Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies: Lake Louise & Beyond
🚨 New to this series? Start with Day 1: Calgary Arrival & Welcome Dinner or explore the full Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies overview.
Moraine Lake: A breathtaking highlight of our Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies tour—quiet, pristine, and even more stunning in person.
Welcome to the final chapter of our Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies blog series. If you’ve been following along, you’ve already seen how this trip took us from city charm in Calgary, to the magic of Banff, and now deeper into the heart of the Rockies, where the landscapes get wilder, the mountains more dramatic, and the moments even more unforgettable.
This final stretch brought us to some of the most iconic—and in some cases, most surprising—destinations in Western Canada. We dipped a toe into Jasper National Park, stood on a glacier during an unforgettable glacier tour in Canada, and finally arrived at one of the most photographed lakes in the world: Lake Louise.
While our time in Banff had been nothing short of magical—with its serene beauty, walkable charm, and standout hotel experience—we were curious to see what this next leg would bring. And as we ventured into the more tourist-heavy areas of our Canadian Rockies itinerary, we found ourselves forming some opinions that might surprise you.
Let’s dive into the details of this final chapter—one filled with jaw-dropping scenery, honest reflections, and a few controversial travel takes.
A stunning drive deeper into the Canadian Rockies, from Banff to Jasper and Lake Louise.
Journey to the Columbia Icefield
We left Banff early for a full-day adventure to the Columbia Icefield, one of the most extraordinary stops on the Banff to Jasper scenic drive. The route follows the Icefields Parkway, a stretch of road often listed among the most scenic drives in the world, and it lives up to the hype. Glacial lakes, towering peaks, waterfalls—you name it, we passed it.
The Columbia Icefield itself is one of the largest icefields south of the Arctic Circle. Located on the border of Alberta and British Columbia, this sprawling sheet of ancient ice is a key highlight of any Canadian Rockies vacation, and we were excited to finally experience it up close.
Adventures by Disney guests on the Columbia Icefield—standing on ancient ice!
🚍 Ice Explorers + Early Access Magic
Upon arrival, we boarded one of the Ice Explorers—massive, all-terrain vehicles built to handle the steep, icy terrain of the glacier. They’re rare, with only a handful in operation worldwide (most of them in Antarctica). The ride alone was a thrill, and hearing the crunch of glacier ice beneath the tires added to the surreal vibe.
Once again, Adventures by Disney delivered: we had early morning access, which meant fewer crowds and more space to soak in the moment. By the time we wrapped up and returned to the visitor center, the line was out the door.
❄️ Walking on a Glacier
Stepping out onto the Athabasca Glacier was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The ice stretched in every direction, framed by snow-dusted peaks. The guides—who live onsite during the summer—were incredible. One of them shared that NASA actually uses this terrain to test equipment, since it mimics the icy moons of Saturn and Jupiter. A wild detail that made the experience feel even more like a scene from another planet.
Stay within the safe zone while exploring the Columbia Icefield—yes, that’s glacier melt underfoot.
🌉 Glacier Skywalk: Surprisingly Doable
After the glacier walk, we continued on to the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored bridge that juts out over the Sunwapta Valley below. While it looks terrifying in photos, it’s not as scary as you'd expect. In fact, it felt less intense than the Neuschwanstein Castle suspension bridge in Germany—and much sturdier.
This part of the tour is included in your Columbia Icefield Adventure pass, and it's well worth doing, especially if you're already in the area.
The Glacier Skywalk looks intimidating but is more manageable than you'd think—and those views!
🏔 Lake Louise: A Bucket List Destination
After our Columbia Icefield adventure, we made our way back toward one of the most famous stops on any Canadian Rockies itinerary: the legendary Lake Louise. This glacier-fed lake is known for its vivid turquoise waters, soaring mountain backdrop, and iconic hotel perched on its shores.
If you’ve ever browsed a Lake Louise travel guide or scrolled Instagram for Canadian inspiration, chances are this place has caught your eye. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world—and based on the scenery alone, that reputation is well earned.
But as we quickly found out, there’s more to the story.
🏘 A Small Town with a Big Reputation
The town of Lake Louise is, in a word, tiny. A few buildings, a gas station, a small shopping strip—it’s less a town and more a gateway to the lake. There’s no central plaza or charming streets to wander. Unlike Banff, which has a vibrant, walkable feel, Lake Louise is all about the view.
If you're planning a trip based on those dreamy lake photos, it's helpful to know upfront that there's not much else to do here unless you're hiking or heading straight to the lake itself.
🏨 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: A Luxurious Letdown?
Let’s talk about the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, one of the most famous hotels in Canada—and, arguably, one of the most hyped. It’s the kind of place that makes people say “someday.” It’s featured in countless Lake Louise hotel reviews, and its price tag reflects the dream.
But if you’re expecting the luxury beyond these beauty shots to match the setting, you may want to manage expectations.
We had read in advance that many Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies guests found this Fairmont to be the weakest of the three properties on the tour, especially compared to the standout experience at Fairmont Banff Springs. And even with that prep, we were still surprised by how underwhelming it was compared to the Fairmont Banff.
The lobby and lake-facing areas photograph beautifully, no question. But once you step into the rooms and explore the rest of the hotel, it starts to feel like a dressed-up Marriott—not the kind of elevated, historic experience we’ve come to expect from other Fairmonts we’ve stayed in (Montreal, Bermuda, Los Angeles, Calgary, and of course, Banff).
The rooms felt dated, the exterior was generic, and even the shopping—something we genuinely enjoyed in Banff—was sparse and uninspired. The only standout was the Roots store, which offered some exclusive Lake Louise merchandise we hadn’t seen elsewhere.
🚶♀️ What We Didn’t Expect: The Crowds
What surprised us most wasn’t the scenery or the hotel —it was the crowds.
Lake Louise felt like the Times Square of the Canadian Rockies. Tour buses pulled up nonstop, day visitors swarmed the shoreline, and everyone rushed to get the same photo before moving on.
We knew it would be busy. But nothing prepared us for how incredibly congested the lakefront would feel—even as hotel guests. Families with lunch bags, visitors in line for canoes, influencers waiting for their moment on a specific rock… it was all happening at once.
📸 Here’s what it really looked like from the hotel →
The Lake Louise shoreline mid-morning—beautiful, yes, but packed. Prepare for crowds.
We’re all for sharing special places—but this felt like a place on the edge of being loved to death.
💎 Moraine Lake: A Hidden Gem
If there was one place that completely surprised us—in the best possible way—it was Moraine Lake.
Moraine Lake’s views are absolutely next-level—arguably the most beautiful in the Rockies.
Just 15 kilometers from Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor. But many travelers (including us now) will tell you this: Moraine Lake is the true star of the Canadian Rockies.
The water here is an even deeper shade of glacier blue—so vibrant it almost doesn’t look real. Surrounded by the towering Valley of the Ten Peaks, the scenery is dramatic, peaceful, and absolutely breathtaking. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way.
That ‘I can’t believe this place is real’ moment at Moraine Lake lookout.
🚌 How to Visit Moraine Lake
Access to Moraine Lake is now limited to shuttle, tour, or private transportation—no personal vehicles are allowed. This policy helps preserve the environment and dramatically reduces crowds. And honestly, it works.
Thanks to our Adventures by Disney group, we had private bus access right up to the lake. There were no lines, no crowds, no stress. Just a quiet, early morning arrival to one of the most stunning places we’ve ever seen.
We walked along the shoreline, took a million photos, and sat down just to take it all in. No pressure to rush. No elbowing for a good angle. Just pure, undisturbed beauty.
Our Adventures by Disney group taking in the view at Moraine Lake.
🏆 Moraine Lake vs. Lake Louise
If you’re deciding between Lake Louise or Moraine Lake and can only choose one, we’d honestly vote for Moraine. The experience felt more intimate, more natural, and more in line with what we came to the Rockies hoping to find.
Where Lake Louise felt commercial and crowded, Moraine Lake felt untouched and sacred—a place you don’t just see, but really feel.
Moraine Lake: The crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies—peaceful, pristine, and truly unforgettable.
🛶 Canoeing on Lake Louise + A Surprisingly Great Picnic Lunch
After our serene morning at Moraine Lake, we returned to Lake Louise for a few final activities—and a last attempt to enjoy it on our own terms.
🧺 The Most Elevated "Picnic Lunch" Ever
Back at the hotel, Adventures by Disney provided us with pre-selected boxed lunches—but to call them “boxed” really undersells what they were. These were full, gourmet-style meals, more like what you’d expect at a luxury resort restaurant than on a picnic table.
Lunch with some of our favorite new tour friends at the Fairmont Lake Louise guest lounge.
I went with the charcuterie and fruit option, which came with freshly cut vegetables, crackers, spreads, and more. Other guests had hearty sandwiches, wraps, and grain bowls. We took our meals into the private guest lounge, curled up on oversized couches, and spent the next hour chatting with friends we’d met along the journey.
It was quiet, cozy, and one of those unexpected moments that felt just right.
🛶 Checking the “Canoe on Lake Louise” Box
Prepaid canoes for Disney guests meant no line—and plenty of time to soak in the view!
We knew we couldn’t leave without doing the iconic Lake Louise canoe ride—so after lunch, we braved the crowds and made our way to the boathouse.
Here’s where being on an Adventures by Disney tour made a huge difference again. Our canoe passes were prepaid and included, which meant we skipped the long line (which was well over an hour for the public) and walked straight onto the dock.
If you’re visiting on your own, just know: Lake Louise canoe rentals can cost up to $125 CAD per hour, and wait times can be brutal. But it’s one of those splurge-y, once-in-a-lifetime kind of experiences—and when you’re gliding across that blue water, it does feel magical.
Even with the shoreline still buzzing with tourists, once you’re out on the lake, it’s peaceful. You can hear your paddles, feel the cold splash of water, and look back at the Fairmont towering above the shoreline. That’s the moment people picture—and thankfully, we got it.
Wrapping Up at Lake Louise + A Farewell to Remember
Our final night at Lake Louise marked the official end of our Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies tour, and the team sent us off with the kind of care and thoughtfulness that had defined the entire week.
Meeting a Mountie with Minnie and Mickey in full Canadian style!
🍽 A Farewell Dinner in the Fairmont Ballroom
That evening, our group gathered in one of the private ballrooms at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a formal farewell dinner. Like other meals on the tour, we had pre-selected our entrées on Day 1—which now felt like a lifetime ago.
What made this dinner special wasn’t just the food. It was the energy in the room: families connecting, kids laughing, adults exchanging contact info, and everyone savoring those final moments of a trip that somehow felt both full and too fast.
The group dynamic on an Adventures by Disney tour really does become something special—whether you arrive knowing no one or travel with family or friends. By the last night, you feel like you’ve shared something meaningful with people who genuinely get it.
🧑✈️ A Mountie With a Story to Tell
Then came the surprise: a visit from a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer, who sat down and shared the story of his career—and his life in some of Canada’s most remote communities.
He had served in places so far north they could only be reached by plane, living alongside Indigenous populations, dodging polar bears, and building real community in areas most people will never see on a map. It was fascinating, funny, heartfelt, and totally unexpected.
It reminded us again why this wasn’t your average group tour—Adventures by Disney always layers in story, culture, and heart. It’s not just about hitting the sights. It’s about understanding where you are and who has come before you.
🌲 Final Reflections on the Canadian Rockies
There were so many things we didn’t expect on this trip—like how deeply we’d fall in love with Canada’s wild beauty, how quickly we’d bond with our tour group, or how moved we’d be by the stories shared by locals along the way.
From quiet mornings in Banff to standing on ancient glacier ice, laughing with fellow travelers over lunch, and soaking in the serenity of Moraine Lake, this journey showed us just how many ways a place can leave its mark on you.
Yes, Lake Louise came with its challenges—Times-Square-like-crowds, commercialism, a hotel that didn’t quite match the setting. But even that offered perspective. It made us appreciate the peacefulness of Banff even more. It made Moraine Lake feel like a true hidden treasure. And it reminded us that even in the most photographed places on Earth, your experience is still what you make of it.
As we close out this series, we’re filled with gratitude—for the Adventures by Disney team, for our amazing guides, for the families we met, and for the chance to see this incredible part of the world in such a meaningful way.
This wasn’t just a vacation. It was a reset. A reminder. A memory-maker.
And if you’re considering this trip for yourself?
Do it. Canada might just surprise you too.
Ready to Plan Your Own Adventures by Disney Vacation?
If you’re dreaming of glacier walks, turquoise lakes, and the kind of once-in-a-lifetime memories Adventures by Disney delivers—we’d love to help you plan it. Whether it’s the Canadian Rockies or another bucket list destination, our team knows the ins and outs of these tours and can match you with the itinerary that fits your family best.
✨ Book with us and you’ll get:
✔️ Personalized planning
✔️ Insider tips
✔️ Exclusive perks (like Adventure credits on Tours or Shipboard credits on Disney Cruise Line!)
Contact us here to start planning your own unforgettable journey.
Keep Reading Our Canadian Rockies Series:
📍 Day 1: Arriving in Calgary – What to Expect
📍 Day 2: Calgary to Banff with a Stop in Canmore
📍 Day 3: Alberta Culture, Food & Cowboy History
📍 What Makes Adventures by Disney So Special
