10 Reasons To Stay At Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

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I’ll start by saying that this is not a sponsored post. I paid for my stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and all opinions are my own. This just happens to be one of my favorite places in the Canadian Rockies so I wanted to share why.

In fact I’ve been lucky enough to stay here a few times. On my last visit I wrote about the Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers hike which gets phenomenal views over Lake Louise and the hotel.

I won’t hide the fact that staying at this hotel is not cheap. It’s a prime location which comes with an often hefty price tag. That said, traveling in the shoulder season can often help with the cost, although there are considerations which I will cover below.

What time of year should I visit the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise?

The hotel is open all year round, as is the lake. But this is Canada and I don’t think I have to state the obvious (I will anyway), but it gets cold here. The Canadian Rockies, being a mountain range is higher in elevation, therefore gets colder than other places in Canada such as Vancouver where I live. The summer is the best time to see Lake Louise is all its turquoise blue glory, but this is when it is more expensive.

I like the shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October. But before June the lake will likely still be frozen or partially thawing and might not be what you expect of Lake Louise. That’s not to say you shouldn’t visit then as I think it’s an amazing time of year in the Rockies, but set your expectations accordingly.

The snow will start around the end of September into October. And the colder temperatures mean the lake will start freezing shortly after and remain so until the Spring. But if you want a chance to walk on Lake Louise then winter is a great time. I did that even in May.

Can I see Lake Louise without staying at the hotel?

Yes you can. You don’t have to be a resident of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel to be able to see the lake. In fact there is a public parking lot where you can park and walk right up to and around the lake. But you likely won’t be able to see as much of the hotel or experience the lake as well if you aren’t staying here.

For one thing, you’ll be there when everyone else is there meaning you’ll likely only see it when it’s busy. The benefit of staying at the Fairmont hotel is that you get to experience Lake Louise after all the day visitors have left. Or before they get there. Parking is also limited so if visiting at a busy time of year you might not be lucky enough to snag a parking spot.

How expensive is a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise?

Depending on the time of year a room rate can be anything up to and above $1000 a night. My best advice is to book early and secure a good deal on a hotel room. If you are a member of Accor (the hospitality company the Fairmont brand falls under) then consider looking into member rates and discounts or using points.

Outside of the summer months you can find room rates for as little as $300 a night. Worth it to splash out on a special trip, I think.

Given the price, you likely will be looking at only one or two nights here. And given the lack of town and the fact you have only the hotel there, I would say more time in Banff is preferable.

But there’s also nothing like waking up to the view of Lake Louise from your hotel room. One time I was there I slept with the curtains open so I could see the lake without getting out of bed in the morning. Most amazing view ever!

Insider Tip: The lead in room category (Fairmont Room) as well as Mount Temple rooms will not have a lake view. The One Bedroom Suite will have a partial lake view like mine did. Otherwise only expect a full lake view if it’s mentioned in the room type name.

Parking and resort fees

Parking is an additional fee on top of your room rate. Self parking is $30 CAD/day (2023 pricing) in a mostly covered multi level parkade attached to the hotel. When you arrive at the hotel it’s best to pull up out front, check in and mention you want to self park to the agent on the front desk.

Your room key will give access to enter/exit the parkade and you will be given a ticket to exit on the last day of your stay after check out.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a full resort rather than just a hotel. Since it offers many amenities (most of which I’m going to tell you about), there is a resort fee of $40 CAD per night per room. So you might as well explore the hotel if you’re paying for it anyway.

Pro tip: Join Accor-ALL before your stay and take advantage of member perks like welcome amenities, upgrade possibilities and collecting points for future stays. It’s free and could get you a small welcome amenity if you’re lucky. Click here to book your stay at the Fairmont Lake Louise.

The best reasons to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

If you visit the Canadian Rockies you really have to see Lake Louise. But as I mentioned before, if you have the time (and a little extra money) staying at this beautiful hotel is worth every penny.

The luxurious property is more than just a hotel and gives you access to incredible activities at the hotel and nearby. Here are some of my top reasons to stay here.

The lake views

Obvious or not I’m going to start here. If you’re staying at the Fairmont Chateau it’s because you want to see the infamous and incredible Lake Louise. The lake is fed by the glaciers around it, the rock flour from which gives it that unique turquoise-blue-green color.

Take a walk right up to the Lake – the focus point from anywhere around the hotel. The views of the lake and the glacier behind are jaw-droppingly beautiful that you will be happy to take hundreds of pictures or just stare at it for hours.

Fun fact: The lake is named after the daughter of Queen Victoria, Princess Louise whose middle name Alberta is also the source of the province’s name.

Canoeing on Lake Louise

The iconic red canoes can be rented to go out onto Lake Louise for a better view of the hotel and a bit of quiet solitude. Canoe rental is about $95 an hour but you can get two or three people in the canoe quite comfortably to share the cost. Also you can share some of the rowing – those things are not easy.

There will always be a long line for canoe rentals and in the busier periods you can wait in excess of an hour. My advice is to go early, or later.

Insider tip: There are early morning canoe rentals for hotel residents only, check with the concierge for times. And during the day there are sometimes opportunities to have priority as a hotel guest.

Teahouse hikes

As I mentioned earlier I recently wrote a way more detailed post on one of the epic hikes from Lake Louise. The trail starts just off to the side of the lake outside the hotel property and goes to Lake Agnes where you will find a teahouse. Enjoy a cup of tea and a snack at the beautiful site and get ridiculous views of the lake on your way.

Extend your hike by continuing to the Plain of Six Glaciers where there is a second teahouse. To do both is about 6-7 hours but you can do Lake Agnes teahouse hike in a little over 2 hours. It’s worth the climb!

Fondue for two

To anyone who gets that reference, this is a classier affair. In fact there is an Alpine-style restaurant that does what the Swiss do best: dipping stuff in melted cheese. A dining experience at the Walliser Stube, like most things at this hotel, is not cheap. But it is fun, and delicious.

At around $90 CAD per person this might be a well worth it treat after a big hike. And again I remind you about the awesomeness of dipping stuff in melted cheese. There’s a dessert option too where you can dip food in chocolate.

Yoga classes

Working up to a big hike, or just want a little bit more calm and meditation to start your day? The hotel’s health club offers yoga and stretching classes throughout the day. Class sizes are limited and you need to book in advance.

In the summer some of the early morning or evening stretching classes are outdoors which can also give you a chance to really take in the fresh air while exercising. Don’t feel like exercising with other people? Access wellness videos in your room on anything from yoga to breathing exercises to sleep videos.

Enjoy a spa day

The Fairmont hotel is a stand alone property – there is no town nearby to walk to. So when you book a stay in a resort, why not plan a spa day? It doesn’t have to be the whole day but the Fairmont’s Spa is a great place to book a relaxing massage, facial or even just go for a swim or a sauna.

Top Tip: Worried about the price? Why not ask for Fairmont gift cards for Christmas or birthday if you know you’re planning a big trip here!

Fancy cocktails

I love getting all dolled up and sipping a fancy cocktail at a Fairmont bar. It’s my little extravagance on an already luxurious hotel stay. Also, because I’m a Silver member of Accor-ALL I get complimentary welcome drink vouchers that can be redeemed for any of the signature cocktails or drinks. Free is better!

Each hotel has its own signature drink concoctions and the Fairmont Lake Louise is no exception. The drinks change seasonally but there are cocktails to suit everyone including non-alcoholic.

Painting by the lake

On my last visit here I discovered that for $10 you can get a painting kit from the concierge. You get a canvas, paint set, brushes and palette. I think the whole thing is aimed at kids but big kid that I am, I was super elated at the prospect.

So my friend and I got our painting kit and grabbed a drink (I’m sure that helped). We sat outside in the nice big chairs facing the lake and painted absolute masterpieces. Well, okay, mine was shockingly bad but we had fun. Plus now I get to add “artist” to my resume. Win-win!

Walk on the lake

In winter Lake Louise is frozen so thick that you can actually walk across it. One time I visited in April and the lake was still frozen so I was able to stand on it no problem.

We saw lots of people making their way right across the middle, cutting a path to the end of the lake. You have to be really sure of yourself to commit to that, so I was satisfied with standing around the edge.

Visit Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake, the white whale of Rockies lakes. The most gorgeous lake I think I’ve ever seen (sorry Lake Louise). So why am I talking about it here? Well the turnoff is along the same road you take to get to Lake Louise and is about 30 minutes away from the Chateau.

Moraine Lake is so popular that as of 2023 you can’t access it with a personal vehicle. Only Parks Canada shuttles/transit or guided tours. The lake is also only accessible from end of June through October usually. Check out Parks Canada for more information on getting to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise (lakeside or village).

Staying at the Fairmont Lake Louise means you’re much closer than if you were staying in Banff where the journey is well over an hour before you factor in the transfer. A bonus in trying to see this bucket list item!

Tips for making the most of your stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

• Check out the resort activity guide before you arrive
• Pre-plan and book activities where possible ahead of your stay
• Use the concierge – they know their stuff
• Get up early at least once and sit by the lake first thing before the crowds arrive. You won’t regret it
• The hotel is resort casual but pack at least one fancier outfit so you can get dressed up for cocktails
• Take advantage of resort activities (many of which are included in your resort fee): hiking, guided tours, health club and seasonal activities

Magnificent Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

If this doesn’t have you convinced to not only stay at the Fairmont Lake Louise but to visit the Canadian Rockies, I don’t know what will. The hotel oozes luxury and class and the staff will do everything they can to enhance your stay.

I’ve been lucky enough to stay here a few times (I get good travel deals through my day job). But I’m always amazed at how gorgeous Lake Louise is. Night one of my last trip here, my friend and I just sat by the lake in the dark watching the moon reflect off the lake. I couldn’t believe I was here again.

Spend some time in Banff for sure. But book yourself at least one night here on your way to Jasper to really see the three most amazing places in the Canadian Rockies.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment using the social media buttons below. Have you stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise? What would you be most excited about doing there?