| Quick Facts: | Lake Louise |
|---|---|
| Countries: | Canada |
| Type: | Glacial |
| Surface elevation: | 1.750 m (5.740 ft) |
| Max. length: | 2.0 km (1.2 mi) |
| Max. width: | 0.5 km (0.31 mi) |
| Surface Area: | 0.8 km2 (0.31 sq mi) |
| Max. depth: | 70 m (230 ft) |
| Primary outflows: | Louise Creek |
| Primary inflows: | Lefroy Glacier |
Lake Louise is located in southwestern Alberta, Canada, about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Calgary. It is on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, in Banff National Park. The lake is about 11/2 miles (2.5 km) long. Situated at an altitude of about 5,500 feet (1,675 meters), it lies among forested or snowcapped mountains and is regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada. At its northern end is Victoria Glacier, and beyond the glacier are peaks rising to 11,000 feet (3,352 meters). The waters of the lake drain eastward into the Bow River.
Lake Louise has long been a favorite feature with tourists. A resort hotel stands on the south shore. The lake was named by surveyors of the Canadian Pacific Railroad in honor of Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of the Marquess of Lorne, who was governor general of Canada from 1878 to 1883.
