Sleigh Bells in Lake Louise

About
What It Is
Sleigh Bells in Lake Louise is a horse-drawn sleigh ride operation run by Brewster Adventures at the lakefront beside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, within Banff National Park, Alberta [1]. The experience is built around traditionally styled sleighs pulled by large draft horses, offering guests a guided circuit of the Lake Louise area in winter conditions [1]. The operation runs seasonally and caters to families, couples, and groups of various sizes [1].
Activities & Experiences
Guests ride in upholstered sleighs fitted with blankets, drawn by draft horses that can weigh up to 2,600 lbs and stand as tall as 17 hands [1]. Daytime rides offer views of the Victoria Glacier and ice falls, while evening departures provide views of the illuminated Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise against a starlit sky [1]. A private two-seater cutter is available separately for couples seeking a more intimate outing, suited to occasions such as engagements, anniversaries, or weddings [1]. Group bookings can accommodate up to 48 people per hour across multiple sleighs [1].
Practical Access
All rides depart from the lakefront at the Chateau Lake Louise, approximately 45 minutes west of the Banff townsite [1]. Free parking is available at the Brewster stables [1]. The season runs mid-December through early April, subject to weather and snow cover [1]. Rides last approximately 45 to 60 minutes and depart on the hour; Monday to Friday departures are at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 7:00 pm, with additional morning slots on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays [1]. Guests must arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled departure to check in and sign waivers; boarding closes approximately 10 minutes before departure [1]. Advance reservations are recommended, and are particularly important during the Christmas period and Valentine's Day weekend when extended hours are also offered [1].
As of the 2026-2027 season, regular-season adult fares are CAD 85.00, children aged 4 to 12 are CAD 85.00, and infants aged 3 and under ride free [1]. During holiday periods (December 15 to January 3, February 12 to 15, and March 26 to 29) adult fares rise to CAD 95.00 [1]. A private sleigh seating up to 12 costs CAD 1,300 per hour; the private two-seater cutter is CAD 700 per hour in the regular season and CAD 750 per hour during holiday periods [1].
Restrictions
All guests must sign an indemnity waiver before departing; waivers must be witnessed by a Brewster Mountain Pack Trains employee and require a complete mailing address and signature [1]. For guests under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign the waiver [1]. No refunds are given and date or time changes are not permitted if a guest misses their ride [1]. Evening rides are not offered after the final 4:00 pm Sunday departure, except during designated holiday periods [1].
What Makes It Distinctive
The operation departs directly from the lakefront at the Chateau Lake Louise, placing riders within the immediate landscape of the lake and glacier rather than at a remote staging area [1]. The availability of both shared and fully private sleigh formats, including the two-seater cutter, means the experience can be tailored from a large family outing to an intimate private occasion [1]. Evening departures add a second character to the experience, distinct from daytime glacier views, by framing the ride around the lit facade of the Chateau and open night sky [1].
Sources
- Season: December–March
- Typical duration: 1h
Access & fees
- adult holiday rate
- adult regular season
- child (4–12) rate
- infant (3 and under)
- private cutter holiday
- private cutter regular
- private sleigh group
Things to do
- evening starlit ride
- horse-drawn sleigh ride
- private cutter ride
- private group sleigh
Amenities
- blankets and upholstered seats
- free parking
Best time to visit
- winter season
Events & seasons
- extended holiday hours
Features
- draft horse team
- victoria glacier views
Nearby
- fairmont chateau lake louise
Good to know
- advance reservations recommended
- arrive 30 min early
- drive time from banff
- groups up to 48 per hour
- waiver required; no guardian note