The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is one of the most spectacularly located hotels in the world. Sitting on the shore of Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier rising directly behind, it offers guests an unmatched combination of natural beauty and luxury hospitality. Here's your complete guide to staying at — or visiting — this iconic property.
The Setting
The Chateau sits at 1,750 metres elevation on the eastern shore of Lake Louise, one of the most photographed lakes on Earth. From the hotel's windows and terraces, you look directly across the turquoise water to the Victoria Glacier and the surrounding peaks of the Continental Divide. There is no hotel view in Canada that rivals this.
History
The original chalet was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1890, designed to attract tourists to the recently completed transcontinental railroad. After fires destroyed earlier structures, the current concrete building was completed in stages between 1913 and 1925. The hotel has since welcomed royalty, presidents, and millions of visitors who come for the incomparable setting.
Room Types
- Fairmont Room (Mountain Side): Views of the surrounding forests and mountains. From $350-600/night
- Lakeview Room: The premium option — wake up to Lake Louise and the glacier. From $500-1,200/night. Worth every penny
- Fairmont Gold: Exclusive floor with lounge access, breakfast, and evening canapes. From $600-900/night
- Suites: Spacious suites with lake views and separate living areas for a truly luxurious stay
Essential Tip: Book a lakeview room. The difference between a mountain-view and lake-view room is the difference between a nice hotel stay and a life-changing one.
Compare rates on Expedia.
Summer at the Chateau
- Canoeing: Rent a red canoe from the boathouse and paddle across the turquoise lake — the most iconic Lake Louise experience
- Hiking: Step directly from the hotel onto world-class trails. The Lake Agnes Tea House hike (6.8 km round-trip) and Plain of Six Glaciers trail start from the lakeshore
- Lakeside terrace: Have a drink or afternoon tea on the terrace overlooking the lake
- Wildlife: Grizzly bears, black bears, and mountain goats are regularly spotted in the Lake Louise area
Winter at the Chateau
- Ice skating: The lake freezes into a natural rink, maintained and lit by the hotel. Skate beneath the glacier with the Chateau glowing behind you — absolutely magical
- Ice sculpture garden: Professional ice sculptures dot the frozen lake during winter
- Skiing: Lake Louise Ski Resort is just 15 minutes away — one of the largest ski areas in North America
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing: Trails depart directly from the hotel
- Dog sledding: Available right from the hotel grounds
Dining
- Fairview Dining Room: Fine dining with lake views and a seasonal, locally inspired menu
- Walliser Stube: Swiss-inspired fondue restaurant — cozy and romantic
- Alpine Social: Casual dining with a broad menu and a lively atmosphere
- Afternoon Tea: Traditional afternoon tea in the Lakeview Lounge overlooking the lake
Visiting Without Staying
You don't need to be a guest to visit the Chateau:
- Walk through the lobby and enjoy the lake views from the windows
- Book a dinner reservation or afternoon tea
- Start your Lake Agnes or Plain of Six Glaciers hike from the hotel lakeshore
- Rent a canoe from the boathouse
- Visit the hotel's gift shops
Book guided Lake Louise activities that include stops at the Chateau.