We’re now at the mid-way point of the trip, and it is time to leave the Banff Springs Hotel, and make our way up to the Chateau Lake Louise!

After getting packed and checked-out, we headed west on the Bow Valley Parkway. The skies are still hazy, but clearer than they were when we last drove this road up to Johnston Canyon a few days ago.

Passing by the Castle Mountain viewpoint, we stopped to stretch our legs and look around. At least you can see there is a mountain there today!

When we arrived at Morant’s Curve near the top of the parkway, it was clear that a lot of work has been done here, improving the road and the parking area. I remember this section of road being closed when were here earlier this year, and I’m guessing this was why.

This scenic stretch of railway has been used many times in promotional images for the CPR. In the background, you can pick out the famous mountains Fairview, St. Piran, Niblock, Whyte and Aberdeen that surround Lake Louise in the hazy background.

We continued up the road and into the Village of Lake Louise, stopping for a bit of shopping at Wilson’s on the way, and then continuing up the hill to the hotel. It seems I end up buying things here on every trip. Pulling into the driveway of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the valet had our car unloaded quickly, we received our room keys, and were on our way to get settled.

I have to thank Alex at the Chateau, who never disappoints, and hooked us up with a great room. We had booked a Two-Bedroom Lakeview Suite, and he put us in 659/657/661. The suite consists of 3 different room numbers, but they all open up to form a single suite, as seen on the floor plan below.

I’ve drawn a yellow circle around the 6 large windows that comprise our rooms on the hotel photo below.

We were welcomed by this nice surprise in the room, in addition to a nice plate of local game meats and cheeses.

The suite consists of a main salon area, with great views out in all directions.

Off the main salon, are 2 large bedrooms, also with a great view of the lake. Here are some photos of the master bedroom, with King bed and a large bath.

The other bedroom was set up with a pair of Queen beds, which could be good for larger families.

In addition to a full bath off of each bedroom, even the main salon had it’s own full bath. We have everything we need!

After getting settled, we headed down to the Lakeview Lounge for lunch, and got a nice table on the patio, with a pretty great view!

We finished lunch, and decided to walk the lakeshore trail to the end of Lake Louise and back. There’s no need for a large hike today, as we’re scheduled to go to Lake O’Hara for the next two days!

Here’s Brian taking a rest.

Below are more photos from our stroll along the shoreline.

Up at the end of the lake, we came across someone who decided to go for a nice ‘refreshing’ swim in the glacial water.

We rested at the end of the lake, taking in the view, before returning back along the trail to the hotel.