Skate, Ski, Walk, and Snowshoe on Lake Louise

For a few months each year, you can skate, ski, walk, or snowshoe on Lake Louise for a magical experience in a winter wonderland.

Ski, skate, snowshoe, or walk on Lake Louise

Lake Louise was named “Best Skating Rink in the World” in 2014 by The Huffington Post, and it’s easy to see why with dramatic peaks and the stunning Victoria Glacier as its backdrop. After an epic skate, swap skates for boots, skis, or snowshoes, and travel across the lake for a better view of the glacier and icefalls. If you’re lucky, you’ll see ice climbers on 110-metre high Louise Falls!

When to Go

Lake Louise is usually frozen from mid-December to late March, but conditions vary, so check the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Webcam and Banff National Park Trail Report for Lake Louise Loop before you go.

If you’d like to see the ice castle and ice sculptures, plan to visit before or during the Ice Magic Festival (cancelled for 2023).

Ice Skating at Lake Louise

Ice-Magic-Festival-Lake-Louise — Lake Louise

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise maintains two gorgeous ice rinks on Lake Louise; one for hockey and one for skating. Please note that hockey sticks are not allowed on the main skating rink.

The rinks are open for skating every day until 11 pm (and illuminated at night) from mid-December until late March, conditions permitting. Check the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Webcam and Banff National Park Trail Report for Lake Louise Loop before you go!

Equipment Rentals: Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise Village, or Alpine Social Rentals in the lower lobby of Chateau Lake Louise

Washrooms: flush toilets at parking lot

Cross Country Ski, Snowshoe, or Hike on Lake Louise

Lake-Louise-cross-country-ski — Cross country ski across Lake Louise to beautiful Louise Falls

cross-country-ski-lake-louise — Cross country ski across Lake Louise to beautiful Louise Falls

Lake Louise Loop takes you across Lake Louise to Louise Falls, then back to the Chateau via a rolling forest trail. Turn back at the avalanche warning sign as there is significant avalanche danger after that point. The trail is double trackset for cross country skiing. If snowshoeing or hiking, please stay off the tracks.

Distance: 4.1 km loop.

Elevation Gain: 15 metres

Equipment Rentals: Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise Village, or Alpine Social Rentals in the lower lobby of Chateau Lake Louise.

Washrooms: flush toilets at parking lot

Lake Louise Sleigh Rides

For a unique experience, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride along the lakeshore to the ice falls! Contact the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for more information.

Where to Eat

Dining: There are several dining options at Chateau Lake Louise (enjoy Afternoon Tea or fondue at Walliser Stube) and down at the Village. We like Laggan’s Mountain Bakery & Timberwolf Pizza and Pasta Cafe (located inside Lake Louise Inn).

Know Before You Go

A Parks Canada Discovery Pass / daily admission fee is required to stop in Banff National Park.
Parking fees are in effect from 7 am to 7 pm at Lake Louise Lakeshore public parking lot. Pay at the pay stations. The fee is $12.25/ vehicle/ day.
Dogs must be kept on a leash.

What to Bring

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Base layers, insulated winter boots, a down jacket and windproof/waterproof shell (or insulated ski jacket/parka), gloves or mittens, and toque are must-haves. See our fall/winter hiking gear guide for product recommendations.

For winter hiking, we recommend traction devices such as Kahtoola Microspikes (Available from Amazon and MEC), or Hillsound Trail Crampons (Available at Amazon and Sport Chek) and trekking poles with snow baskets.

You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a headlamp, a GPS/satellite communicator (or compass) and map of the area, sunscreen (this one is safe for babies), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Frontiersman Bear Spray Holster (attaches to your backpack or belt) or Scat Belt.