Will and Kate Choose Lake Louise for Private Getaway

Ever since the announcement that newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would visit Alberta as part of their royal tour of Canada, speculation has been rife regarding where in the province they would visit. Set in the spectacular Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park was always a strong contender for the royal couple’s itinerary, and indeed on the night of July 6 they chose to spend some private time at Skoki Lodge, a historic backcountry lodge and hiking mecca in the pristine alpine wilderness of Banff National Park, close to Lake Louise ski area.
While some rumours suggested that the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or the Post Hotel might be the accommodation of choice for Will and Kate, part of Skoki’s appeal was undoubtedly the secluded location, being an 11 km hike, mostly uphill, from the nearest road. Prince William and Kate Middleton were able to fly in by helicopter, which must have been an awe-inspiring journey over the Canadian Rockies, on what was a beautiful clear blue sky day in the Banff and Lake Louise area.
Shortly after lunchtime July 7, the couple travelled by helicopter from Skoki Lodge to the Lake Louise ski area where they were able to freshen up and change before their onward journey to Calgary International Airport where, according to the Government of Canada’s website for the Royal Tour, their official duties were due to resume at 4.30pm.
Charlie Locke, who with his wife Louise, owns both Skoki Lodge and Lake Louise Ski Area, said about the visit: “We believe we met their expectations with respect to providing the type of getaway they were looking for and that they enjoyed their time here. We hope that they will visit again.”