Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The "Lake of the small fish" (HO-RUN-NUM-yes in Stoney) was the first name given to the lake, which the natives who settled in the area. On 21 August 1882, christened Tom Wilson, a horse Wrangler / packages for Canadian Pacific Railway, Lake "Emerald Lake" because of its brilliant green color. "Lake Louise" was the third name given to these waters in 1884, in honor of Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. She was the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, but more importantly, the wife of the Marquis of Lorne, Governor General of Canada at the time. Since its initial launch in 1890, Chateau Lake Louise has had numerous facelifts. Changes were made to establish ourselves as a year round international destination resort. Before the hotel was famous for its architecture, had Lake Louise is already established as one of the country's first rock climbing centers. In 1899 imports of Canadian Pacific Railway Swiss guides to begin to develop an extensive trail system, which eventually radiate in the backcountry from the shore of Lake Louise.

A simple, single level log cabin was essentially the extent of the original building in 1890, conceived as a day lodge for visiting climbers.

The fire destroyed this building in 1893, and Canadian Pacific Railway built another wooden chalet in 1894. This second building was a little more extensive, with two bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room. With increased interest in Lake Louise in the course of the 1900s', Canadian Pacific added wood wings of the property, and ultimately, was the painter Wing completed in 1913. Today, this is the oldest part of the Chateau and homes in Victoria dining room.

The tragedy struck once more, July 3, 1924 with a second fire, destroying the entire tree structure of the Chalet. Fortunately, through prompt and effective response by fire and the hotel staff was painter Wing saved. In 1925, it was Barott Wing completed, matching the arrangement of the existing wing and inspiring to change its name to the Chateau Lake Louise. “In 1982 Chateau opened its doors for winter operation, and in 1987, construction of the Glacier Wing was completed. This expansion brought the room base to 520, including meeting rooms.

Restoration of the rooms, public areas, dining areas and the addition of the lobby pavilion and parkade were all a part of the 1986 to 1990 upgrade programs. Approximately 65 million U.S. dollars were spent at Chateau during this time to ensure our guests receive the highest level of comfort and service. Further additions and renovations would follow: 1994 saw the opening of Chateau Deli and in 1997 opened the new Lakeview Lounge. In 1997, the restored The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise's historic mountain guiding program and began offering naturalist led walking programs in backcountry that surrounds the hotel. In 1999, marked the hotel Centennial of the arrival of the first professional mountain guides on rail hotels including Rogers Pass and Lake Louise. This summer-long celebration highlighted the role that Canadian Pacific Hotels has played in the creation of an alpine culture centered in Canada's mountain national parks.

Originally, it was Chateau built and designed to meet the requirements for a summer clientele. In 1982 Chateau had established itself as a year round holiday destination. Today, our customers come from all over the world to experience our fantastic skiing and beautiful scenery. Meeting space at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise doubled to 36,000 square meters, when the 65 million U.S. dollars new Mount Temple Wing, opened in May 2004. Mount Temple Wing is aptly named for its luxurious cathedral-like interior space and as a tribute to the highest peak in Banff National Park. The core of the plant is a 700-seat ballroom with large murals of the surrounding natural areas and drop-down screens. The dramatic and soaring two-storey Heritage Hall is characterized by five large arched windows with handmade stained glass illustrations of key wildlife in Lake Louise: eagle, bear, fish, mountain goat and wolf. The new 200-seat Tom Wilson Dining Room is named after a legendary local explorer and an open theater-style barbecue, a wood-fired pizza oven and a rotisserie grill. The two upper floors of the six-story building is dedicated to 81 new luxury rooms, topping Chateau's total inventory of 550 and offer dramatic views of the turquoise lake and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.