Camping in Lake Louise, AB, CA: 12 Best Campgrounds 2025

Canada
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Alberta
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Lake Louise

89% (284 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lake Louise

Under $50

Top camping destinations

Salmon Arm

42 campgrounds

Kootenay National Park

Glacier National Park

325 campgrounds

Dog-friendly getaways

74%

(70)

Golden Riverfront Campground

111 sites · RVs, Tents400 acres · Golden, BC

Golden Riverfront Campground offers a gateway to the wild beauty of British Columbia in a truly immersive experience. Spread over 400 scenic acres in Golden, BC, the campground is nestled near six stunning national parks, making it a prime base for outdoor enthusiasts. This campground brings you closer to nature with thoughtful, eco-friendly amenities designed to balance comfort with the great outdoors. Guests can choose from 56 RV sites with electric and water hookups, a range of tent sites, and a few cozy yurts. Each campsite is designed to respect the natural landscape, ensuring privacy and space, with features like picnic tables and fire pits for evening gatherings under the stars. The campground's convenience store is stocked with groceries, firewood, and camping essentials to enhance your stay. Golden Riverfront Campground provides direct access to the Columbia River, where guests can explore serene waters through kayaking, canoeing, or fishing, and even enjoy a swim on a warm day. The unique, eco-friendly pond, fed by the Columbia River, adds a tranquil touch and serves as a habitat for local wildlife, offering guests a rare chance to connect with nature. Beyond camping, the campground’s two-story event pavilion—with its commercial kitchen and games room—offers a versatile venue for celebrations, weddings, and gatherings, providing a memorable backdrop against the Columbia Valley's dramatic landscapes. Families and groups can gather here in harmony with the surrounding environment, creating lasting memories while minimizing their ecological footprint. Whether you’re an adventurer ready to explore BC's trails or a nature lover seeking peace by the water, Golden Riverfront Campground offers an authentic, eco-conscious retreat. Escape to a place where nature meets comfort and let British Columbia’s landscapes be the heart of your journey.

Canadian Rockies Retreat

8 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · BC

Experience true seclusion in a remote, picturesque setting. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enjoy a private, nature-filled retreat in the Canadian Rockies. With access to a creek, 3 waterfalls and a surrounding forest, this is the perfect place to escape the busyness of city life. Spend your days exploring the waterfalls and the iconic Blaeberry River! Follow the Waterfall signs to get to the first waterfall then go up the canyon to see the other ones. The Blaeberry River offers gentler rafting and paddling opportunities. There are also SUP, kayak and canoe guided tours and rentals nearby. There’s plenty of hiking, fishing, paddling and biking to enjoy. We have 3 different listings available an off-grid cabin, 2 yurts or a tent site with 3 different campsites available. We look forward to hosting you!

100%

(8)

Yurt At Inshallah

1 site · Lodging72 acres · BC

Our cozy, rustic off grid yurt is located 20 min west of Golden in the Bleaberry Valley. It is nestled on the side of Willow Bank mountain. The views and nearby activities here are world class. The yurt has the necessities you need to have a comfortable stay anytime of year but is a very basic and rustic place, best suited to adventure seekers. Before booking this large TENT please take a minute and read all about the unique amenities (or lack thereof!!!) that we offer... or don’t :-).

100%

(1)

Alpine Hideout

3 sites · Lodging3 acres · Golden, BC

Experience the serenity of nature and unwind from the bustle of urban life at Alpine Meadows Lodge. Nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, our mountain retreat offers 10 cozy rooms with private bathrooms in the main lodge, along with a spacious 4-bedroom chalet. Situated within our sprawling 70-acre wooded enclave overlooking the Columbian River, it's the perfect haven for campers seeking refuge in the heart of the wilderness. Embark on a journey away from the mundane and immerse yourself in the tranquility of our natural surroundings, nestled at the base of Kicking Horse Mountain. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of local wildlife, from majestic bears and deer to playful skunks and elusive grouse, either along the winding roads or right outside your lodge window.

Quinn Creek Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Parson, BC

Welcome to the Columbia Valley! Located between the Rocky Mountains and the Purcell Mountain Range in BC's East Kootenays. Nestled between 4 National Parks, and centrally located between Golden and Radium Hot Springs, is where you will find Quinn Creek RV Campground. Known for its breath-taking scenery, this area is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities including golfing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and much more. Enjoy the full Quinn Creek experience without the hassle of towing or setting up an RV. Simply rent the Qu RV! You will have access to your own fire pit and picnic table. The Columbia Wetlands are just a short walk away with lots of hiking and biking opportunities in the area. You are located next to the shower house and laundry. We look forward to hosting you!

12 top campgrounds near Lake Louise

74%

(70)

Golden Riverfront Campground

111 sites · RVs, Tents400 acres · Golden, BC

Golden Riverfront Campground offers a gateway to the wild beauty of British Columbia in a truly immersive experience. Spread over 400 scenic acres in Golden, BC, the campground is nestled near six stunning national parks, making it a prime base for outdoor enthusiasts. This campground brings you closer to nature with thoughtful, eco-friendly amenities designed to balance comfort with the great outdoors. Guests can choose from 56 RV sites with electric and water hookups, a range of tent sites, and a few cozy yurts. Each campsite is designed to respect the natural landscape, ensuring privacy and space, with features like picnic tables and fire pits for evening gatherings under the stars. The campground's convenience store is stocked with groceries, firewood, and camping essentials to enhance your stay. Golden Riverfront Campground provides direct access to the Columbia River, where guests can explore serene waters through kayaking, canoeing, or fishing, and even enjoy a swim on a warm day. The unique, eco-friendly pond, fed by the Columbia River, adds a tranquil touch and serves as a habitat for local wildlife, offering guests a rare chance to connect with nature. Beyond camping, the campground’s two-story event pavilion—with its commercial kitchen and games room—offers a versatile venue for celebrations, weddings, and gatherings, providing a memorable backdrop against the Columbia Valley's dramatic landscapes. Families and groups can gather here in harmony with the surrounding environment, creating lasting memories while minimizing their ecological footprint. Whether you’re an adventurer ready to explore BC's trails or a nature lover seeking peace by the water, Golden Riverfront Campground offers an authentic, eco-conscious retreat. Escape to a place where nature meets comfort and let British Columbia’s landscapes be the heart of your journey.

100%

(13)

Fir & Feather Mountain Treehouse

2 sites · Lodging125 acres · Golden, BC

We left the city to be closer to nature and like minded folks who help us be our best every day! We found it in Golden, BC. This unforgettable nest high above the forest floor is your opportunity to take flight. Endless trails and spectacular views give you access to nature in a whole new way. Explore on foot, bike or snowshoes(provided), then spend your evening up on the deck around the tree-top propane fire pit. Cook your meals in the outdoor kitchen or on the wood burning stove in the Trapper's Tent. Eat inside or out under the sky, then curl up in the luxurious queen bed to rest up and do it again tomorrow! After two years of building, this is the first year of sharing our labour of love! Be part of our journey by sharing your thoughts with us. Give us listing suggestions and any ideas to improve the Fir and Feather experience. Help us provide some magic. *Check out our first year's reviews on 'that other site', including winter stays. Our 120 acres include trails on the Moonraker Mountain trail system which connect to well over 100 km of biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and ski trails. Canyon Creek and the Columbia River provide views and activities for everyone. The only problem is it can be difficult to pull yourself away from the simple stillness and connection you feel while just sitting at the treehouse or off grid cabin. Isn't life wonderful?

Yurt At Inshallah

1 site · Lodging72 acres · BC

Our cozy, rustic off grid yurt is located 20 min west of Golden in the Bleaberry Valley. It is nestled on the side of Willow Bank mountain. The views and nearby activities here are world class. The yurt has the necessities you need to have a comfortable stay anytime of year but is a very basic and rustic place, best suited to adventure seekers. Before booking this large TENT please take a minute and read all about the unique amenities (or lack thereof!!!) that we offer... or don’t :-).

Canadian Rockies Retreat

8 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · BC

Experience true seclusion in a remote, picturesque setting. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enjoy a private, nature-filled retreat in the Canadian Rockies. With access to a creek, 3 waterfalls and a surrounding forest, this is the perfect place to escape the busyness of city life. Spend your days exploring the waterfalls and the iconic Blaeberry River! Follow the Waterfall signs to get to the first waterfall then go up the canyon to see the other ones. The Blaeberry River offers gentler rafting and paddling opportunities. There are also SUP, kayak and canoe guided tours and rentals nearby. There’s plenty of hiking, fishing, paddling and biking to enjoy. We have 3 different listings available an off-grid cabin, 2 yurts or a tent site with 3 different campsites available. We look forward to hosting you!

Quinn Creek Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Parson, BC

Welcome to the Columbia Valley! Located between the Rocky Mountains and the Purcell Mountain Range in BC's East Kootenays. Nestled between 4 National Parks, and centrally located between Golden and Radium Hot Springs, is where you will find Quinn Creek RV Campground. Known for its breath-taking scenery, this area is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities including golfing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and much more. Enjoy the full Quinn Creek experience without the hassle of towing or setting up an RV. Simply rent the Qu RV! You will have access to your own fire pit and picnic table. The Columbia Wetlands are just a short walk away with lots of hiking and biking opportunities in the area. You are located next to the shower house and laundry. We look forward to hosting you!

Alpine Hideout

3 sites · Lodging3 acres · Golden, BC

Experience the serenity of nature and unwind from the bustle of urban life at Alpine Meadows Lodge. Nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, our mountain retreat offers 10 cozy rooms with private bathrooms in the main lodge, along with a spacious 4-bedroom chalet. Situated within our sprawling 70-acre wooded enclave overlooking the Columbian River, it's the perfect haven for campers seeking refuge in the heart of the wilderness. Embark on a journey away from the mundane and immerse yourself in the tranquility of our natural surroundings, nestled at the base of Kicking Horse Mountain. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of local wildlife, from majestic bears and deer to playful skunks and elusive grouse, either along the winding roads or right outside your lodge window.

Sauna Under the Stars Camping

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · BC

Welcome to Goonieland. We are an off-grid Permaculture farm perched on the edge of the Rocky Mountains. We are conveniently located between Yoho and Glacier National Parks, 20 minutes from Golden BC. The sauna campground is in a meadow above our farm with mountain views and creeks nearby. The purpose of Goonieland is to learn, practice and teach permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and natural law, while moving towards sovereignty, intentional community, and ecosystem restoration. We open our land to our fellow freedom fighters and folks walking the road toward a regenerative future and self-responsibility. We have two tenting sites, a glampervan, a glamping bell tents (on Airbnb), with a shared wood-fired sauna! Sauna Under the Stars Campground: Old Man Site Sauna Under the Stars Campground: The Chicken Coop (Sites are named after our favourite back-country skiing zones) *Room for one tent and small caravans/campers with mountain views and a shared wood-fired sauna. The Glamper-Van: Our cozy glamper van has a cush mattress, laminate flooring, a full kitchen set-up, shade tent and a cubic mini wood stove! A fire pit, and shared wood-fired sauna await you.

100%

(22)

Back 40 Outdoor Events

3 sites · Lodging600 acres · Invermere, BC

Cozy glamping tents, breathtaking views, miles and miles of peaceful private mountainside trails plus solitude and serenity – all within 25 minutes of Radium Hot Springs. You’ll feel like you found heaven on earth without having to go to the ends of the earth. Imagine falling asleep to the sound of the nighthawks – or sitting around the campfire to view the incredible night skies far away from light pollution. Back 40 offers boutique glamping with canvas bell tents, each equipped with 4 single beds for that extra bit of camping comfort. The exclusive private camp features plenty of roomy Adirondack chairs, firepits & firewood, a central camp kitchen, picnic tables, campstoves, fashionable outhouses (one without a roof with views galore), a cold-water shower, and bear storage bins to keep your consumables safe and the wildlife wild. Pets are welcome for no additional fee. Back 40 is also a center for outdoor learning, with instructors who can get you up-to-speed on how to stay safe and navigate in the wild. They specialize in beginners but can also design a learning program to challenge the experienced. Unwind, reconnect, discover and explore!

Whispering Forest Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Golden, BC

With only 8 campsites to choose from at Wispering Forest Campground, your certain to be part of a small yet exclusive group of campers. The levelled and gravelled sites offer privacy, with individual fire pits and room to set all your camping gear. The camp ground is centrally located near the national parks and many great mountain resorts for hiking and mountain biking. The area has many local hiking trails and loads of streams and rivers for fish and all other water sports, there is also a sweet big lake/reservoir near by for swimming and fish and all water sports.

98%

(33)

Secluded River Front Property

6 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · East Kootenay G, BC

Learn more about this land:Our campsite is located along the beautiful Spillimacheen River which originates just east of Glacier National Park.This property is secluded and surrounded by crown land. It’s the perfect property to disconnect and reconnect, with limited cell service this allows you to turn off and just enjoy being outside in nature.Campers can choose where to park along a large cleared area. There are designated campfire locations and an outhouse. From the property, you can Kayak down the river, please Google and research before launching as there are a lot of writes ups and kayaking websites that feature the Spillimacheen River.Nature trails for hiking and walking right off the property. There is a well renowned natural rock wall for climbers 3km down the road, there are also a lot of websites that feature these rock walls.Within a half an hour drive you have two easy hikes in waterfalls (the Lower Bugaboo Falls and the Brisco Falls).Spillimacheen has a cafe and also a local market store that is full of delicious treats, beer and wine. The wetlands offer endless bird watching and beautiful mountain views.

Glamp tent 1

1 site · Lodging2 acres · AB

Nestled in the Clearwater area, our camp is beautifully situated on a riverbank, featuring a spacious field for play and surrounded by trees for added privacy. Enjoy open skies, wild horses, and breathtaking mountain views. Nearby, indulge in horseback riding, white water rafting, hiking, and fishing, making your peaceful escape truly unforgettable.

Booked 2 times

Golden Glamping Resort

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Golden, BC

✨ Unbelievable Private Features of Each Glamping Tent ✨ 🚿 Outdoor Shower with Adjacent Changing Room: Refresh in nature with a warm shower, all in complete privacy 🛁 Hot Tub: Relax and soak under the stars 🎬 Theatre: Enjoy movies and entertainment in your private cinema 🚰 Sink: Convenient access to water for washing up 🔥 Butane Stove: Cook your favourite meals with ease ☕ French Press: Brew the perfect cup of coffee every morning 🫖 Kettle: Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, or cooking 🍳 Pot and Pan: All the cookware you need for preparing meals 🧂 Cooking Essentials: Everything you need for a delicious meal – oil, salt, pepper, coffee, tea, sugar 🧊 Mini Fridge: Keep your food and drinks cool and fresh 🍽️ Private Picnic Table: Dine al fresco in your own secluded area 🚗 Private Parking Stall: Convenient parking 🌟 Highlights of Our Glamping Site 🌟 Shared Covered Gazebo An inviting communal space perfect for relaxing and socializing: 🛋️ Comfortable Patio Furniture: The ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings. 🍖 BBQ Area: Cook and savor delicious meals amidst nature. Stunning Views The gazebo faces a beautiful expanse of trees, offering a tranquil and picturesque view: ☕ Morning Coffee: Start your day with a peaceful retreat. 📚 Afternoon Read: Enjoy a good book in a serene setting. 🍔 Evening Barbecue: Chill and grill with fellow glampers. 🌿 Eco-Friendly Facilities 🌿 Electric Composting Stalls Our luxurious glamp site features two electric composting stalls, offering a range of benefits over traditional pit stalls: ♻️ Environmental Sustainability: Electric composting stalls break down waste more efficiently, reducing environmental impact. 🌱 Odor Control: Advanced composting technology minimizes odors, providing a more pleasant experience. 💧 Water Conservation: These stalls use minimal water compared to traditional systems, supporting our commitment to sustainability. 🧼 Hygiene and Cleanliness: Electric composting stalls are cleaner and more sanitary, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stay for our guests. Come and experience the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, eco-friendly living, and cozy relaxation at our unique glamping site! 🌲✨

Star Hosts in Lake Louise

100%

(13)

Fir & Feather Mountain Treehouse

2 sites · Lodging125 acres · Golden, BC

We left the city to be closer to nature and like minded folks who help us be our best every day! We found it in Golden, BC. This unforgettable nest high above the forest floor is your opportunity to take flight. Endless trails and spectacular views give you access to nature in a whole new way. Explore on foot, bike or snowshoes(provided), then spend your evening up on the deck around the tree-top propane fire pit. Cook your meals in the outdoor kitchen or on the wood burning stove in the Trapper's Tent. Eat inside or out under the sky, then curl up in the luxurious queen bed to rest up and do it again tomorrow! After two years of building, this is the first year of sharing our labour of love! Be part of our journey by sharing your thoughts with us. Give us listing suggestions and any ideas to improve the Fir and Feather experience. Help us provide some magic. *Check out our first year's reviews on 'that other site', including winter stays. Our 120 acres include trails on the Moonraker Mountain trail system which connect to well over 100 km of biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and ski trails. Canyon Creek and the Columbia River provide views and activities for everyone. The only problem is it can be difficult to pull yourself away from the simple stillness and connection you feel while just sitting at the treehouse or off grid cabin. Isn't life wonderful?

Secluded River Front Property

6 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · East Kootenay G, BC

Learn more about this land:Our campsite is located along the beautiful Spillimacheen River which originates just east of Glacier National Park.This property is secluded and surrounded by crown land. It’s the perfect property to disconnect and reconnect, with limited cell service this allows you to turn off and just enjoy being outside in nature.Campers can choose where to park along a large cleared area. There are designated campfire locations and an outhouse. From the property, you can Kayak down the river, please Google and research before launching as there are a lot of writes ups and kayaking websites that feature the Spillimacheen River.Nature trails for hiking and walking right off the property. There is a well renowned natural rock wall for climbers 3km down the road, there are also a lot of websites that feature these rock walls.Within a half an hour drive you have two easy hikes in waterfalls (the Lower Bugaboo Falls and the Brisco Falls).Spillimacheen has a cafe and also a local market store that is full of delicious treats, beer and wine. The wetlands offer endless bird watching and beautiful mountain views.

Back 40 Outdoor Events

3 sites · Lodging600 acres · Invermere, BC

Cozy glamping tents, breathtaking views, miles and miles of peaceful private mountainside trails plus solitude and serenity – all within 25 minutes of Radium Hot Springs. You’ll feel like you found heaven on earth without having to go to the ends of the earth. Imagine falling asleep to the sound of the nighthawks – or sitting around the campfire to view the incredible night skies far away from light pollution. Back 40 offers boutique glamping with canvas bell tents, each equipped with 4 single beds for that extra bit of camping comfort. The exclusive private camp features plenty of roomy Adirondack chairs, firepits & firewood, a central camp kitchen, picnic tables, campstoves, fashionable outhouses (one without a roof with views galore), a cold-water shower, and bear storage bins to keep your consumables safe and the wildlife wild. Pets are welcome for no additional fee. Back 40 is also a center for outdoor learning, with instructors who can get you up-to-speed on how to stay safe and navigate in the wild. They specialize in beginners but can also design a learning program to challenge the experienced. Unwind, reconnect, discover and explore!

100%

(7)

Zest Campers Ltd.

3 sites · Lodging5 acres · Golden, BC

Family acreage with expansive view of the Columbia Shuswap Valley. Our property has our family home, a carriage house with 2 suites, 1 RV and two Glamping tents. 12 Min to town, 10 min to the Sky Bridge and 21 min to the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Close to many National Parks: Yoho National Park, Glacier National Park, Revelstoke National Park, Kootenay National Park and Banff National Park.

Yurt At Inshallah

1 site · Lodging72 acres · BC

Our cozy, rustic off grid yurt is located 20 min west of Golden in the Bleaberry Valley. It is nestled on the side of Willow Bank mountain. The views and nearby activities here are world class. The yurt has the necessities you need to have a comfortable stay anytime of year but is a very basic and rustic place, best suited to adventure seekers. Before booking this large TENT please take a minute and read all about the unique amenities (or lack thereof!!!) that we offer... or don’t :-).

Available this weekend

64%

(7)

Ananda Desa

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Brisco, BC

Secluded space of grass and trees Home sweet home This individual campsite is easily accessed from highway 93/94 2 minutes from Brisco general store Gateway to the Bugaboo provincial Park Water available (non portable) Guests enjoy, hiking, mountain biking, Hot springs, Columbia River, exploring Banff national Park, bird watching, being Alive

Whispering Forest Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Golden, BC

With only 8 campsites to choose from at Wispering Forest Campground, your certain to be part of a small yet exclusive group of campers. The levelled and gravelled sites offer privacy, with individual fire pits and room to set all your camping gear. The camp ground is centrally located near the national parks and many great mountain resorts for hiking and mountain biking. The area has many local hiking trails and loads of streams and rivers for fish and all other water sports, there is also a sweet big lake/reservoir near by for swimming and fish and all water sports.

Glamp tent 1

1 site · Lodging2 acres · AB

Nestled in the Clearwater area, our camp is beautifully situated on a riverbank, featuring a spacious field for play and surrounded by trees for added privacy. Enjoy open skies, wild horses, and breathtaking mountain views. Nearby, indulge in horseback riding, white water rafting, hiking, and fishing, making your peaceful escape truly unforgettable.

Fir & Feather Mountain Treehouse

2 sites · Lodging125 acres · Golden, BC

We left the city to be closer to nature and like minded folks who help us be our best every day! We found it in Golden, BC. This unforgettable nest high above the forest floor is your opportunity to take flight. Endless trails and spectacular views give you access to nature in a whole new way. Explore on foot, bike or snowshoes(provided), then spend your evening up on the deck around the tree-top propane fire pit. Cook your meals in the outdoor kitchen or on the wood burning stove in the Trapper's Tent. Eat inside or out under the sky, then curl up in the luxurious queen bed to rest up and do it again tomorrow! After two years of building, this is the first year of sharing our labour of love! Be part of our journey by sharing your thoughts with us. Give us listing suggestions and any ideas to improve the Fir and Feather experience. Help us provide some magic. *Check out our first year's reviews on 'that other site', including winter stays. Our 120 acres include trails on the Moonraker Mountain trail system which connect to well over 100 km of biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and ski trails. Canyon Creek and the Columbia River provide views and activities for everyone. The only problem is it can be difficult to pull yourself away from the simple stillness and connection you feel while just sitting at the treehouse or off grid cabin. Isn't life wonderful?

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Lake Louise guide

Overview

A two-hour trip from Calgary through the Canadian Rockies with endless pit stops, Lake Louise is an essential destination for Hipcampers. It’s set in Banff National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site well known for its luxury chateau perched against the turquoise-tinged water as you enter. Lake Louise campgrounds include drive-in RV campsites, cabin retreats, and tent campsites with access to showers and flush toilets. Summer offers epic swimming spots and hiking trails, but this area transforms into a winter wonderland throughout colder months when ski chalets and cozy cabins are most popular. Don’t forget to buy a national park day pass and a tent camping permit if you’re pitching your own inside the park.

Where to go

Moraine Lake

Lesser known than Lake Louise but just as beautiful, Moraine Lake is one way to escape the crowds—especially in the middle of summer. Personal vehicles are not allowed at Moraine Lake, but shuttles run from the town of Banff between June and October. Rugged adventurers can take the 10-hour hiking trail from Lake Louise—a challenging but rewarding route.

Castle Provincial Park

Halfway between Lake Louise and Banff’s town centre, Castle Mountain stretches 11 kilometres with steep shelves and cliffs that make it a prime spot for alpine rock climbing. Campers who like to keep their feet firmly on the ground can instead take advantage of the 7.4-km Castle Mountain lookout hike with 520 metres of elevation gain and a striking view of Bow Valley. Cabin camp nearby at the Blaeberry River or go glamping in the backcountry.

Johnston Canyon

Accessible from Lake Louise via Bow Valley Parkway, Johnston Canyon is an easy road trip add-on within Banff National Park. Wind your way down the elevated catwalks attached to canyon walls as the river gushes by. Then view the large waterfall from two platforms—a lower and an upper. It’s a 5-km round-trip walk with only a 30-meter elevation gain, so this is a prime spot for kids or campers looking for an easier hike.

Yoho National Park

Boasting 28 mountain peaks, Yoho National Park is set in British Columbia but only a 30-minute drive from Lake Louise (No public shuttles run in this area, so a private car is required). Take a break at Emerald Lake Lodge, or check out the Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site—an engineering feat dubbed the “Big Hill” (and the highest elevation of the Canadian Pacific Railway). Watch trains from one of two Spiral Tunnel viewpoints as they head straight into Mount Ogden and Cathedral Mountain.

When to go

To experience the colour-saturated water, plan to arrive at Lake Louise before the lake ices over, any time between May and late October. June, July, and August are the best months for swimming, but the glacier-fed lake is chilly all year-round. December through March bring freezing temperatures, when winter activities are in full swing. The iconic lake generally draws big crowds—find a bit more room in the off-season, which includes late March, April, and November.

Nearby attractions

Offering an extraordinary blend of history, wildlife, and majestic scenery, camping near Lake Minnewanka is a true Canadian wilderness adventure. Explore its beautiful trails by day and indulge in star-gazing by night for a profound Lake Minnewanka camping experience.
Ascend to new heights while camping near Tunnel Mountain. Tunnel Mountain camping offers breathtaking panoramic views, scenic hiking trails, and star-studded nights, making it a truly uplifting and refreshing adventure.