Deep-green Lake Louise, 56km (35 miles) northwest of Banff and surrounded by snowcapped mountains, is one of the most famed beauty spots in a park renowned for its scenery. The village in the valley below the lake has developed into a resort destination in its own right. Lake Louise boasts the largest ski area in Canada and easy hiking access to the remote high country along the Continental Divide.

The lake may be spectacular, but probably as many people wind up the road to Lake Louise to see its most famous resort, the Chateau Lake Louise. Built by the Canadian Pacific Railroad, the Chateau is, along with the Banff Springs Hotel, one of the most celebrated hotels in Canada. More than just a lodging, this storybook castle -- perched a mile high in the Rockies -- is the center of recreation, dining, shopping, and entertainment for the Lake Louise area.

In case you were wondering, there's a reason the water in Lake Louise is so green: The stream water that tumbles into the lake is filled with minerals, ground by the glaciers that hang above the lake. Sunlight refracts off the glacial "flour," creating vivid colors. You'll want to at least stroll around the shore and gawk at the glaciers and the massive Chateau. The gentle Lakeshore Trail follows the northern shore to the end of Lake Louise. If you're looking for more exercise and even better views, continue on the trail as it begins to climb. Now called the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, it passes a teahouse 5km (3 miles) from the Chateau, and is open in summer only, on its way to a tremendous viewpoint over Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise.

Seeing the Sights--The Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Lift (tel. 403/522-3555) offers a 10-minute ride up to the Whitehorn Lodge, midway up the Lake Louise Ski Area. From here, the views of Lake Louise and the mountains along the Continental Divide are magnificent. Hikers can follow one of many trails into alpine meadows, or join a free naturalist-led walk to explore the delicate ecosystem. The restaurant at the Whitehorn Lodge is much better than you'd expect at a ski area, and specially priced ride-and-dine tickets are available for those who would like to have a meal at 2,100m (6,889 ft.); the Canadian barbecue buffet is especially fun. The round-trip costs C$20 (US$14) for adults, C$18 (US$13) for seniors and students, and C$9.95 (US$7.15) for children ages 6 to 15. The lift operates from mid-May to mid-September.

To many visitors, Moraine Lake is even more beautiful than Lake Louise, its more famous twin. Ten spirelike peaks, each over 3,000m (9,842 ft.) high, rise precipitously from the shores of this tiny gem-blue lake. It's an unforgettable sight, and definitely worth the short 13km (8-mile) drive from Lake Louise. A trail follows the lake's north shore to the mountain cliffs. There's a lodge offering meals. If the panorama looks familiar, you may recognize it from the back of a Canadian $20 bill.