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Lake Louise

Lake Louise, Alberta

Jewel of the Rockies

World-renowned for its turquoise-hued waters, Lake Louise is set against a breathtaking backdrop of mountain peaks and the Victoria Glacier, which feeds its glacial waters. Widely considered the crown jewel of the Rocky Mountains, this dramatically beautiful destination looks like it was lifted right out of a postcard.

Lake Louise, AB, Canada

A Picture-Perfect Paradise

Located only about 50 kilometres (31 miles) east of Banff and in the heart of Banff National Park sits the world-famous Lake Louise - a mountaineer's dream come true. Framed by spruce and fir forests and imposing glaciers looming in the distance, it's easy to see why this is one of the most popular lakes in North America. 

Beyond the lake, there is plenty of adventure to be had. Whether you're scaling the rugged trails of the surrounding peaks or soaking in the serene beauty from the shorelines, the town of Lake Louise offers more than just its iridescent waters – cozy lodges, gourmet dining, and soaring views will leave you speechless. 

Travel Tips & Recommendations

Make the most of your visit to Lake Louise with these helpful articles, tips, and recommendations carefully curated by our travel experts.

A cabin at Lake Louise with red canoes outside it

When Is the Best Time to Visit Lake Louise?

Find the best time to visit Lake Louise with this guide to seasonal highlights and activities in the Canadian Rockies.

Binoculars at Lake Louise

How to Spend a Day in Lake Louise

With a soaring mountain backdrop and brilliant waters, learn how to spend a day at one of Canada's most scenic wonders.

Lake Louise in July

Discover the Beauty of Lake Louise

Paddle across the waters in a canoe, stroll around the lakeside path, enjoy the alpine views from the gondola, or hike to a historic tea house. Photo by Charlie Gallant on Unsplash.

Discover Lake Louise on Two Unique Rail Routes

Journey through the iconic Spiral Tunnels, traverse the Continental Divide, and be inspired by breathtaking sights as you wind through dramatic mountain passes and canyons on your way to or from Lake Louise. 

Rocky Mountaineer train passing over a bridge

map

First Passage to the West

  • Vancouver
  • Kamloops
  • Lake Louise
  • Banff

Our only route that travels to Banff and Lake Louise, journeying between Vancouver and the untouched wilderness of the Rocky Mountains.   

Landmarks & Viewpoints
Hell’s Gate
Cisco Crossing
Jaws of Death Gorge
Stoney Creek Bridge
Spiral Tunnels
Castle Mountain
Mount Rundle
VIEW SELECT ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
VIEW SELECT ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
Vancouver
Vancouver

Board Rocky Mountaineer in the urban oasis of Vancouver and journey through the farmlands of the Fraser Valley. 

Kamloops lake
Kamloops Lake

The scenery undergoes a dramatic shift as you find yourself amid a desert landscape peppered with sagebrush, winding alongside the idyllic Kamloops Lake. 

Kamloops
Kamloops

Stop in the quiet town of Kamloops BC, where you will overnight at a hotel. 

Train going over Stoney Creek Bridge
Stoney Creek Bridge

Continue east into Glacier National Park and cross the stunning Stoney Creek Bridge, getting a bird’s-eye view over 250 feet above the valley below. 

Red canoes in the water at Lake Louise
Lake Louise

Take in the brilliant mineral waters of Lake Louise - a global symbol of the Rockies and home to the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Note: Only some packages end in Lake Louise.
The lake is not viewable from the train. 

Guest takes photo from GoldLeaf outdoor viewing platform of Castle Mountain.
Castle Mountain & Mount Rundle

Catch glimpses of the famous Castle Mountain and Mount Rundle as you enter the Rocky Mountains, gazing at cascading waterfalls, icy glaciers, and peaks towering above the train windows.

Banff township
Banff

Located in Banff National Park, this famous mountain town offers everything from healing hot springs and gondola rides to a thriving culinary & shopping scene. The famous Cascade Mountain towers over the town no matter where you are. 

PTP map

Passage to the Peaks

  • Jasper
  • Kamloops
  • Lake Louise
  • Banff

Depart from Banff and journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, passing highlights such as Stoney Creek Bridge and the impressive Mount Robson, en route to Jasper. 

This route can be taken either westbound or eastbound.  

Landmarks & Viewpoints
Mount Rundle
Rogers Pass
Shuswap Lake
Moose Lake
Castle Mountain
Spiral Tunnels
Pyramid Falls
Mount Robson
VIEW SELECT ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
VIEW SELECT ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
Banff township
Banff

Located in Banff National Park, this famous mountain town offers everything from healing hot springs and gondola rides to a thriving culinary & shopping scene. The famous Cascade Mountain towers over the town no matter where you are. 

Guest takes photo from GoldLeaf outdoor viewing platform of Castle Mountain.
Castle Mountain & Mount Rundle

Catch glimpses of the famous Castle Mountain and Mount Rundle as you enter the Rocky Mountains, gazing at cascading waterfalls, icy glaciers, and peaks towering above the train windows.

Red canoes in the water at Lake Louise
Lake Louise

Take in the brilliant waters of Lake Louise, a global symbol of the Rockies and home to the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.*  

*Only select packages stop in Lake Louise. The lake is not viewable onboard the train. 

Kamloops
Kamloops

Stop in the quiet town of Kamloops BC, where you will overnight at a hotel. 

Pyramid Falls
Pyramid Falls

Step onto our outdoor viewing platform and feel the cool spray of Pyramid Falls on your face. Access to the falls is impossible by road – but our train takes you right up to the glacier-fed waterfalls.   

Mount Robson
Mount Robson

Before gliding past the teal-green lakes in Jasper National Park, look up at Mount Robson – the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. At almost 4,000 metres, this mountain is so large it has its own weather system. 

Maligne Lake
Jasper

Explore every corner of this quaint mountain town, nestled in the heart of Northern Alberta. Discover local hiking trails, hidden lakes, and the famous Jasper Park Lodge.* 

*This route can be taken in either direction - start or end your journey in either Banff or Jasper. 

What’s Included with our Rail Journeys

From the moment you step foot onboard, your journey to Lake Louise will be as comfortable as it is unforgettable.  

Guests looking through glass-dome coaches.

Glass-Dome Coaches

Custom-designed train coaches provide panoramic views of stunning landscapes. Or, get a bit closer by stepping into the outdoor viewing area.  

Alberta Striploin steak and salmon with scenery Stoney Creek out the window. GoldLeaf Culinary 2023

Gourmet Dining

Dine on delicious, regionally-inspired cuisine that features local ingredients and flavours while our world-class onboard Host team takes care of your every need. 

Image must be used for promoting Rocky Mountaineer only.

All-Daylight Train

See the sights by day, sleep in a hotel at night. There are no sleeper cars onboard – stay in comfortable accommodations at each destination.

Hosts in GoldLeaf dome.

World-Class Hospitality

From refilling your wine glass to sharing stories and helping with special requests, our Hosts provide an unforgettable onboard experience. 

Destinations visual

Start Planning Your Journey

Inspired to learn more about our routes and destinations? Download our digital brochure to start planning an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies. 

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