Content Produced in Partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
The phrase "winter wonderland" might be an understated way to describe Lake Louise in the winter months. Nestled deep within Banff National Park, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, situated directly on the lakefront, is a fairytale castle come to life. Perfect for a romantic retreat for two, here's why we think this hotel might just be the world's most magical winter getaway:
Drift Away From It All
Roughly two hours outside of Calgary International Airport, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is located directly on Lake Louise in the very heart of Banff National Park. Far from the distractions of everyday life, this luxury resort will allow you and your significant to focus on what's most important: each other. The best part? You don't have to sacrifice modern amenities to do so. The Fairmont Hotels & Resorts team prides itself in pampering its guests throughout their stay.
Ice, Ice, Baby
CNN and Huffington Post both rave about the "World's Best Skating Rink" at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The huge ice skating rink, complete with a giant ice castle in the center, is the center of all activities at this luxury resort throughout the winter season. With the Victoria Glacier and Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, guests can skate on the lake until 11pm daily from mid-December through mid-April. Equipment rentals are available on-site and hockey sticks for a quick pick-up game are complimentary.
Spa-Ahhh
Get whisked away to warm, blissful indulgence at the spa at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The spa team offers more than 20 different treatments and services. Inspired ultimately by its surroundings, spa treatments include aromatherapy massages, 90-minute couples massages and even restorative mineral baths.
Make Memories to Last
Photographs are one of the best ways to capture a memory, especially in a setting as stunning as Lake Louise. Bring your digital camera (we shouldn't even have to tell you this) so you can take a camera seminar or private lesson with one of the pros at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Among their classes are: How to Shoot Sunsets and Sunrises, Photo Composition, How to HDR, Basic Digital Photography, and more! It's the perfect way to hone your photo-taking skills as you spend time with your sweetheart.
Sit Back and Take It In
A romantic winter sleigh ride around an ice-covered Lake Louise is perhaps one of the most sought after activities at this Fairmont Hotels property. The sleigh rides, operated by the Brewster Family and pulled by a team of horses, include thick blankets, so you and your honey can cozy up together and soak it all in. As the song goes, "Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you."
Alpine Dining, Redefined
Today's Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise culinary team takes inspiration from the resort's early days as a winter base camp for alpine enthusiasts. Fusing together its Western Canadian influences with Swiss delights, the property boasts more than half a dozen unique restaurants for guests to indulge in. Chief among them is the Afternoon Tea in the Lakeview Lounge. A signature element of the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts brand, Afternoon Tea is served from noon to 2:30pm and features finger sandwiches, desserts and champagne pairings. Consider your trip incomplete until you've sampled it for yourself.
The Couples Who Adventure Together, Stay Together
Put those feet to work! The true beauty of Lake Louise lies in the feeling of being surrounded by its beauty all at once. We highly recommend you use every opportunity you pursue as many winter activities as you can during your time at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Stroll around the lake for a blissful morning or put on some snow shoes (or cross-country skis!) and head out on the trails for an afternoon adventure like no other.