6 Best Things To Do in Lake Louise in Summer
Summer is a great time to enjoy Lake Louise, as most lakes and hiking trails are open. The snow melts away and reveals a stunning landscape perfect for exploring. You don't want to miss the chance to explore every nook and cranny of this beautiful destination.
That's why we've compiled a list of the best things to do in Lake Louise in the summer. Let's discuss the top activities that will make your summer in Lake Louise unforgettable!
How to Get to Lake Louise?
Getting to Lake Louise is a scenic adventure in itself. Here's how you can reach this beautiful destination:
By Air
The closest major airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC), located just 2 hours away from Lake Louise and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Banff. Calgary International Airport is renowned for being one of the world's top five "hassle-free" airports, making your travel experience smooth and easy.
By Car
Driving from Calgary to Lake Louise is breathtaking along one of western Canada's most beautiful highways. The 2-hour drive west from Calgary offers stunning views and is a perfect start to your adventure.
By Bus
Several bus services provide convenient and affordable transportation to Lake Louise:
- Brewster Express: Offers regular daily shuttles between Calgary, Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, and Stoney Nakoda. Travel in comfort on deluxe motorcoaches.
- Rider Express: Delivers safe, reliable, and comfortable intercity bus service, aiming to exceed the standard quality of travel.
Local Shuttles
Once you're in Lake Louise, getting around is easy with various shuttle services:
- Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Lakeshore Shuttles: These shuttles offer convenient and guaranteed transportation to Moraine Lake and the Lake Louise lakeshore. You can purchase a combined ticket for a gondola ride and lakeshore shuttle.
- Parks Canada - Park & Ride Connector: Operates daily from May 17 to October 14, 2024. This service links the Lake Louise Campground, Samson Mall bus stop, and the Lake Louise Summer Gondola every 30 minutes from 7 am to 7:30 pm.
- Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Shuttle: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise guests can enjoy a complimentary shuttle to the Summer Gondola, departing from the hotel at 11:00 am and returning at 2:00 pm.
Best Things to Do in Lake Louise in Summer
Here are the top activities you can't miss when visiting Lake Louise this summer.
1. Lake Louise Gondola
The sightseeing gondola operates almost year-round, but summer is a particularly special time to visit. As the snow melts, the Lake Louise Ski Resort transitions into a haven of lush landscapes and stunning vistas.
The gondola offers amazing views, whisking you from ground level to jaw-dropping heights in just minutes.
You can explore the mountain at your own pace, enjoy a meal at the Whitehorn Restaurant — the most scenic dining spot in Lake Louise — or hike along our alpine trails to discover the local flora and fauna.
The lush mountain landscapes, fields of wildflowers, and the chance to spot grizzly bears make the gondola ride an unforgettable experience.
The Lake Louise Gondola is just a 5-minute drive from the actual lake, with a convenient shuttle bus running between the two, saving you from parking issues.
Things to Know
- Guests may buy a ride-and-dine combo or a shuttle ticket combo that takes them from the gondola to the Lake Louise lakeshore or Moraine Lake.
- You can save 10% and skip the ticket window when you buy tickets online.
- An adult must accompany kids under 12 on the gondola.
2. Wildlife Viewing
There's nothing like spotting a grizzly bear from afar or watching a cute pika scampering by. Getting out and exploring allows you to encounter these incredible animals in their natural habitat.
The best times for wildlife viewing are at dawn and dusk, but you can see them anytime while hiking or exploring. Ensure your camera or phone is charged – you never know when you'll stumble upon the perfect photo opportunity.
Here's a list of animals to watch for in Lake Louise:
- Grizzly Bears
- Black Bears
- Lynx
- Moose
- Mountain Goats
- Elk
- Deer
- Bighorn Sheep
- Foxes
- Coyotes
- Pikas
Things to Know
- Don't feed the animals. Human food can harm wildlife and make them dependent or aggressive.
- Wildlife in Banff National Park roams freely over 6,000+ square kilometres. If you don't see animals on your trip, you might see them up from the gondola.
- Guests can also visit the Wildlife Interpretive Centre in Lake Louise to get more information about their favorite wildlife.
3. Hiking
Take a walk on the wild side and explore some scenic hiking trails in Lake Louise this summer. You'll discover some of the most picturesque terrain in Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies.
The trails range from 1.7 km to 2.5 km round trips and start at the top of the Summer Gondola, just above a wildlife corridor closure area. Check out our hiking trail map for all the details about the popular trails.
Because of an active wildlife corridor, you can't hike on the lower mountain. To hit the trails on the upper mountain, you'll need to use the lift to get up there and return to the base lodges and parking area.
Our friendly guides are excited to share stories, interesting facts, and important bear safety tips with you.
Things to Know
- We strongly recommend hiking in groups of four or more for safety.
- The weather can change quickly, and trail conditions can vary. Make sure you're ready for anything because help might not be close by.
- Sometimes, trails close due to bears or bad weather, so always check for updates.
4. E-Biking
Cruise through the stunning scenery of Lake Louise with E-bike rentals. These e-bikes make pedaling super easy and fun, letting you fully enjoy the beautiful area. Must-visit routes include:
- Lake Moraine and Lake Louise Lakeshore
- Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1a) between the resort and Castle Junction
- The historic Lake Louise Tram Line links the village with Lake Louise Lakeshore.
You can usually rent e-bikes for $100 daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. It's smart to book your e-bike in advance online, by phone, or by email. Walk-in bookings are also often available at the rental tent located beside the entrance of our main lodge.
Things to Know
- You can usually rent e-bikes from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- E-bike rentals are available for $100 for a full day with a free helmet.
5. Horseback at Lake Louise
Discover the natural beauty of Lake Louise on a guided horseback riding tour with Brewster Adventures. They've been showing people around for over 100 years, so you're in good hands!
You can choose from several amazing tours:
- Plain of Six Glaciers Tour
- Lake Agnes Tea House Tour
- Paradise Valley Tour
- Destination Trail Head Tour
The most popular ride is the Lake Agnes Tea House tour. This one is great if you have some horseback riding experience because the trail is pretty steep, climbing up to 7,000 feet. Along the way, you'll see incredible astonishing views of Fairview Mountain, Big Beehive Mountain, Mount Temple (the third-highest mountain in Banff National Park!), and Mirror Lake.
Things to Know
- Riders must be at least 52 inches tall and eight years old.
- The maximum weight limit for riders is 250 pounds.
- It's better to book your tour in advance (as the summer months are mostly busy).
6. Canoeing
Canoeing on Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is a must-do for many visitors to Banff National Park. There's no better place to rent a canoe and paddle on the brilliant blue waters with Mount Victoria as your backdrop.
The light in June, July, and August makes the lake look even bluer, providing great photo opportunities.
You can bring your canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, but there's no easy way to launch it. Most visitors find renting from the boat dock the easiest option.
Things to Know
- Each canoe (by Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise) can hold three adults or two adults and two children.
- Rentals are first-come, first-served. No reservations needed.
- Each rental must have at least one person 16 years old.
Final Thoughts
What more could you ask for in a summer vacation? Lake Louise has it all! There's something for everyone, from popular hikes and wildlife spotting to peaceful canoe rides and stunning gondola views.
Ready for an unforgettable summer? Visit Ski Louise Resort! You can enjoy lots of exciting activities like dining at scenic restaurants, guided hikes, wildlife viewing, and shopping. Get your summer tickets today!