Lake Louise. January 22, 2024

It’s this view that makes me walk a little faster!  Just after these trees, the vast view of Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks greet you!  I was excited to be at this winter-wonderland and I was curious to see it all.  My first impressions were, it looks so beautiful, it felt warm and the snow level was low.  

This is what I was talking about, the view past those trees! That little snow marshmallow is there every year.  With more open water than usual, a wonderful reflection was offered.  

bridge over the creek

After crossing the creek, I strolled towards The Chateau. 

 This is the walkway from The Chateau to the Lake.

The first thing on my agenda was to enjoy an adult beverage at the Ice Bar.  I opted for what was called a Chili Chocolate Orange. It’s Chili Vodka, Grand Marnier, Hot Chocolate plus a couple other little things.

While savouring my spirit, I admired the ice sculptures within the Ice Bar.  

The walls of the Ice Bar represent mountain peaks.  

The beverage warmed me up which was not a necessary thing as it was a warm day to begin with. I left the Ice Bar and aimed for the Lake to walk to the far end where I could see the ice climbers.  This is a zoomed in shot, she is nearing the top of the climb.

This open pool of water is quite the size. I don’t remember it being this big during previous winter visits. I like that I could capture a reflection showing a good stretch of the peaks.

view looking back at The Chateau 

horse drawn sleigh ride 

view following the creek back to my vehicle 

I really wanted to skate but the Lake Louise ice surface was not groomed, it was covered in snow, the available surface to skate was very small and there were dozens and dozens of skaters and walkers on that small space. So…

I remembered a couple of years ago, Adventure Designer told me about the rink at the Lake Louise Recreation Centre.  I wanted to skate so drove the few minutes there to check it out.  This is a view of the outside.

This is inside!

view from inside looking out 

another view looking outside while I skated

I enjoyed forty-five minutes of skating and it was delightful.  A couple were just leaving as I arrived and no one else showed up.  This may be my go to place to skate if the Lake Louise ice surface is not maintained.  I will have to see what this warm weather does to the ice conditions.