Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a glacial lake in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, known for its turquoise water and mountain scenery.

Lake Louise is a glacial lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, known for its turquoise water and mountain scenery. The name also refers to the nearby unincorporated community and resort area, which developed around the Canadian Pacific Railway and tourism. The lake lies at the base of Mount Victoria and Victoria Glacier, fed by glacial meltwater and draining into the Bow River.

Geography

Lake Louise is a glacial lake located in Banff National Park, Alberta, at the base of Mount Victoria and Victoria Glacier. It is fed by glacial meltwater and drains into the Bow River. The lake sits at an elevation of 1,731 m (5,679 ft) and has a maximum depth of more than 70 m (about 220 ft). Its striking turquoise colour is associated with glacial rock flour carried by meltwater.

History

The nearby settlement began in 1884 as a Canadian Pacific Railway construction camp. It was later renamed Lake Louise in 1914, after the lake itself had been named to honour Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria. The lake has been associated with Indigenous and settler naming histories.

Tourism and recreation

Lake Louise is one of Canada’s best-known scenic destinations and a major recreation area. Visitors come for hiking, mountaineering, canoeing, skiing, and views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The area is widely photographed and is a major tourism destination within Banff National Park. The community of Lake Louise lies along major travel routes linking Banff, the Icefields Parkway, and the Trans-Canada Highway.

Naming and significance

The lake has been associated with Indigenous and settler naming histories, and later became one of the iconic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. It is closely tied to the development of Banff National Park and Canadian mountain tourism. Lake Louise is one of Canada’s most famous natural landmarks and a major symbol of the park and the region.