As an empty nester, I believed my toddler-traveling days had ended until Porkchop, the Traveling Corgi, trotted into our lives. I hate to leave him at home so what’s a luxury loving gal to do when planning a couples getaway? Book a corgi-friendly getaway at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This iconic hotel built in 1911, overlooks Lake Louise in the heart of Banff National Park, Alberta. The stunning natural beauty of the area and the luxurious hotel draw visitors from all over the world.
Reasons why the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is perfect for couples traveling with a pet
- Luxury Accommodations – Pet friendly doesn’t mean basic. Luxury rooms and suites perfect for a romantic getaway
- Pet Amenities – Pet bed, bowls, treats, and doggie bags
- Run of the House – Pets are welcome everywhere except for food service areas and the pool and fitness areas
- Pet Sitters – Off duty Fairmont employees makes scheduling a breeze
I paid for our rooms and the hotel hosted us with an upgraded room, meals and experiences.
An Iconic Hotel
You’ve probably gazed upon a photo of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with the gorgeous turquoise lake and the Victoria Glacier in the background. It ranks as one of Canada’s most photographed spots. Once I viewed it, I knew one day I would stay here. It lived up to all my expectations.
Interesting Facts About the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- Famous visitors – Hollywood royalty Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Alfred Hitchcock and many more.
- Movies filmed at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Eternal Love (1929) and Doctor Zhivago (1965). It was a popular silent film location in the 1920s and considered “Hollywood North”.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site – The hotel is located in Banff National Park
- One of the first hotels for outdoor adventurers – Mountain climbers have flocked to the area for over 100 years and it is considered the birthplace of Canadian mountaineering.
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Accommodations
The accommodations at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offer a luxurious neutral decor which doesn’t distract from the gorgeous views of either Lake Louise or the surrounding mountains. The cozy room, elegant furnishings, plush bed with luxurious linens provide the perfect atmosphere for a couples getaway. Porkchop liked it too! He had his own comfy pet bed, food and water bowls, and a welcome gift with treats and waste bags.
Resort Experience Fee Inclusions – Highlights, too many to include all
- Mountain Adventure Guide Program – Discounted rates on a variety of activities and excursions.
- Family, Recreational, and Cultural, Programs – A variety of mostly free activities including Lakeside Campfire, Live music, Movie night, Lake Louise History Presentation and many more
- High Speed Internet
- Ski Louise Shuttle Bus – Seasonal
- Daily Classes – Fitness, yoga, and meditation
- Outdoor Equipment Use – Ice cleats and hiking poles
SheBuysTravel Tip – Rooms vary from the photos on the website and many are unique. Once booked, call and see what your options are. We had a junior suite that had the cutest nook with a window seat with a view of Lake Louise.
Petsitters
This little note touched my heart. Elio, Aidan, and Anna took great care of Porkchop during our visit. Due to its isolated location the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise allows off duty employees to pet sit before or after their shifts to earn extra income. We loved the convenience and used the service throughout our stay. Typically guests must book at least 24 hours in advance. Porkchop went for long walks and hung out in “the Living Room” , an amenity area for guests staying at the hotel.
Romantic Activities
Toasty fires, sleigh rides, and cocktails, bring romance to the forefront at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Gorgeous mountains and Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier in the background frame the views of the natural features of Banff National Park. Take time to explore together, relax with a couples massage at the serene spa, or try a new activity with the Mountain Adventure Guide Program.
Go for a Sleigh Ride
My husband and I climbed aboard the sleigh, and snuggled into a seat for two for a ride along the shores of Lake Lousie. The fresh snow covered trees added to the ambience. Our guide regaled us with history and anecdotes about the area while pointing out the sights along the way. In addition to the snow covered frozen Lake Louise, we had great views of the Victoria Glacier and a frozen waterfall with ice climbers. At the halfway point, guests disembarked the sleigh to take photos of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise from the opposite end of the lake. It was a magical experience and one I highly recommend.
SheBuysTravel Tip: For those with no budget or a special occasion guests can book a sleigh ride with the Mountain Adventure Guide Program.
Sip Some Afternoon Tea
Famed afternoon tea at Fairmont Hotels offers a variety of teas from their tea program and a tiered tea tray with a sampling of savory tea sandwiches, flaky scones and other delicate pastries. Majestic mountain views and the snow covered lake create a peaceful setting for a romantic afternoon tea. Sitting by the grand windows, sipping champagne, and enjoying my husband’s company, I savored the moment. The fine china and culinary delights just added to the overall experience.
Give a Gift
Guests can shop at more than 15 shops at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. I like to purchase a Christmas ornament to remember our travels. Each year our Christmas tree commemorates our life together and we love reminiscing as we decorate the tree. My husband knows my love language is books/ The Mountain Lights Bookstore, a local small business, immerses visitors with floor to ceiling shelves of antiquarian books, Canadian Pacific-Railway posters, and books of the area’s history. Guests who want to step it up can visit the Stones Jewelry Store.
Have a Cocktail
I can’t imagine a lovelier or more romantic place to sip cocktails than at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise, and the Victoria Glacier, guests will enjoy a diverse and memorable experience. Cocktail menus change seasonally and utilize regional ingredients. From cozy lounges to an exhilarating ice bar, cocktail aficionados will enjoy the variety of venus.
- Lakeview Lounge – Cozy indoors and gorgeous patio in the warmer months
- Alpine Social – Fun, vibrant mountaineering themed bar and restaurant
- Ice Bar – Seasonal, exhilarating, and unique bar made entirely of ice
- Fairview Bar & Restaurant – Elegant space to sip a craft cocktail
Other Romantic Activities for Two
The area surrounding the hotel and Banff National Park provide a variety of options for romantic things to do. Options for both winter and summer seasons:
- Canoe on Lake Louise – Working in tandem, explore the turquoise waters of the lake.
- Relax with a Couples Massage – Cliche for a reason, the ultimate romance activity, book at the spa.
- Ice Skate on Lake Louise – Participate or watch, ice skating just oozes romance.
- Book a Couples Getaway Package – The hotel offers a variety of themed packages and a romance itinerary
- Grab a Picnic – The Guides Pantry has to go picnics. Fill out a form and order 24 hours in advance. If the weather is too cold, enjoy at one of the hotel’s beautiful common areas such as the Living Room.
- Take a Romantic Stroll – Enjoy a walk along the lake. In winter months you can walk out onto the ice.
Travel Information
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits within Banff National Park, far from major cities. I live in Washington so I drove to the hotel. Major airports can be found in Vancouver, British Columbia and Calgary, Alberta. For an epic road trip rent a car and drive from Vancouver spending the night along the way. From Calgary, the drive is a little over two hours or visitors can book a shuttle to the hotel.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
+1 404-522-3511
All seasons are beautiful at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Iconic bucklist hotels have high prices. In season even a basic room cost $1500-$2000 a night. I scored a great deal traveling at the end of March.
Using my American Express Platinum for the perks and discounts really helped cut my costs.
- Book with Fine Hotels and Resorts – American Express Platinum benefit for special perks. Upgrade if available, $100 food and beverage credit per stay, breakfast a $90 value for two, early and late check out.
- $200 Hotel Credit – Each year American Express Platinum offers a $200 for Fine Hotels and Resorts
- Low Season – Booked a rate of $490 including resort fee
- American Discount – During my trip $1 USD = $1.42 CAD. A sweet exchange rate.
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