Lake Louise, Alberta, is undoubtedly Canada’s most famous lake. It is the jewel of Banff National Park’s many awe-inspiring lakes in the Canadian Rockies. 

Visit Lake Louise in winter, and you’ll experience a snowy winter wonderland with dramatic, glacier-bearing peaks surrounding a jaw-droppingly pretty natural Lake Louise ice skating rink. Nearby, one of the world’s best ski resorts beckons.  

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for planning a dreamy Lake Louise winter trip, including the best time to visit Lake Louise, getting there, fun things to do in Lake Louise in winter, Christmas at Lake Louise, best things to bring, where to stay, and what to eat. x

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Pack some extra warm clothes, and be prepared for the winter experience of a lifetime! 

When Does Lake Louise Freeze

By mid-December, the ice on Lake Louise usually becomes thick enough for ice skating. The last two weeks of December can, however, be quite busy as many locals head to the mountains for their Christmas holiday. 

Which Month to Visit Lake Louise in Winter 

Winter last longer in the Rocky mountains compared to elsewhere. Typically, winter at Lake Louise lasts from November through to May. Each month of winter comes with ups and downs. 

You can expect to see the first sprinkling of snow around lake Louise in November. The lake will be starting to freeze and will still reflect the mountains, but you can’t skate on it yet. Lake Louise Ski Resort usually opens in the first or second week of the month. November is usually very quiet in Banff National Park, so it’s a good time to avoid crowds.