Lake Louise, Alberta
Alberta's Lake Louise with its stunning turquoise water is world-famous and a bucket list destination everyone must-see.
Here you will find a lifetime's worth of jaw-dropping sights, and incredible hiking and skiing .
I jump at the chance to see this breathtakingly beautiful place anytime l can so when my daughter and 2 young grandsons came to visit from Ontario, Lake Lousie was a must-do road trip.
Just a couple of hours drive from Calgary, there are a couple of ways to get to Lake Louise. You can take the Trans Canada #1 Highway all the way or take the route l like to take and get off the #1 Hwy just past Banff and jump on the #1A the Bow Valley Parkway. The Bow Valley Parkway is scenic, passes Johnson Canyon if you wish to stop for a hike and the Bow Valley Parkway gives you a better chance of seeing wildlife than the main highway does. The best chance to see wildlife on this route is early morning and dusk when you might see Grizzlies, Black Bears, Moose, Elk, Deer & Wolves.
The Bow Valley Parkway is my favorite route into Lake Louise!
Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter, Lake Louise is mind-blowingly beautiful.
In winter you can ice skate on the lake and warm up by cozy fires in front of the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel and in the spring, fall and summer you can rent a canoe for a thrilling experience out on this sparkling turquoise glacial lake. Too cold to swim in, but you'll wish you could!
Pictures truly do not do it justice and its beauty will stop you in your tracks and leave you in awe.
The pride of Banff National Park and Alberta, Lake Louise is one must-do road trip for everyone to take.
Note: New is Paid Parking at the Lake Louise Parking Lot. There are meters where you pay $11.75 for 4 hours and more if you are staying longer, so be prepared.