Continued from Moraine Lake, A Jewel of Banff National Park
During my last visit to Lake Louise in 2019, I called it a "zoo". This was in sharp contrast to my visit in 2016, when it was far less busy and in pristine condition, with ample parking any time. It was a "slice of heaven". In my opinion, the free access to national parks in 2017 simply blew up the popularity of these places, and they have not been the same since. The infrastructure simply has not kept pace to handle the crowds.
And then Covid happened in 2020.
Last year, when the parks reopened late in the summer, anyone who visited the parks reported absolutely no crowds. This year, everyone in Canada and their relatives were visiting the parks.
And still it was relatively far less busy. This is what happens when you ban international tourists.
Our plan wasn't to visit this lake immediately, but by 11 am we were done with Moraine Lake. By that time, the now small parking at Lake Louise was full.
No problem, I told me brother. Let's just go to the overflow parking (the Park N Ride) and buy tickets for the shuttle. That's what we did last time.
Except ... they don't sell tickets to the shuttle on site now. Why, I don't know. You have to make reservations before ... much before.
This is what greeted us as we entered the shuttle parking area.
You have to call this number, the guy told us. 1-877-737-3783. And try to buy a reservation on a shuttle bus.
Good luck calling this number that everyone who didn't know about this was now trying to call from the middle of the wilderness. Why the hell they don't make this easy I don't know. Anyways, after 20 minutes of repeatedly getting a busy signal, we finally got through. And bought two reservations.
Tip: Buy your reservations before. Preferably online (more info here).
The good thing was they didn't care what the time of your reservation was ... as long as there was space on the bus. You showed them the email that you get (make sure you have wifi reception), and then get on the bus.
At least the bus is not a school bus any more (as was in 2019), but a proper, comfortable coach. Looks like they upgraded their system. As long as you book before, that is.
And then it's a short ride to Lake Louise.
Wow.
It's still as beautiful. As ever. So gorgeous. So lovely. A slice of heaven.
We just sat there and took it all in. For a long time. You just have to. It is that heavenly. Especially on a clear, sunny, warm day.
And you ignore everyone else. It's still ... well ... it's not that much of a zoo any more. Because there are no obnoxious international tourists. Just domestic tourists. Like us.
There's always a desi family that wore too many jackets for what was now a burning hot day. Yes, I know the day started at 4 C, but it was now 25 C. Surely, you can keep the jackets in the car? But no ... we are desis :-)
I am sure I would do the same :-D
But you forget all of that. ALL THE CROWD. Because this is what you came for. You can ignore everyone and everything else. No picture can do this justice.
But you try. Every one tries. This couple below had the right idea. Just sit and enjoy.
There are many hikes that start from Lake Louise. You can go to the
Lake Agnes Tea House (this is about 3.4 km and goes to Mirror Lake).
And then you can continue above (and climb more) to the
Beehive. This is a bit more challenging.
For us, we simply walked all around the lake. We had canoed last time, so there wasn't a desire to go again (especially since they again hiked the prices), but if you have not canoed, do go for it.
Make sure you catch the right shuttle back. You want to go to the parking lot. There's another shuttle that went between the two lakes.
Overall, Lake Louise was less of a zoo than before. If you did your reservations beforehand, you really can leave all the worrying of parking and walking behind. Just show up and enjoy.
For us, the day wasn't over. It was a sunny day, and there are a lot of things in Banff still to visit.
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