How to Experience the Best of Lake Louise and the Rockies with Banff Adventures
Discover the Lake Louise Gondola with Banff Adventures. Enjoy sweeping mountain views, wildlife spotting, and family-friendly fun in Banff National Park.
Discover The Lake Louise Gondola and Unlock Summer Fun!
The Canadian Rockies are a truly magical place to explore, and Albertans are lucky enough to have some of the most beautiful stretches of this majestic mountain range!
Towering peaks, turquoise lakes and miles of rugged wilderness make every visit unique and exciting for guests. Whether you’re an experienced visitor or are coming from far and wide for the first time, Banff Adventures is here to help you make the most of your time in the Rockies.
Below, we’ll explore one of Banff National Park's most popular (and stunning) features: Lake Louise and the Lake Louise Gondola. Find out what you need to know before you visit!
Why is Lake Louise So Famous?
Even if you’ve never been, you’ve likely seen photos of Lake Louise splashed around tourism sites across the globe. Lake Louise and nearby Moraine Lake are world famous thanks to their vibrant blue waters, glacier-fed shorelines and dramatic peaks that frame everything for an iconic view. Lake Louise is also home to some of Banff National Park’s most beloved hikes, like the Lake Agnes Tea House and the Plain of Six Glaciers trail. This beautiful area is a big hit all year round, with summer and winter being the most popular times to visit.
The Lake Louise Gondola: Scenic, Relaxed, and Wildlife-Friendly
Located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, the Lake Louise Gondola is a thrilling 14-minute ride up the mountainside. From the top, you’ll get sweeping views of Mount Temple, the Bow Valley, and Lake Louise itself, sparkling far below.
Here’s what makes the experience so special:
- Two lift options: Choose between an enclosed gondola cabin or an open-air chairlift ride.
- Incredible wildlife viewing: The resort area is one of the safest and most reliable places to see grizzly bears in the wild, especially in mid-summer. Get your thrills without the danger!
- Mountaintop access: Once you reach the top, you can enjoy short hikes, interpretive trails, and a stunning viewing platform that’s perfect for photos.
Family-friendly fun: One of the gondola’s best aspects is that it’s a great option for all ages and highly accessible for everyone.
How Far Is Lake Louise from Banff?
If it’s your first time visiting Banff National Park, you may not be aware that Lake Louise isn’t located within Banff. Many guests are surprised to learn just how big the park is, and that Lake Louise is approximately 45 minutes west of the Town of Banff.
That makes it the perfect option for a day trip, but you’ll want to know a few more details to have the best experience possible. Key points include knowing that, due to its popularity, Lake Louise has paid parking in effect between 3 a.m. and 7 p.m. from May 17 to October 13, 2025. Parking fills up fast, with lots being full as early as 9 a.m. daily. Many choose to take the Parks Canada Lake Louise shuttle to avoid this congestion. Note: You must book shuttle tickets in advance.
Want to make things even easier? Banff Adventures tours include transport from Banff, so you never have to worry about reaching the lake!
Want More Altitude? Add These High-Elevation Adventures
Banff National Park has big thrills and plenty of opportunities for sky-high adventure. Check out these great additional options!
The Banff Gondola
Right in the Town of Banff, the Banff gondola is a fan favourite for good reason! After a thrilling 8-minute ride up Sulphur Mountain, you’ll find incredible views of the Bow Valley and Banff townsite at the summit. Explore the ridge-top boardwalk, visit the interpretive centre, or grab a drink at the mountaintop bistro.
Helicopter Tours
Looking for the ultimate view? Our helicopter flights depart from nearby Canmore or Stoney Nakoda and take you above alpine lakes, ancient glaciers, and remote peaks. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the scale of the Rockies—no hiking required.
Golden Skybridge
Pair your gondola day with a visit to Canada’s highest suspension bridge. Located in Golden, BC (just under two hours from Banff), this high-adrenaline experience lets you walk above a deep canyon with unreal mountain views.
Plan Ahead with Banff Adventures
With so much to see and do, it helps to have someone who can take care of the details. Banff Adventures is here to be your all-access pass to fun all year round with activities and adventure packages that put your enjoyment (and safety!) first!
Whether you want to explore Lake Louise from the mountaintop, see grizzlies from above, or combine it with a helicopter flight for the full “Rockies from the sky” experience, we’ve got you covered.
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