Can you see Lake Louise from the top?

Yes. Lake Louise can be seen from the upper area of the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola on Whitehorn Mountain, but it looks very different from the classic view at the lakeshore.

From Whitehorn Mountain, you're looking across the Bow Valley toward Lake Louise, with the lake appearing as a brilliant turquoise feature tucked between the surrounding mountains. Because you're viewing it from a considerable distance and elevation, the lake appears smaller than you might expect, but the broader landscape is much more expansive.

Behind the lake rises the dramatic Mount Victoria and Victoria Glacier area, creating the recognizable mountain backdrop associated with Lake Louise. From this side of the valley, however, you get to see the lake, glacier, mountains, forests, and valley as parts of one enormous landscape.

Some of the best views are found around the upper-mountain viewpoints and hiking areas. Moving away from the immediate lift area can provide different angles and more open sightlines.

Whitehorn Bistro is also known for its elevated outlook toward the Lake Louise side of the valley, making it possible to enjoy the scenery while having lunch or relaxing on the mountain.

Binoculars or a telephoto lens are useful because Lake Louise is several kilometres away. A telephoto lens can compress the scene beautifully, making the turquoise lake, surrounding peaks, and Victoria Glacier appear much more prominent.

The view is therefore very different from standing beside Lake Louise. At the lakeshore, the lake dominates the foreground. From Whitehorn Mountain, Lake Louise becomes part of a vast panoramic Rocky Mountain landscape, which is one of the most distinctive views offered by the sightseeing gondola. Book the Banff Sunshine Village Sightseeing Gondola & Standish ChairliftBooking the Banff Sunshine Village Sightseeing Gondola & Standish Chairlift Admission includes All taxes, fees and handling charges. Banff Gondola Home