Amazing Winter Activities To Do In Lake Louise
Lake Louise is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque destinations on the planet. The scantily-believable, turquoise water attracts visitors from all around the world, and for good reason.
The end of the summer however, brings a whole different feel to Lake Louise. The water freezes over for the winter, and the lake descends under a thick blanket of snow.
Having lived and worked there for an entire year, we were fortunate enough to experience Lake Louise in all seasons, but only in wintertime does it truly come alive.
The lake transforms into a gigantic winter playground, where the possibilities of adventure are endless.
We are going to guide you through some of the most amazing winter activities you can do in Lake Louise, so you can tick everything off your bucket list in one trip.
Winter in Lake Louise at a Glance
Highlights: Ice-skating on Lake Louise; Skiing at Lake Louise Ski resort; Snowshoeing around Lake Louise
Best Luxury Place to stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Best Affordable Place to stay: Lake Louise Inn
Best way to visit Lake Louise: rent a car through Rentalcars.com or take the 8X bus from Banff
Winter Activities in Lake Louise
Winter in Lake Louise is like nowhere else on the planet. The entire area is covered in a thick blanket of snow, and temperatures can sometimes plummet to below -40 degrees (-40 Fahrenheit).
What this provides you with, is a sense of magical winter wonderland. You can wander into the middle of the frozen lake and all you can hear is the slight murmur of creaking ice beneath your feet. Visiting Lake Louise in winter is a bucket-list experience in Canada and it is easy to see why.
Once you’ve been brought back down to Earth, you’ll be needing something to occupy your time, and that’s why we have created this list of the best things to do in winter in Lake Louise.
Disclaimer - this blog post contains affiliate links where we can earn a commission, if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).
Skiing/Snowboarding at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort is certainly one of the best things to do at Lake Louise in Winter.
No Lake Louise winter activity guide would be complete without skiing or snowboarding. It's arguably the main reason why so many flock to Lake Louise in the first place. The alluring charm of the lake attracts the crowds in the summertime, whereas Lake Louise Ski Resort brings the crowds in the winter.
Main lodge at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lake Louise Ski Resort makes up the ‘Big 3’ in Banff, alongside Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay. Norquay is the smallest and least busy of the resorts, whereas Sunshine is arguably the most popular due to its relative proximity to Calgary. However, Lake Louise is the only one of the 3 to play host to the downhill slalom World Cup and, at least in our humble opinion, is best value for money.
With 160 skiable runs, over an area of 4200 acres, Lake Louise Ski Resort is world-renowned and you’d be crazy to pass at the chance to ski there. The incredible back-bowls offer even the most ardent skier a thrill of a lifetime, while the green runs are perfect for those who are just at the beginning of their winter sport journey.
Don’t worry about finding the room to pack all your ski gear either. With ski and snowboard hire available at the resort, in Lake Louise village, and at the Chateau, you’ll be sure to have plenty of options to find your perfect set-up.
Cross-Country Skiing
Despite being less adrenaline-inducing than its downhill cousin, cross-country skiing through the snow-draped forests of Banff National Park is sure to be a highlight of any winter trip to Lake Louise.
If you’re the type of person willing to give anything a go, just clip yourself in and head straight to the Fairview cross-country trail, just away from the government parking lot in Lake Louise. It’s a brilliant trail for those who are new to the discipline, but crave a little bit of a challenge.
For those that prefer to ease into new things slowly, perhaps the frozen Lake Louise itself presents a more realistic starting place. Flat and well-maintained, you’ll be sure to pick it up in no time. Wherever you decide to try cross-country skiing, it will certainly be one of the best winter activities in Lake Louise.
Top tip: it is possible to book a cross-country skiing lesson where a guide will introduce you to the discipline and give you a tour of the area on your skis.
Cross-Country Skiing on the Fairview Trail in Lake Louise
Snowshoeing around Lake Louise
Up to a metre of snow can settle on any given weekend in Lake Louise during the winter. While everybody else stands about in line for the ski lift, how about giving snowshoeing a try?
Inspired by the Snowshoe Hare, traditional snowshoes were first invented by the First Peoples, or Native Canadians, to ensure they could hunt on foot over great distances without sinking through the snow.
Today, snowshoes serve a more recreational purpose, and nowhere can they be enjoyed and appreciated more than in the heart of Banff National Park. You can even go on a snowshoeing tour in Lake Louise, which is sure to be one of the highlights of your Lake Louise winter adventure.
Floating through the snow at Lake Louise in the dead of winter, with snowshoes strapped around your ankles and nobody else in sight, is about as close as any human being could ever wish to getting to walking through clouds in the sky.
Snowshoeing in Lake Louise
Dog-sledding along the Great Divide
Usually one of those activities you only see in the movies, dog-sledding in Lake Louise is sure to be an incredible conversation-starter for the rest of your life and certainly one of the best winter activities in Lake Louise.
Your guide will be manoeuvring you through the area, pointing out the animals and sights to see along the Great Divide trail.
In truth though, it is hard to take your eyes away from the hardworking pack of Alaskan Huskies effortlessly pulling you through the trees.
Dog-sledding in Lake Louise is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime event that you will find impossible to replicate anywhere else in the world.
Dog-sledding along the Great Divide
Tubing at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Skiing and snowboarding are not the only activities on offer at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Tubing is a great way to let your hair down after a gruelling morning on the slopes.
For those that aren’t familiar with tubing, it is essentially cascading down the side of a mountain on an inflatable rubber ring.
Tubing is an incredible activity at the best times, but when you’re experiencing it on the side of a mountain in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, it is hard to beat. There really is no surprise then, that we have added tubing to our list of the most amazing winter activities in Lake Louise.
Dizzying and exhilarating, tubing at Lake Louise Ski Resort is perfect for both children and adults. A word of advice however, it’s perhaps best to leave eating until after you’ve finished this particular activity.
Ice-skating on Lake Louise
There is arguably no greater backdrop to ice-skate in than Lake Louise, and thankfully you don't have to be Torvill and Dean to enjoy yourself.
Gliding across the ice on top of the most photographed lake in the world, with the mighty Victoria Glacier staring down on you, is a moment you will want to relive over and over again.
There is a reason why skating on Lake Louise remains firmly on top of the bucket-list for travellers the world over. Even if you only do it for the photograph, ice-skating on Lake Louise will live long in the memory.
For skate rentals you have a couple of options - either head inside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and pick up a pair, or if you’re travelling from the Banff area, it may be worth renting a pair for the day before you head towards Lake Louise. Where you decide to rent from, one thing is clear - skating on Lake Louise is going to be a winter activity in Lake Louise that you remember for the rest of your life.
Interested to learn what happens to the lake in the summer time? Be sure to check out our guide to the best summer activities in Lake Louise to find out
Ice-skating on Lake Louise
Join a Game of Ice Hockey on Lake Louise
According to Google, Lacrosse is the official sport of Canada. Ask any Canadian however, and they will have a different answer - hockey. And where better place to try out the Nation’s favourite past-time than in the beautiful Lake Louise?
Playing a casual game of hockey, or ‘Shinney’ as it is known colloquially, is a wonderful way to experience the true culture of Canada and where better to try than Lake Louise in winter?
Known for being one of the friendliest nations on Earth, any Canadian will happily welcome a tourist onto the ice at Lake Louise for a quick game of hockey. If you’re new to the sport however, it’s best to try and avoid any unsuspecting shoulder checks from the slightly over-eager locals.
Playing Ice Hockey on Lake Louise
Wintery Walks up to Mirror Lake
Sometimes the simplest venture can be the most rewarding, and nowhere is this more true than on the hiking trails of Lake Louise.
As you walk through the trees, sipping on a hot chocolate from the Chateau, you can’t help but to be staggered by the sheer beauty of Lake Louise. A blank canvas of white is nestled on the forest floor and only the crunching of snow beneath your feet can disrupt the silence.
Whether it’s a quick ramble to start the morning, or a brisk stroll to walk off your evening meal, Lake Louise provides some of the most incredible hiking views available.
The lakeshore trail is a wonderful introduction to the wintery hikes at Lake Louise, but if you are looking for something slightly more magical, then we would recommend the walk up to Mirror Lake. The simple out-and-back trail takes you through the snow-draped forest of Lake Louise, until you reach the magnificent Mirror Lake.
Completely frozen over in the winter, the lake is a scene of complete silence and stillness. In the background, you will find the snowy peak of Big Beehive looming over you. Although there are a number of incredible walks in Lake Louise, it is hard to beat the Mirror Lake trail in the winter time.
Read our guide to the best hikes and walks in Lake Louise if you want to learn more about the hiking trails in Lake Louise. Whether it is a simple brisk walk, or a more adventurous mountain ascent, our guide will have you covered.
Mirror Lake Hiking Trail in Winter
Try Swiss Fondue at the Walliser Stube
Believe us when we say that the Walliser Stube fondue experience is one of, if not THE, best meal we have ever had in our lives.
Tucked away in a corner of the ground floor of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is one of the finest eating establishments in the whole of Alberta.
The signature dish on the menu is the Chateau Fondue - a 3-course fondue meal that features 2 traditional cheese fondues, served alongside a juicy Chateaubriand steak, before rounding out the meal with a delicious chocolate fondue.
An evening meal at the Walliser Stube really is one of the best experiences you can have in Lake Louise during the winter.
The immense Cheese Fondue at Walliser Stube
Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride around Lake Louise
There are very few times in life where you have to remind yourself that you don’t actually live in Narnia, but when you are being pulled along the frozen shores of Lake Louise by two majestic horses, on the back of a sleigh, you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise.
A horse-drawn sleigh ride around Lake Louise is the perfect way to enjoy the winter wonderland. You get to experience the incredible allure of the Mountains, all from the comfort of being cosied up under a blanket.
Setting off from directly outside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the horses gently pull the sleigh along the shores of the frozen lake, until you reach the very back at the lake. Peer at frozen waterfalls on the edge of the mountain faces, and pinch yourself to remind yourself that you aren’t actually dreaming.
In terms of amazing activities to do in Lake Louise in the winter, it is difficult to think of any that are more magical and surreal that being pulled along on a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride at Lake Louise
Hiking at Johnston’s Canyon
Less than a 30-minute drive from Lake Louise, along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway, you will find the stunning Johnston’s Canyon and walking around the frozen trails is one of the best things to do in Lake Louise in winter.
The trailhead begins at the Johnston’s Canyon parking lot and it is only a manageable 1.1km hike to the Lower Falls, with the Upper Falls lying a further 1.5km along the trail. The waterfall, frozen in time by the chilling Alberta Winter, is a spectacular sight to behold when you’re visiting Lake Louise.
The trail itself also features a series of metal gangways and bridges, attached the canyon walls. Meaning you are able to physically walk high above the Canyon itself. It truly is a magical winter adventure!
As one of the best places to visit in the Canadian Rockies, it would be criminal to miss out on visiting Johnston’s Canyon this winter.
An incredible concoction of gorges, waterfalls and hiking trails, a Johnston’s Canyon Icewalk cannot be missed on any Lake Louise winter itinerary.
Frozen Lower Falls at Johnston’s Canyon
Ice Magic Festival
When venturing to Lake Louise in the winter, we would certainly recommend trying to plan your visit to coincide with the annual Ice Magic festival that is hosted in the elegant grounds of the grand Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel.
The festival brings together many of the world’s most creative and impressive ice-sculptors to compete in a number of chilly challenges over a 12-day period. The highlight being a gruelling 36-hour ‘speed’ competition in which the competitors are tasked with creating a masterpiece, starting out with a giant 300 lb block of ice.
The 2021 edition of the festival was unfortunately cancelled because of the unprecedented scenes around the world, but the festival is due to return with a vengeance in January 2022. More information on the festival can be found here.
if you’re looking for a completely unique and inspiring winter activity in Lake Louise, then look no further than the incredible ice magic festival - it truly lives up to its name.
An incredible creation at the Ice Magic Festival 2019
Banff Gondola Ride
Located just 5 minutes from the town of Banff, itself only a 30-minute drive from Lake Louise along the scenic Trans-Canada Highway, is the Banff Gondola.
Found on the shoulder of Sulphur Mountain, the Gondola takes you high above the town of Banff, with incredible views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies mountains.
Once at the top you can choose to dine at one of the restaurants, gaze out over Banff National Park from the observation deck, or even take a stroll along the Banff Skywalk - a 1km self-guided interpretive walkway. You can buy tickets at the Gondola itself but there is often a long wait, so we’d advise purchasing a gondola admission online before you arrive.
Did you know? Route 8X operates a number of daily buses between Lake Louise and Banff for as little as CA$14 one-way.
Tip: Banff is home to many incredible winter experiences and if you have time while you’re staying in Lake Louise, a few day-trips to Banff will certainly be worth your time. A Banff winter sightseeing tour with Banff Gondola Admission</b></a> is the perfect way to spend a day in the famous Rockies town.
Banff Skywalk at the Banff Gondola
Ice-Climbing on a Frozen Waterfall
If you’re looking for a true bucket-list activity to try in Banff National Park during the winter, then look no further ice-climbing.
Imagine strapping great big spikes to your feet, grabbing hold of 2 icepicks, and then ascending up a frozen waterfall in a winter wonderland.
That is what awaits you if you give ice-climbing a try during your winter stay in Lake Louise.
Though some recreational ice-climbers attempt to scale the frozen waterfall at the back of Lake Louise itself, we’d recommend finding a tour that can take you to nearby Johnston’s Canyon or perhaps a little further afield at Maligne Canyon in Jasper.
Wherever you decide to experience ice-climbing in Banff, you’re sure to be in for a great adventure.
Orla climbing up a frozen waterfall
Best places to stay in Lake Louise in Winter
In order to enjoy all of the great winter activities that Lake Louise has to offer, it is important that you are staying in comfortable and welcoming accommodation.
Underneath we outline 3 different winter accommodation options near Lake Louise to suit any budget.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (£££)
0.0miles from Lake Louise - Stands on the shores of the lake itself
The undisputable crown jewel of all of the hotel options in and around Lake Louise is the elegant Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The grand hotel was originally built as a single wooden shack by the Canadian Pacific Railway way back in 1882.
Nowadays, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a deluxe alpine resort that can be used as a luxury base camp for exploring Lake Louise and the Canadian Rockies.
Did you know? We worked at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a year (In winter and Summer) and we would absolutely love to return one day soon.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Lake Louise Inn (££)
1.6 miles from Lake Louise - found in the centre of Lake Louise Village
The Lake Louise Inn is a particularly brilliant accommodation option for those looking to visit Lake Louise Ski Resort regularly.
A free shuttle service between the Inn and Ski Resort operates daily and Lake Louise Inn also has a number of ski storage options available throughout each of the different accommodation types.
If you’re travelling as a family or a larger group, Lake Louise Inn offers a wonderfully affordable Apartment option, equipped with a modern kitchen and a number of different sleeping options.
Did you know? Lake Louise Inn is less than 1 mile from the Trans-Canada Highway, making sites like Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls all the more accessible.
Lake Louise Inn (Photo courtesy of Lake Louise Inn)
Banff International Hostel (£)
35 miles from Lake Louise - found in the heart of Banff
It is widely considered that Lake Louise, and Banff National Park more generally, is an expensive place to visit. It is a world-famous tourist destination that is found in the heart of one of the oldest national parks in the world, of course prices are going to be above the average.
With that being said, Banff International Hostel offers a budget-friendly accommodation option for those looking to explore Lake Louise at a fraction of the cost.
Banff International Hostel is located on Banff Avenue in the town of Banff, so you will of course need access to a car to visit Lake Louise. Alternatively there are a number of free and paid shuttles from Banff to Lake Louise, and even a free shuttle from Banff to Lake Louise Ski Hill.
Banff International Hostel provides traditional hostel rooms, where you may be sharing with other guests, or the option of private rooms at slightly more cost.
Winter on Banff Avenue
What is the weather like at Lake Louise in Winter?
The average temperature in Lake Louise in December has a high of -6°C/21.2°F and a low of -19°C/-2.2°F. This is only an average and so these temperatures can vary, but overall you should expect it to be very cold in Lake Louise in Winter.
Between December and April, the weather in Lake Louise rarely reaches above 0°C/32°F so make sure to come prepared for very cold temperatures.
It isn’t uncommon for there to be over 50cm of snow in less than 24 hours in Lake Louise during the winter. Warm waterproof boots, thermal layers, hats and gloves are absolutely essential.
Riding the gondola at Lake Louise Ski Hill
Is Lake Louise open all Winter?
Lake Louise is open all winter long. The road up to Lake Louise from Lake Louise Village is accessible all throughout the winter months and is often ploughed and maintained to ensure access.
The lake at Lake Louise is regularly cleared of snow by the grounds staff at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - meaning you are able to safely skate on Lake Louise from December until around April.
Lake Louise Ski Resort is typically open from the beginning of November and the ski season at Lake Louise lasts until late April or even early May.
Best way to get to Lake Louise in Winter
The best way to get to Lake Louise in winter is to rent a car and visit Lake Louise independently. Renting a car gives you the freedom to visit Lake Louise at any time and means you can use your car to see nearby sights in Banff National Park.
The alternative option is to get the regular public bus from Banff. The Lake Louise/Banff Express (8X route) operates regular buses from the Transit Hub in front of the Banff High School to the Lake Louise parking lot.
Where to Park at Lake Louise in Winter?
The best place to park at Lake Louise in winter is the Lake Louise Government Parking Lot which can be found close to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
From the Parking Lot it is only a short 2 minute walk to the front of the frozen Lake Louise. Unlike the summer months, the government parking lot rarely fills up entirely so you should be able to find some parking pretty easily. Perhaps the only time when this doesn’t apply is during the Ice Magic Festival at the end of January each year.
Lakeview Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Tips for visiting Lake Louise in the Winter
Wrap up very warm for Lake Louise in Winter
As we have mentioned, the temperatures in Lake Louise during the winter can plummet far below -20°C/-4°F and when we lived there, it regularly reached a staggering -30°C/-22°F.
You will never want to be leaving your Lake Louise accommodation without wearing lots of layers and make sure you bring warm and reliable hats, gloves, thermal layers and waterproof shoes.
Visit the Lake Louise Ice Bar
During the winter in Lake Louise, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise builds an incredible ice bar in the grounds of the famous hotel. When you visit Lake Louise, be sure to stop by the ice bar and grab yourself a warm mulled wine or a rich hot chocolate.
Make sure to check the avalanche conditions in Lake Louise
In general, the winter conditions in Lake Louise are very safe but it is still important to check the avalanche warnings in place at the beginning of each day - particularly after a heavy snowfall.
One area of note to be careful of in Lake Louise is towards the back of the frozen lake, on the left hand side if you are looking towards Victoria Glacier. Avalanches from Fairview Mountain are common so be sure to take either the Lake Louise Lakeshore trail, or stick to the right hand side of the lake.
Wrap up warm for Lake Louise in Winter
That rounds up the best winter activities to do in Lake Louise. Lake Louise is a winter destination like nowhere else we have ever visited in the world. It is a true winter paradise and we hope this article has inspired you to try some new adventures the next time you visit Lake Louise in winter.
Lake Louise is one of those destinations that everybody in the world wants to visit and for good reason. While the prospect of visiting Lake Louise in the summer is a big draw for many, we feel as though the area really stands out in the Winter. Lake Louise is transformed into a winter wonderland, with a number of incredible winter activities on offer.
Just in case you’re still looking for even more Lake Louise inspiration, our list of 9 once-in-a-lifetime activities in Lake Louise can certainly help you out.
