The town was originally named Laggan in 1890 when it became a stop along the Canadian Pacific Railway. The town was later renamed Lake Louise after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria.
Tourists flock to Lake Louise throughout the year to enjoy the beauty of Banff National Park. It's a popular place to base yourself if you want to ski during the winter months or hike during the summer. The park has both affordable hotels and luxury options to choose from, but be sure to book your stay several months in advance so that you get the best possible price.
When should you visit Lake Louise, Alberta?
You won't find a bad time to visit Lake Louise. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and climbing, the best time to visit is between June and September. You can expect temperatures to average about 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and drop to about 55 degrees in the evenings. These months are the most popular times to visit Banff and also the most expensive times to stay at the hotels in Lake Louise. If you want to visit the Canadian Rockies to view them at their scenic best, be sure to book your hotel several months in advance because hotels often become fully booked during the peak summer months.
Winter is another popular time to visit Lake Louise. If you want to enjoy some of the best skiing in the Rockies, Lake Louise is a wonderful place to be. While the area is not as busy as the summer months, December to March is peak ski season, and hotel prices run as high as they are during the summer months, especially during the December holidays. Be sure to pack plenty of warm layers. On most days, you'll experience highs of about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and temperatures often drop below zero in the evenings.
Weather during shoulder seasons in Lake Louise is unpredictable. You can experience snow in late April or sunshine and warm weather in mid-November. If you want to enjoy the peace and quiet and lower hotel prices, spring and fall are ideal times to visit Lake Louise. You can still enjoy some of the lower trails, explore the lake, and enjoy plenty of spa treatments at the luxury hotels around the town.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Lake Louise, AB:
Lake Louise by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Lake Louise, AB. You can use these charts to evaluate the most cost effective time to stay in Lake Louise during the year.
What are the luxury hotels in Lake Louise, Alberta?
4 Star Average Prices: $499.00
No shortage of luxury hotels exists in Lake Louise. The most famous is the Fairmont Chateau. This castle-like building overlooks Lake Louise and is one of the most photographed buildings in Banff National Park. Choose a room with a mountain view or upgrade to a room with a view of Lake Louise for a memorable sight to wake up to. You'll also find an onsite spa where you can have a massage or body treatment or relax in the hotel's sauna or spa pool. Eight restaurants and cafes offer dining options or you can order room service 24 hours a day.
The Sunshine Mountain Lodge in nearby Sunshine, Alberta, is another luxury hotel option in Banff National Park. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the Sunshine Ski Area and you can book your lift tickets at the front desk. Relax in the evenings in the spa pool or sauna or head for an apres ski drink at the hotel bar. Guests can also enjoy a meal throughout the day at one of the hotel's four restaurants or simply grab a coffee and a sandwich from the hotel's cafe.
What are the affordable hotel options in Lake Louise, AB?
3 Star Average Prices: $182.00
You'll find several great affordable hotels in Lake Louise. The Lake Louise Inn is one option. For a great price, you can still enjoy stunning mountain views. The inn is located on Village Road in the center of town and only a few minutes from the lake. This hotel has an indoor pool, a fitness center, Wi-Fi, free ski storage, and a complimentary shuttle to the ski slopes.
The Lake Louise Inn also has three excellent restaurants to choose from as well as a bar and lounge where you can enjoy a drink after a day of adventure. You'll also find fun ways to stay entertained when the weather isn't cooperating. Play a game of pool in the billiard room, order room service from any of the hotel's restaurants, or use one of the computers free for all guests in the lobby.
The Deer Lodge is another affordable hotel in Lake Louise close to the Lake Louise Gondola and the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse. Relax in the hotel's sauna and spa pool. Visit the on-site restaurant where you can dine in or order room service. Head to the bar where you can have a beer after a day on the slopes or the cafe if you simply want to grab a coffee. The Deer Lodge also offers a free shuttle to the slopes during ski season.
Another affordable hotel in Lake Louise is Bow View Lodge. The rooms are spacious and full of natural light and include a refrigerator, wireless internet, and a television with cable programming. You'll also discover an indoor pool and a spa pool where you can keep fit before relaxing your muscles. If you want a romantic night out with your significant other, the hotel also has babysitters available for a small surcharge.