Chateau Lake Louise

About Lake Louise:

Located at the confluence of the Bow and Pipestone Rivers, the origins of the current village of Lake Louise date back to the arrival of Canadian Pacific Railway construction crews in 1883. Lake Louise itself came to the attention of the CPR in 1882 when a Stoney Indian named Edwin Hunter lured Tom Wilson, a surveyor for the CPR, up Louise Creek to see a body of water that his people knew as the "Lake of the Little Fishes." Wilson recorded in his diary," As God is my judge, I never in all my explorations saw such a matchless scene." In 1884 the glacial lake was named Lake Louise in honor of Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Louise. In 1902 the area including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake came under the protection of an expanded Banff National Park. The first warden to be stationed inn the area arrived in 1939. Today, Lake Louise is at the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site, a protected area covering over 25,000 square kilometers. Lake Louise Visitor Center Located in the Village, the center provides information on the geology and geography of the Canadian Rockies, wildlife and tourist attractions.

Where to Stay:

Chateau Lake Louise is located on the shores of turquoise Lake Louise two hours from Calgary by car on scenic Trans Canada Highway #1 and ten minutes from Canada's largest ski area. Built in 1890. Chateau Lake Louise is a year round Canadian Pacific Mountain Resort often referred to as " Diamond in the Wilderness". Owned by the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, the hotel boasts 489 rooms, including 81 suites, many whose accommodations offer unique configurations and amenities reflecting the hotel's history; 26 rooms with private whirlpools and four split-level suites with balconies. A full restoration of the original 375 guest rooms was completed in 1990 and includes six restaurants, three bars a recreation center with indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room, weights and exercise equipment. Conference Facilities and shopping areas complete the interior of the grand two winged stucco hotel that features the stunningly beautiful lake, as it's main attraction.

Where to Eat:

Chateau Lake Louise features 8 dining venues for all tastes from casual to formal settings. Poppy Room Family Restaurant: all day dining in a Bavarian atmosphere with views of Lake Louise and gardens, showcasing the Icelandic Poppy. Tom Wilson Dining Room: summer dining with Continental flair and panoramic views of the lake. Victoria Dining Room: restored to its 1913 grandeur with wood paneling and hand-painted motifs, this restaurant offers relaxed dining and dancing. The mood is enhanced by the original fireplace and windows on the lake. Edelweiss Dining Room: with wall tapestries and high ceilings that help create a romantic mood, the European cuisine is highlighted by a variety of game dishes. Walliser Stube Wine Bar: bringing Switzerland to the Rockies, it is enhanced by cherry wood dÚcor. Fondues, cappuccino and after-dinner liqueurs are popular in this unique setting. Glacier Saloon: a nightclub with a Western theme, the hot spot for apres-ski and dancing the night away. A light menu is offered. Dining in Lake Louise: The Post Hotel, a Relais and Chateau property is a lodge at the base of the ski area, whose intimate warmth and dÚcor is matched only by its gastronomic excellence. The dining room features fresh market cuisine complemented by an 850 label, 20,000 bottle award-winning wine cellar. Tel: 403-522-3989, Fax: (403) 522-3966. E-mail: info@posthotel.com

Dining at Chateau Lake Louise

What to do:

An historic landmark of breathtaking, romantic beauty, Chateau Lake Louise features a variety of recreational activities. Perhaps the most popular activity of hotel guests is to leisurely stroll the path surrounding the majestic lake to various lookout points where pristine vistas guarantee to enthrall gazers. Summer activities consist of canoeing, horseback riding, white water rafting, fishing interpretive hiking, rock climbing and mountaineering, icefield tours and exploration. Winter activities are downhill or cross country skiing, heli-skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, dog sledding, mountaineering, tobogganing, horse drawn sleigh rides, curling hockey and broom ball.

Clothing suggestions:

Layering is preferred as temperatures go from cool to warm and levels of activity increase or decrease. Even in summer a sweater or jacket should be packed. Warm coats, snow boots, hats and gloves are required in winter. Rain gear is recommended, as are sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.

Transportation:

Daily shuttle service is available between Calgary International airport and Chateau Lake Louise. All major car rental agencies are represented at the arrivals level, Calgary International Airport. National Tilden is located in the village of Lake Louise. Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tours and Via Rail serve the Canadian Rockies with scheduled weekly passenger service. Train stations are located in the towns of Banff and Jasper.

Facts on File:

In it's remarkable history, Chateau Lake Louise has welcomed world leaders, celebrities and business scions ranging from Queen Elizabeth, Prince of Wales Edward VII and Lord Mountbatten of England, Mary Astor, John Barrymore, Cary Grant and Kate Smith, Prince Ranier of Monaco and Alfred Hitchcock.

Personal Commentary by Bobbi P. Markowitz

If the fascinating prairie geography of the dynamic city and environs of Calgary were enough to inspire most environmentalist, then certainly, the ride north on scenic Trans Canada Highway #1 towards Banff National Park will replenish the visitor with a new and heightened respect for nature. From the parched prairie to the majestic mountains to the vibrantly colorful lakes, the week's long fall experience was a truly soulful and memorable one. It is no wonder the area's beauty has attracted photographers and filmmakers, from the world over. Perfectly situated, moments off the serene highway, the hospitality of Chateau Lake Louise exudes intimate warmth within a grand edifice. Service is thoughtful, friendly and the ambiance suggests a comfortable elegance. An extraordinary panorama of the pristine lake from our room perpetually transformed the vista, by color, texture and mood and kept us completely captivated by the picture. So moving was the experience that on our way back to Calgary, at the end of our journey, we detoured briefly, for one last inspiring look.