Ski Lake Louise

Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop.

Scenic mountain location with the lake an incredible blue colour due to the glacial rock flour. A short paved trail from the car park (The Rock Pile, 0.8 km return, 30 meter elevation gain) provides a spectacular view of the lake, known as the "Twenty Dollar View", as it was featured on the reverse side of the Canadian $20 banknote (1969 and 1979 issue). By 8:30AM the coach groups start to arrive. Driving your own car to the lake is no longer allowed; the only way to get there is by taking a shuttle bus. These fill up quickly, so reservations are essential.

A walk along the suspended catwalks of Johnston Canyon (30 minutes from Banff) to see the frozen Lower and Upper Falls. Hiking poles, ice cleats, and a snack is included. Make sure to dress warmly.

11-km hike up the narrow Johnston Creek passed a spectacular waterfalls (2.7 km from car park) to the Ink Pots, six blue-green spring-fed pools.

A scenic location on the Icefields Parkway about 40 km north of the town of Lake Louise. Access to the viewing area for this magnificent area is immediately off the parkway and is well signposted. Upon climbing the short distance to the viewing point you are greeted by what many consider to be one of the best views in Canada. The lake is located in a convergence of valleys surrounded by majestic mountains and rich forests. The lake system is fed from the Peyto Glacier to the left of the view point and this gives the lake a magnificent blue colour in the summer months due to the mineral content.