Travel to the pristine shores of Lake Louise.

Stunning Lake Louise – just typing its name instantly brings a smile to my face.

This picturesque Canadian wonder has adorned postcards and travel brochure covers from the early 1900s and has been a ‘bucket-list’ destination of mine for decades.

Last month, I finally got to walk its shoreline and take in the enormity and spectacle of this natural marvel.

Just as impressive as the scenery around me was the imposing presence of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise– an iconic hotel steeped in elegance and history – and also our home for two nights.

But, as I pulled back the curtains of our room (ready to take in the shimmering turquoise-green waters), I encountered one minor problem.

Turning to my wife I said, “I think there’s something wrong with the lake”.

“Why? What?” she inquired nervously.

“They haven’t defrosted it yet.” I have no doubt the turquoise-green waters were there, it’s just they were shimmering under a solid sheet of ice – the spring thaw

had yet to arrive.

But far from being disappointed, the frosty landscape lent itself to a completely new experience… if the weather allowed.

The concierge of the hotel told me that rain had bucketed down the day prior and even more was expected.

But, amazingly, it never came.

At worst, sunny skies would cloud over momentarily before returning to a pristine blue. My wife and I immediately hit the trails.

Towering mountains soared above, but their gorgeous snowcaps had no bearing on the weather and I walked the winding pathway that bordered the lake in a tee-shirt. It was paradise.

Our ramble saw us pass visitors from every corner of the globe – Germans, French, Japanese and way too many Aussies (our accent isn’t hard to miss).

It seemed Lake Louise was on a great number of bucket lists.

I didn’t need to ask why.