Ultimate guide on how to canoe on Lake Louise
Canoeing on Lake Louise is on many people’s Canadian bucket lists and it’s easy to see why.
Lake Louise is perhaps the most famous lake in all of Canada and was even pictured on the back of the $20 Canadian banknote between the years 1969–1979. Situated in Banff National Park, Lake Louise is undeniably one of the prettiest lakes in Banff.
Going out in a canoe on Lake Louise is one of the best ways to enjoy the surrounding beautiful scenery. You’ll see the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise the Victoria Glacier at the back of the lake, and get to fully appreciate the stunning blue colour of Lake Louise itself.
If you want to canoe on Lake Louise, you don’t need your own canoe, kayak or paddleboard. You can actually rent a canoe at Lake Louise from The Boathouse at the lake operated by the Fairmont Chateau.
I’ve taken my own kayak out on the lake at Lake Louise, as well as Two Jack Lake and have paddle boarded on Emerald Lake in nearby Yoho National Park. I’ve also done additional research and asked friends to make sure that this guide to canoeing Lake Louise answers your questions.
If you’re planning a Canadian Rockies road trip and want to experience kayaking or canoeing on Lake Louise, then you’ll learn everything you need to know here. For those interested in doing this and the Lake Louise canoe rental cost, the below information will help you avoid the worse of the lines and get out and enjoy the lake.
Guide to Lake Louise canoe rental
During the summer months, Lake Louise gets incredibly crowded with people eager to go on some of the best hikes near Lake Louise, see the lake and go canoeing on Lake Louise!
The best way to avoid the lines is to go early in the morning (get there before the rentals open), or late in the evening when most visitors have gone for dinner or retired to their hotels.
Lake Louise canoe rentals work on a first-come, first-served basis and there are no reservations so you’ll have to wait your turn if there’s a line when you arrive.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, who manages the canoe rentals, gives priority to their hotel guests. There’s a separate line for guests of the hotel and people who are staying elsewhere. You also get to rent a canoe for a reduced price if you’re staying at the Chateau.
The lake is pretty big and so even though you’ll see other people out on the lake both in canoe rentals and their own craft, you shouldn’t feel packed in like sardines.
A lot of people stick pretty close to the dock or head right into the middle. If you have some experience in kayaking or canoeing and are quite fit, you’ll probably be able to get further away from the dock and shoreline to enjoy a more peaceful experience.
If you’ve never kayaked or canoed before, the Boathouse employees can offer some tips before you set off. One thing to bear in mind is that the person in the back does the majority of the steering. The person at the front gets a bit of an easier ride in that respect.
At least one person in your canoe should be 16 years old or older and the maximum a canoe can fit is 5 people (3 adults, 2 children).
Pay attention to the weather conditions when you’re canoeing on Lake Louise. The wind can pick up suddenly and when it does canoeing can be a challenge. Fortunately (in some ways) the wind usually pushes you back towards the hotel so at least it’s not pushing you further away from the dock. However, this does mean that it can be hard to get going if it’s particularly windy when you first get in the canoe.
Also, steer clear of the hotel side of the lake as there’s a fast-running river that can catch people off guard.
If you have your own canoe or want to Lake Louise kayak, you can bring it. Just note that there’s no public boat launch, so most visitors rent canoes from the boat dock operated by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The dock is open daily during the season from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lake Louise Boathouse things to know
- Anyone visiting Lake Louise can rent a canoe at the Lake Louise boathouse. The rental house is not just for Fairmont guests. Though Fairmont guests have a separate line and are given priority over nonguests.
- Up to 3 adults can use one canoe at the boathouse. Any person weighing more than 55 lbs is considered an adult at the boathouse.
- Lifejackets are provided at the boathouse for every guest on the canoe. Everyone must wear a lifejacket while paddling with a rental.
- Dogs and children are allowed on the Lake Louise canoes.
- Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are not available at the Lake Louise boathouse. The only flotation device you can rent here is a canoe.
Lake Louise canoe rental season and rental hours
The date the Lake Louise canoe rental opens varies every year. That’s because it depends on the weather conditions leading up to the summer season.
Some years the lake might stay frozen for longer than others, and sometimes it might thaw much earlier meaning the rentals can start earlier.
Usually, the lake is ready for canoeing in mid-June and you can canoe until the end of September, when the snow begins to fall.
The Lake Louise boathouse rentals are open from 11 am to 6 pm every day but if the weather is bad they’ll close early.
Lake Louise Canoe Rental Rates
| Type of rental | Price |
|---|---|
| Public canoe rental | $155 per hour / $145 per half hour (+ tax) |
| Canoe rental for hotel guests | $95 per hour / $85 per half hour (+ tax) |
| Voyageur canoe experience Lake Louise for hotel guests | $60 per adult / $30 for youth |
| Voyageur canoe experience for non-hotel guests | $75 per adult / $40 for youth |
Opening hours for canoe rentals at Lake Louise in 2023: (June 5 – Thursday, June 22)
- Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m (last boat out at 5:00 p.m.)
- Friday – Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m (last boat out at 8:00 p.m.)
- Friday, June 23 – Onwards: 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m (last boat out at 8:00 p.m.)
Tips For Canoeing on Lake Louise
- Arrive early before the Boathouse opens to enjoy the quieter atmosphere and less crowded lake.
- Pack layers of clothing to stay warm, especially in the cooler months of June and September, but even on sunny days.
- Life jackets are provided, but you can also bring your own.
- Keep an eye on the weather and watch for signs of storms or increasing wind. Be cautious and get off the water if necessary.
- You can pay by cash or credit card.
- Use a dry bag to protect your valuables since you may get wet during the canoe trip.
- Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during peak summer temperatures.
- Stay calm and avoid rocking the canoe to prevent accidents. The frigid water of Lake Louise can be dangerous if you end up in it.
- Avoid the front of the lake where a river flows towards Lake Louise Village.
- Allow about 30 minutes to paddle to the back of the lake and return to the boathouse.
- For the best views, stick to the left-hand side of the lake, facing the glacier, as it is farther from walking trails and other people.
- Decide who will sit where in the canoe before departing, with the primary steersperson at the back.
- Be prepared for windy conditions, as canoeing in the wind can be challenging. Consider choosing another time if you’re not experienced.
- At least one passenger in the canoe must be 16 years or older.
- Expect potential wait times of up to 3 hours for canoe rentals during the peak summer season (July & August).
How many people can fit in a canoe at Lake Louise?
Most canoes fit 2-3 people, with those seating three having a middle seat. At max, a canoe can fit 3 adults or 2 adults and two children (under 55 lbs).
Some canoes have a fabric waved seat whereas some have hard plastic seats. The fabric ones are more comfortable but there’s no guarantee you’ll get one and it depends on the availability. There’s not much point turning down a canoe just because it’s got a plastic seat.
Why are canoe rentals at Lake Louise expensive?
Canoe rentals at Lake Louise are incredibly expensive and that’s one of the reasons we invested in our own paddleboards after we’d seen the price one year.
The main reason for this is that there’s zero competition for canoeing on Lake Louise and it’s an experience that many people want. Even with the high costs, people are still queueing up ready to pay it so they clearly haven’t reached the highest price they could charge yet.
Canoeing on Emerald Lake nearby, Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park or bringing your own craft to explore some of the other beautiful Banff Lakes and Lake Louise is a more cost-effective way of experiencing what it’s like to canoe on Lac Louise.
Can I bring my own canoe and kayak on Lake Louise?
You are allowed to bring your own non-motorised equipment such as a canoe, kayak or paddleboard on Lake Louise and all other lakes in Banff National Park. However, there are a few regulations and rules to ensure that invasive species are not transferred between lakes as this would ruin the beauty of the water.
To get a self-certification permit to canoe or kayak on Lake Louise, you must fill out the Self Certification permit form online. You can find the permit here.
Another thing to bear in mind is that there is no public boat launch from Lake Louise, so you’ll have to awkwardly launch from the lakeside which honestly is no big deal. Chances are you’ve done it elsewhere before, you just might get wet feet.
The biggest hurdle to get over is getting a parking spot at Lake Louise. They fill up incredibly fast and if you’re bringing your own equipment then you’ll want a parking spot since you can’t carry a canoe on the Lake Louise shuttle bus! Aim to go super early before 6 am, or quite later in the evening after 7/8 pm.
Other places to canoe near Lake Louise
Canoeing on Lake Louise is definitely a bucket list experience, but since renting one can take a lot of time and costs a lot of money, it’s not for everyone.
If you’d like to experience canoeing in Banff National Park then there are a few other places you can go.
Of course, if you have your own watercraft you can go wherever you like as long as your washing and drying in between each lake!
Some other options for your canoe rental Lake Louise are:
- Canoe on Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. Emerald Lake is a gorgeous lake that’s a bit less busy than Lake Louise. In some ways I actually prefer it. Emerald Lake canoe rental and kayaks are cheaper than at Lake Louise at $90 + tax per hour.
- Buy a stand-up paddleboard. We’ve had both inflatable kayaks and inflatable paddleboards and the paddleboards have lastest a lot longer and are so much fun. We’ve done overnight camping trips with ours and have used them so much while exploring the Rockies.
- Go kayaking on Maligne Lake. It’s a bit of a drive from Jasper to Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway but it’s a beautiful one. Plus, you can rent canoes + kayaks on Maligne Lake which is super pretty and much cheaper from $52 per hour.
- Book this 1.5 hour paddle on Bow River in Banff
As of 2023, you can no longer drive to Moraine Lake, I recommend using the Moraine Lake Bus Company as they have a great schedule and a tonne of 5* reviews.
I recommend taking the Moraine Lake Bus Company for your visit to Moraine Lake Bus Company.
For 2025 prices are:
- Moraine Lake (Sunrise) – starting at $99
- Moraine Lake (Daytime) – starting at $59
- Lake Louise – starting at $39
- Moraine Lake with 1h stop at Lake Louise – starting at $89.
These prices include the new 2025 Moraine Lake Commercial Vehicle Fee which helps support Park Canada’s ongoing management of this popular area.
What is the Voyageur canoe experience at Lake Louise?
Once you’re up at Lake Louise, or as you’re doing your research, you might come across The Voyageur canoe experience and wonder what it is.
The Voyageur canoe is a 26 ft long, cedar strip canoe that can seat up to 8 people so if you’re travelling in a larger group it’s a great option for you to all be able to go together.
You’ll be accompanied by a guide on this canoeing trip and Lake Louise boar tour who’ll share history and stories from Lake Louise.
Prices for the voyageur canoe:
- Hotel Guest: $60+ tax per adult, $30 + tax per youth (ages 8-12)
- Non-Hotel Guest: $75+ tax per adult, $40 plus tax per youth (ages 8-12)
How to book the Lake Louise sunrise canoe experience?
If you’re staying at the Fairmont Lake Louise (the main Lake Louise hotel) then you get another perk apart from being able to skip some of the line for rentals.
Guests of the hotel get to book the Sunrise Canoe Experience where you’ll get to get out on the water of Lake Louise at sunrise when there aren’t so many people around (especially on the lake!).
When is the best time to canoe Lake Louise?
Getting to Lake Louise early in the morning is definitely the best way to go. The lake is beautiful no matter what time you happen to stop by, but the morning light is pretty and there are fewer bus tours and crowds all around the lake.
Plus, the wind is typically lower in the morning so your canoe experience is a bit more enjoyable!
FAQs about canoeing Lake Louise
Can you reserve a canoe at the Lake Louise Boathouse?
How long can you canoe on Lake Louise?
Is canoeing at Lake Louise worth it?
Should you canoe on Moraine Lake or Lake Louise?
Can you rent a kayak for Lake Louise?
Final thoughts about what to know before you canoe on Lake Louise
Canoeing on Lake Louise is one of the best things to do in Banff National Park. While canoeing on Lake Louise is pricey and you’ll likely have to wait in line for a long time, for some it’s definitely still worth it.
Remember to go early, to beat the worse of the lines, or seek out alternative places to canoe near Banff like Emerald Lake or Maligne Lake near Jasper.
Remember to keep an eye on the weather conditions to avoid the wind, and always wear your life jackets for a safe and fun canoe trip on Lake Louise.
My 7-day road trip from Vancouver to Banff and Jasper has everything you need to know about travelling in the Canada Rockies.
If you’re visiting Banff National Park,and wondering where to stay, check out this guide to Canmore vs Banff.
Last Updated on April 17, 2025 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
