Lake Louise

"Tito Dennis, can we please go on a canoe?"

So goes my 9-year old nephew Aaron after seeing other people paddling a canoe.  We were visiting Lake Louise, a strikingly beautiful glacial lake within Banff National Park. The emerald color of its water, the sheer heights of its surrounding mountains and the glacier which feeds this lake all make up for a truly magnificent view.

Because of its close proximity to the town of Banff (which is less than an hour drive away), no one dares to miss it. Most people actually think of visiting this lake when planning a trip to Banff. Anyone of course with a heftier budget can stay at the only hotel on the lake shore and thus have more time in the area: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Just like anywhere else within the national park, there are plenty of things to do for those with the outdoors in their agenda. During summer, anyone can hike or ride a bike, canoe, kayak or explore the wilderness on horseback. Winter is for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, ice climbing, ice fishing, dog sledding and snowshoeing.

I was hoping this was my view outside my New York apartment

If it was just me traveling, I would have simply gone hiking on one of the numerous trails around. But with family this time, I had to suppress my restless legs. My parents for sure wouldn't want anything steeper than climbing stairs. Looking out at the view was so well worth it already - until my nephew cut off my meditative state of mind.

"Hmmm...you want us to ride on a canoe", I simply mirrored what he said as I sat on the wooden walkway by the lake shore.

"Yes", Aaron's eyes lit up, his voice sounding like he's asking for a Christmas gift, "Please".

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as seen from the canoe

A quick talk to his parents (I'm not only an uncle but also his godfather) and it didn't take long to convince them. Everyone actually wanted to do it, including my parents. While I've been on a kayak numerous times, this would be the first time for me to be on a canoe.

On the northeastern shore of the lake is the boat launch where the hotel operates canoe rentals during summer between 8 AM and 8 PM. An hour's rent is $45 CAD plus tax (less $5 when doing the 'early bird' rental from 8AM-10AM). A boat can only handle 3 adults or 2 adults with 2 kids.

My father, mother and brother on Canoe #23

The smiles of my nephew and sister-in-law say it all

After fitting us with mandatory life jackets and briefly introducing on the basics of canoeing, we got assisted by staff into two canoes. With me on the boat was Aaron and my sister-in-law. My nephew was so excited I was fearful we might tip over. We soon glided effortlessly across the smooth surface of the cold water, deeper into the emerald lake, paddling into this great arena of breathtaking grandeur.

Aaron couldn't wait to tell his friends back in Edmonton.