Lake Louise snowshoe tracks
Lake Louise is a haven for outdoor snow sports. Located in majestic and historic Banff National Park, the lake freezes solid in winter and makes the perfect setting for a snowshoe adventure.
Stop in at Wilson Mountain Sports in the village of Lake Louise to rent some top-notch snowshoes and poles for the low fee of $10 per day. We chose MSR Lightning Ascent shoes, lightweight technical gear with ascension levers, hinge steel crampons and speed hook lacing for easy entry without exposing your hands to the wind. There is a little grocery store in the same plaza where you can pick up water, snacks and lunch to pack for your trek.
Find parking at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and it’s a short walk to the lake. Why do you need ascension levers for a flat frozen lake? At the end of the lake on the right side you will find peppermint blue Louise Falls, a local favourite frozen waterfall for ice climbing. To get a good look at the climbers, pop up your heel levers and climb up the steep hill to the bottom of the falls.
Louise Falls
Save some energy for the hike back: even with snowshoes we were sinking about 15 cm each step for 2 km both directions.
