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 impossible.
Lake Louise and Victoria
Glacier
