Lake Louise Food & Nightlife

Lake Louise dining is great but the options are somewhat limited, whilst choices for nightlife are even more restricted.

Lake Louise Restaurants

The Lake Louise restaurants can largely be found within the hotels and lodges. Like some other aspects within the Banff National Park, the prices for meals can be somewhat inflated.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has lots of dining options. Fine dining is at the Fairview Dining Room, which serves up local Canadian fare. There is the Lago Italian restaurant, whilst the Walliser Stube serves Swiss style food such as fondue in an old world setting, along with an amazing selection of wines. The stunning Lakeview Lounge also serves meals that are somewhat casual (and very expensive). The chateau also has a deli for light meals or take-away food.

An extensive menu is available at the Lake Louise Station, an old train station that has been lovingly restored. For special functions, it’s possible to get a table in the old railroad car. Elegant dining is available at The Post Hotel for lunch and dinner, serving modern and classic European delights. The food is exceptional although expensive.

For something a little more casual, family oriented and easier on the hip pocket, head into the Outpost Pub instead. Or go to the Lake Louise Village Grill and Bar, a family oriented restaurant. They serve up lots of burgers, Chinese food, steak and a little seafood.

Or for an inexpensive feed you can head to the Bill Peytos Café at the hostel. The food is simple, the menu is extensive, yummy and best of all, cheap.

Other Lake Louise Dining

The small shopping area in the village has the Trailhead Café for healthy take-away food, and a bakery that has all sorts of yummies.

There are plenty of options for dining in Banff as well. See our Banff restaurants page.

Lake Louise Bars & Nightlife

Après ski festivities can be reasonably lively, whilst further into the evening, the Lake Louise nightlife becomes fairly sedate with most activity occurring within the lodgings such as the hotels, the hostel and the chateau.

For an après ski drink there’s the Powder Keg Lounge in the Lodge of the Ten Peaks at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. This is an enjoyable spot to perch and watch the activities outside. Kokanee Kabin is another après hangout for good weather days, and it often has live music on the weekends.

For a more sedate drink, the cocktails in the lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise are fantastic, and an enjoyable way to enjoy the lake views. Expect to pay through the nose for the privilege of drinking in the presence of such fine views! Or some evenings, there is an ice bar out the front of the chateau where you can look at the beautiful ice carvings. You’ll probably only want to stay for one drink considering the often nippy conditions.

The Outpost Pub at the Post Hotel has a lovely fireplace and is a good place for a drink.

You can also enjoy the Banff nightlife which is much more vibrant than Lake Louise.