After visiting Emerald Lake our bus took us to Lake Louise just across the provincial border in Alberta. The colour of the water here was very much the same shade of emerald. This unique colour is due to the reflection of light from the rock flour sediment particles suspended in the water.

We had about an hour to roam around, have our lunch, use the washroom and dash back to the bus. It was quite crowded with parking available for cars quite some distance away. Luckily we were in a bus which could get nearby parking. At the lake shore we went for a trek up a trail to the Fairmont View Point from where we got an excellent bird’s eye view of the lake and the Fairmont Chateau from an elevation. We had to rush down to get back to the bus in time. We had our packed picnic lunch at the trail side, sitting on a rock under a cedar tree, keeping one eye open for prowling bears.

Lake Louise is supposed to be the most photographed lake in the world. It is surrounded by mountain peaks in a heavily forested valley. Being a beautiful site of natural wonder has its own drawbacks in that it attracts such huge crowds from all over the world. Finding parking is big problem during daylight hours unless you come before 8 am or after 3 pm. Bus tours get preference to the parking lots nearby. If you are staying at the Lake Louise Village or at Banff it is advisable to come by the shuttles or Roam Transits.

Words truly are injustice to this spot in Banff NP. Photo's cannot reproduce what your eyes will absorb as you enjoy what mother nature has provided for us. The water is the most turquoise you have ever experienced with a back drop of some of nature's most beautiful mountain peaks. When I say Stunning this still does not provide an adequate description of Lake Louise. Bring your walking shoes, your camera, your sunscreen, and allow your senses to take in this beautiful lake and its backdrop. The access is extremely simple if you are able to get a parking space. We arrived early and went to Moraine Lake initially, before dawn. After spending time at Moraine Lake we drove to Lake Louise to be dazzled by its magnificent beauty. You will literally not stop taking pictures of this site that is along the Icefield Parkway. We strolled along the lake-side for 30 minutes taking in the beauty of this site. There is a very nice pathway that is friendly to most needs of visitors that go there. The Fairmont Lake Louise sits right along the lake and although we were not guests, we stopped for lunch in their restaurant. The view out the restaurants windows is overwhelming. The food was excellent and the prices are reasonable. (Prices seemed slightly higher than your typical restaurant, but well worth checking out before you blow it off as too pricey). It was cold the day we visited and we did not take out the canoes, but it looked like fun and they made beautiful pictures witnessing others braving the cold on the canoes... Don't miss this stop!

There are already a lot of things written about Lake Louise. But a must see. Even more spectacular then all the pictures and youtube films you can find. You have to see it yourself...

And don’t forget to walk around in the Fairmond hotel at the lake. Wow!!!!!