Stories From the Trails: Chateau Lake Louise Uses Data For Good

You might have heard about Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s Green Key Global Certification or noticed their elimination of single use plastics across the resort. But did you know the hotel’s commercial commitments within the destination see it work closely with Parks Canada on the collection of data from the surrounding ecosystem to ensure the landscape thrives?

Canoeing and Hiking for Data

For over 20 years, the hotel has been a key contributor to Parks Canada’s No Net Negative Environmental Impact (NNNEI) initiative. This comprehensive environmental monitoring program involves collecting and reporting data annually to Parks Canada in conjunction with the hotel’s own sustainability efforts.

Being located at the heart of a National Park and UNESCO site, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise takes its place as an ambassador for environmental protection seriously, and this longstanding relationship with Parks Canada underscores its tenured commitment to sustainability, ensuring travelers and guests from around the world can continue to enjoy the pristine lake for generations to come.

Patrick Jones, Regional Director of Sustainability for Fairmont’s Canadian Western Mountain Region, has personally managed this program for the past five years. His field work goes beyond simply numbers and graphs; out there canoeing, hiking, and connecting with the environment.

Patrick’s field sampling work entails many components, including water sampling, a comprehensively test to verify the lake’s purity. Hydrology & climate reports are also collated, while every five years, environmental consultants come to assess the health of local fish stocks through a non-invasive test called electrofishing.

“We’re the environmental stewards of Lake Louise; the lucky few who get the opportunity to live and work here”, says Patrick. “Of course, part of that responsibility entails involvement in the maintenance efforts of this incredible landscape for generations to come and enjoy. ”Once the necessary data is collected over the summer months, Patrick begins collating a report to then share with Parks Canada.

This data helps inform decisions about things like trail usage while creating opportunities for partners to work together. For example, Parks Canada advised Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to avoid promoting Ross Lake Trail as it had become an environmentally sensitive area due to popularity. This resulted in reduced foot traffic thereby allowing the trail to regenerate.

The data has also helped reduce utility usage. Since all water for hotel use is derived from the lake itself, it's important to mindfully limit how much is used. Before 2003, the hotel often approached its annual water use limit. Since then, water consumption has been cut in half thanks to sub-metering, repairing leaks, as well as other larger and smaller initiatives undertaken by the hotel.

Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Hotel

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s dedication within the sustainability space makes a positive impact not only on the environment, but also on the guest experience.

“We are incredibly proud to continue building on the legacy and positive impact that Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has cultivated in sustainable hospitality over the past three decades” Patrick shared.

Patrick says the entire team works diligently behind the scenes to make sure guests have a sustainable experience. The hotel is proud of their Green Key Global Certification, which it has held for over 20 consecutive years. This certificate is the top standard for excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry.

By maintaining this balance between luxury hospitality and environmental responsibility, ‘the Chateau’ ensures that visitors from around the world can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Louise while knowing that their presence supports sustainable practices. As Patrick aptly put it, “Why wouldn’t you want to preserve this incredible place?”

Learn more about sustainability at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Sustainability Commitment

Stories from the Trails is a series sharing learning, success, and insights, from our members and partners as we journey together towards the 10-Year Vision for Tourism. This story embodies the Smart Tourism and Nature Positive and Climate Action Trail.

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Share your story! What initiatives are happening in your business or organization that support our shared vision for tourism? Email us! members@banfflakelouise.com