Ray Legace

Ray Legace was a pioneering outfitter and guide in the Lake Louise area, known for his trail expertise, storytelling, and distinct personality. With his wife Alpha Legace, he bridged the era of early horse-packing with modern park tourism.

Outfitting. Ray ran a classic horse-packing operation based at Lake Louise, guiding guests into the high backcountry for hunting, fishing, and sightseeing. He held the lease and managed Skoki Lodge and Temple Lodge, packing in supplies by horse and overseeing the rustic hospitality of both lodges. The trail from Temple over Deception Pass into the Skoki valley was his “highway”; his pack trains kept the route open for decades. He also managed the staging areas around Corral Creek and the service road up to Temple; effectively opening the backside of the Lake Louise ski area long before it was fully developed.

Sale to the Mickles (1961). Retiring due to health issues, Ray sold his entire outfitting business; including outfitting rights and lodge management; to the Mickle family in 1961. Bert and June Mickle, who had moved from Millarville to take over, continued as Timberline Tours, maintaining the routes and traditions Ray had established.

Mentorship and lore. Ray mentored the “Millarville Mafia”; young horsemen including Don Mickle, Bob Haney, and Keith Foster; who became Park Wardens. He was close with the Woledge family (Jack Woledge was a prominent Warden). Known for his lisp, wicked sense of humour, and endless stories, Ray was a grandfatherly figure to many. The “pork and beans” anecdote; his repetitive, no-nonsense trail menu; became legendary in oral histories. He gave his seal-skin climbing skins to Pat Haney (née Fiddes) when he retired from skiing, a symbolic passing of the torch.