Lake Louise

Deservedly recognized as one of the most beautiful spots on earth, Lake Louise is serene green, with a calm face that reflects the surrounding mountains and the sunlight. Tom (at left) takes the traditional tourist pose; below is the Lake Louise boathouse.

At the heart of Lake Louise is, of course, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, one of the grand world hotels.

I was surprised to see it looking externally so "new," but inside it still exudes that old-world style that I expected, with plush carpet, stained glass, huge chandeliers, giant wooden beams, and elegant dining rooms.

We opted to stay in a hotel not quite so swank, but more my style, called the Mountaineer Lodge. Although not of the class of the Fairmont, it was very comfortable, quiet, and extremely convenient, with the best shower of any hotel we stayed in! It was located just across the street from the Sampson Mall in the small hamlet of Lake Louise, and only a couple minutes' ride from the Lake itself.

The mall area housed the Lake Louise information center and nature trail, several restaurants and coffee shops and bakeries, a liquor store, a souvenir shop, and a grocery store. We had a very nice dinner at the Mountain Restaurant.

The grounds of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise were very pretty, with flower boxes and gardens everywhere you walked. The bird watching was spectaculr, with violet-green swallows and Steller's jays flying around the shoreline.