Lake Louise Guide

Family-Friendly Lake Louise Adventure

This itinerary is designed specifically for families with children of various ages. It combines the essential Lake Louise experiences with activities that are fun, safe, and engaging for kids while still being enjoyable for adults.

Before You Begin

This itinerary requires:

  • A pre-booked shuttle reservation for Lake Louise
  • Comfortable walking shoes for everyone
  • Sunscreen and hats
  • Camera
  • Optional: Budget for canoe rental and gondola tickets

Morning: Canoe Adventure

Arrive Early (8:00-9:00 AM) Take the shuttle to Lake Louise and head straight to the canoe rental area. Getting there early means shorter wait times and calmer water conditions.

Family Canoe Experience Canoeing on Lake Louise is a magical experience for families. The water is usually calm and safe, and the views from the water are incredible. Most families find that even young children (with proper life jackets) can enjoy this experience.

Safety First Make sure everyone wears life jackets and follows the safety instructions. The rental staff are experienced and will give you proper guidance for a safe and enjoyable paddle.

Late Morning: Lakeshore Exploration

Lakeshore Trail Walk After canoeing, take a gentle walk along the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail. This flat, easy trail is perfect for families. Kids will love looking for interesting rocks, spotting wildlife, and taking photos.

Interactive Elements Make the walk fun for kids by:

  • Looking for different colored rocks
  • Spotting wildlife (squirrels, birds, sometimes larger animals)
  • Taking photos at different viewpoints
  • Playing “I Spy” with the mountain features

Lunch: Picnic Time

Family Picnic Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the lakeshore. There are plenty of benches and spots to sit. This is a great time to rest, refuel, and let the kids run around a bit.

Alternative: Fairmont Chateau If you prefer, you can enjoy lunch at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The hotel has family-friendly dining options, though it’s more expensive than a picnic.

Afternoon: Gondola Adventure

Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola The gondola is a hit with kids of all ages. The ride up offers incredible views, and there’s a good chance of spotting wildlife from the safety of the gondola.

Wildlife Spotting Kids love looking for animals from the gondola. Bears, elk, and other wildlife are often visible from the elevated perspective. Bring binoculars if you have them!

Top of the Mountain At the top, there are easy viewing platforms that are perfect for families. The views are incredible, and kids will love being “on top of the world.”

Late Afternoon: Final Activities

Return to the Lake Take the gondola back down and return to the lakeshore for some final family time. The late afternoon light often brings beautiful colors to the lake and mountains.

Family Photos This is a perfect time for family photos with the stunning backdrop of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier.

Ice Cream Treat If you’re staying in Lake Louise village, consider treating the family to ice cream as a perfect end to your day.

Pro Tips

  • Timing: Start early to avoid crowds and get the best experience
  • Pacing: Don’t try to do everything–let the kids set the pace
  • Safety: Always supervise children near water and on trails
  • Weather: Check conditions before you go–bring layers for the gondola
  • Patience: Kids might want to spend more time at certain spots–go with it!

Age-Appropriate Considerations

Toddlers (2-4 years)

  • Focus on the lakeshore walk and gondola
  • Canoeing might be challenging–consider skipping or doing a very short paddle
  • Bring a stroller for the lakeshore trail

Elementary Age (5-10 years)

  • Perfect age for this itinerary
  • They’ll love canoeing, wildlife spotting, and the gondola
  • Can handle the full lakeshore walk

Teens (11+ years)

  • Might enjoy more challenging options like the Fairview Lookout
  • Can help with canoeing and navigation
  • Will appreciate the photography opportunities

Why This Itinerary Works

This itinerary balances the essential Lake Louise experiences with activities that are genuinely fun for families. The combination of water activities, gentle walking, and the gondola ride keeps everyone engaged while providing incredible views and experiences.

The relaxed pace means you can adapt to your family’s needs, and the variety of activities ensures that everyone finds something they love about Lake Louise.

A personal note: I work as a bus driver for the Lake Louise Ski Resort in their transportation department. I’ve seen countless families have incredible experiences here, and the gondola is always a hit with kids. The opinions and advice here are entirely my own.