The community of Lake Louise, Alberta is located in Banff National Park on the Trans-Canada Highway, 180 km (112 mi) west of Calgary, close to the intersection of Trans-Canada Highway, the Icefield Parkway and Alberta Highway 1A. The village is named for the nearby Lake Louise, a spectacular lake surrounded by stunning mountain views. The Lake Louise Ski Area and Mountain Resort is also located here.
The town of Lake Louise is 4 km (2.5 mi.) from the lake. It serves as the Information Centre for Lake Louise and surrounding area. Like the rest of the towns in this region of the Rocky Mountains Lake Louise owes its beginning to the CP Railway. Because the railway by passed the lake, trains stopped at a siding known as "The Summit" and tourists had to make their own way up to Lake Louise and the rustic accommodations there. The siding through the years was also called "Holt City", "Laggan" and finally in 1913 it was changed to Lake Louise to stop tourist confusion.
The trains no longer stop at Lake Louise and the Trans Canada Highway (Hwy # 1) is the main transportation link. Today this mountain resort provides needed services for travellers and sightseers alike. The Lake Louise area is world famous for its skiing facilities. Within the town limits you will find service stations, motels, hotels, restaurants, fast food outlets, canoe rentals and horse stables.
