The town of Lake Louise is in the valley, just west of the Trans- Canada Highway. The town was built originally as a rail stop to get visitors up to the Chateau Lake Louise. When the highway was built, a variety of accommodations (including an International Hostel) sprung up in the valley. There is now a shopping mall, a number of fine restaurants in the town of Lake Louise.
Lake Louise Gondola
(403)256-8473. Take the road up the east hill from the lake Louise exit off the highway. In the winter, this takes you to the Lake Louise Ski Area, in the summer a gondola takes tourists near the top of hill. From here you get a corss-valley view of Lake Louise, and can hike over to Skoki Lodge in the Skoki valley.
Interpretive Centre
The Icefields Parkway Interpretive Centre, beside the Samson Mall in Lake Louise gives insight and up-to-the-minute visitor tips on the Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway.
Skoki Valley
This valley above the Lake Louise Ski Area is a short hike beyond Temple Lodge. The word “Skoki” is a native word meaning “marsh”. The valley is surrounded by several peaks in the 2,600 to 3,000 metres (8,500 – 10,000 ft) elevation. The Skoki Lodge is serviced by the Lake Louise Ski Area.