These are north of the town of Banff, high in the Rockies along the continental divide.  Absolutely gorgeous setting.  Canadian Rockies are shorter than in US, but more abrupt due to glaciation.  Many active glaciers are here.  The first white people heard the ice falling on a clear day, thought it was thunder, but were put straight by the Indians.  Of the entire Canadian trip, I would stay here the longest, if you like mountains.  There are 2 "tea houses" for hikes.  One is about 3 miles up into the hills and looks back at the lake and chateau.  The other 4-5 mile trip follows along the shore of the lake to the glacier runoff, and then up to the base of the glacier and rock field.  You can have a nice lunch, watching and hearing the large chunks of ice falling down the mountain.  Wish I was there now, just thinking about it!

horizontal rule

Moraine Lake.

Within 15 miles of Lake Louise. A partial view of The Valley of The Ten Peaks.

Moraine Lake.

If you hike up the moraine, the view is the same that used to be on the back of the Canadian $20 bill.

Moraine Lake Lodge.

New in the late 90's. Extremely busy with people. Reservations are 3 years in advance. Good luck in parking there.

Lake Louise.

The huge parking lot is behind you. It was a campground when we came 30 yrs. ago. All gone now.

Chateau Lake Louise.

An old hotel from a bygone era. I've always wanted to stay there, but you'd need a loan. The lake is behind you.

Chateau Grounds.

The Chateau is behind you. Looking slightly to the left. The white at the end of the valley is a huge active glacier.

Lake Louise.

Sitting on a bench with the Chateau behind me. The glacier is about 4-5 miles away. You can hike to a "tea house" there for lunch.

Chateau Drive Up.

Bellman was happy to pose with Susie.

Chateau Foyer.

Difficult to see. This is about 1/4 of it at the center section.

Lake View.

If you walk about 1/2 mile down the trail to the tea house, you see this view looking back.

Home Up