Smokey Lake Louise

Lake Louise weather forecast: sunny. Reality: smoky. It was quite a surprise to find the mountains surrounding the lake shrouded in smoke from the 2020 California wildfires. Nevertheless, the weather didn’t stop us from enjoying our exploration of the area.

“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” – John Ruskin

Starting in front of the luxury Fairmont Chateau Hotel is a series of hiking trails. On one side of the lake is the Lakeshoe Trail, a beautiful and relaxing 4.7 km trail. On the other side is the Fairview Lookout, a viewpoint offering stunning views of the lake and the hotel.

The back side of Fairmont Chateau

Tourists enjoying the views of the lake

Fairmont Chateau

Canoe rentals

Lakeshoe Trail

Reflections

Fairview Lookout

The Fairview Lookout is a 2.4 km moderate trail with a panorama view of the lake and hotel.

We are in the bear country! And a bear bell is a must have. No bear spray this time…

Map

Related

• One week at Lake Louise: The Deer Lodge
• The Crown Jewel of Banff National Park
• Hiking the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
• The Long Way to Lake Moraine