Lake Louse is one of the most iconic destinations in Canada and a must-see if you’re making your way through Banff National Park. While most visitors spend a couple hours at this popular natural attraction, it’s actually the perfect spot to spend a night or two if you’re looking for a serene and luxurious getaway for a special occasion, set against one of Canada’s most stunning backdrops.

We spent the night at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a luxury mountain getaway. Here are some things you’ve got to do!

Watch the video of our experience and continue reading for more!

A note on travel during the pandemic

We love to travel and now is a great time to support local businesses, but we must do so responsibly. It’s up to us to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Throughout the property, you’ll find hand sanitize and plenty of room to maintain physical distancing. Masks must be worn indoors, and you’ll find that visitors even choose to wear them outdoors. A care package container extra masks and sanitizer is provided upon check-in. Please follow the rules and stay home if you have any symptoms, no matter how minor.

Check in to a Lakeview Room

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an elegant & polished historic property offering prime views of Lake Louise and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. They have a variety of room types & suites available, and Fairmont Gold gives you access to an even more exclusive and tailored experience.

We stayed in a spacious and elegant Deluxe Lakeview Room, with views of Lake Louise right outside our window. The bathroom featured a shower and separate bathtub and was stocked with Le Labo toiletries.

Hike to Lake Agnes

There are several hiking options in the area, and for this trip, we opted to hike to Lake Agnes, with a path accessible just a minute away from the hotel. The views are breathtaking — literally, thanks to a slight incline! Although this is a well-worn and maintained trail, make sure to pack a decent pair of hiking boots and a bottle of water.

In about one and a half hours, you’ll reach the Lake Agnes Tea House, situated an an altitude of 2,135 meters. It’s a great spot to take in the view, and enjoy some tea and snacks before heading back down (or continuing onward, if you have time!)

Alternatively, if you wish you explore other hikes, there is a shuttle that can take you between the hotel and nearby Moraine Lake.

Note that the shuttle and some hikes may not be accessible depending on the season. Contact the Fairmont Concierge for more information.

Afternoon Tea at Fairview

Afternoon tea is a great mid-day experience for two, and on the restaurant side of Fairview, you’ll again be able to enjoy it with front-row views of the lake and mountains.

They’ve got a wonderful and diverse selection of fresh teas, and a lovely assortment of savoury and sweet treats to get you through the day.

Canoe on the Lake

As far as Canadian experiences go, canoeing on Lake Louise should definitely be at the top of your bucket list. You’ll have the opportunity to paddle on serene, turquoise water (it gets its unique and stunning colour thanks to rock flour from the glaciers) with a panoramic million dollar view. The appearance of the mountains, forests, and shades of the water change throughout the day and with the seasons, so you’ll never really have the same experience twice.

Canoe rentals are available at the boathouse located on the west side of the lake.

Note that operating hours may be impacted by the pandemic, and the boathouse may be closed depending on the season. Contact the Fairmont Concierge for more information.

Dinner & Drinks at Fairview

We capped things off with dinner & drinks at Fairview, this time on the bar side, featuring a classic art deco aesthetic with dark marble accented with brass accents. This is definitely a spot to get dressed up and celebrate a special occasion.

We indulged in some masterfully prepared cocktails, and for dinner, we had bone marrow, scallop, rib-eye, and seabass, all vibrant dishes featuring locally-sourced ingredients.

Dessert was just as extravagant, with a berry pana cotta and decadent praline chocolate tart — a perfect way to end a fantastic visit.

Those were just a few of the things that we experienced during our stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. It’s a lovely luxury getaway for couples who are celebrating a special occasion, or who just want a more upscale and elevated experience at an historic property nestled in the Rocky Mountains.

Our visit was hosted by Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. All opinions are our own.

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