How to spend a day at Lake Louise in Summer

Lake Louise, one of the most iconic places to visit is Banff National Park, and there's good reason too. With the unforgettable turquoise blue waters, stunning alpine landscapes, as well as the Lake Louise Ski Resort to explore, there's so much to see and do. Whether you are staying for a few days or visiting just for a day trip, here are some ideas on how to spend a day at Lake Louise in summer.

Take a look at how the Holistic Backpacker enjoyed a day at Lake Louise:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gBq0N2d5UQU

1. Rise and shine to beat the crowds

With its beautiful pristine lakes and sweeping mountain vistas, there's no surprise that Lake Louise is a popular spot to visit in Banff National Park. Set your alarms nice and early so you can be sure to beat the crowds. With the fresh alpine air, arriving early in the morning is the best time to visit and will allow you to enjoy the lake all to yourself. See the mountain reflections on the water and take in the majestic views of the lake in peace.

Reflective blue turquoise waters of Lake Louise

2. Paddle on the pristine waters

After taking in the views by the lakeshore, experience the lake from an entirely new perspective. Before setting off on your day of adventure, rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak from the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub for the day so you can fully enjoy everything Lake Louise has to offer. Glide effortlessly over the vibrant turquoise waters surrounded by nothing but mountains. Make sure to pack a change of clothes, so you're not too cold for the next adventure!

Paddling on Lake Louise surrounded by mountains and turquoise water | Photo by Katie Goldie

3. Head up the sightseeing lifts

After you've taken in the unforgettable views at Lake Louise, head over to Lake Louise Ski Resort. Once the winter snow has melted, the resort transforms into a summer dreamland and is the perfect place for sightseeing. Experience the breathtaking views from an elevation of 2101m (6893ft), giving you the best sight of the stunning colors of the wildflowers and sweeping vistas. It's also one of the best spots to see the local wildlife in their natural habitat, so keep your eyes peeled for a grizzly!

Three people on a chairlift with views over Lake Louise Trying to spot a grizzly and riding the chairlift whilst taking in the views of Lake Louise | Photo by Isobel Springett

4. Discover the alpine hiking trails

At the top of the gondola, there is a range of hiking trails to explore at the resort. Leading you to some of the most spectacular viewpoints, you can wander to the Kicking Horse Pass Viewpoint (1.7km round trip), or stroll up to the Ptarmigan Valley Viewpoint (3.4km round trip). Finally, after taking in those awe-inspiring views head back down to the base. Conveniently waiting for you at the bottom are several delicious dining spots so you can refuel ready for your next adventure.

Two people looking out over the mountains from the viewpoint Looking out over the breathtaking views at one of Lake Louise Ski Resort's Viewpoints | Photo by Phil Forsey

Ready to discover Lake Louise?

From paddling on pristine glacial lakes to spotting the flora and fauna at Lake Louise Ski Resort, it will be a day you will never forget. Reserve your paddleboard, kayak, and tickets online or pop into the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub. Save an additional 15% on rentals when you book both a kayak and scenic chairlift this summer.

Visiting Banff National Park in the summer is an experience you will never forget. Winter in the Canadian Rockies is an equally unforgettable time to visit. A truly magical experience, with three unique ski resorts to explore at your fingertips. Our friendly reservations team is always happy to share their favorite experiences and knowledge with you. Check out our featured vacation packages or call us at 1-844-754-2443 our based-in-Banff experts are here to help!