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Award Winning Natural Heritage Interpretation Programs

The end of the lift and gondola ride is only the start of the adventure. All lift and gondola visits begin with a pre-ride Visitor Welcome, presented by our Interpretive Services staff. This brief presentation will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit while enlightening visitors about our unique surroundings.

At the top of the lift and gondola Interpretive Programs are available daily, including indoor presentations and themed guided walks. The Wildlife Interpretation Centre is also available for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Programs are conducted by our Interpretive Guides who will lead you through the landscape, following in the footsteps of wildlife and early explorers. Discover the historical significance of this area and explore the natural wonders that have made this area so special in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, a United Nations World Heritage Site. Programs highlight environmental initiatives within Banff National Park and the adaptations both plants and animals have made to survive in this remarkable landscape.

Our interpretive program was awarded "Best Natural Heritage Product/Service" by the Banff Heritage Tourism Bureau in the fall of 2004. This award recognizes excellence in natural heritage education throughout Banff National Park.

Interpretive Centre Programs

Deer and Wolves and Bears, Oh My!
Ever wonder why deer don't eat meat, why wolves do, and why bears have become 90% vegetarian? During this 30-minute presentation you will find the answers to these questions while discovering the important role we can play in helping to ensure their survival.

The Bears Embrace: Coming Full Circle
Come join us on a journey to examine how human views, thoughts and feelings about the grizzly bear in the past have helped to shape the ideals of today. Discover the incredible impacts grizzly populations suffered during a time of fear and how embracing the bear is the only way to ensure this species survival.

Lake Louise….The Making of a Famous Landscape
Interested in learning more about Lake Louise? Then join us on a behind the scenes tour where we will reveal the recipe responsible for the production of this world-renowned scene.

An Unbearable Fate
How does the Park deal with a bear that breaks all the rules? Find out all about a legendary grizzly bear named Skoki, and help determine who really broke the rules in Banff National Park.

Living on the Edge
Life is tough! Who would live in a place with wind chills up to minus 65 degrees Celsius, very little food, and steep rocky slopes? Some living things are so well suited to this harsh environment that they would have a hard time living elsewhere. Find out how these unique creatures have made a living in the sub-alpine region of the Rocky Mountains and how we can help them survive.

Unsung Heroes
The non-migratory birds of Lake Louise. Learn how it takes more than a ski pass to survive the winter at Lake Louise.

*Times: The above programs run at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm. Shows vary day to day. All theatre-style presentations are complimentary with purchase of the gondola ride.

Guided Walks: Trail of the Great Bear

Join us for a moderate, 45 minute walk that addresses a question most of us have while in bear country. "What should I do if I see a bear?" We will learn how to stay safe in bear country while keeping bears safe as well.

Duration: 45 min
Times: Walks are held three times a day 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm
Cost: $5 per person

*Walks are based on a first come first served basis. A minimum of 4 people are required per walk, up to a maximum of 14.

Reservations
There is a maximum of 14 walkers per time slot so we recommend guests arrive early and sign up to reserve a spot once they arrive at Whitehorn Lodge (at the top of the lift/gondola).

Required Preparation
Due to the natural grade of the mountain trails, all participants of guided walks should be of moderate fitness ability and are encouraged to wear proper walking footwear.

Guided Walk Package: Lift, Larches & Lunch

Larch trees at the Lake Louise Summer Gondola Fall is a beautiful time in the Canadian Rockies with golden larches and smaller crowds. Discover why fall is so special with our "Guides Eye View" guided walk.

Learn about the larch tree and what makes it a unique species of evergreen, what physical and behavioural changes animals go through at this time of year, how plants and wildlife begin to adapt for the upcoming winter, and more.

Package includes: Lift, buffet lunch or breakfast, and a 1.5 hour guided walk
Duration: 1.5 hours
Times: Available September 1 to October 2, 2011 on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays at 11:30 a.m.

*Guided walks begin at the Wildlife Interpretation Centre.

Adult Packages

Lift, breakfast & guided walk	$29.50
Lift, lunch & guided walk	$33.25

*Kids packages available. Prices do not include 5% GST. Offer expires October 2, 2011.

Reservations
Book this package today by calling 1-877-956-8473 or by visiting our ticket counter before 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays or Mondays!

Required Preparation
Due to the natural grade of the mountain trails, all participants of guided walks should be of moderate fitness ability and are encouraged to wear proper walking footwear.

Hiking Trails

Unescorted hiking is restricted to areas on the upper mountain only, and we strongly recommend hiking in groups of 4 or more people.

*Ask our friendly Interpretive Guides for details on Hiking Trails on the upper mountain.

Lift, Larches & Lunch Package!

Lift, Larches & Lunch - Guided walk package

Fall is a beautiful time in the Canadian Rockies with golden larches and smaller crowds. Discover why fall is so special with our "Guides Eye View" walk.

Home of the Grizzly Bear

As the grass turns green and new berries begin to flourish, one of the most powerful creatures will begin to roam in search of food. The grassy slopes below the gondola offer lush, rich vegetation for these incredible creatures. Is it any wonder that each summer the grizzly returns? Each year bears emerge from hibernation and call these alpine meadows their home. The Lake Louise Sightseeing Lift, Gondola & Interpretive Centre is committed to providing a protected environment for bears, and an educational and safe opportunity for guests to experience the natural beauty and wonder of this magnificent place!

Click here to view our Grizzly Bear & Wildlife Sightings Calendar.

Disabled Traveler's Accessibility Info

It is our goal to assist individuals with disabilities to access, and enjoy all features, and facilities at the Lake Louise Gondola. Please see what we offer.

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