The emerald waters of Lake Louise are among Banff's treasures. Tied with Niagara Falls for "The Romance Capital of Canada," the area surrounding the lake also offers more than 124 miles of trails, three ski areas, gorgeous vistas, a bustling shopping district and accomodations ranging from campgrounds and hostels to chalets and hotels.
Icefields Parkway is a spectacular paved mountain highway running 143 miles from Lake Louise to Jasper, taking approximately five hours each way. This drive through the Canadian Rockies is one of the few North American spots where it's possible to walk right up from the roadway and touch the icefields. The elevation ranges from 5,039 feet at Lake Louise to 2,375 feet in Jasper, so expect significant changes in altitude.
The park is home to a variety of species, ranging from small (shrew and beaver) to medium (coyote and gray wolf) to large (bears, elk and cougars). Check with the park information centers for bear updates and information on their intrepretive programs or hire a local guide.
