Plan your day: Lake Louise Area Hikes & Experiences
June 24, 2024
Lake Louise is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its iconic turquoise waters, majestic glacial backdrop, and a plethora of activities to enjoy, this area offers something for everyone. Here’s some of our favourite ways to spend time in this amazing place:
Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the serene shore of Lake Louise. This out & back trail provides stunning views on relatively flat & smooth ground, making it accessible for all. With multiple points to stop and admire the view, this is a flexible option where you can hike as little or as much as you wish.
Shorter Adventures - 1 Hour or Less
Lakeshore Trail – 4 km Round Trip, 55 minutes, EasySoak up the atmosphere and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the serene shore of Lake Louise. This out & back trail provides stunning views on relatively flat & smooth ground, making it accessible for all. With multiple points to stop and admire the view, this is a flexible option where you can hike as little or as much as you wish.
Canoe Rental – 30 Minutes to 1 Hour, Easy
A bucket list experience for many visitors to Banff National Park, this is a quintessentially Canadian affair. Visit the Lake Louise Boathouse and chat with the friendly staff before paddling on bright blue glacial waters in a signature red canoe. Do be aware that as this is a popular activity and is first come first serve, there is often a long wait, so check in with staff on the current estimated wait time
Fairview Lookout – 2KM Round Trip, 1hr, Moderately challenging
Follow a forested trail below Fairview Mountain to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Louise below. This trail has an increasing incline throughout, covering 100m of elevation gain over a distance of 1 KM (one way). The view provides a spectacular reward for your efforts and is a great spot for a celebratory photo.
A popular option for many visitors, this trail offers two sub-alpine lakes, lush forest and a charming European tea house that has been serving visitors since 1905. On average it takes hikers 1.5 hours to climb the 385m switchback trail to Lake Agnes, where on arrival you can enjoy a hot cup of tea from over 100 options and a sandwich or sweet treat. We recommend using our 9am Lake Louise shuttle with an extended ticket to have lots of time to enjoy this experience.
A bucket list experience for many visitors to Banff National Park, this is a quintessentially Canadian affair. Visit the Lake Louise Boathouse and chat with the friendly staff before paddling on bright blue glacial waters in a signature red canoe. Do be aware that as this is a popular activity and is first come first serve, there is often a long wait, so check in with staff on the current estimated wait time
Fairview Lookout – 2KM Round Trip, 1hr, Moderately challenging
Follow a forested trail below Fairview Mountain to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Louise below. This trail has an increasing incline throughout, covering 100m of elevation gain over a distance of 1 KM (one way). The view provides a spectacular reward for your efforts and is a great spot for a celebratory photo.
Longer Adventures
Lake Agnes – 7KM Round Trip, 2.5hr to 3hr Round Trip, Moderately ChallengingA popular option for many visitors, this trail offers two sub-alpine lakes, lush forest and a charming European tea house that has been serving visitors since 1905. On average it takes hikers 1.5 hours to climb the 385m switchback trail to Lake Agnes, where on arrival you can enjoy a hot cup of tea from over 100 options and a sandwich or sweet treat. We recommend using our 9am Lake Louise shuttle with an extended ticket to have lots of time to enjoy this experience.
Side trip additions to Lake Agnes- Little Beehive & Big Beehive, 2KM-3.2KM round trip
Two side trip additions to a visit to Lake Agnes are the Beehives, which both offer world-class views over Lake Louise and the surrounding Bow Valley. The Little Beehive is an additional 2KM round trip from Lake Agnes, with around 105m of elevation gain required to reach the former fire lookout. Its sibling the Big Beehive is a more challenging route with a steeper approach covering 135m of elevation gain and a 3.2KM round trip from Lake Agnes. This route covers uneven rocky ground and some exposure so ensure you are well prepared before attempting.
Plain of six glaciers – 10.6 KM round trip, 4hr Round Trip, Moderately Challenging
This scenic hike takes you behind Lake Louise and climbs through lush forests before emerging into alpine meadows where breathtaking glacier views surround you. Towering peaks come closer into view as you gain 365m of elevation to reach the Swiss-style Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, where you can relax and enjoy the hard-earned view. For a longer day hike you can connect the Plain of Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes trails using the High Line Trail which creates a loop of around 5 hours round trip, 14.6km distance and offers many scenic views of the Lake Louise.
Two side trip additions to a visit to Lake Agnes are the Beehives, which both offer world-class views over Lake Louise and the surrounding Bow Valley. The Little Beehive is an additional 2KM round trip from Lake Agnes, with around 105m of elevation gain required to reach the former fire lookout. Its sibling the Big Beehive is a more challenging route with a steeper approach covering 135m of elevation gain and a 3.2KM round trip from Lake Agnes. This route covers uneven rocky ground and some exposure so ensure you are well prepared before attempting.
Plain of six glaciers – 10.6 KM round trip, 4hr Round Trip, Moderately Challenging
This scenic hike takes you behind Lake Louise and climbs through lush forests before emerging into alpine meadows where breathtaking glacier views surround you. Towering peaks come closer into view as you gain 365m of elevation to reach the Swiss-style Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, where you can relax and enjoy the hard-earned view. For a longer day hike you can connect the Plain of Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes trails using the High Line Trail which creates a loop of around 5 hours round trip, 14.6km distance and offers many scenic views of the Lake Louise.
