WORDS BY ALISON JONES | June 1, 2018
Short on time but big on travel ambition?
While you’re busy Googling ‘summer activities in Banff National Park’, take a look at this definitive list of all the things to do in Lake Louise within 24hrs.
8:00 am
Rise and shine, it’s sightseeing time. Get up early and head straight to Moraine Lake. This famous hotspot gets busy (read: very busy), so the earlier you can get there, the better. If you really want to beat the crowds, sunrise at Moraine Lake is incredible.
9:30 am
Head on over to Lake Louise after you’ve finished capturing the early morning light at Moraine Lake. The shoreline won’t be too busy yet and you can take-in the placid waters and towering peaks. The snowcapped area you see at the back of Lake Louise is the impressive Victoria Glacier.
10:00 am
Stop in for a snack at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s deli. After the early start, you’ve definitely earned it. They have everything from pastries and coffee to sandwiches and salads.
10:30 am
Now that you’re fueled up, set your sights on either a light or moderate hike. Option 1, for a gentler route, is to walk along the shoreline of the lake towards the very back. This well-worn path is a 4km roundtrip and a beautiful way to take in the scenery. For those after something a little more demanding, join the trail to Lake Agnes Tea House. Another popular route, this steady trail takes you above Lake Louise while offering some of the best views in the area. Bring some change for tea and cakes at the teahouse as they don’t take cards.
1:00 pm
Once back at the base the area, you’ll notice that it’s much busier, so head on over to the Lake Louise Ski Resort to catch a ride on their sightseeing chairlift. You may spot a few grizzlies, and you can also get a bite to eat at the Smokehouse; we recommend the cornbread.
3:30 pm
Jump in the car and head west out on Highway 1 towards the town of Field. Just after you pass the town, there will be a turn on your right to Natural Bridge and Emerald Lake. Stop at Natural Bridge to admire nature in all its power as the Kicking Horse river squeezes through a small gap in the solid rock.
4:30 pm
Your next stop is down the road at Emerald Lake. This stunning location offers quiet views of turquoise water and a glimpse of backcountry Canadian natural beauty in all its glory.
6:00 pm
Enjoy dinner at Emerald Lake Lodge at any one of their restaurants. Each overlooks the impressive landscape so your dinner always comes with a view. For those looking for food reccomendations, the Kicking Horse Lounge serves an excellent charcuterie board.
8:00 pm
After dinner, take a quiet walk around the shoreline of Emerald Lake once the main crowds have left. Or, for those needing to rest their weary legs, relax with a glass of wine or fine scotch from the bar.
10:00 pm
Okay, it’s time to crash into bed for a well-deserved sleep after a pretty big day doing probably every activity possible in and around Lake Louise.
Next Day: 8:00 am
Hit the road and head to CMH Bugaboos, Bobbie Burns or Cariboos. (We just thought we’d throw that in there).
