If your bucket list has ever included the Canadian Rockies, then I’m almost certain you’ve come across the iconic castle that emerges from the heart of Banff National Park. With a storied history dating back to the late 19th century, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the ultimate dichotomy of ruggedness and refinement. What began as a simple log chalet in 1890 has grown into a world-renowned luxury destination, yet it has never lost touch with its wild surroundings.  

Originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the hotel was once envisioned as a way to attract wealthy European travelers to this remote wilderness. (Little did they know that over a century later, it’d still be drawing visitors of all kinds.) Those early guests brought with them a taste for elegance that shaped many of the traditions still honored at the Chateau today. I have a penchant for seeking juxtaposition, and that original vision was onto something — building a luxurious outpost in one of the most beautiful and untamed landscapes in the world… it evokes a beautiful tension that can only truly be understood once experienced firsthand. The grand, castle-like exterior stands in stark contrast to the jagged mountain backdrop, yet somehow feels perfectly at home. Inside, plush carpets and elegant furnishings give way to panoramic windows that invite the wild beauty of Banff National Park into every room.

What impressed me even more was the hotel’s dedication to accessibility. I’ve been fortunate to witness many beautiful places, yet I’ve come to notice that many of those breathtaking views are often barred for elite guests staying at an exclusive property or dining at a particular reservation-only cliffside restaurant. The Chateau stands out with a different approach. As the gateway to Lake Louise — a destination that attracts 15,000 to 20,000 visitors daily during peak seasons — the hotel has worked hard to ensure that even those not staying overnight can elevate their experience through dining, activities, and spa services. It’s a welcoming philosophy that allows everyone to experience that unparalleled tension I spoke of.  

Here are five must-do activities that promise to immerse you in raw, untamed nature without sacrificing comfort and luxury — no matter where you’re sleeping. 

Afternoon Tea:

Nowhere is this beautiful contrast more evident than in the hotel’s afternoon tea service. This cherished tradition, a hallmark of the hotel since the very beginning, was just reimagined by their pastry chef this summer. After passing through a beautifully appointed bar that I honestly could have spent all day in, you enter a sprawling tearoom adorned with crisp white linen tablecloths and charming china. The aesthetic is minimalistic, drawing your attention to the panoramic views of Lake Louise’s turquoise waters out every window. Yet, there is no shortage of options on the menu. A selection of tea ranging from classic Earl Grey to exotic herbal blends, a sip of the finest bubbly, layered finger sandwiches, the most delicious pastries, and an array of scones, clotted cream, and house-made preserves are all for your tasting. 

Hiking to Lake Agnes Tea House:

For a more rugged tea experience and a chance to explore the surrounding wilderness, embark on the hike to Lake Agnes Tea House. The trail meanders through fragrant pine forests and past crystal-clear mountain lakes, each turn revealing a new vista. It’s a pretty intense ascent (if you’re coming from sea level, like myself), but you’ll soon reach a rustic cabin that has been serving hikers since 1905. The simplicity of this high-altitude retreat, operating on a “carry in, carry out” principle, feels like a step back in time. Savoring a steaming cup of tea on the cabin’s porch, with views over the pristine alpine lake, was a unique highlight that I’ve never experienced anywhere else (and I’ve frequented many mountaintops). For those seeking more adventure, the Chateau’s accredited mountain adventure guides offer a range of longer treks, including the challenging 6-8 hour hike to the Big Beehive.

Canoeing on Lake Louise:

As the afternoon sun warmed the crisp mountain air, I headed down to the Chateau’s boathouse. Paddling across the milky aqua waters of Lake Louise in a classic red canoe is a quintessentially Canadian experience that cannot be missed. As you venture further onto the lake, the Chateau recedes into the distance, and the majestic Victoria Glacier grows ever larger before you.

Champagne and Caviar Experience:

A brand new addition to the Chateau’s repertoire, this luxurious champagne and caviar tasting in the Lakeview Lounge is probably not what you would expect in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. (I’m usually eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich after finally hiking countless miles to see a view like this.) It’s surprising and delightfully refreshing, mixed with top-notch hospitality. Our glasses of Veuve Clicquot were never empty; its effervescence perfectly complementing the rich, briny notes of the caviar. The ambiance was made even more enchanting by the gentle sound of piano music drifting up from the lobby, a charming accompaniment to an evening of indulgence.

Thermal Wellness Spa (coming soon!):

The upcoming thermal wellness spa, set to open next summer, promises to be the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and spa indulgence for both body and mind. This new addition will provide a holistic well-being experience, featuring a thermal therapy circuit with various rooms designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Blending indoor and outdoor spaces, guests will be able to immerse themselves in the healing benefits of hydrotherapy while enjoying the stunning beauty of Banff National Park. This spa will complement the physical activities available in the surrounding wilderness, offering a serene counterpoint to days spent hiking, skiing, or canoeing.

A place where history and modernity, luxury and wilderness, adventure and relaxation merge seamlessly — that’s the culmination of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Whether you stay overnight or visit for the day, this symbol of Canadian hospitality is a remarkable escape that welcomes every guest to become a part of its legacy.

Credits:

Written and photographed by Carly Long | @bycarlylong