Lake Louise , situated in Banff National park developed with the construction of the railroads as they moved further east. It is about 40 minutes away from Banff and about 2.25 hours to Calgary International Airport . At 1,536 m (5,039 feet), it is the highest permanent settlement in Canada ( Banff is the highest town).

Lake Louise is a quiet getaway, much smaller than nearby Banff with only a few bars and restaurants, it is a great way to experience the great outdoors. In 1882, guided by a Stoney Indian, Tom Wilson became the first white man to discover what native Indians called " Lake of Little Fishes ". He named his discovery Emerald Lake , but it was later changed by the Geographic Board to Lake Louise in honour of Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, fourth daughter of Queen Victoria.

The magnificent Lake Louise is overshadowed by the Victoria glacier which is deceptively further away then you would imagine. In the summer, the lake is a picturesque turquoise color, and in the winter, the lake freezes over and you can ice skate or just marvel at carved the ice sculptures. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is situated on the shores of the lake.

Cool, crisp air and warm days are typical of autumn in the Canadian Rockies. Warming Chinook winds can bring spring-like conditions in winter. The summer climate is pleasant with low humidity, warm temperatures and daylight hours stretching until 11 pm .

There are many activities and tours to choose from year-round. A romantic getaway or a relaxing retreat, no wonder Hollywood stars and heads of state come to Lake Louise to unwind!

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