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Dog sledding is a great way for the whole family to explore the interior of the Lake Louise area in Banff National Park. -- Photo by Phil Raby

Skiing, dog sledding and spending time with your family in a cozy loft apartment, complete with a fireplace. Sound like the perfect way to enjoy a winter getaway?

Well, toss in the fact that you can do all this in one of the most beautiful places on earth and you have found a winning combination for a family holiday.

Nestled in the spectacular Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Lake Louise Inn is the launching point to great activities in the Lake Louise region.

The original inhabitants of Lake Louise were the Stoney natives who referred to the area as the Lake of the Little Fishes.

After its discovery by non-natives in the late 1800s, it became known as Lake Louise in honour of Queen Victoria's daughter, the Princess Louise.

Lake Louise Inn is a mountain resort with a variety of room styles to suit any type of vacationer, including families. Two-story suites with full kitchens, fireplaces and two bathrooms are perfect for the larger family. Included with all the amenities is a beautiful view of the pristine forest.

Don't be surprised to see deer slowly trekking through the snow when you look out the window.

The inn also has three restaurants, and although all are family oriented, kids will probably best enjoy the Timberwolf Pizza & Pasta Cafe where perennial family favourites are served up daily from 4:00 p.m. until late in the evening. Free room delivery is also offered.

If parents want to spend a quiet dinner together, the inn can happily arrange that by keeping the kids (ages 6 and older) busy Saturday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

An outdoor gazebo is the perfect place to enjoy toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate after building snow castles and snowmen on the inn grounds.

Speaking of snow, a ten-minute drive from the inn brings you to the world-renowned Lake Louise Mountain Resort. Considered the jewel of Canadian skiing, this resort offers 113 runs, including beginner slopes right up to the most extreme double-diamonds.

With a vertical rise of almost one kilometre, be prepared for some heart-stopping moments as you ski or snowboard while taking in the panoramic mountain vista.

Four guest lodges, a children's ski program and a daycare/nursery on the grounds are other amenities that can be found at the resort.

"Who let the dogs out" may be a tune ringing in your head as you approach the Kingmik Dog Sledding tour pick-up location, just a five-minute drive from Lake Louise Inn. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by 60, very excited Alaskan Huskies barking in a chorus of excitement.

With a vertical climb of almost one kilometre, Lake Louise Mountain Resort is a favourite among ski buffs around the world. -- Photo by Phil Raby

But don't expect to see large Malamutes or Siberian Huskies pulling these sleds. Alaskan Huskies are smaller dogs with shorter coats and they come in all sorts of colours.

They are considered mutts because they aren't recognized as a proper breed. But make no mistake, these are the true sled dogs known for their resilience and speed. In fact, these dogs are the only racers in the grueling Iditarod, a 1,900-kilometre dog sled race through the Alaskan wilderness.

Despite their barking and boisterous manner, the dogs with Kingmik tours are friendly and love to be petted. Once you're in a sled, be prepared to be whisked through a wintry wonderland at speeds that can reach 35 kilometres an hour.

For more information on Lake Louise Inn package specials (including skiing and dogsledding tours), go to lakelouiseinn.com.

The easiest way to get to Lake Louise is to fly into Calgary. From there it is a scenic two-hour drive into the mountains to Lake Louise Inn.

It's a long way to the top of Lake Louise Mountain Resort and a thigh burning ride back down. -- Photo by Phil Raby

Westjet has non-stop flights into Calgary from all of Canada's major cities and from some in the U.S. Most of the fleet is equipped with a unique feature, live seatback televisions. As well, be prepared to be spoiled while onboard. Westjet staff are very customer-service oriented and some will even sing for flyers!

For more information on flights and prices: www.westjet.com

Travel writer A.P. Rodrigues can be contacted through R + R Creative

One of the beautiful vistas to be found along the Icefield Parkway in the Lake Louise area of Banff National Park. -- Photo by Phil Raby