Lake Louise, famous for its turquoise blue waters backdropped by majestic mountains, is a magical place to be in the winter season. With an average annual snowfall of 3m (12ft), and almost every single winter activity available on its shores, Lake Louise is the place for an outdoor winter enthusiast.
How to get to Lake Louise:
Lake Louise, a glacial lake is located in Banff National Park, Alberta. It is about 200 km (2 hours drive from) from Calgary International Airport. More about the Lake.
1. Let’s Hit the Powder
Voted as the #1 Ski Resort in Canada for the 3 years in a row, Lake Louise Ski resort, known for it’s spectacular scenery and versatile terrain is located just 10 minutes from the famed Lake itself. Have fun snow boarding, snow shoeing or tubing at the resort!
2. Cross Country Skiing
Ready for Winter Fun! Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Experience Lake Louise in all its winter glory by Cross country skiing. Ski a 4.1 km loop with 15 m elevation gain across frozen Lake Louise, followed by a fun “up & down” trip back through the woods — just 100 metres uphill from the lakeshore walking path.
A spectacular ski trail is also set at Moraine Lake Road, which is closed to traffic for winter.
3. Snowshoeing
Photo Credit: Paddy Pallin Location: Lake Louise
Starting in front of the Chateau Lake Louise, snowshoe enjoying classic views of the Lake and at lake’s end, a frozen waterfall.
4. Sleigh Rides
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride along the lakeside trail to the end of Lake Louise and admire views of Lake Louise framed by the mountains and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
5. Ice Magic Festival
Photo Credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka
Watch as talented ice artists from around the world skillfully combine gruelling physicality with precision artistry in an ice carving competition.
2026: February 4-8, 2026
6. Skating
Photo Credit: Travel Alberta
Skate on the frozen Lake Louise rink highlighted by Ice Castle, created from ice blocks. Skate rentals are available at Chateau Mountain Sports, inside Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The rental store is open daily from November through April. Rental
7. Shinny Hockey
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Play shinny hockey with your friends on the Frozen Lake. Hockey sticks are available for rent at $5 at Fairmont Lake Louise.
8. Hiking
Photo Credit: Paddy Pallin
Not interested in snowshoeing or skiing, explore the village of Lake Louise and then from Samson Mall, walk along Lake Louise Drive to the Bow River bridge. Cross and look for the trailhead on the downstream (south) side of the bridge to reach the Lake. (5.6 km return, 195 m elevation gain).
9. Dog Sledding
Photo Credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka
Travels 16km from Banff National Park into Yoho National Park through the Kicking Horse Pass at the Continental Divide with Kingmik Dog Sled Tours.
10. A Hot Cuppa
Warm up with a hot cup of tea at the Chateau after a day of winter activities!
Directions to Lake Louise: