(19 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Rene Wagenaar

Merrill, WI
Wisconsin Travel Agent Expert

I believe that life is much more fulfilling if you have your next adventure to look forward to! No matter what age you are or budget you are working with, I can help you plan an amazing memory maker of a vacation. Many of my core memories have com...
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Lake Louise/Banff Travel Agent Specialist

My exploration of Canada's nature has been a journey of discovery, offering breathtaking vistas, thrilling adventures, and moments of peace in some of the most beautiful settings on Earth. I have enjoyed time in the Rocky Mountains of Banff National Park, taken in the beauty of the coast from cruise ships, and the serenity of camping around the Great Lakes. I can't wait for my next adventure that Canada has to offer and I would love to assist you plan yours as well!


Lake Louise, located in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, is known for its stunning turquoise waters, surrounding mountain scenery, and year-round outdoor activities. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip to Lake Louise:Top Attractions Lake Louise:Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: A luxury hotel offering breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.Lake Louise Shoreline Trail: A scenic walk along the edge of the lake with stunning views and photo opportunities.Lake Louise Gondola:Ride to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and possibly spot wildlife like grizzly bears.Moraine Lake:Another beautiful glacially-fed lake with vibrant blue waters, located a short drive from Lake Louise.Bow Valley Parkway:A scenic drive with numerous pullouts and viewpoints, perfect for wildlife spotting and photography.Icefields Parkway:One of the most scenic drives in the world, connecting Lake Louise to Jasper, with stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains.ActivitiesHiking:Plain of Six Glaciers Trail: A challenging hike with rewarding views of glaciers and a teahouse.Lake Agnes Tea House Hike: A moderate hike to a charming teahouse overlooking Lake Agnes.Big Beehive: A hike that offers a bird’s-eye view of Lake Louise.Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley: Known for its spectacular larch trees in the fall.Canoeing:Rent a canoe and paddle on the serene waters of Lake Louise or Moraine Lake.Wildlife Viewing:Spot grizzly bears, black bears, elk, and other wildlife in the surrounding areas.Photography:Capture the stunning landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light is most dramatic.Winter Sports:Skiing and Snowboarding: Lake Louise Ski Resort offers world-class skiing and snowboarding.Ice Skating: Skate on the frozen surface of Lake Louise in the winter.Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: Explore the winter wonderland on designated trails.Practical Tips Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to September) for hiking, canoeing, and vibrant lake colors; Winter (December to March) for skiing, ice skating, and snow activities.Getting There: The nearest major airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC), about a 2-hour drive from Lake Louise.Transportation: Renting a car is recommended for exploring the area at your own pace. Shuttle services are available for Moraine Lake.Accommodation: Book well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Options range from luxury hotels like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to budget-friendly hostels and lodges.Park Pass: A valid national park pass is required for entry into Banff National Park.Must-Try Foods Alberta Beef: Enjoy a steak dinner featuring locally sourced Alberta beef.Bison and Elk: Try dishes featuring these local game meats.Maple Treats: Indulge in maple-flavored candies, syrups, and desserts.Canadian Craft Beer: Sample local brews from Alberta’s craft breweries.Unique Experiences Guided Tours: Consider taking guided tours for in-depth knowledge about the area’s geology, wildlife, and history.Helicopter Tours: Get a bird’s-eye view of the Rockies and glaciers from a helicopter.Spa and Wellness: Relax at the spa facilities available at luxury hotels like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.If you have specific interests or need more detailed information about visiting Lake Louise, feel free to ask!  

My Reviews

3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Expert at family travel
Rene has planned our family trips for as long as I can remember. She is great at finding unique experiences at every location. She has booked flights, train trips and a cruise for us. She has also planned out several road trips by car, has booked countless hotels, resorts and campgrounds throughout 13 larger trips and a ton of weekend getaways as well. I will continue to appreciate her planning skills in the years to come!
By  Parker  from  Merrill, Wisconsin
Traveled to  Wisconsin ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Amazing trip!
Rene planned us an amazing Amtrak rail pass trip to visit several East coast states. She did a great job planning unique experiences at each stop in nine different states. Her attention to detail is fantastic and made for amazing memories!
By  Gary   from  Merrill, WI
Traveled to  Maine ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful
High school field trip made easy!
Rene planned travel and activities for a high school trip to Milwaukee I was apart of with 30+ high schoolers. The kids loved the Immersive Monet exhibit as did I. Rene is great at planning travel for large groups, I highly recommend!
By  Molly  from  Merrill, Wisconsin
Traveled to  Milwaukee ~ Wisconsin ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Father's day retreat
Rene booked a resort for us at Lily Lake in Wisconsin to celebrate Fathers Day. Rene does a great job with attention to detail when planning trips, and I certainly will have great memories of this trip including an ice cream excursion with my granddaughter.
By  jw  from  Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Traveled to  Wisconsin ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great East Train Trip
Rene is awesome at finding those neat, commonly missed stops and activities even on the simplest of trips. On a train trip out East, lots of planning was done not only to organize train departures and arrivals, but also nearby places to see and visit - most within walking distance of the train station. Rene found unique and memorable places to stay as well like independently owned inns and not just the common brand name roadside hotel. It was truly a trip to remember for a long time.
By  Tim W  from  Merrill, WI
Traveled to  USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Lake Louise
  • Banff
  • Calgary
  • Alberta
  • Jasper

Travel Specialist:

  • Skiing & Winter Sports
  • Hiking & Backpacking
  • Canoeing & Rafting
  • Luxury Hotels
  • Photography

Industry Affiliations:

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