In 1882, guided by a Stoney Indian, Tom Wilson became the first white man to discover what native Indians called "Lake of Little Fishes". He named his discovery Emerald Lake, but it was later changed by the Geographic Board to Lake Louise in honor of Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, 4th daughter of Queen Victoria.

Lake Louise with its blue-green water set against the stark backdrop of Victoria Glacier, is possibly the most beloved and most photographed scene in the Canadian Rockies. Lake Louise is 5,680 feet above sea level. Melting glacier silt creates the striking turquoise color of the lake and keeps it at a frigid temperature year-round making swimming is impossible.