While many world destinations host a polar bear dip on New Years Day, Lake Louise holds theirs during the July 1st Canada Day celebrations.
If you think that braving the lake on July 1st is no big feat, you might think differently when you enter the frigid water that rarely gets above 5.C (40F.) Many people are not aware how cold the lakes are due to the glacier water that runs into them and the high elevation. Lake Louise remains frozen throughout the winter and much of the spring. It’s usually the first week of June before it totally clears of ice.
Some people are more tolerant than others, but most folks can only stand to be in the freezing water for a few seconds. Employees at the Fairmont Chateau Hotel wait to hand out towels to the shivering participants.
Hotel guests and visitors gather at the lake and in front of the Fairmont Chateau Hotel during the Canada Day celebrations.
Fairmont Chateau Hotel chefs prepare to carve a giant Canada Day cake.
Even dogs get into the Canada Day spirit!
Canada Day Events In The Village Of Lake Louise And At The Fairmont Chateau Hotel
There’s a variety of activities and entertainment that take place around Lake Louise.
Lake Louise Village – At the Lake Louise Sport & Recreation Centre there are family activities throughout the day into the early afternoon. The morning starts off with a pancake breakfast with the village firemen. The Rec Center is located at 103 Village Road. Later in the evening a ticketed event is held on the ground featuring live music entertainment.
At Lake Louise – on the grounds of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel and the lake shore there are a number of activities and events. Along with the polar bear dip there is a flag raising ceremony and singing of O’Canada with the (RCMP) Royal Mounted Canadian Police, a family canoe race, children’s play zone and outdoor games, face painting and a cake cutting ceremony. Most of the events/activities are free for the public and others have a small charge if you are not a guest of the hotel.
For more information see the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel Event Listings and Banff/Lake Louise Summer Events Schedule.
The Lake Louise Canada Day Parade May Be Tiny, But It Doesn’t Lack Spirit
Perhaps the smallest Canada Day parade ever. The start and end of the parade are visible at the same time, but it’s enjoyable nonetheless. The parade is held on Lake Louise Drive re held in the village of Lake Louise. Contact Banff/Lake Louise Tourism for more information.
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