Beautiful places nearby

Locals know that Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are only the beginning!

Accessible alpine lakes 

• Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park  – located about 20 minutes from the town of Field, BC this lake has it all, sweeping vistas, picnic tables, canoes rentals and access to some of the finest hiking in the Rockies. 
• Bow Lake Day Use Area on the Icefields Parkway  – the serene lake is surrounded by spectacular views of the Wapta Icefield, Bow Glacier, Bow Peak, Mount Thompson, Crowfoot Glacier and Crowfoot Mountain. 
• Herbert Lake on the Icefields Parkway – this favourite swimming hole for Lake Louise locals is just minutes from the village of Lake Louise.

Drives and viewpoints 

• Corral Creek or Morant's Curve on the Bow Valley Parkway – the Bow Valley Parkway is 48-kilometres of paved road showcasing superb views, educational roadside pull-offs and the multi-tiered pinnacles of Castle Mountain. 
• The Icefields Parkway  – considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, this 232 km is a veritable feast of glaciated peaks, turquoise lakes, waterfalls and the spectacular Athabasca Glacier - part of the Columbia Icefield. 
• Takakkaw Falls, Spiral Tunnels or Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park – these natural and man-made attractions are set amongst the high altitude mountains of British Columbia. 
• Banff-Windermere Highway  – For almost 100 years, cars have been an important fixture on Kootenay’s landscape. Drive this scenic highway to Radium Hot Springs. Admire wildflowers, views of regrowing forests and wildflowers and enjoy a dip in the hot springs.

Gentle walks and easy hikes

• Fireweed, Paint Pots, or Marble Canyon trails in Kootenay National Park  – Just a short 40 minute drive from Banff, these easy trails highlight fire and geology stories while providing great views of mountain peaks. 
• Mistaya Canyon on the Icefields Parkway – A brief, relatively steep descent leads to a footbridge traversing the zig-zag curves of Mistaya Canyon and a powerful river below. 
• Wapta Falls or Kicking Horse Pass to Amiskwi in Yoho National Park – Ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 km with minimal elevation gain, both trails are great ways to experience relax near the mighty Kicking Horse River. 

Half day hikes

• Castle Lookout on the Bow Valley Parkway  – this steep 8-kilometre trail leads to a tremendous viewing area. From the lookout, the Bow Valley extends in both directions in almost limitless majesty. 
• Boom Lake or Arnica Lake on the Banff-Windermere Highway (BC 93 S)  – the 10-kilometre moderate trail is popular for locals with visiting friends and relatives. The lake makes a lovely picnic stop. 
• Laughing Falls or Sherbrook Lake in Yoho National Park  – these moderate hikes have big pay offs with amazing views- make sure you bring your camera! 
• Parker Ridge or Bow Glacier Falls trails on the Icefields Parkway  – for the little more adventurous hiker, these moderate hikes lead to the park’s most amazing views of mountain glaciers. 
• Dog Lake  – Pack a picnic lunch and relax next to a quiet lake in the heart of the Kootenay Valley. This gentle 5.2 km (return) hike begins from the McLeod Meadows Day Use Area on Highway 93 south one hour from Banff

For more information and to obtain program brochures, visit the Parks Canada Lake Louise Visitor Centre located at Samson Mall in the hamlet of Lake Louise.