"A hotel for the outdoor adventurer and alpinist" was the vision Cornelius Van Horne, General Manager of Canadian Pacific Railway, had in mind for the chalet on the shores of Lake Louise. Built in 1890, two years after its sister hotel The Fairmont Banff Springs, the chalet was a simple structure in contrast. A single level wooden structure consisting of a veranda, sitting room, kitchen and a bedroom. Visitors to Lake Louise numbered no more than one hundred in a summer season and were mainly climbers, artists and scenery photographers. In the early 1900s, visitors to the area increased to more than 5,000 and this was considered enough to demand an expansion of the chalet. Two Tudor-style, half-timbered wings were added and increased its capacity from a dozen guests to 240. In 1913, a concrete wing was completed, adding the grand Victoria Dining room and new bedrooms. On July 3, 1924, a fire of undetermined cause destroyed the wooden structure of the hotel. Within a year Canadian Pacific Railway rebuilt a new eight-story brick wing to join the Painter wing of 1913, and changed the hotel name to Chateau Lake Louise. Up until 1982, the Chateau operated only as a summer resort. The transformation to a four-season resort prompted the need for a large upgrade program. In 1990, after a $65 million investment, the restoration and expansion was completed. The new Glacier Wing added 140 guest rooms, all original guest rooms have been refurbished, a Western Saloon has been added, as well as new dining outlets and shopping facilities. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is beautifully suited for a second century of elegant hospitality in extraordinary surroundings.

Location:
Located on Lake Louise Drive on the shores of infamous Lake Louise in the heart of Banff National Park. The beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is just two hours west of Calgary, off the scenic TransCanada Hwy. Nestled on the shores of world famous Lake Louise and boasting stunning views of the Victoria Glacier and surrounding mountains, the chateau style resort is a destination in itself. Snow generally arrives in October or November and covers the lake until sometime in May.

Areas Served:
Banff, AB 58km/36mi - Calgary, AB 190km/120mi - Canmore, AB81km/49mi - Columbia Icefields 125km/80mi - Edmonton, AB484km/300mi - Jasper, AB 229km/142mi - Kamloops, BC 434km/275mi - Kananaskis, AB 138km/85mi - Vancouver, BC 805km/495mi

Restaurants:

• Chateau Deli: Open 24 hours a day, The Chateau Deli offers hearty sandwiches, steaming soup, freshly baked muffins, specialty coffees and all kinds of other deli classics. You may also call ahead and have your backpacker lunch, stuffed with plenty of gourmet goodies, ready for pick-up.
• Fairview Dining Room: Winner of the 2005 CAA/AAA 4-Diamond Award, The Fairview Dining Room is the main dining room at the resort, A romance setting with a splendid view of Lake Louise, where you can enjoy an exquisite North American Cuisine such as Salmon, Sea Bass, Venison, Lamb, Beef, Vegetarian Fare & Specialty Desserts.
• Glacier Saloon: The Glacier Saloon was named the number one "après ski" destination in the Canadian Rockies and is a country-style bar with dancing in the evening. A la Carte casual lunch and dinner offering a pub style menu including soup, salad, nachos and wings. Take out available upon request.
• Lakeview Lounge: The Lakeview Lounge features a unique architectural element, the signature Palladian window, offering views the Victoria Glacier and surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks. A Canadian treasure of fine beverages, glorious views and classic style, this perfectly situated nook is far more than just a place for drinks.
• The Poppy Brasserie: The Poppy Brasserie has an open-airy Bavarian atmosphere, offering a beautiful view of Lake Louise from the restaurant. The colourful Icelandic Poppies