Banff, Alberta - Lake Louise
In 1882, Aboriginal guides lead Tom Wilson, a worker for Canadian Pacific (CP), to a lake which was called Emerald Lake.
In 1884, the lake took the name of Lake Louise, in reference to the Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939), fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of Governor General, Marquis of Lorne.
The people from the region, however, continued to call it the "lake of little fishes.
" Located 67 km from the town of Banff and 190 kilometer from Calgary, it is particularly famous for its turquoise waters which stem from the melting of nearby glaciers.
The lakes water temperature never exceeds a few degrees above freezing.
In winter, the surface of the lake becomes frozen over.
The ice is thick enough to accommodate temporary events (natural ice rink, ice sculptures).
On its bank is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel, which was built in 1890.
The hotel was restored in 1990.
This hotel has been named by Gourmet magazine as having the "best landscape in the world.
" Opinions on this building are divided: while some consider it one of the most beautiful hotels in Alberta, others bemoan its totally kitsch.
For the latter, the hotel, without a doubt, is beautiful, but its presence on the lake, spoils a landscape that was extravagant had it remained untouched.
The village of Lake Louise is located on the Trans Canada Highway, 180 kilometer west of Calgary.
The landscape around Lake Louise includes several snowy mountains.
The village has a small shopping center Samson Mall where you can find a tourist office, a grocery, a bakery, and fast food.
The Lake Louise Mountain ski area is also located here.
In 1884, the lake took the name of Lake Louise, in reference to the Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939), fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of Governor General, Marquis of Lorne.
The people from the region, however, continued to call it the "lake of little fishes.
" Located 67 km from the town of Banff and 190 kilometer from Calgary, it is particularly famous for its turquoise waters which stem from the melting of nearby glaciers.
The lakes water temperature never exceeds a few degrees above freezing.
In winter, the surface of the lake becomes frozen over.
The ice is thick enough to accommodate temporary events (natural ice rink, ice sculptures).
On its bank is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel, which was built in 1890.
The hotel was restored in 1990.
This hotel has been named by Gourmet magazine as having the "best landscape in the world.
" Opinions on this building are divided: while some consider it one of the most beautiful hotels in Alberta, others bemoan its totally kitsch.
For the latter, the hotel, without a doubt, is beautiful, but its presence on the lake, spoils a landscape that was extravagant had it remained untouched.
The village of Lake Louise is located on the Trans Canada Highway, 180 kilometer west of Calgary.
The landscape around Lake Louise includes several snowy mountains.
The village has a small shopping center Samson Mall where you can find a tourist office, a grocery, a bakery, and fast food.
The Lake Louise Mountain ski area is also located here.
