Lake Activities in Lake Louise
If the mountains steal your heart but the water is calling your name you can have it all! Lake Louise has options for rafting, canoeing, paddleboarding and fishing on lakes, rivers, and everything in between.
There is no more iconic way to experience the turquoise heart of the Rockies than from the water. Whether you are paddling through the glass-like reflection of Victoria Glacier or navigating the roaring white water of the Kicking Horse River, Lake Louise offers a liquid perspective of the mountains that most travelers only see from the shore.
Seasonal Details
Lake activities typically run from mid-June through September, once the high-alpine lakes have fully thawed. If you visit during the early thaw in June, you might catch the mesmerizing phenomenon of candle ice, where the frozen surface transforms into millions of vertical, crystal-like shards that chime like a wind chime against your hull. We recommend booking rafting and guided canoe tours at least 2–4 weeks in advance for July and August, as prime midday slots fill up quickly
Best For
- Families: The Voyageur Canoe tours and gentle rafting floats are perfect for creating core memories with kids.
- Adventurers: Adrenaline junkies should head straight to the Class IV+ rapids of the Kicking Horse River.
- Couples: Sunrise paddleboarding or a private canoe rental offers the ultimate romantic alpine escape.
Planning and Logistics
- Proximity: The Lake Louise Boathouse and SUP launch points are just 7 minutes away. Rafting basecamps are a scenic 45-minute drive west into the Kicking Horse canyon.
- Duration: Plan for 1–2 hours for lake paddling, or a half-day (4 hours) for rafting.
- The Full Day: Start with a calm morning paddle on the lake before the crowds arrive, then head west for a high-energy afternoon rafting trip as the glacier melt peaks.
Canoeing
The iconic Lake Louise scenery is absolutely breathtaking. There's no better way to experience the beauty of the surrounding mountains and the crystal clear glacier water than while paddling in a canoe in the middle of it all. There's a reason people come from all over the world to visit!
Voyageur Guided Canoe Experience
$30 to $85 + GST
Canoeing at Lake Louise
$65 to $170 + GST
Kayak and Paddleboard Adventures
Bring your own or rent in Canmore or Banff
If you're hoping to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake together in one day, remember to read all the info and book your summer shuttle ride from Mountaineer Lodge.
White Water Rafting
Drive 40 minutes to get your blood pumping on the Kicking Horse River with the white water rafting trip of a lifetime! Their highly trained and certified guides coach rafters through exciting river rapids and have been providing amazing rafting experiences since 1992. They're ranked as the #1 activity in the Canadian Rockies on TripAdvisor and you don't want to miss it!
Gentle White Water Rafting Tour
$115 per adult, $89 per child | 3 hours
Whitewater Rafting Half Day Trip
$139 per adult | 3 hours
White Water Rafting Full Day Trip
$199 per adult | 5 hours
Are you wondering if White Water Rafting is Safe?
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to relax and take photos without breaking a sweat, the guided Voyageur Canoe is perfect since the guide does the heavy lifting. If you want a workout and some solitude, renting a red canoe or bringing your own paddleboard is the way to go. For those who want high energy and a total adrenaline rush, nothing beats the splashing and paddling required on a whitewater rafting trip.
The water in Lake Louise is glacier-fed and stays around 4°C all year round, so it is definitely not for swimming! If you are out on a paddleboard, we recommend staying close to the shore and wearing a life jacket, as the cold can be a shock if you take an accidental dip. For a more relaxed experience, early mornings are best before the mountain winds pick up and create ripples on the water.
All you need is a swimsuit and a towel. Wild Water Adventures provides all the specialized gear you will wear on the river, including wetsuits, neoprene booties, polar fleece sweaters, spray jackets, helmets, and life jackets. Your personal items will stay dry and secure in their locked change rooms while you are on the water.
Wild Water Adventures is the closest outfitter to Lake Louise. Their river base is just a 40 minute drive west of Mountaineer Lodge. We recommend checking the local road conditions before you head out to ensure you arrive in time for your 8:45 am or 1:45 pm check-in.
The trips depart rain or shine! Since you are going to get wet from the river anyway, a little rain just adds to the mountain adventure. If you are feeling a bit chilly, the team has extra synthetic fleece layers available to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the trip.
Mountaineer Lodge is Your Home Away from Home for Water Adventures
After a day of paddling or crashing through rapids, there is nothing better than coming back to the Mountaineer Lodge. We love hosting water lovers because we know exactly what you need after a day on the lake or river. You can head straight to our indoor hot tub to warm up or relax in our steam room to soothe those tired paddling muscles.
We also have a handy trick for rafters and paddlers: our high-speed boot dryers! They are not just for ski boots. They work wonders for drying out wet sneakers or water shoes overnight. Plus, our guest rooms have plenty of space to hang up your swimsuits so they are ready for your next trip. Staying with us means you are only minutes away from the shoreline, making those early morning sunrise paddles much easier to catch.