Guest Manual

Front Desk Services

The front desk is open from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.   If you have an after-hours emergency, please contact the Manager, this number can be found in your room on the NON SMOKING sign. If you are arriving for check in after 9:30pm, please include your arrival time in your reservation notes, or contact the front desk team with your arrival time. If you have early morning plans and need to depart before 8:00am, on the day of your check out, please visit the front desk the night prior.

Check-In and Check-Out

Check-In time is 4:00 PM.  This gives us time to ensure that your room meets our excellent standards before you settle in.  Check-Out time is 11:00 AM.

Baggage

If you require assistance with your baggage, please notify the front desk staff. We will happily assist you.

Keys

You may keep your key until check-out time, upon which you may either leave the key in the room or return it to the front desk.  For early departures before the office opens, we have a Key Drop Box located beside the front door of the office.

Parking

You will receive a guest hotel parking pass upon check in. Each unit has a designated parking spot for one standard sized vehicle.  Extra guest parking is available beside the Front Lodge and does require a guest hotel parking pass once the vehicle is registered at the front desk.  As parking onsite is for guests only, please also register all vehicles with the front desk.  Oversized vehicles, vehicles with trailers and recreational vehicles must also park in this area.  Please provide the office with your visitor’s car make and model, and license plate number as parking is for guest use only. The maximum height for all vehicles is 8 ft.

BBQ Facilities

We do have a guest BBQ on site. It is located near the cabins and does require a reservation to use. Please visit the front desk to reserve a time slot for the BBQ.

Why reserve? When you reserve the BBQ we clean the BBQ before and after each guest use. We will also turn it on for you, so that its hot and ready to go. We do provide BBQ tongs and spatula for you to use while you BBQ. Please no personal BBQ’s, campfire, stoves or fryers. 

Valuables

Each unit has a safe for guests to keep their valuables during their stay.

Internet

Wi-Fi is available in your unit and all throughout the property. Upon check-in, access codes for the wireless internet can be collected at the Front Desk. Each password is valid for one device only. If you require additional access codes, they can be purchased at the front desk for $10.00 per code.

Phone Calls/Messages

For total relaxation without disturbances, we have chosen not to install phones in guest rooms.  Calls may be made from the phone at the front desk during office hours for reservations or booking activities.  Should anyone need to contact you, they can call the front desk and we will be happy to take a message for you.  You are welcome to check at the office if you are expecting a message; otherwise, it will be delivered to your room as soon as possible.  Lake Louise does have cell phone coverage. You will need to contact your provider regarding your plan and additional charges you may incur.

Faxes, Photocopies & Printing

Faxes may be sent from the front office.  The front desk staff will advise you of the current rates for toll charges.  Faxes may also be received at a charge of $1.50 per page.  The fax number for Paradise Lodge is 403-522-3987.  If you need items photocopied, leave your material at the front desk.  The cost for photocopying is $0.50 per page, maximum 10 pages.

If you need to print a document, there is a guest computer located in the library that is equipped with a printer. You are also welcome to use this computer if you did not bring your own wireless device; however, it is intended for business purposes.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping service is provided daily between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:30 pm. If you have chosen to place the “Privacy Please” bear/moose on your door, housekeeping WILL NOT service your room.  You will need to remove the “Privacy Please” bear/moose before 3:00 pm in order to receive service.  The housekeepers will replenish the coffee, granola bars and oatmeal, change your towels, vacuum and tidy your room each day.  If you are staying more than one night, bed linens will be changed every 3rd day of your stay.  If you require extra items please notify the Front Desk Staff.  Extra items are available at the office or can be delivered to your room by our Housekeeping Staff.

Mattresses & Playpens

If a mattress or playpen is needed, please check with the front desk for availability and pricing. Please note, extra bedding such as mattress’s and play pens are not available in cabin unites due to the pot bellied gas fire place. Please call for inquiries.

 Ice

If you need ice for your room, there are trays located in the freezer of your fridge.  If you require extra ice, please notify the front desk staff during office hours and we can happily provide you with a bucket of ice.  Bagged ice for coolers may be purchased in the Village at the Village Market and Petro Canada gas station.

Laundry

There is a coin laundry located on the property in the building adjacent to the Front Office (Please see map on page 17 for exact location).  Operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.  We have 4 washing machines and 4 dryers, and you can also purchase laundry detergent in the laundry room as well. Coins can be exchanged in the office.  There is also an iron and ironing board in the laundry room for your convenience.  The washing machines are $3.00 per load, the dryer is $1.50 CDN per load, soap and dryer sheets can be purchased for $1.00 each in the laundry room. The laundry machines take 1 dollar coins and quarters (0.25 cent coins).

Recyclables

Any container that you can drink out of can be recycled. We are happy to accept the following containers for recycling: liquor, beer or wine bottles, pop or beer cans, juice and water bottles or cans. We also recycle juice boxes in both the small and large size and milk jugs. Please note that we cannot recycle glass food jars, newspaper, or cardboard in Lake Louise. We thank you for your participation in keeping our property and the National Park green. If you have any recyclable, please leave them in your room beside the garbage can and housekeeping will collect them.

Voltage/Power Outage

Should a power outage occur, please be patient. These issues are completely out of our control.  Remember, outages can be quite romantic or allow you to spend extra time with your friends and family.

Non-Smoking Policy

All of our rooms and guest balconies are non-smoking. You may smoke outside, please use the designated smoking areas. Any room that has been smoked in, or smells excessively of smoke, will be issued a $300.00 additional cleaning fee. Smoking outside of the designated smoking areas is prohibited.  Cannabis is prohibited on property, smoking cannabis on property will result in a $300.00 fine.

 Guests & Noise Policy

Abusive language or behavior towards any staff/management member will NOT be tolerated and guests exhibiting such behavior will be asked to leave without refund.

You are welcome to have your guests visit with you until 11:00pm. After that time, only registered guests will be allowed on the property. Loud noise, which may disturb other guests’ between the hours of 11:00pm and 7:00am WILL NOT be tolerated.  If Management receives a noise complaint arising from undue and excessive noise during these times, Paradise Lodge will charge a $300.00 noise fine to the offending parties.

Excessive Wear

Any damage beyond normal wear and tear, including: dirty dishes, carpet/floor stains, interior wall damage, and appliance repairs arising from improper use including window cover damage, permanent linen damage, stains, breakage and theft will be noted on departure and charged to the credit card on file.  A minimum $100.00 charge will be billed to credit card on file and increases will be applied according to damage.                                                      

Television

Available Channels are:

1-1	NBC W	5-2	TSN1	96-1	DISCOVERY
1-2	CNN	6-1	ABC-W	96-1	PBS
1-3	CBS-W	6-2	CBC NW	97-1	A&E
4-1	GLOBAL CALGARY	6-3	HGTV	97-2	FOOD
4-2	CTV CALGARY	95-1	WGN	97-3	GOLF
4-3	CBC CALGARY	95-2	E!	98-1	WEATHER
5-1	FOX-W	95-3	TLC

If you are experiencing technical difficulties please report them to the office.

Employees 

Most of our staff members are gaining life experience by travelling and learning about Canada.  They come from all over Canada and the world to learn new skills, complete internships and acquire enough funds to travel and/or continue their education.  They appreciate encouragement for a job well done!

 Compliments or Complaints

We at Paradise Lodge & Bungalows aim to provide the best service possible for our guests and strive to make your stay with us enjoyable.  We find suggestions for improvement valuable and should you have a problem, please come to the office so we may correct it quickly and efficiently.  We will attempt to find a solution if it is within our power, however we will not tolerate rude or abusive conduct to any of our staff members.  We would also like to know if any of our staff have done something positive worth remembering.  If you have had good service, we would like to relay that message to the appropriate people.  Co-operation among all of us here at Paradise leads to a better guest experience; we truly hope you have a very memorable stay with us!

Lost and Found

Paradise Lodge is not responsible for any personal items left behind on departure. If any items are found, we will hold them for 2 weeks after departure.  If you discover that you have forgotten something, please contact us and with a description of the item and we will do our best to locate it and return it to you. You are welcome to pick up the item in person, otherwise we will ship it to you; we will require a valid credit card number to which we will charge the cost of postage.

Banks and ATMs

The Alberta Treasury Branch is located in Experience Lake Louise at Samson Mall.  Their hours are as follows; Monday-Friday 9:00AM-1:00PM and 2:00PM-4:00PM. Other major Canadian bank outlets are located in the town of Banff and are also equipped with A.T.M. machines. (Hours may change without notice).

There are A.T.M. machines located at Samson Mall in the Village Market, Experience Lake Louise, and The Lake Louise Liquor Store.  You can also find them at the Petro Canada, the lobby at the Lake Louise Inn, and on the lower floor of the Chateau Lake Louise by the Poppy Brasserie.

Exchange Rates

Paradise Lodge & Bungalows will accept American currency at par.  Using a credit card will automatically give you the bank rate of the previous day. You can

exchange currency at the Alberta Treasury Branch in Experience Lake Louise.

 Doctors and Hospitals

Lake Louise is not large enough to have a hospital.  However, there is a walk-in Medical Clinic located in the Village beside the Husky Gas Station (see WHERE Magazine for Map of Village).  The phone number for the Clinic is 403- 522-2184.  A physician can be contacted for after-hours emergencies by pager at 403-762-7026.  For a life threatening emergency, please call 911.  Emergency vehicles can be dispatched from the nearest available location.  The nearest hospital is the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital located in Banff, 45 minutes east.  The Hospital Emergency phone number is 403-762-2222.  Please contact our office for information about walk-in clinics in Banff.

Police, Park Wardens & Fire Services

The R.C.M.P. and Park Wardens work closely together to ensure the safety of visitors to Banff National Park.  The R.C.M.P. has a detachment in Lake Louise located in the Village on Village Road adjacent to the Petro Canada Gas Station (see WHERE Magazine for Map of Village).  The phone number for the local R.C.M.P. is 403-522-3811, and the Park Wardens’ phone number is 1-888-927-3367.  If you see a fire involving buildings please call the Lake Louise Fire Department using 911.  If you see a fire in any of the wilderness areas, please contact the Wardens’ Office at 1-888-927-3367.

 

Activities in Lake Louise

Gondola and Chair Lift Rides

Just a short drive from the lake itself, you’ll find an authentic slice of the Lake Louise region, without the need to wait for the crowds to disperse before getting that mountain-drop selfie.  Soar above and breathe in the wonder.  At Lake Louise Summer Gondola, prepare for never-ending stretches of alpine vistas as far as the eye can see, on-hand expert guides and know-how on our wilder neighbours, fine dining at elevation, and perhaps even a big-footed resident wandering in the valley below…

Hiking

Lake Louise has some of the best hiking trails in Canada.  There are a wide variety of trails for hikers of all levels.  Many of the hikes originate from the base of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake area and there are also trails that connect the two lakes.  Mountain weather can change drastically within minutes, so please be prepared and carry proper clothing for mountain hiking.  When hiking with small children, take plenty of water and snacks.  Try to keep them interested with songs, jokes, and lots of stops to look at the vegetation and wildlife.  Maps and books on hiking in the area are for sale at the front desk and we will also recommend hikes that we have enjoyed and found challenging.  Guided hikes are offered by the Parks Service and individual companies in the area.  Please contact the Village Visitors Centre at 403-522-2708 for the most up to date trail information.

Guided Hikes

Great Divide Nature Interpretation offers scheduled hikes daily at great prices.  Taking a guided hike allows visitor to see and learn about many places they would not normally visit.  Hikes are available for all abilities.  Please contact our office for booking information or call them directly at 403-522-2735.

 White Water Rafting

Wild Water Adventures offers one of the best rafting services in the Park.  They provide half-day rafting trips with coffee and snacks and will pick you up and drop you off at the front office.  Clothing for all types of weather is provided.  Their new facilities allow you to change in a warm, dry area, purchase souvenirs and other items to remind you of your excellent and memorable experience. For reservations call 403- 522-2211 or come to the front desk where we will be happy to call for you.

Biking

Wilson Mountains Sports in Samson Mall provides bike rentals on an hourly and daily basis.  Please check with their shop for current rates.  Biking trails are limited and remember; what goes up must come down!  Biking in the mountains gives a whole new meaning to the word “uphill”!  Don’t forget your helmet!

Fishing

Fishing opportunities are abundant in Banff National Park.  Rainbow Trout, Whitefish, and Lake Trout can be caught here.  A Banff National Park Fishing Permit is required to fish within the Park boundaries and may be obtained from the Lake Louise Information Centre.  Guided trips are also available within the Park.  Before heading out please check with the Lake Louise Visitor Centre regarding restricted areas.

Horseback Riding

Both Brewster Stables and Timberline Tours offer horseback riding on an hourly, ½ hour, full day or overnight pack excursion basis.  All rides in the park are guided and brochures for each company are located in the office.

Golf Courses

Spectacular scenery and challenging day or evening golf is available at many courses in the area.  The most renowned course is at the Banff Springs Hotel and you must have advanced reservations.  Please call the Banff Springs to reserve at 403-762-2211, ask about their rates for Canadian Residents.  There are also several golf courses in Canmore, one hour east of Lake Louise including Silvertip Golf Course, which has amazing views and many elevated holes.  Golden BC, offers a challenging course, located one hour west of Lake Louise and is probably one of the best-kept secrets in the area.

Tennis Courts

Public tennis courts are located at the Recreation Centre in the Village at the end of Village Road.  You must supply your own equipment.

Kindness Kills Wildness

Although it may be cute and fun to feed the wildlife, please refrain from doing so. Feeding or approaching animals too closely causes them to lose their natural fear of people.  Once habituated, animals are likely to become increasingly aggressive.  Feeding may also:

• Attract animals to roadside areas where they can be injured or killed by vehicles.
• Influence animals to eat garbage and harmful substances as they eat almost anything that smells of food.
• Affect your individual health. Animals can be carriers of rabies and tick-related diseases, to name a few, both of which can have immediate or long term consequences.

While viewing the local wildlife, please:

• the behaviors of a species before attempting to approach them
• Avoid approaching breeding or nesting animals, or those raising their young, as they are especially vulnerable at these times
• Do not approach young or baby animals – for their safety and yours!
• Do not feed the wildlife! This can cause animals to become dependent on humans for food, and can cause disease/death for both the animal and people involved
• Avoid walking on vegetation; doing so damages the natural flora that animals depend on for food.
• Respect the rules of protected areas
• Respect closed areas, trails and roads – they are closed for a reason!

Remember, we are guests in a wildlife habitat!

[1] http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/conserve/wildviewing_part2.pdf

 Animal Jams

Visitors are often unintentionally responsible for the death of roadside wildlife.  If people get too close, animals can react aggressively.  When public safety is threatened, wildlife may have to be euthanized.  If you come across a traffic jam caused by roadside wildlife:

• Slow down. You have more reaction time when you travel slowly. Be aware of traffic, both in front of and behind you.
• Watch the road. Both wildlife and people, particularly children, may suddenly run out onto the road.
• Keep moving. Accept that in heavy traffic situations your passengers may get a quick look, but you may not. When traveling along the Trans Canada Highway, stop only for emergencies.
• Pull over onto the road shoulder only if it is safe to do so. Never stop in the middle of the road close to a hill, curve, or tunnel or in heavy traffic. Do not drive off the hardened road surface.
• Please remain in your vehicle, safe from both wildlife and traffic. Move on after a few moments.

 

History of Lake Louise

On August 21, 1882, a young trailblazer named Tom Wilson was the first white man to set eyes on Lake Louise.  The native people had known this area for years and had named the body of water “Lake of Little Fishes”, because the water was so cold, the fish in the lake didn’t (and still don’t) get the chance to grow very large.

Wilson and several native guides had set up camp in the Bow Valley, where the Village of Lake Louise is now located.  They were awoken by the sound of thunder coming from the peaks above.  This aroused Wilson’s curiosity and his guides led him to a brilliantly coloured lake.  When he saw the stunning beauty of the lake and its’ sparkling emerald colour, he immediately renamed it Emerald Lake.  The lake was once again renamed Lake Louise, in 1884, to honour the daughter of Queen Victoria, Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. Currently, just outside the Alberta border another emerald coloured lake, also named by Wilson, is known as Emerald Lake.

The Canadian Pacific Railway, being the main access into Lake Louise, could see the vast opportunity in bringing wealthy visitors to the area and sought to develop the first hotel property on Lake Louise.  Visitors arrived at Laggan Station (now the Lake Louise Station Restaurant) by rail, sometimes in their private rail cars, and were transported to the hotel via the tramline shuttle service.  The tramline was a smaller railed car, which was gasoline powered, travelling from the Lake Louise Station to the lake itself.  The tramline shuttle made as many as 30 round trips each day during the busy summer seasons in the late 1920’s.  The tramline was rendered obsolete in 1930 by the arrival of the automobile, but it is still used as a popular hiking and biking trail today.

 

 

Hiking History

Canadian Pacific brought many early prospectors, scientists and tourists to the area.  In 1896, when a Boston lawyer, Philip Stanley Abbot, fell to his death while climbing Mount Lefroy near Lake Louise, the interest in American mountain climbing peaked.  Professional Swiss guides were then hired and came to the mountains to assist the affluent tourists in the ascents of the great Canadian Rockies.

One of the most prominent Swiss guides in the area was Edward Feuz, who was also a great friend of the previous owner of Paradise Bungalows, Erling Pedersen.  Edward could easily attract a crowd as he stood by the fireplace in the lobby of Paradise, telling of his adventures climbing the many peaks of the Rockies.  Guests gathered in the lobby to hear his many exciting tales.  When he was 80 years old, Edward took Erling up Mount Temple but they did not complete the ascent due to poor mountain weather.  Erling noted that even at Edward’s ripe age he was a nimble as a mountain goat and hopped from ledge to ledge.  His hiking rope is mounted in the front lobby and it is a privilege to have his memorabilia as part of Paradise’s heritage.

Members of the Feuz family were the most celebrated of the Swiss guides.  Between five members of the Feuz family, 130 first ascents were led in the Rockies, Purcells, and Selkirks.  The five peaks of Mount Lyell, west of Saskatchewan River Crossing, were named in honour of the five Swiss guides in 1972.

 

 

Tidbits About Lake Louise

• The temperature of the Lake during the year averages from one degree Celsius (33.8°F) to five degrees Celsius (41°F).
• The altitude of Lake Louise is 1731 metres (5,680 feet) above sea level.
• The dimensions of Lake Louise are 2.4 kilometres long by 1.2 kilometres wide (1½ miles x ¾ mile) and 83 metres (273 feet) deep.
• The Victoria Glacier is, as the crow flies, 9.6 kilometres (6 miles) from the Chateau Lake Louise.
• The upper glacier is 60 to 90 metres (200 to 300 feet) in depth, while the lower glacier is 122 to 152 metres (400 to 500 feet) in depth.
• Lake Agnes is located 4 kilometres (2½ miles) above the Chateau Lake Louise at an altitude of 2,098 metres (6,885 feet), accessible by horseback or hiking. On the shores of Lake Agnes is a teahouse built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1908. Now privately owned, the teahouse was restored in 1981.
• A second teahouse is located at the Plain of Six Glaciers, 6.4 kilometres (4 miles) from the Chateau Lake Louise at an altitude of 2,011 metres (6,600 feet), constructed in 1925 by the Canadian Pacific Railway. The trailhead begins at the back of the lake and is also accessible by horseback or hike.