The Links You Actually Need
Look, I get it. There’s a lot of information out there about Lake Louise, and most of it isn’t all that helpful when you’re actually trying to plan a trip. I’ve spent way too much time digging through official websites and random blogs to find the stuff that actually matters.
So here’s everything you need, organized the way I wish someone had organized it for me when I first started visiting this place.
Download This Guide
Download a copy of this guide for offline reading. Because let’s be honest–cell service in the mountains is about as reliable as the weather forecast. The downloadable version has everything you need, even when you’re miles from the nearest cell tower.
The Official Stuff (Parks Canada)
Current Conditions & Alerts
- Parks Canada Banff Bulletins (https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/conditions) - The official word on what’s open, what’s closed, and what you need to know
- Parks Canada Banff Trail Report (https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/sentier-trail) - Trail conditions, closures, and safety updates
Reservations & Planning
- Parks Canada Reservations (https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/) - Book campsites, shuttle tickets, and other park services
Weather & Safety
Weather Information
- Government of Canada Weather - Lake Louise (https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/ab-4_metric_e.html) - Official weather forecasts and current conditions
- Environment Canada - Banff National Park (https://weather.gc.ca/canada_e.html) - Detailed weather information for the entire park
Avalanche & Mountain Safety
- Avalanche.ca (https://avalanche.ca/) - Current avalanche conditions, forecasts, and safety information for the Canadian Rockies
- ACMG Gear Lists (https://acmg.ca/gear-lists/) - Professional mountain guide association gear recommendations and safety checklists
Getting Around
Road Conditions
- Alberta 511 (https://511.alberta.ca/) - Real-time road conditions, construction updates, and travel advisories for the Lake Louise area
- Banff National Park Road Conditions (https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/conditions) - Park-specific road and trail conditions
Everything Else You Might Need
Emergency & Safety
- Banff Emergency Services (https://www.banff.ca/emergency-services) - Local emergency contact information
- Parks Canada Safety (https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/securite-safety) - Park safety guidelines and emergency procedures
Local Information
- Lake Louise Tourism (https://www.lakelouise.com/) - Local tourism information and events
- Banff & Lake Louise Tourism (https://www.banfflakelouise.com/) - Regional tourism board with comprehensive visitor information
Maps & Navigation
- Parks Canada Trail Maps (https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/cartes-maps) - Official park maps and trail guides
- Google Maps - Lake Louise (https://maps.google.com/?q=Lake+Louise,+AB) - Interactive mapping and directions
Wildlife & Environment
- Parks Canada Wildlife Safety (https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/securite-safety/faune-wildlife) - Bear safety, wildlife viewing guidelines, and safety tips
- Environment Canada - Air Quality (https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/index_e.html) - Air quality conditions and wildfire smoke information
- FireSmoke.ca (https://firesmoke.ca/) - Real-time wildfire smoke tracking and air quality forecasts for the Canadian Rockies
My Pre-Trip Checklist
Before You Go
- Check Parks Canada Bulletins for current conditions
- Review Trail Reports for your planned activities
- Check Weather and Avalanche Conditions
- Verify Road Conditions on Alberta 511
- Make Reservations if needed
During Your Visit
- Keep Parks Canada Bulletins bookmarked for real-time updates
- Monitor Weather conditions regularly
- Check Avalanche.ca if venturing into backcountry areas
- Use Alberta 511 for road condition updates
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency Services: 911
- Parks Canada Dispatch: 403-762-1470
- Banff Park Warden Office: 403-762-1470
These links are updated regularly, but always verify current conditions before your visit. Weather and trail conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.