Snowshoeing in Lake Louise/Banff
Alberta, Canada offers some of the most awe-inspiring backcountry in the world. Alpine lakes, frosty glaciers and towering peaks of granite are just a few of the beautiful sights that await in the mountains and valleys of Alberta. While Lake Louise and other Banff National Forest locales are extremely popular (and expensive) destinations in the summer, they’re less crowded and arguably more scenic in the winter. Snowshoeing offers the perfect way to venture into the massive wilderness and experience the scenery close up.
Skoki Mountain Lodge
One of the most unique snowshoeing experiences anywhere, the Skoki Lodge is located in the Lake Louise area about 115 miles from Calgary. What makes the lodge so unique is its setting 11 kilometers from the access road near Lake Louise, meaning that one must commit to a serious snowshoe trek in order to simply get there. Once there, staff provides a warm welcome, tea or wine and a variety of snacks to refuel.
The rustic mountain lodge has no electricity or running water and is the perfect place to get in touch with the natural surroundings. A stay includes home cooked breakfast and dinner, prepared by the on-site chef and kitchen staff as well as a packed lunch, perfect for taking on an all-day snowshoeing adventure. Many trails through the hearts of five adjoining valleys surround the lodge and allow for excursions of varying difficulty. Regardless of the route chosen, the skyline will be adorned with the towering Canadian Rocky peaks and unforgettable scenery.
Lake Louise
For a tamer, more relaxed experience, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise located right on the banks of Lake Louise offers high end rooms and suites with on-premises access to snowshoeing trails. The Shoreline Trail begins right at the steps of the Chateau and winds around the perimeter of Lake Louise, providing a relaxing scenic stroll. It also accesses an extensive backcountry trail network for more challenging adventures. The Chateau has a rental shop for convenient snowshoe rentals, as well as various organized snowshoe and nature tours. Best of all, the Chateau offers amenities including a spa, hot tub and several restaurants for unwinding after a cold, tiring day. The views of the lake and Victoria Glacier through the picture windows around the hotel are so incredible that snowshoeing may not even be necessary. A warm drink in the Lakeview Lounge is, however.
Banff
Both the Skoki Lodge and Fairmont Chateau are relatively quiet and secluded. For a more lively, diverse experience the town of Banff is a traditional ski town with a host of restaurants, lodging, shopping and nightlife. There are a number of trails that originate in and around Banff such as the easy, flat Fenline Trail and the more challenging Tunnel Mountain summit. Rentals, trail information and guides are available in town, so getting started is easy.
Getting There
Lake Louise and Banff are easy to get to from Calgary International Airport. Banff is approximately 90 miles west of Calgary on TransCanada Highway 1 and Lake Louise is another 30 miles down the highway.
Chris Weiss - Chris is a freelance writer and outdoors enthusiast living outside of Salt Lake City. His passions include snowboarding, mountain biking, ...
