The most photographed lake in Canada, and the centrepiece of Banff National Park. The turquoise water, backed by the Victoria Glacier and flanked by steep mountain walls, is genuinely one of the most beautiful natural scenes in North America. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise stands at its eastern shore — a grand railway hotel built in 1890 that now serves more as a backdrop to photographs than as a functioning hotel for most visitors.
The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House trail (7.4 km one-way) follows the lakeshore and climbs through the valley to a historic stone hut with views of the glaciers and high peaks. The shorter walk to the Lake Agnes Tea House (3.4 km one-way, steeper) passes a series of small lakes before reaching another historic hut above the treeline. Both tea houses serve simple hot food and drinks in summer only. Sunrise is extraordinary — arrive before 7am for the stillest water and smallest crowds. The car park fills by 9am in summer; shuttles run from the Banff/Lake Louise area.