Lake Louise
The famous turquoise lake beneath Victoria Glacier.
About Lake Louise
Glacial rock flour gives Lake Louise its vivid turquoise colour. Lakeshore paths, canoe rentals, teahouse hikes and the grand railway hotel on its eastern shore make it one of the most visited places in the Rockies.
A brief history
The Stoney Nakoda called it Ho-run-num-nay, "Lake of the Little Fishes", and Indigenous peoples knew it long before the railway arrived. In 1882 a Stoney Nakoda guide, Edwin Hunter, led Tom Wilson to the lake. Wilson called it Emerald Lake, but it was later renamed after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, a daughter of Queen Victoria.
RV tips
- Parking at the lake is limited and fills early in summer. Parks Canada shuttles are the easy option.
- Lake Louise campground has rules related to bears and hard-sided units. Read the details before booking.
- Nights are cold even in summer at this elevation.
Before you go: Hours, road conditions, campground availability, passes and fire bans change. Check the official source below, 511 Alberta and Alberta Fire Bans before you travel. National parks need a Parks Canada pass, and Kananaskis needs a Conservation Pass.
Campgrounds nearby
- Lake Louise Campground (hard-sided) (Parks Canada, typical about $40/night)
- Protection Mountain Campground (Parks Canada, typical about $27/night)
Costs are approximate (checked October 2026). All Alberta campgrounds →
Sources & more information
Related trip planning: Alberta RV routes · Pre-trip checklist · Crown land camping