Lake Louise Samson Mall
Accessible Visitor Centre and Shops Near Famous Mountain Lake
Lake Louise's Samson Mall is an easy roadside service stop on the TransCanada Highway. Wheelchair accessible washrooms are available at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre.
Lake Louise is a Lake and a Village
World famous for its beautiful blue-green water and stunning setting, Lake Louise is one of Canada's most famous tourist stops.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel stands at the end of Lake Louise gazing at the mountains beyond. The whole thing is quite a fairy-tale picture.
Lake Louise and the Fairmont Lake Louise hotel are above the village of Lake Louise, Alberta. For tourists passing through the area in need of supplies and a rest stop, there is no need to come into the village nor to go up to the lake.
Services Available Near the TransCanada Highway at Lake Louise
The TransCanada Highway links Calgary and Vancouver. When driving through from east to west (Calgary to Vancouver), the road bypasses the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise. While services are available in both places, the easier choice is to stop at the Samson Mall at the Lake Louise junction, rather than driving further into the village.
Samson Mall is on the left side of the highway (for travellers going west). Exit from the TransCanada Highway for Lake Louise village, and enter the large parking lot for Samson Mall after crossing the railroad tracks.
Wheelchair Accessible Services for Travellers at Samson Mall
Samson Mall has parking for passenger vehicles, and space for RVs, with one warning. Lake Louise is very popular during the summer (July, August especially) and occasionally the parking lot fills up. At such times, alternate plans might be necessary.
The mall is outdoors, with each shop having its own entrance from the parking lot. There are gift shops, a bakery, a grocery, restaurants, and a very good bookstore with a wide selection of titles, including many of local and regional interest.
There is a gas station between the mall and the TransCanada Highway.
There are toilets at the mall and also at the Parks Canada Information Centre adjacent to the mall, reached by a short walk. The Parks Canada building, including the washrooms, is wheelchair accessible.
Other Stops Near Lake Louise on the TransCanada Highway
Banff is about 55 kilometres east of Lake Louise. The town offers all services. As with Lake Louise, Banff can be very busy during July and August especially.
Canmore is outside Banff National Park, about 76 kilometres east of Lake Louise. There is a service road parallel to the TransCanada Highway on the south side of the road, with gas stations and restaurants. The town has all services.
Heading west from Lake Louise, Field, B.C. is the next small town with services. Travelling west, Field is on the left hand side and may be a little difficult to turn into if the traffic is heavy in the oncoming direction. At such times, during the peak summer months, the public washrooms located in the national parks (Banff and Yoho) may be an easier alternative. Watch for roadside signs.
Information About Travelling in the National Park
Driving the TransCanada Highway from Calgary to Vancouver includes travelling through some of Canada's national parks, starting with Banff National Park. Visitors who plan to stop in the parks at all (even just for a rest stop) are supposed to buy a park permit. Information about travel in the parks is available from the staff at the Banff Park Gate, in the drive-through lanes where the permits are sold. There are Parks Canada visitor centres in both Banff and Lake Louise.
