This post will span a number of days as we visited this lake a number of times. Like Moraine Lake, Lake Louise is an iconic glacier-fed lake tucked between a mountain range. At its shores sits the Fairmont Chateau, a unbelievable hotel with a rich history in the area. We arrived at the lake on our second morning. Walking around its broad base we shot tons of photos, as you will soon come to realize. From there, we kids set off on the Fairview Lookout trail, which is a steep but short hike that starts at the shoreline and ends with a aerial view of the lake and the Chateau at its shores. We soon came to realize the true colors of these glacial lakes are only accurately captured for above. You will eventually see photos from hikes that will capture this realization perfectly. After returning to the shore from the lookout, we left the lake for Icefield Parkway. We would eventually return later that evening for family photos.
Fast forward to our last morning in Banff, where my sisters and I canoed on Lake Louise. Arriving at the lake early, we were able to get the first canoe of the day and had the whole lake to ourselves for a few moments. With my camera situated on the floor of the canoe and soaking up tons of water, we glided off to the center of the lake. Between heavy spurts of paddling, I would snap away photos. We were able to make it to the west side of Lake Louise where we sat in the shadow of the surrounding mountains. For the hour, we cruised across the blue tinted mirror that was the lake's water. When our end time was approaching we began our way back to the east shoreline. At this point, the lake was filled with canoes and its shores were bustling with tourists. Climbing out of the canoe, with a dripping camera back in hand we turned around and took one last look at the lake before retreating to our car for the next step in our adventure.
This album came out during our time in Canada and I had a chance to listen to it in its entirety on the flight home. When I saw the title of this particular track, I thought it would be perfect for the Lake Louise post. It also turns out the song is very good. Enjoy.
Above: Here is a HDR photo of Lake Louise from the eastern shore.
Above: I was disappointed with the weather that we encountered for the initial days of our time in Banff. The only positive of cloudy conditions was for photos such as the one above, where they clung to the peaks.
Above: The iconic boathouse where we rented a canoe on our last morning. Don't worry, you will see tons of canoe photos.
Above: A break in the clouds. Below: Easily one of my favorite B&W photos from the trip.
Above: Foliage on the trail to Fairview Lookout.
Above: A view of the Fairmont Chateau from the Fairview Lookout. Incredible.
Above: Two lone kayaks on chilly morning.
Above: I put my camera away to snap a frame or two on my film camera and when I took out the digital, the lens had fogged up. When I snapped the first photo, the fog had formed a perfect ring on the edges of the glass. It made for a incredibly wintery photo.
Above: One of my favorite moments from the Banff trip, when a sliver of light broke through the clouds and acted as searchlight on the pines.
Above: Beautiful mountain flowers.
Above & Below: As you can tell, I really enjoyed that light.
Above: I love this panorama. The scale and the light still blow me away.
Above: As I snapped this photo, a bird swooped down in front of me and into the shot.
Above: A couple enjoying the sunshine at Lake Louise.
Above & Below: And so begin the canoe photos from our last morning in Banff.
Above & Below: It's amazing how the water tone can change depending on viewpoint, altitude, angle, and weather.
Above: The canoes and the Fairmont on a crisp Tuesday morning.
Above: Liftoff. First canoe off from the dock.
Above: Looking east back at the Fairmont from the far end of the lake.
Above: Sinking into the shadows of the surrounding mountains.