Winter stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

When travelling to Banff, Lake Louise is one of the most iconic local destinations. It is a must-see attraction if you are in the area. Located right on the shore of this turquoise lake is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, one of Canada’s grand railway hotels. 

This hotel boasts 539 rooms, six restaurants, bars and a spa. It also offers plenty of winter activities for visitors to enjoy around the grounds.

When we were planning our long weekend getaway to the Canadian Rockies, a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was a must. Our research showed the hotel, with its stunning location, to be the perfect place for a winter getaway. 

Set within the Canadian Rocky Mountains, just a forty minute drive away from Banff, Alberta, this grand hotel sets itself apart from other Canadian hotels by fusing European elegance with an opulent, mountainside destination.

Explore activities around Lake Louise and Banff

An Important Note on Travel During the Pandemic
We love to travel but we must do so responsibly. Now is the time to stay home and support local businesses. Dream and plan now, travel later. All our travels outside of BC, our home province, took place before the pandemic hit. Please follow the rules. If you feel ill (no matter how mildly), stay home.

Precautions at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: 
Hand sanitiser is readily available throughout the property at all times and there is ample space for maintaining safe physical distance. Upon guest check-in, a care package, complete with extra masks and sanitiser, is also provided. 

Discover the Hotel and Surrounding Area

The Scenery

With its amazing panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has long captivated visitors. 

The hotel is located directly on Lake Louise, which is fed by the Victoria Glacier and surrounded by Canada’s most dramatic peaks. 

Wake up to views of the lake before enjoying your morning cup of coffee, as you look out across this breathtaking landscape. 

Walk through the lobby and you will see expansive windows that open out onto snowy grounds, overlooking the mountains.

The Rooms

All guest rooms are beautifully appointed and are equipped with a variety of amenities to ensure guests are comfortable during their stay. 

There are a wide range of room type offerings and suites available and Fairmont Gold can enhance your stay even further with added benefits and a personalised service. 

We stayed in a luxurious Deluxe Room, which offered every necessary creature comfort. The bathroom was spacious, with a shower and separate bathtub, and included Le Labo toiletries, which I love. 

Dining at Fairmont

The hotel has several restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a quick bite to eat or, if you prefer, a more extravagant evening meal. 

On our first night, we reserved a table at the Walliser Stube. Here we enjoyed an excellent, three-course dinner, which included a cheese fondue and a delicious dessert.

Amenities

The hotel offers guided mountain tours. Additionally, it has a full-service wellness centre, as well as a fitness centre and swimming pool. In winter, they also maintain an ice rink on Lake Louise.

Winter Activities and Things to Do in and Around Lake Louise

Winter is an exciting time to be near Lake Louise. There are plenty of winter activities to enjoy so you certainly won’t be bored, especially when staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Ice skating

Ice skating on Lake Louise, surrounded by epic mountains, is a truly iconic experience. 

During our stay, we strapped our skates on several times. Then, after a session of twirling on the ice, we warmed up with hot cocoa by the bonfire. 

You can bring your own skates or rent skates from Alpine Social Rentals.

Snowshoeing

As the Lake Louise area is covered by snow for more than five months out of the year, there is no better place to go snowshoeing. 

Sign up for a guided tour or rent snowshoes from Alpine Social Rentals and discover the trails on your own.

Nordic Skiing

Cross-country skiing is extremely popular around both Lake Louise and Banff National Park. Regardless of your fitness level, there are endless trails to explore here. 

Johnston Canyon Icewalk

Witness the stunning natural beauty of Johnston Canyon from numerous viewpoints that look down upon its deep pools. 

In the early morning hours, we walked along the canyon, marvelling at the steep canyon walls and frozen waterfalls. It was a truly unique experience. 

Winter Sleigh Rides

You won’t regret spending a couple of hours enjoying a horse-drawn sleigh. As you ride along the mountainside, you get to take in spectacular views of the lake. 

We reserved a ride in the afternoon, which took us to the other side of the lake. Even though they provide blankets, I recommend that you dress warmly, as it can get cold on the sleigh!

Dog Sledding

When visiting Banff National Park, a dog-sled excursion through the incredible Canadian Rockies is a must-do. 

Get to know your dog team and then let them lead you through the stunning mountain scenery. 

We loved our stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. It is a beautiful hotel that offers plenty of things to see and do without having to travel too far. It’s perfect for a romantic winter getaway or a fun family trip.

FAQ

Where Is Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Located?

The hotel is located in Alberta, Canada. The closest international airport is located in Calgary. 
These are the approximate driving times to Lake Louise:

From Calgary to Lake Louise: 1 hour 58 minutes (182.5 km)
From Banff to Lake Louise: 42 minutes (57.1 km)
From Jasper to Lake Louise: 2 hours 51 minutes (231.8 km)
From Edmonton to Lake Louise: 4 hours 40 minutes (468.7 km)
From Vancouver to Lake Louise: 8 hours 43 minutes (790.5 km)

How Much Does It Cost to Spend a Night at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise?

Prices vary quite a bit based on the time of year and day of the week you book for. 

Expect to pay at least $300+ for a one-night stay, although, during peak season, it can run up to as much $700 per night for a standard room. 

Keep an eye out for last-minute deals and Canadian resident deals.

Is Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Worth It?

The Fairmont Hotels are a global chain of luxury hotels with a strong Canadian presence. 

Every hotel is almost a destination in itself, offering not just a place to sleep but many attractions and activities to experience in and around the hotel too. 

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is no exception. It is worth staying here, if not for the stunning location but for the excellent service and quality amenities too. 

Do keep in mind though that, due to the name and reputation of both the Fairmont and Lake Louise itself, many tourists visit the lake and the hotel during the day.