One of the most expensive places in the world to rent a canoe or kayak is Lake Louise. This remote mountain icon is such an exclusive destination, located in the Rocky mountains, 2 hours west of Calgary, there’s virtually no public parking left after the primary parking lot was converted half into handicapped parking and the secondary parking lot farther away was closed down to benefit wildlife. The little remaining parking is also no longer free and is typically full by 3am.
Canoe Rental at Lake Louise
The canoe and kayak rentals at the Lake Louise boathouse will set you back about $160/hour and the line up rent one is commonly over 100 people deep. The Lake allows no motorized boats, but it does allow visitors to bring their own boat, canoe, intex kayak, or SUP. For those who can, this is the smartest thing you can do but you must prepare for the logistics of doing so or you will be very disappointed.
Where to Park at Lake Louise
During the summer months there is zero chance you will get parking anytime at Lake Louise. Instead, you will need to park in a lot down the highway and ride a shuttle bus up to the lake. This makes it pretty much impossible to carry a kayak, canoe, or SUP up there. The destination remains that busy until at least the Labour day weekend. The main parking lot is completely redone, rearranged, and only the washroom building has really improved for most visitors. There is still a lack of services and no food option available at park other than in the Hotel, and they give the strong impression they really prefer to only cater to hotel guests. Visitors are wise to buy food from the best restaurant in Banff and bring it with them.
There’s a reason that the lake is so busy. The view of the turquoise water set against the mountain backdrop is unique. It’s literally the ultimate Canadian postcard and it’s one of the most recognizable images of Canada. Even on the smokey day I was there this weekend the view was still epic. Not a single canoe or kayak on the water, that’s a rare sight.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel
The view the other direction is equally cool. Looking back at the Fairmont Chateau Lake is also an iconic image that only those who hike around the far end of the Lake or those who pay to rent a canoe will get to enjoy. Some days it looks almost tropical.
The scenery on and around the lake never disappoints. Here are some images of the shoreline. Once again, almost no tourists at all on shore as this image is taken about 8pm and they have all left for the day. Only hotel guests remain.
The water is an amazing color, even when the sky isn’t. The brilliant blue contrasts with the lush green of the forest around the lake.
The colors of Canada’s national parks is breathtaking.
What Time Does Lake Louise Close
The Lake Louise boat rental and docks stops renting canoes at 6pm and closes at 7pm. As of 7pm the Lake gets quiet, the sun is close to disappearing and it gets dark rather fast. This is a really unique time to enjoy the Lake. The tourists are all on their way out, there are no street lights, no pathway lighting, it’s pure dark. The Lake has a ghostly and haunting appearance. The lights from the boat house and the hotel window are the only light cast across the darkness.
The Lake at night is an image that very few have ever seen, and the view from the water at night is even more rare. You can’t rent a kayak at night, but you can bring your own.
The hotel in the darkness looks haunted but still beautiful. This is an exclusively rare image of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
The boathouse at night is the only light for miles shining out onto the smokey night sky above Lake Louise.
I hope your enjoyed these rare personal images I have taken, feel free to share this post socially with friends who would also enjoy it. Clicking the Subscribe or Follow button would also make my day.
~ King Calgary
King Calgary: I am a living in Calgary, enjoying exploring and experiencing the city and sharing it with others through words, photos, and videos. I like to write about the places I visit, the venues and businesses I go to, and the things that give Calgary its own unique character. With your support and suggestions I will continue to document cool things in the YYC area. Please help a local guy out by hitting the like or share button on any content you enjoy.