Lake Louise is one of the most famous natural attractions in the Canadian Rockies, with the view from the shoreline perhaps one of the most photographed in the whole of Canada. The striking turquoise colour of the water glistens against the surrounding snow-capped peaks whatever the weather, but on a still day the reflections of the mountains in the water are truly breath-taking. The small hamlet that accompanies the lake was originally built as a station on the Canadian Pacific rail route, however, it now acts as a small but efficient service centre for the locals and the thousands of visitors that pass through here each year.

Nearby Moraine Lake is tucked away a little further off the Icefields Parkway and offers a similarly beautiful vista. Discovered in 1899 by a young Yale student hired to map the area around Lake Louise, he first described it as ‘one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen’. There are some delightful walks along the edges of the lake or you can rent a canoe from the dock and enjoy a paddle out on the glacier-fed waters.

This whole area is home to a range of excellent walking trails as well as a variety of both natural and man-mad points of interest and so is equally as suited to those who just wish to see the spectacular views as to those who wish to stay and explore a little longer.