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Canoeing On The Turquoise Waters Of Lake Louise

It’s one of those iconic must do’s in the Canadian Rockies, experiencing breathtaking views as you paddle across Lake Louise towards the Victoria Glacier.

In the summer months the lake is buzzing with canoes and remains busy all day, there can be a wait to get a canoe. As with many attractions the quieter times are in the early evening after the majority of tourists have left. If the boathouse is offering earlier morning rentals that’s another good time to try.

canoe on tranquil lake louise

Even though you won’t have the water to yourself in the summer, it’s is still a unique way to experience the lake. At the very least it will allow you to leave behind the hoards of tourists lining the lake front and shoreline trail.

canoe floating towards chateau hotel on lake louise

Renting a canoe for one to one and a half hours is enough time to paddle near the end of the lake and back.

red canoes lined up at dock at lake louise boathouseone canoe in solitude on tuquiose waters of lake louiseglacial silt running into the back of lake louisecanoe paddling on lake louise near chateau hotelsingle canoe on turquoise waters of lake louisecanoes on lake louise with victoria glacier in backgroundrow of red canoes in front of fairmont chateau lake louise boathousecanoe rental boathouse on lake louiserow of red canoes on lake louise boathouse dockboathouse wooden docks at lake louisered canoes and docks at lake louise boathouse

Canoe Rental Hours And Rates

  • The seasonal start up of the canoe rentals depends on when the lake thaws, it’s generally open by mid-June.
  • Rentals continue through to the end of September or into early October, weather permitting and with reduced hours.
  • The hours are 11am to 7pm daily, weather permitting. The last boat goes out oat 6pm. They may offer earlier starts in the peak of summer. These hours may vary, check with the boathouse or hotel concierge.
  • The rates for  non-hotel guests are per canoe, $125 plus tax per hour and $115 plus tax per half hour. For hotel guests the rates are $85 plus tax per hour and $75 plus tax per half hour. Guests take priority over the general public. There is a guest priority line that goes behind the back of the boathouse. A room key must be presented to prove you are a guest of the hotel.
  • The maximum number of people in a canoe is 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 small children under (25kg) 55 lbs. One person in the boat must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Hotel guests can book an evening canoe experience where they can avoid the daytime crowds. $85 per canoe for one hour departing at 8:15pm. Reservations must be made by 6pm the day before. Cancellations and no shows between 6pm-8pm will incur an $85 fee.
  • Guests can also book a voyageur canoe experience (an authentic 26 foot cedar group canoe) $55 per person.
    For more information about the canoe rentals see: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Canoe Rental Information.

Tips For Renting A Canoe

  • There is only one boat rental on the lake and it’s operated by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel. Standing at the hotel looking out at the lake it is located on the left hand side accessed by a pathway. Canoes are available on a first come, first serve basis. They can’t be reserved.
  • The weather can fluctuate and change rapidly. The boathouse closes if the lake becomes too windy, rainy, fogged in or has snow falling.
  • The temperatures tend to be cooler in June and September. In the morning and early evening during any month you need to be prepared by dressing in layers.
  • On warm days wear a sun hat and bring sunglasses, the reflection from the water is strong. Even on a cloudy day you can sunburn easily, cover up or wear sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring drinking water with you.
  • Use common sense when out on the water. Remain in your seat, don’t stand up or walk or sit on the sides of the canoe. Don’t make sudden or jerky movements or rock from side to side. Every summer the rescue boat has to go out to pull people out of the water. At a frigid 5.C you do not want to fall in the lake.
  • Life jackets are provided.

Can I Bring My Own Canoe Or Kayak To Use At Lake Louise?

(Update: Check with Parks Canada for current information. As of June 16, 2021 a restriction was put in place for water activities in Banff National Park. It effects those wanting to use a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board or any type of inflatable vessel on any body of water in Banff National Park. More information can be found here: Banff Bulletin for water activity restriction.)

Yes, you can use your own canoe or kayak at Lake Louise or any of the lakes or rivers within Banff National Park. There’s no public boat launch at Lake Louise. You will have to carry your canoe from the government parking lot area and launch it from shore of the lake. Parks Canada offers more information on paddling in the parks.

For more information on canoeing opportunites in the Rocky Mountains see: Canoeing and other water activities. 

Written by:
Audrey
Published on:
07/06/2012
Thoughts:
11 Comments

Categories: Lake Louise

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristina

    23/07/2013 at 5:19 AM

    Hi there,

    Can I book online or is this a first come first serve basis?

    Thanks,

    Kristina

    Reply
    • Audrey

      23/07/2013 at 1:26 PM

      The canoe rentals are offered through the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel, here is the link to their webpage:
      http://www.fairmont.com/lake-louise/promotions/canoeing/

      I don’t believe they take reservations for canoe rentals other than their Sunrise and Voyageur canoe experiences.

      Cheers

      Reply
  2. Robin

    02/07/2014 at 6:31 PM

    Can a person bring their own kayaks, or must you rent?

    Reply
    • Audrey

      02/07/2014 at 9:53 PM

      Yes, you can bring a non-motorized boat such a a row boat, canoe or kayak to the lakes and rivers in Banff National Park. For Lake Louise keep in mind you would have to carry it from the parking lot area to the lake. I don’t think the Fairmont boat house would let you use their dock. You would have to launch from the shore, but it should be easy enough to do.

      Reply
  3. Audrey

    26/06/2015 at 11:04 PM

    Thanks for the updated info. That is too bad that the rates have been raised so much and strange they have changed the start time to 11am.

    Reply
  4. Shania

    01/09/2015 at 7:06 PM

    Hi there! I will be coming early next week and the weather forecast predicts rain. I only have one day to spend in Lake Louise and I would like to know if we can still go on the lake with light to medium rain? Thanks! See you next week!

    Reply
    • Audrey

      01/09/2015 at 7:40 PM

      It will be one of those situations where you will have to wait and see when you get there. You’ll likely find that if it’s anything other than a very light rain the boathouse won’t open. Or it will shut down if inclement weather occurs during the day such as rain, wind, a chance of thunder and lightening or if it’s there’s poor visibility due to fog or mist.

      Reply
  5. Audrey

    04/08/2016 at 8:54 PM

    It will be chilly at sunrise, probably down to about 5.C. It’s hard to tell you how warmly to dress, it depends on where you are from and how cold that is to you.

    Reply
  6. Shay

    11/08/2016 at 6:26 PM

    Do you have to be a guest staying at the hotel to rent a canoe?

    Reply
    • Audrey

      11/08/2016 at 9:29 PM

      Anyone can rent a canoe on a first come – first served basis.

      Reply
      • Lela

        15/03/2017 at 8:24 AM

        If we don’t stay at the hotel, what is the likelihood that canoes will be available in the month of July?

        Reply

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