Banff, Alberta - Lake Louise

In 1882, Aboriginal guides lead Tom Wilson, a workerHotel, which was built in 1890. The hotel was
for Canadian Pacific (CP), to a lake which was calledrestored in 1990. This hotel has been named by
Emerald Lake. In 1884, the lake took the name ofGourmet magazine as having the "best landscape in
Lake Louise, in reference to the Princess Louise,the world." Opinions on this building are divided: while
Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939), fourth daughter ofsome consider it one of the most beautiful hotels in
Queen Victoria and wife of Governor General,Alberta, others bemoan its totally kitsch. For the
Marquis of Lorne. The people from the region,latter, the hotel, without a doubt, is beautiful, but its
however, continued to call it the "lake of little fishes."presence on the lake, spoils a landscape that was
Located 67 km from the town of Banff and 190extravagant had it remained untouched.
kilometer from Calgary, it is particularly famous for itsThe village of Lake Louise is located on the Trans
turquoise waters which stem from the melting ofCanada Highway, 180 kilometer west of Calgary. The
nearby glaciers. The lakes water temperature neverlandscape around Lake Louise includes several snowy
exceeds a few degrees above freezing.mountains. The village has a small shopping center
In winter, the surface of the lake becomes frozenSamson Mall where you can find a tourist office, a
over. The ice is thick enough to accommodategrocery, a bakery, and fast food. The Lake Louise
temporary events (natural ice rink, ice sculptures).Mountain ski area is also located here.
On its bank is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise