Staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada

On a recent trip to Banff National Park in Alberta Canada, we were lucky enough to spend a couple of days at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the Lake Louise section of the park. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is one of the most magical resorts we have ever visited, in one of the best locations we have ever explored.

The land that is now known as Lake Louise was first inhabited by the Blackfoot and Kootenay tribes, followed by Sioux Nation, known today as Nakoda people. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and the creation of the Canadian Pacific Railway, built in the 1880s, brought hundreds of workers who camped near what is now known as Lake Louise. The lake renamed in 1884 for Princess Caroline Louise Alberta, the sixth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The lake became popular for its turquoise, glacier sentiment filled water.

In 1890 the first chalets were built at Lake Louise for visitors to use from June through August. Many visitors would also come and camp on the nearby land. After a fire in 1893 destroyed the chalets, they were rebuilt and became even more popular. Swiss Guides gave tours to visitors from around the world from the 1890s until the 1950s (and they’re honored in several ways throughout the resorts, including their depiction in chandeliers and in the outfits worn by the bell staff).  In the early 1900s a larger chateau was built, but open during summer. Unfortunately, it was again destroyed by a fire in 1924. One wing of the chateau was salvaged (it remains part of the resort today) and  The Chalet Chateau Lake Louise, as it was known, was rebuilt in 1925, expanding in size and amenities. During the first part of the twentieth century, the resort was also responsible for the creation of many of the trails that still exist today.

In 1982 the resort was winterized so it could stay open year round, and more rooms were added ahead of the 1988 Winter Olympics, held in (fairly) nearby Calgary. In 1999, the property was purchased by the Fairmont Company and became known as the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Since 2000, the resort has continued to expand and currently has 539 rooms, several dining options and resort amenities, and a ballroom for 700 guests.  Approximately 1,000 staff members work during the high summer season, and many staff live in residences behind the resort. In the 2020s, over four million people visit Lake Louise each year, sometimes with up to 16,000 people visiting on a single summer day. 

Note: When we visited in June of 2024, the resort was renovating part of the property for its anticipated Wellness Center, set to open in March 2025. You’ll see some of the construction in a few of our photos. 

Planning Ahead:

• Despite the time of year, pack for all seasons and wear layers! We strongly recommend packing hiking boots (and poles, if you’re used to them), waterproof jackets, umbrellas, and long pants (not jeans!). The weather changes frequently throughout the day, and it’s not uncommon to have snow on the ground through mid June and starting again in late October.
• Make dining reservations, especially for dinner, ahead of time. 
• Check the concierge calendar and consider making reservations for popular events like the Mixology class (complimentary for adults) and some kids club activities. The Mountain Adventure Programs hosts guided hikes and activities that vary each season. 
• Parking is guaranteed for resort guests in the attached garage (there is a nightly fee). We recommend parking on the second level, which has direct access to the hotel lobby and elevators to most of the guest rooms. 
• If you plan on hiking in the area, download the All Trails app to access information and maps for the trails you might enjoy, all of which are accessible without cell service. 

Room Options:

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has over 500 rooms, including traditional rooms with both lake and mountain views and suites that are as large as 700 square feet. Every room type is beautifully decorated and has spacious bathrooms with luxurious amenities.  We very much enjoyed our Fairmont Mountain view Room, which was in the main building and close to dining and shopping options, but quiet and peaceful.

Dining Options:

• Louisa (ground floor with walk out to the lake) is open for breakfast (only for resort guests and NOT your typical buffet- so many options to enjoy and prepared to the guest’s specifications) lunch, and dinner. Reservations are strongly encouraged for dinner.
• Fairview Bar and Restaurant on the main floor is open for dinner, with both indoor and outdoor dining (with heaters, and shade), great views of the lake, and a children’s menu. The restaurant also offers traditional afternoon tea.
• Lakeview Lounge has the best view in the resort! The Lounge, located on the main floor, offers lunch, a bar menu, children’s menu, and a three course dinner every evening. 
• Alpine Social, on the ground floor, is open for dinner only, offers great drinks and a fun bar atmosphere, but does also have traditional seating and a kids menu.
• The Guide’s Pantry is open 24 hrs and offers grab and go items including sandwiches, salads, snacks, freshly made pastries, and drinks
• Goodie’s on the lower concourse level has a great selection of ice cream and candy.           

Resort Amenities:

Be sure to check the weekly concierge guide for daily activities, many of which are included in your stay. Some of our favorite highlights the whole family will enjoy:

• Scavenger hunts (there are two!) and the Adventure Camp Passport from the Concierge desk
• Board games on the second floor Living Room area
• Daily talks about the history of Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau
• Nightly lakeside campfires and s’mores
• An indoor pool and hot tub, and Health Club
• Kids Adventure Camp, which include crafts, pajama parties, outdoor adventures, and “Day at the Fair.”
• Daily fitness and wellness classes, such as meditation walks, yoga, forest bathing, south bath meditation, body weight strength, stretching, and polar plunges in Lake Louise.

Seasonal Activities:

• Winter Seasonal Activities: **additional fees apply
  • Skiing and snowboarding at the nearby (10 minute drive) Lake Louise Ski Resort. 
  • Ice skating on Lake Louise, available from mid December through mid April.
  • The onsite Chateau Ski and Snow rental shop, open from November through April, offers ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and skating equipment and tuning services. Guests can even rent outerwear and helmets- check here to make a reservation in season. 
  • Bavarian curling, nightly campfires, and the famous Ice Bar!
  • Sleigh Rides

• Summer Seasonal Activities:   **additional fees apply
  • Daily sunrise shuttles (it leaves at 4:15am!) to Moraine Lake (guests can only visit via a shuttle or reservation at the Moraine Lake Lodge). Shuttle reservations are also available throughout the day. 
  • Canoeing on Lake Louise. Resort guests have priority for reserving a canoe for 30 or 60 minutes on Lake Louise. Canoes can hold three adults or two adults and two children.  
  • Horseback riding with Brewster Stables, located on the resort grounds. Children just be at least eight years old and 52 inches tall to ride. There are several half day and full day guided trail options. 
  • Riding the summer gondola at the nearby (10 minute drive from the resort) Lake Louise Ski Resort. The complex also has hiking trails and a wildlife interpretive center.
  • Three hour guided E-Bike tours to Morant’s Curve or the Great Divide.

Exploring the Resort Grounds and Nearby Village:

• Be sure to walk through the Temple Hallway to see the stained glass windows (depicting icons of the area such as bears, goats, wolves, eagles, and trout) and Heritage Hall that described the history of Lake Louise through enlarged photographs. 
• Walk the Lakeshore Trail, which is along one side of the lake (there are various extensions). It is a fairly flat, out and back path that is groomed and easy to traverse. There are a few areas where you can dip your feet in the lake. Some extensions from the trail lead to Lake Agnes and the TeaHouse.
• Another popular trail is the Fairview Lookout, which does afford wonderful views of the lake, but has very steep inclines. 
• There are several boutique and gift shops throughout the resort property, with themed stores for children, photography and books, Canadian Indigenous and Inuit art, clothing, and souvenirs. 
• The village of Lake Louise has a great Visitor Center where visitors can purchase National Park passes and souvenirs, make reservations for excursions, and learn about the area. There are also a few gift shops and quick service dining options near the Visitor Center. 

Looking for more adventures in Banff National Park? Check out our full guide to the nearby town of Banff. And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and X.