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Lake Louise is one of those places that’s so absurdly beautiful, it looks like Mother Nature went a little overboard on the filters. You’ve seen it plastered all over Instagram—emerald waters, towering mountains, and the kind of serene beauty that makes you want to chuck your phone and live off the grid forever. But while you’re gazing into those crystal-clear waters, ever wonder where that name, Lake Louise, came from? Spoiler alert: there’s a royal connection, a rebellious princess, and, of course, some classic Canadian history.
Let me, your trusty travel expert with over a decade of crisscrossing the globe, break it down for you.
1. Meet the Lake of Little Fishes
Before it was known as Lake Louise, this iconic spot had a much more down-to-earth name. The Stoney Nakoda First Nations, who were the original inhabitants of the region, called it “Ho-run-num-nay,” which translates to “Lake of the Little Fishes.” Simple, right? The Indigenous peoples treasured this pristine lake long before it became a magnet for selfies and honeymooners. It was a place of natural abundance and sacred meaning.
Fast forward to 1882, when a bold Canadian explorer named Tom Wilson first laid eyes on the lake (after some enthusiastic local guidance). His reaction? Pretty much the 19th-century equivalent of “Whoa.” Naturally, he named it Emerald Lake—because that water? It’s the kind of blue-green that makes you think someone’s been secretly dumping food coloring into it.
But Emerald Lake wasn’t going to stick. There’s a reason the lake ended up with the name “Lake Louise,” and it involves a little royal family flair.
2. The Princess Behind the Name: Louise, the Rebel Royal
Here’s where things get interesting. The lake was renamed Lake Louise in 1884 to honor Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the daughter of Queen Victoria. But Louise wasn’t your typical prim and proper princess sipping tea in a British palace. Nope, she was a trailblazer—an artist, a passionate advocate for women’s rights, and the type of person who probably would’ve had an Instagram feed full of edgy sketches and candid shots of her dog.
Louise was married to John Campbell, the 9th Duke of Argyll, who served as Canada’s Governor General from 1878 to 1883. The royal pair spent several years in Canada, and Louise fell head over heels for the country’s rugged beauty. Sure, she never actually made it out to the lake named after her (minor details), but that didn’t stop her from leaving her mark on Canada.
And fun fact: Alberta, the province that houses Banff National Park and Lake Louise, was also named after Princess Louise. So she kind of has a monopoly on this whole area.
3. From Royal Recognition to Tourist Hotspot
With a royal name stamped on it, Lake Louise quickly became the crown jewel of the Rockies, especially once the Canadian Pacific Railway decided that this place needed to be seen by the world. The CPR built the original Chateau Lake Louise in 1890—just a modest log cabin at first, but it evolved into the luxurious resort it is today. Suddenly, Lake Louise wasn’t just a remote, beautiful lake; it was a destination for the wealthy, adventurous, and those who wanted to sip champagne while staring at glaciers.
Now, Chateau Lake Louise has become the kind of place where you can channel your inner royal—whether you’re hiking, skiing, or just lounging by the lake pretending you’re Princess Louise herself (minus the tiara).
4. That Unreal Water: A Glacier’s Gift
Let’s talk about that water. It’s not a myth, it’s not a filter—Lake Louise really does have that brilliant turquoise color. And while the royals get some credit for the lake’s fame, the real star of the show is the Victoria Glacier (yep, another nod to the British monarchy), which feeds into the lake. The color comes from something called “rock flour”—tiny particles of glacial silt that get suspended in the water. When sunlight hits it, voilà! Insta-perfect, electric blue water.
If you visit in the summer, the lake is a photographer’s dream. And if you’re there in the winter? The lake freezes over and becomes a magical wonderland where you can ice skate surrounded by towering peaks. Either way, you win.
Pro Tip: Canoeing on Lake Louise is a must. Sure, it’s a bit touristy, but trust me, paddling across that glowing water with the Victoria Glacier looming ahead is an experience that’ll make you forget all the times you’ve scrolled past a picture of it online. Go early in the day for fewer crowds, and definitely rent that canoe. It’s worth it for the bragging rights alone.
5. The Legacy of Princess Louise
Princess Louise never visited the lake that now bears her name, but her influence on Canadian history remains. She helped elevate Canada’s profile during a time when the country was still establishing its identity. By naming one of its most beautiful landmarks after a royal who wasn’t just a figurehead but a progressive, dynamic woman, Canada created a lasting link between the old-world nobility and the wild, untamed beauty of the New World.
So, when you’re standing by Lake Louise, gazing at those perfect waters and maybe wondering if your ancestors were British royalty (because why not?), you’re actually standing in a place rich with history, nature, and a dash of rebellious princess spirit.
Pro Tip: For the best views, take the Lake Agnes Tea House hike. It’s a moderate trek that rewards you with not only epic mountain scenery but also a cozy tea house at the top. Because what better way to channel your inner royal than by sipping tea above one of the most famous lakes in the world?
The Bottom Line
Lake Louise isn’t just another pretty lake—it’s a place with history, royal intrigue, and jaw-dropping beauty that needs to be seen to be believed. Whether you’re a hiker, a skier, or just someone who appreciates a good glacier-fed view, Lake Louise should be on your must-visit list.
Because if it’s good enough to bear the name of a rebellious princess, it’s definitely good enough to be the backdrop for your next adventure.
