnes & the Tea House
This lovely walk is one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park for good reason. Our first switchback lets us look down on the turquoise waters of Lake Louise. Continuing upward, we pass Mirror Lake tucked under the shear cliffs of the Big Beehive. At the Tea House we will 'tarry-a-while' and enjoy the breath-taking backdrop.
Distance: 7 km / 4.4 mi Gain: 385 m /1,260 ft
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Saddleback Pass
Starting from the shore of Lake Louise the trail climbs moderately to steeply at times, aiming for a pass between Mt. Fairview and Saddle Peak. Once at the pass, a short walk away is the hidden 'Guides View Point' where we stop and enjoy the most spectacular view of our journey: the awesome north face of Mt. Temple. Above average fitness required.
Distance: 7.4 km / 4.6 mi Gain: 610 m / 2,000 ft
FULL DAY HIKES
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
8:30am to 3:30pm
Adults: $69 CAD
Child 8 - 12: $34 CAD
Children 7 and under not recommended
Options Include:
The Plain of Six Glaciers and the Tea House
If you only had time for one hike in the Canadian Rockies, this would be it. This spectacular hike can be turned into a loop that includes walking up to Mirror Lake then traversing across the rarely traveled 'Highline Trail'. After conquering the ascent, we arrive at the Tea House and lunch*.
Distance: 11 km / 7mi Gain: 335m / 1,100 ft
The Big Beehive
Standing on the shore of Lake Louise, we can see our destination high above us. We start with a journey up the Lake Agnes area. The trail begins to switch back steeply upwards towards a saddle. Once at the saddle, most of our work is behind us and our lunch* spot beckons us towards the edge. From the top, the turquoise gem of Lake Louise shimmers far below.
Distance: 10km / 6.4mi Gain: 550m / 1,800 ft
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OTHER SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Canoeing on Lake Louise
The late Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau loved canoeing, famously commenting that it makes you 'a child of nature.'' Become a child yourself again (or bring the kids along) and paddle across world-famous Lake Louise. Life moves in perfect unison with the sights and sounds of the wild as you guide your bright red canoe across our brilliant blue-green waters toward the towering Victoria Glacier. No previous experience required.
Activity Cost:
$50 CAD plus GST per hour
$40 CAD plus GST per half hour
Horseback Riding
A Rocky Mountain tradition! Re-live the days of the outfitter and his pack horse as you ride high above the shores of Lake Louise on the trail to the Lake Agnes or Plain of Six Glacier Tea House. Reservations are recommended. Available daily during summer, weather permitting.
Activity Cost: from $40 CAD - $150 CAD
Mountain Biking
Explore the Rockies on a mountain bike on local trails that vary from beginner to expert. Mountain bike rentals are available at Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise village.
Activity Cost: from $20 CAD - $40 CAD
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Guided Fishing
Cast your line and spend some relaxing hours fishing for lake trout at Lake Minnewanka, located 45 minutes east of Lake Louise. Guided fishing trips on a 22-ft. cabin cruiser are three hours in duration and include all necessary equipment. Trips depart at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. A National Parks fishing permit is required and can be purchased for a nominal fee at the Lake Minnewanka office.
Lake Minnewanka Guided Charter Fishing Trips
Activity Cost: from $350 CAD per adult, $75 per additional fishing adult and $50 per additional non fishing adult and children 8 - 12 years old.
Golf Courses
There are several spectacular golf courses just a short drive from Lake Louise.
The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course
- 27-hole golf course
- 45-minute drive from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- For more information, visit The Fairmont Banff Springs section of this website.
Golden Golf Course
Kananaskis Golf Course
Canmore Golf Course
Lake Minnewanka Boat Tours
The Devil's Gap Cruise begins at the Lake Minnewanka Tours boat dock, a scenic 55-minute drive from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This interpretive cruise departs several times daily and travels beneath Mt. Aylmer and Mt. Inglismaldie to Devil's Gap. All boats are glass enclosed and heated in case of inclement weather.
Activity Cost:
Adults; $37 CAD, Children 5 - 11; $18 CAD
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White Water Rafting
Drench everyday routine with an exciting whitewater or gentle scenic rafting trip on the vibrant Kicking Horse River with Wild Water Adventures. Meet in the Chateau Lobby for an informative shuttle trip to Wild Water Adventures new River Base day lodge, complete with comfortable change rooms. All you'll need to bring along is a swimsuit and towel as you will be fully outfitted and prepared for your guided rafting journey by this professional river team. Trips depart twice daily from mid-May through mid-September. Back on dry land, tasty bakery treats and fresh fruit are served along with refreshing hot and cold beverages. Reservations required.
Activity Cost: from $49 CAD to $99 CAD
Columbia Icefield & Brewster Ice Explorer
Columbia Icefield covers 325 square km. (126 square mi.) an area larger than the city of Vancouver. The largest Icefield in the Rockies, it is located 103-km. (64-mi.) drive north of Lake Louise. Most people choose to explore the Athabaska glacier aboard a Brewster Ice Explorer. Be sure to visit the Icefield Center with it's remarkable interpretive center. Tours run from mid-April to mid-October and are approximately 1.5 hours long. In season, complete tours, including Icefields Parkway transportation, depart daily from the Chateau.
ATV Tours (Available outside the National Parks)
ATV Tours let you ride your way to an unforgettable Rocky Mountain memory. All-terrain vehicles take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Transportation from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is provided.
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MOUNTAIN HERITAGE PROGRAM - Winter Adventures
Winter is the longest season along the peaks of the Great Divide. With an average annual snow fall of 3m or 13 ft, the Lake Louise area is transformed into a snow lovers paradise. You can choose from a leisurely skate on the lake, sleigh rides or the excitement of dog sledding. Join our guides for cross-country skiing, canyon hikes or snowshoe walks and learn about the magnificent wildlife and how they survive the harsh conditions of the season.
The winter program runs from December 1st to March 31. Exact activity and destination may vary due to weather, trail or wildlife conditions.
Snowshoeing Along the Great Divide
Winter is king along the peaks of the Great Divide. With an average annual snowfall of around 3 m / 12 ft this area is superb to try this ancient and efficient mode of travel. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! After gearing up and having a brief introduction on the basics, we will venture into the forest and look for signs of creatures that have adapted to the harsh winter conditions. Learn how to read the tracks of different animals and discover how they have adapted to survive the harsh conditions.
Trips Daily at 1:30 p.m.
Time: 3 hours Distance: varies
Adults: $59 CAD
Child 8 - 12 $29 CAD
Johnston Canyon Ice Falls
Discover a hidden and mysterious frozen world. Marvel at stilled waterfalls and dazzling pillars of blue and explore the surprising magic of this winter wonderland.Our day begins with a 30 minutes. drive to the trail head located on the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. After donning special 'ice cleats' we journey up the lower canyon on numerous suspended catwalks to reach the Lower Falls. We continue our trek onward and upward with numerous photo opportunities until we arrive at the grotto of the spectacular Upper Falls. Transportation and ice cleats included.
Trips Daily at 8:30 a.m.
Time: 4 hours Distance: 5.4 km/ 3.4mi Gain: 135m / 440 ft
Adults: $59 CAD
Child 8 - 12 $29 CAD
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Lake Louise by Moonlight
Secret spots and unique discoveries await us after dark. Journey into the woods on snowshoes and enter a world of stillness and mystery. If the skies are clear, we will take the time to explore some of the great constellations that wheel overhead: Cassiopeia, the Great Bear and Orion the Hunter. On special nights we may be treated to one of the most amazing sights in nature, the spectacular northern lights.
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Evenings
Time: 2 hours
Adults: $49 CAD
Child 8 - 12 $29 CAD
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CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS & TOURS
1.5 hour Lessons daily 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m.
Imagine yourself skiing along a quiet forest trail surrounded by mountains blanketed in snow and ice. But before you hit the trails take a lesson to fine tune your skiing abilities. Tailored to those who have never been on cross country skis or advanced skiers seeking to improve their technique. We have something for skiers of all ages, our instructors are certified through Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors and are here daily to teach you how to stride & glide.
Group lesson: Adults: $59 CAD per person
Children 8 - 12: $29 CAD
Private lesson: Adults: $79 CAD per person
Children 8 - 12: $39 CAD
Three hour Tours daily at 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy endless trails and fresh mountain air as you glide with a guide along some of the most spectacular ski trails in North America. The tour provides a perfect opportunity to improve your technique to bolster your confidence while you explore our surroundings.
Adults: $59 CAD
Children 8 - 12: $29 CAD
Enjoy both activities in one day and save!
$79 CAD
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
'Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?' Brewster Barn offers
old-fashioned sleigh rides along the shores of Lake Louise. An authentic Belgian sleigh glides behind massive but gentle horses arriving to greet you. Cozy blankets are handed out as your new friends whinny softly. Then you're off on a magical ride.
Gather the family or make it just the two of you. This is a great way to get close to each other and live the traditions of the Old West. And there are plenty of opportunities to snap great photos before you jingle your way back to the Chateau.
Activity Cost: from $27 CAD per adult
and $24 CAD per child tax included
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Ice-Skating
The massive Victoria Glacier and snow-frosted Rocky Mountains provide the backdrop for one of the highest skating rinks in Canada: the frozen jewel of Lake Louise.
Daily from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., December 23 - January 8th. The scene is set with steaming cups of hot chocolate to sip, music to glide to and a crackling outdoor fire to warm fingers and toes.
For even more sparkle, each year Executive Chef Dominique Guyton creates an intricate Ice Castle from huge blocks of ice to highlight the world's most spectacular rink. Skate rentals available at Monad's Sports in The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Dog Sledding
Never been mushing over the snow? Enjoy the opportunity to race in an authentic Inuit sled pulled by Alaskan Huskies. Your musher sled guide shouts ''Go,'' and your dogs are off scampering over the pure white snow. With the fresh air on your face and the Rockies soaring skyward ahead, you'll soon feel like the boldest of northern explorers.
Then, with your cheeks pink and sense of adventure complete, you can head back to the Chateau for a hot drink - with plenty of stories to tell. Blankets are provided.
Snowmobile Adventures (Available outside the National Parks)
Experience the excitement of driving a Ski-doo through the mountains. Each guest will operate their own machine as you follow trails through he forest. Guides, snowmobile suits, boots, helmets and hotel pick all included. Hotel departures at 8:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. daily, six hour return trip. Passengers ride for half price.
Activity Cost: from $179 CAD
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