Have you ever been to a hotel that feels as if the surrounding landscape has been sculpted especially for the hotel guests? Well, this is the feeling you get when you visit the magnificent Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, in the heart of Canada's oldest national park, set deep in the Rocky Mountains. The hotel sits at one end of the stunning Lake Louise, so magnificently blue you'll think that you've stepped into a picture perfect alpine world. The site was used in the film Doctor Zhivago. Some say the Fairmont dominates this otherwise deserted lake a little too much, but there is no denying that those guests lucky enough, as l was, to have a lake view from their room will remember it forever. I can only imagine the magic of this location at Christmas.
Every year in winter the lake freezes over and an ice rink is formed in front of the hotel. It's a magical place to take a skate. On the turn into the severely cold weather, the visibility into the lake is so clear you can see several metres down. In the warmer months, as well as taking advantage of the canoeing on the lake (highly recommended, but get there early before the tourists arrive) there are numerous hikes for all abilities in the surrounding mountains and it is a well-known spot for rock climbers. All of these activities can be arranged from the comfort of the hotel.
After your exertions the hotel makes a perfect place to relax in. Whether you want to browse the in-hotel upmarket shops, head to the luxurious spa, or enjoy an afternoon drink, the Fairmont has thought of everything. The short drive to Moraine Lake is definitely worth the trip for some incredible views of yet another perfect lake, backed by snow-capped mountains at one end, a beautiful alpine forest at the other. I even spotted a wild black bear on the road between the two lakes.
The village of Lake Louise has a cluster of hotels on the way up to Fairmont Chateau, and the lake itself, but other than those there are not many shops and restaurants in the surrounding area. It's definitely handy, therefore, that there are eight places to choose to eat in at the Fairmont itself. Try the Swiss-style food at Walliser Stube, with its cheese and meat fondues, or enjoy a sandwich or a salad at the Lakeview Lounge.
No wonder Kate and William are rumoured to be visiting during their honeymoon...
The Fairmont Lake Louise, 111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada T0L 1E0 (403 522 3511; fairmont.com/lakelouise) Room rates start from £171 per room per night.
