Because of its popularity in summer, it's not as easy to find a guide to Lake Louise in winter. That's where we come in. Here are helpful hints and tips to help you plan your dream vacation to the Canadian Rockies. With a variety of lodging and dining options to suit every traveller, the village of Lake Louise is an excellent base for your visit to Banff National Park.

 

Reasons to stay in Lake Louise in winter

 

1. Get fast access to first tracks

 

Your best bet for first tracks at the Lake Louise Ski Resort is to stay in Lake Louise. All accommodation within the village is a 15-minute (at most!) shuttle from the ski resort. This means extra rest time and beautiful early morning conditions.

 

TIP: Book a SkiBig3 Private Lesson or SkiBig3 Guided Adventure and you can skip the lift lines with your snow school instructor!

 

Skiers at Lake Louise Ski Resort grabbing first tracks off Summit Chair. | Photo by Reuben Krabbe.

 

2. Slow down the pace

 

The first thing you’ll notice about Lake Louise is that it's a much quieter pace than the neighbouring town of Banff. This makes it perfect for a more secluded ‘in the wild’ feel. Many of the hotels here are bordered by forest and the light pollution here is at a minimum. Take in a blanket of stars and the Milky Way by night, or (if you’re lucky) even the Northern Lights!

 

TIP: If you're travelling with kids, the Lake Louise Inn has a big pool - like a warm oasis in the wintery woods.

 

If you prefer a peaceful, wilderness escape, Lake Louise is for you. | Photo Courtesy of Banff Lake Louise Tourism

 

3. Find extra cozy lodging options

 

In Lake Louise, you can get that classic backcountry feeling just minutes from the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Blending history, scenery, and accessibility, your stay in Lake Louise will be one of many unique experiences during your visit to Banff National Park. There’s something for everyone here - from romantic getaways to family-friendly stays, and luxury service to budget options.

 

TIP: When you call, ask our Vacation Specialists which lodging they recommend. Our entire team lives in Banff and Lake Louise, and knows these properties very well!

 

Baker Creek Mountain Resort is a cozy collection of cabins, just a 10-minute drive from the ski resort. | Photo courtesy of Banff Lake Louise Tourism

 

4. Explore beyond the ski resort

 

The activities in Lake Louise are literally at your doorstep no matter the season, and it's not just skiing. With ample breathing room to connect with nature, there are plenty of ways to enjoy winter in the great outdoors on your rest days.

 

Our favourite non-ski activities in Lake Louise are:

 

 

 

• Ice skating on Lake Louise

 

 

• Cross-country skiing on the Bow River loop

 

 

• Fat biking to on the Moraine Lake Road

 

 

 

 

The Moraine Lake Road or near Castle Mountain are both popular, local cross-country ski trails. | Photo by Noel Hendrickson

 

5. Excite your tastebuds

 

The dining options in Lake Louise are as varied as the accommodation. From traditional Swiss-style fondues, several fine dining restaurants at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, or a unique ambience at The Station Restaurant, you’re sure to have a one-of-a-kind dining experience every single time.

 

Our top Lake Louise restaurants are:

 

 

 

• Walliser Stube, Chateau Lake Louise

 

 

• Whitehorn Bistro, Lake Louise Ski Resort

 

 

• Kuma Yama Lake Louise Ski Resort

 

 

 

 

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise's Lakeview Lounge serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with front row seats to the Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise. | Photo courtesy of Banff Lake Louise Tourism

 

Did you know you can stay in Lake Louise car-free?

 

What to stay in Lake Louise and keep the driving to a minimum? With our SkiBig3 Shuttle Services, it’s possible to do this and not miss out on ski time at Banff Sunshine. Shuttle services between Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine run throughout the winter on select days. Give our team a call, or check the latest shuttle schedules, for this season's exact timing.

 

Book early (and save!)

 

Whether you're looking to make Lake Louise your central home base or experience a split stay that also incorporates a stay in Banff, SkiBig3 can help iron out the details and be your guide to Lake Lousie in winter. Call our in-Banff SkiBig3 Vacation Planners today at 1-844-754-2443  or plan your next Canadian Rockies ski vacation online. We also have great Ski & Stay Packages available online.