BANFF NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 137

The Fairview Dining Room (6pm-9pm daily, $35-46) has a lot more than just a fair
view. As the château's signature dining room, it enjoys the best views and offers the most
elegant setting.
INFORMATION AND SERVICES
Information
Lake Louise Visitor Centre (403/522-3833, 8am-8pm daily mid-June-Aug., 8am-6pm
daily mid-May-mid-June and Sept., 9am-4pm daily the rest of the year) is beside Samson
Mall on Village Road. This excellent Parks Canada facility has interpretive exhibits, slide
and video displays, and staff on hand to answer questions, recommend hikes suited to your
ability, and issue camping passes to those heading out into the backcountry. Look for the
stuffed (literally) female grizzly and read her fascinating, but sad, story.
Services
A small postal outlet in Samson Mall also serves as a bus depot and car rental agency. Al-
though Lake Louise has no banks, there's a currency exchange in the Fairmont Chateau
Lake Louise and a cash machine in the grocery store. The mall also holds a busy laundry
(8am-8pm daily in summer, shorter hours the rest of the year). Camping supplies and bike
rentals are available from Wilson Mountain Sports (403/522-3636).
The closest hospital is in Banff (403/762-2222). For the local RCMP, call 403/
522-3811.
GETTING THERE
Calgary International Airport is the closest airport to Lake Louise. Brewster (403/
762-6767 or 800/760-6934, www.brewster.ca ) and Banff Airporter (403/762-3330 or
888/449-2901, www.banffairporter.com ) offer at least a couple of shuttles per day that con-
tinue beyond Banff to Lake Louise from the airport. All charge around the same: $70 each
way, with a slight round-trip discount.
Greyhound (403/522-3870) leaves the Calgary bus depot (877 Greyhound Way SW)
five times daily for Lake Louise. The fare is less than that charged by Brewster, and the
Banff-Lake Louise portion only is around $15. From Vancouver, it's a 13-hour ride to Lake
Louise aboard the Greyhound bus.