Ice Magic Festival

The Ice Magic Festival is an annual event taking place over 2 weekends (January 16-27 2019) at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel, Deer Lodge, and Lake Louise ski area.

The main competition of the 2019 event takes place from January 16-18; starting at 8am on Jan 16 and finishing by 2pm on Jan 18, ten professional ice carving teams of two will use chainsaws to form huge ornate ice sculptures from 15 blocks of ice. This year’s theme for the competition will be Celebrating 25 Years of Ice Magic, and competitors are to choose iconic carvings to commemorate this milestone.
After the main competition ends on Jan 18th there will be a speed competition from 4.30pm to 5.30pm where professional carvers will have just one hour to turn a block of ice into a masterpiece.
From 6-8pm on Jan 18 there will be an awards ceremony, where judges will present prizes for the best creations.
Tickets will be required to view the ice sculptures between 10am and 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, and can be purchased in advance from Ticketweb.ca or directly from outside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on the festival weekend. These tickets are for 1.5 hour time slots, so it’s recommended to book in advance to get the time slot you prefer, and to save 25% off the on-site ticket price (adult $13, child $6, family $35 (2 adults + up to 4 children)).
*Guests staying at a Lake Louise hotel will receive a complimentary wristband from their accommodation for free access anytime. Guests staying at partner hotels in Banff will receive a discount code from their accommodation for a 50% discount when purchasing tickets in advance from Ticketweb.ca.

From January 21st-25th tickets are not required to view the ice sculptures midweek, likewise before 10am or after 5.30pm at the weekend, so these are the best times to visit if your schedule allows, as the site will be much quieter.

The weekend of January 26 and 27 is an opportunity to view the sculptures from the previous week’s competition at Chateau Lake Louise, while taking in the carving demonstrations by one of the competitors.
On both Saturday & Sunday tickets will be required between 10am and 5.30pm (see above for ticket information).

While it’s very impressive to see the ice carvers in action during the festival competition weekend, the magical sculptures can be viewed for several weeks after the event, as long as the temperatures stay low!

Ice Magic Hotel Packages in Lake Louise

If you are looking for lodging at a Lake Louise hotel during the Ice Magic Festival, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise cannot be beaten for convenience, as most of the events will be taking place right outside.
Click here for reservations.

To find more Lake Louise hotels for this event, click here.

Lake Louise Alpine Ski World Cup

Starting the last weekend in November 2018, the world’s best alpine ski racers will compete in the Lake Louise Audi FIS Ski World Cup, Canada’s only alpine skiing World Cup event, and the first downhill and super G races of this winter’s World Cup circuit. On November 24 the Men’s Downhill will take place starting at 12.15pm and the following day November 25 will be the Men’s Super G with a 12 noon start. The following weekend sees the women’s races, with the Ladies’ Downhill taking place on November 30 and December 1 with a 12.30pm start each day and the Ladies’ Super G on December 2 starting at 11am.

*Please note that the race schedule is subject to revision and details should be confirmed on the official race website.

The races will take place at Lake Louise Ski Resort and spectators can see the finish line from the base area free of charge, or with a lift ticket ski to view the races from various parts of the course. Although the race courses are obviously closed to the public before and during the World Cup, the majority of the ski hill is not effected and the rest of the slopes are usually uncrowded during these events.
As an added bonus, during both race weekends on Saturday and Sunday kids get to ski free, with 2 kids 12 yrs and under getting a free pass with the purchase of an adult lift ticket.

To find Lake Louise lodging during this event, click here.

For further information about the ski races, visit www.lakelouiseworldcup.com

Lake Louise Hotels with Pools

Whether you are the type of person who loves to get up early for a pre-breakfast swim, or wind down in the hot tub at the end of a day in the mountains, or you are travelling with kids who just love playing around in the water, having a pool at your Lake Louise hotel may be one of your most important requirements when researching your lodging options. Luckily there are several Lake Louise hotels with pools, ranging from outdoor hot tubs to indoor swimming pools, and if you are looking for a hotel in Lake Louise with a pool, you should be able to find what you need at one of the following accommodations:

Located on the shore of Lake Louise, the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers an indoor heated pool, perfect for swimming laps at the start of your day, or for unwinding after a day of adventure in the mountains. Hotel guests also have use of a whirlpool, while spa guests benefit from a steam room and lounge in the spa area.

The moderately priced Lake Louise Inn is popular with families due to its heated indoor swimming pool which is great for splashing around with the kids while at the same time being long enough for swimming laps. There are also 2 indoor jetted whirlpools in the pool area, each at a different temperature, as well as a steam room.

The Post Hotel & Spa is a luxury Lake Louise hotel with impeccable pool facilities. The indoor swimming pool is beautifully designed and at 11 metres long there is plenty of room for swimming lengths. In addition, there is a hot tub and steam room for all hotel guests to use, as well as a plunge pool for the exclusive use of spa guests.

One of the most affordable hotels in Lake Louise, Mountaineer Lodge offers its guests an indoor jacuzzi tub and steam room.

Finally, Deer Lodge has a rooftop hot tub which boasts an impressive view of Victoria Glacier which dominates the skyline at the back of Lake Louise. This outdoor hot tub is open year round and is particularly enjoyable in the winter, when you can relax in the steaming hot water after a day of skiing, while being surrounded by the snow covered deck.

Stay in a Hotel On Lake Louise

When searching for Lake Louise hotels, visitors can get slightly confused because the name Lake Louise refers both to the famous turquoise lake itself, and to the village or hamlet of Lake Louise which takes the same name. The village of Lake Louise is centred around Samson Mall, which lies just off the Trans Canada Highway, while the awe-inspiring Lake itself lies 4.5 km uphill from Lake Louise village.

While there are several lodging options in Lake Louise village and area, if you are looking for a Lake Louise hotel on the lake itself, then your only option is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise which has an enviable lakeside location, literally on the shores of Lake Louise, overlooking the lake and the stunning glaciers and peaks beyond. Indeed, as well as being the only hotel on Lake Louise, the Chateau Lake Louise is also the only hotel with views of Lake Louise, with many guest rooms and public spaces offering outstanding lake views.

It is difficult to find a hotel anywhere in the Canadian Rockies with such an idyllic location, and combined with the luxury guest accommodations, excellent restaurants and impressive public spaces, it is not surprising that this is the most popular hotel in Lake Louise.

For more information and for reservations, click here.

Christmas at a Lake Louise Hotel

Lake Louise becomes a very special place during the winter months, when a blanket of pure white snow turns the whole area into a true winter wonderland. This fairytale atmosphere is most striking during the Christmas holidays when the world class skiing, dog sledding and horse drawn sleigh rides combine with ornately decorated Christmas trees, colourful lights, and Christmas cheer to create a festive experience that is very difficult to beat.
If you are planning to spend Christmas 2016 in Lake Louise, you can check the room only rates at several hotels in Lake Louise by clicking here.

Alternatively, you may wish to consider some of the wonderful Christmas packages offered by the following Lake Louise hotels.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is promoting a Christmas holiday package which includes accommodation, one Christmas holiday sleigh ride per stay, breakfast each morning plus free self parking. The package is valid from December 23 2016 to January 2 2017 and rates start at $629 per room per night. From December 22 to January 2 the Chateau Lake Louise has an exciting range of holiday activities on offer, such as board games, family skating, cross country ski lessons, snow shoeing, cookie baking, Santa’s workshop and Xmas carols, all of which are sure to make your stay fun filled and festive!

Deer Lodge has a Christmas package on offer which is valid for the night of December 25th 2016 and includes one night’s lodging and Christmas dinner on the 25th, and a buffet breakfast on Boxing Day morning.

Lake Louise Inn is offering a 20% discount over the Holidays if you wear an ugly Christmas sweater at check in. This novel offer is available from December 1-26 2016 subject to availability.

The above rates are generally based on double occupancy, subject to all applicable taxes, subject to change without notice, subject to availability and blackout dates may apply. To check rates and availability, and for reservations, please contact your Lake Louise accommodation directly.

Ski Packages at Lake Louise Hotels

Now that winter in the Canadian Rockies is in full swing, hotels in Lake Louise turn towards to the ski season, and rightly so, as Lake Louise Ski Area will be open from November 18 for the 2016/17 winter season. There are some great ski packages and deals for lodging and lift tickets to be found at Lake Louise hotels, particularly for early reservations, so now is a great time to make your plans to come skiing and snowboarding at the largest ski resort in Banff National Park.

The Mountaineer Lodge is featuring a ski Lake Louise special which includes your hotel room for 1 night, 2 tri area ski passes which can be used at Lake Louise, Sunshine Village or Mount Norquay, plus breakfast for 2 at the hotel. Rates start at $340 per night for 2 adults, and this package is available until the end of April 2017.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is currently offering a Ski & Save Package which includes luxury accommodation in Lake Louise plus either one tri-area ski pass per adult per day or $100 resort credit per room per day. Transportation to Lake Louise ski hill plus complimentary ski valet is also included. An additional bonus of a free daily breakfast for 2 is available for stays of 3 nights or longer. The deal is valid from November 12 2016 to May 17 2017 subject to availability, and rates start at $489 per night in a Fairmont Room.

The Lake Louise Inn is promoting Ski and Stay packages which include overnight lodging plus a full day tri-area lift ticket per adult and free transportation to the Lake Louise ski resort. This ski package is available from November 18 2016 to May 7 2017.

If you already have a ski pass or you prefer to make your ski plans when you get here, you may prefer to stay in a hotel on a room only basis rather than book a special ski package.
To check room only rates at Lake Louise hotels click here.

The above rates are generally based on double occupancy, subject to all applicable taxes, subject to change without notice, subject to availability and blackout dates may apply. To check rates and availability, and for reservations, please contact your Lake Louise hotel directly.

Lake Louise Pond Hockey Classic

Now in its 8th year, the Lake Louise Pond Hockey Classic will take place February 22-26 2017, with two different tournaments. The “charity mid-week” tournament will take place on Thursday Feb 23 and Friday Feb 24, while the “weekend” tournament will be from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th. The word ‘Pond’ is used loosely here as the shinny tournament will take place on the majestic Lake Louise itself, making it perhaps the most scenic location in the world for outdoor ice hockey. Teams of four will go head to head in 30 minute games on all 4 days, with playoff games deciding the winners.
This event is lots of fun for the spectators and players alike.
To find out more about entering a team, click here.

Mountaineer Lodge Under New Ownership

The Mountaineer Lodge in Lake Louise has been acquired by long-time Jasper hoteliers, the Gulevich family, owners and operators of the Mount Robson Inn in Jasper Alberta. The move will see the popular Lake Louise hotel remain an independent family operated establishment which will now offer year round accommodations in Lake Louise.

Here is the official press release:

Mount Robson Inn adds sister hotel in Lake Louise to its family

Lake Louise, Alberta May 2012 – The Mount Robson Inn in Jasper, Alberta enthusiastically announces the addition of the Mountaineer Lodge in Lake Louise to its family based hotel business. The acquisition, effective May 01, 2012, sees the Gulevich family of Jasper owning and operating in Lake Louise.

Chad Gulevich, Owner and Operator, confirms “We are very excited about adding the Mountaineer Lodge to our business and operating in Lake Louise. Our family history of hospitality in Jasper for the past 38 years now extends to Banff National Park. Gulevich adds “Operating hotels in these two landmark locations will book end travel on the spectacular Icefields Parkway for the full Canadian Rockies experience”

The Mountaineer Lodge was built and has been operated by the Biro family since 1968. The Biro family has always operated The Mountaineer Lodge was strict attention to detail and thought for the visitor experience. The Mountaineer Lodge will proudly remain independent and family operated as the Gulevich family takes the keys this month. “Guests from all over the world have been making the Mountaineer Lodge their home away from home in Lake Louise for years. We are proud to build upon the great foundation that has been set for the Lodge” states Chad Gulevich. As with their Jasper property, the Mount Robson Inn, the Gulevich family will commit to regularly upgrading and enhancing the stay experience at the Mountaineer Lodge.

Naturally, one of the first package offerings is the “Connect with the Rockies Package”. This package is designed for guests to get the most out of a visit to the Canadian Rockies. This multi-day package starts with a stay in Lake Louise at the Mountaineer Lodge. After a restful night, embark on the drive of a lifetime on the spectacular Icefields Parkway, selected one of the world’s best scenic drives for mountain landscapes and wildlife viewing. Take an exciting and informative Glacier Discovery Adventure on the Columbia Icefield. Book end your trip with a stay in Jasper at the Mount Robson Inn with breakfast and a bottle of bubbly. This package is available for one or two night stays and includes queen deluxe accommodations at both properties. People may go to www.mountrobsoninn.com or www.mountaineerlodge.com to book or call 800.587.3327.

The Mountaineer Lodge is known for great accommodations and for being one of the more affordable hotels in Lake Louise. The 78 room hotel offers a variety of accommodation ranging from standard to family suites, deluxe guest rooms to two bedroom suites. Most rooms have a microwave and mini fridge, and all rooms offer high speed Internet and satellite TV. The hot tub, steam room and spectacular mountain views are sure to round out the Lake Louise vacation experience. Historically the Mountaineer Lodge has operated seasonally and looks forward to welcoming guests year round.

The Mount Robson Inn is ideally located at the south end of Jasper’s Main Street which provides a quieter setting and close proximity to walk downtown while enjoying the surrounding mountain views. The hotel’s 80 rooms are recently updated and well appointed. The variety of rooms and suites at the Mount Robson Inn range from Jacuzzi suites to family suites with mountain views, as well as multi-bedroom suites each with fridge, microwave and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy the onsite outdoor hot tubs, ample parking, ski and bike storage and the convenience of being on the ski shuttle route.

Will and Kate Choose Lake Louise for Private Getaway

Ever since the announcement that newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would visit Alberta as part of their royal tour of Canada, speculation has been rife regarding where in the province they would visit. Set in the spectacular Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park was always a strong contender for the royal couple’s itinerary, and indeed on the night of July 6 they chose to spend some private time at Skoki Lodge, a historic backcountry lodge and hiking mecca in the pristine alpine wilderness of Banff National Park, close to Lake Louise ski area.
While some rumours suggested that the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or the Post Hotel might be the accommodation of choice for Will and Kate, part of Skoki’s appeal was undoubtedly the secluded location, being an 11 km hike, mostly uphill, from the nearest road. Prince William and Kate Middleton were able to fly in by helicopter, which must have been an awe-inspiring journey over the Canadian Rockies, on what was a beautiful clear blue sky day in the Banff and Lake Louise area.
Shortly after lunchtime July 7, the couple travelled by helicopter from Skoki Lodge to the Lake Louise ski area where they were able to freshen up and change before their onward journey to Calgary International Airport where, according to the Government of Canada’s website for the Royal Tour, their official duties were due to resume at 4.30pm.
Charlie Locke, who with his wife Louise, owns both Skoki Lodge and Lake Louise Ski Area, said about the visit: “We believe we met their expectations with respect to providing the type of getaway they were looking for and that they enjoyed their time here. We hope that they will visit again.”