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Canada Travel

Banff and Lake Louise

Banff and Lake Louise is a very rich heritage site. They are famous for their three mountain ski resorts that are Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay. The region is a UNESCO world heritage site. The area is famous for its unique wildlife, plentiful landforms, and outstanding natural beauty. This article was suggested by Clark Weeks, an avid skier.

Chateau Lake Louise and Banff Springs Hotel

Lake Louise Hotel, Alberta, Canada
Chateau Lake Louise

If you are looking for a place to stay and have some money to spend, you should check out the Chateau Lake Louise or the Banff Springs Hotel.  They were both built by the Canadian Pacific Railway. The railway also built the very famous Chateau Fronenac hotel in Quebec. As with the other Canadian grand railway hotels, The Banff Springs Hotel is large and grand. It was built in 1888, added to in 1914 and destroyed by fire in 1926. The current grand hotel was built in 1928 and is now a Canadian National Historic Site in addition to a functioning hotel

Chateau Lake Louise hotel was started in the late 1800s after the Banff Springs hotel. It also had additions and a fire.The oldest section of the current hotel is from 1913. It was originally built as a summer resort and wasn’t winterized until 1982 and now operates year round and is a popular place to go for skiing, ice skating, sleigh rides and other winter activities.

The Towns

Besides the ski resorts, the town of Banff and Lake Louise has a very dramatic scenic view that will grab your attention for sure. These are some of them-

Banff National Park

You can say that the town got the name from the park as it is within the area of the park itself. It is the first Canadian national park. You can do any and every type of outdoor activity here. Skiing is the first one for sure. Then, you can go canoeing, mountain climbing, fishing, cycling, and many more. The magnificent wildlife diversity is another thing to look for here. With instant access to the pristine wilderness, limitless outdoor activities, and all of the facilities you need, you will feel truly engulfed by nature in the Banff National Park.

Banff, Canada
View from Banff National Park

Mount Norquay

This is another best sight and site to visit in Banff and Lake Louise. This is a famous site for skiing in winter. However, the mountain is not desirable only in the winter season. In summer, you can hike or view the amazing natural site from the peak of the mountain.

Lake Minnewanka

None other than a fool will miss this amazing spot in Banff and Lake Louise. The hard-to-pronounce name came from Minn-waki. It means ‘Lake of Spirits’. If the name did not panic you to stay away, this place is a great choice to hike or have a picnic. Moreover, you can have a mini-tour in the lake. Besides, if you are not yet happy with the spot, you can go scuba diving. It feels now to be a complete package, doesn’t it?

Lake Louise

Another lake and some may say the main spot to visit in the town of Banff. Do not misattribute it with the nearby town named the same. There is a path that runs beside the lake. Besides the scenic view of the lake, you should also check out the lakeshore trail.

Lake Louise
Lake Louise

The Ski Resorts

The town of Banff and Lake Louise has three distinctive ski resorts. They are-

1. Mount Norquay: From Banff, the resort is only ten minutes away. At the resort, when you make turns during skiing, you will have a whole view of the town. It has gotten terrains for all types of riders and skiers.

2. Sunshine Village: The Sunshine Village is a drive of only 10 minutes from Banff. It is the highest ski resort. At this resort, while skiing, you get a clear view of the peaks that surround you.

3. The Lake Louise Ski Resort: Being only five minutes away from the town, it is the closest one. The resort got its fame for its spectacular views and the long runs. Among the three resorts, this is the largest and the most famous one.