Hiking Lake Louise – 6 Incredible Hikes You Don’t Want to Miss!
Hiking Lake Louise
Lake Louise is an iconic place to visit when travelling in Alberta. Not only is it one of the most photographed places in Canada, but it also has some of the most popular hiking trails for families. The turquoise waters, snow-capped mountains, and phenomenal viewpoints make hiking Lake Louise a definite bucket list item.
What is Lake Louise?
Lake Louise is one of the world’s most photographed glacial lakes. It is fed by Victoria Glacier on Mount Victoria, which rises above the western end of the lake.
The incredible turquoise colour of Lake Louise is due to the light filtering through the rock flour which is deposited by the surrounding glaciers. The colour is usually at its most vibrant between late July and August.
The lake sits at an elevation of 1,731 meters above sea level. It is relatively small, stretching 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long and about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) wide at its broadest point. The lake reaches a surprising depth of more than 220 feet (70 meters).
Where is Lake Louise?
Lake Louise is located in Banff National Park. You will find it just a short distance away from Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Village.
Banff National Park is not only Canada’s first National Park, but it is also part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Keep in mind, that you will need a parks pass from Parks Canada to visit.
Distances to Lake Louise
- Banff to Lake Louise Distance: 57 km or 37 minutes
- Canmore to Lake Louise Distance: 84 km or 1 hour 7 minutes
- Calgary to Lake Louise Distance: 185 km or 2 hours 9 minutes
- Jasper to Lake Louise Distance: 233 Km or 2 hours 48 minutes
How Do You Get to Lake Louise?
Driving
If you are thinking of driving to Lake Louise, you will need to plan ahead! Lake Louise is quite popular, and as a result, the parking lots fill up pretty quickly during the peak season.
Lake Louise is located just outside of the village of Lake Louise in Banff National Park. And the village of Lake Louise is conveniently located just off the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1).
Once you have arrived in the village, the signs to Lake Louise are fairly easy to follow. Just continue along Lake Louise Drive, past Moraine Lake Road, until you see the signs for the Chateau Lake Louise.
New paid parking is in effect for the 2021 season, from June to mid-October. A valid parking permit is required between 7 am and 7 pm for all vehicles in the Lake Louise Lakeshore public parking lot.
Look for pay stations when you arrive at Lake Louise. The fee is $11.70 per vehicle per day. You will need to input your license plate number into the pay kiosk.
You cannot park overnight at Lake Louise Lakeshore.
Shuttle Buses
The easiest way to get to Lake Louise would be to take the shuttle buses. For the 2021 Season, the shuttles run every 20 minutes between 8 am and 6:20 pm, from the Park & Ride (just off the TransCanada Highway) to Lake Louise Lakeshore.
The cost is $8 per adult and $2 per youth. You will need to pre-book your shuttle time online prior to arrival, as reservations are required. A $3 reservation fee will also be added to your order.
Once at Lake Louise Lakeshore, you can connect between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on a first come first serve basis, via the Lake Connector shuttle.
Taking Public Transit
If you happen to be staying in Banff (or right in the Lake Louise area), another option to get around is to take public transportation. Roam Transit offers express buses from Banff to Lake Louise (with a quick stop in front of the Samson Mall).
The route will take approximately an hour and will cost $10 per adult (one way). You can pay your fare on the bus, however, you will need exact change.
When is the Best Time for Hiking Lake Louise?
The best time to visit Lake Louise is between late June and early to mid-September, as the lake doesn’t usually thaw until early June.
The Lake sits at a relatively high altitude, so much of the snow at the peaks won’t melt until at least July. This makes hiking Lake Louise far more challenging before early summer.
The Lake Agnes Tea House opens in early June. But keep in mind, you can’t get any higher because of avalanche risk.
Lake Agnes doesn’t generally even thaw until early June either!
Wondering What to Pack?
Easy Lake Louise Hikes for Families
We loved exploring Lake Louise on foot. Banff National Park truly is an incredible place to experience, and hiking should be on everyone’s bucket list! Here are 6 of the most well-known Lake Louise hikes that are family-friendly:
1. Lake Louise Shoreline Trail
- Length: 4 km return
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 0 meters
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Time To Go: All Year, Summer Months Best
One of the easiest trails, and a family favourite when hiking Lake Louise, is the Shoreline Trail. The trail is completely level, accessible, and ideal for those who are just looking for a relaxing stroll along the lake.
This trail is an in-and-out hike, beginning in front of the Chateau Lake Louise. And the views of the lake and the glaciers from this short walk are amazing.
Be prepared for crowds of people at the beginning of this trail. The good news is, the further away you get from the hotel, the thinner the crowds are.
2. Fairview Lookout
- Length: 2.4 km return
- Duration: 1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 165 meters
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Best Time To Go: June – October
The Fairview Lookout trail is a short hike that provides great views over Lake Louise. The trail is quieter, less strenuous, with a smaller elevation gain than the popular Lake Agnes Teahouse hike.
This trail is perfect for a quick hike if you are on a tight schedule, or if you have younger kids in tow.
The trail provides impressive views of the historic Chateau Lake Louise Hotel. Just keep in mind, the views on the way up are not great as the trail is forested.
Once you reach the lookout platform at the top, however, the incredible view that you find is definitely worth the effort it took to get there.
3. Lake Agnes Tea House Hike
- Length: 7.6 km return
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 433 meters
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Best Time To Go: All Year, Summer Months Best
One of the most popular hikes in the Lake Louise area is the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail. Not only are the views of a hanging lake set against soaring peaks amazing but being able to stop in for a cup of tea and a bite to eat at the scenic teahouse, makes the experience perfect!
The trail starts right in front of the Chateau Lake Louise and is popular with families because it is wide and pretty even.
But be forewarned, not only is it a bit of a challenging trail, as it is a constant uphill hike, it is also VERY popular. Expect crowds during the peak season!
About 800 meters before you reach the teahouse, you’ll come across Mirror Lake. This is a great spot to have a rest before the final push to the teahouse.
Serving visitors since 1905, you will find an extensive tea menu, a variety of hot food, washrooms, a patio area, picnic tables, and benches with spectacular views of Lake Agnes and the surrounding mountains (Mount Niblock and Mount Whyte).
4. Little Beehive Hike
- Length: 9.0 km return
- Duration: 2 – 4 hours
- Elevation Gain: 535 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time To Go: June – October
The Little Beehive is a 2 km (round trip) continuation of the Lake Agnes Hike. And despite its name, the Little Beehive is not much smaller than the Big Beehive.
That being said, the Little Beehive hike is slightly easier and sees fewer hikers. The trail offers beautiful views over Lake Louise as well as Mount Fairview.
You can access the Little Beehive Trail from the Lake Agnes Tea House. It’s a really nice hike, not too difficult, with some epic views.
5. Big Beehive Hike
- Length: 10.3 km return
- Duration: 2 – 4 hours
- Elevation Gain: 647 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time To Go: June – October
The Big Beehive is a popular addition to the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike. The trail begins at the Lake Agnes Tea House.
From there, you will traverse a series of steep switchbacks. You will then reach the top of the Big Beehive and an easy stroll along the ridge to the picnic shelter at the end.
The Big Beehive is the large bulwark of rock that towers above Lake Agnes. From the top of the Beehive, you will find stunning views out over Lake Louise and down the Bow River Valley.
In fact, if you find the right spot, it’s possible to see both Lake Louise and Mirror Lake at the same time. You can also snap the iconic photo of Lake Agnes with the tea house at the far end.
The top of the Big Beehive is where you can take some of the most Instagrammable photos in Banff National Park!
6. Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
- Length: 13.8 km return
- Duration: 3 – 5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 487 meters
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time To Go: June – October
This is one of the most incredible trails you will find when hiking Lake Louise. With gorgeous views of the lake, a visit to the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, and an amazing finish at the Abbot Pass viewpoint, this hike really has everything you need to make your trek to Lake Louise memorable.
The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail starts along the Shoreline Trail. This easy walk takes you along the beach and into the forest at the far end of Lake Louise. From here, it is a steady climb up to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse.
The hike was not incredibly difficult, but there are some tricky spots on the trail where you need to pay attention to your footing.
Once you reach the Tea House, be sure to relax with a cup of tea and a fresh-baked goodie. You can either turn around at this point or continue onward for roughly another 1.5 kilometres, where you will find even more epic views.
This path is a little more tricky. You will be hiking along a lateral moraine until you arrive at the Abbot Pass viewpoint. This little trek adds an extra 50 meters of elevation and will take approximately a one-hour round trip from the tea house.
Although we did see young children on this hike, this addition isn’t very family-friendly. The path is extremely narrow, with drop-offs on either side. It can also get quite windy.
Tips For Hiking Lake Louise
Just like with any other hike, there are a few things to consider when heading to Lake Louise. A little advance planning will help make your hike a positive experience for the whole family.
First and foremost, you should always let someone know that you are heading out for a hike. Let them know where you will be hiking and your expected return time.
Even though the trails are well marked and travelled, you just never know when you may get lost or injured – especially if you are attempting one of the longer trails. And cell service in the area is non-existent!
Clothing
Make sure that you are wearing comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes. We recommend hiking boots for most of these trails, as the terrain is uneven. We would also recommend hiking poles for extra stability.
Wear a comfortable backpack! If you plan on hiking for several hours, you will need a well-fitted backpack to carry all your gear. It will need to be big enough to carry all your essentials, while at the same time, not being so heavy that it gets to be too much.
Make sure to pack extra layers of clothing. The weather tends to be unpredictable in the mountains and can change very quickly.
Packing enough water, as well as some food and snacks is also important, especially when hiking with kids. We make sure to pack reusable water bottles and snacks that the kids enjoy.
This is especially important for those times when they begin to get ‘hangry’ or need that extra treat to get them through the hike.
And of course, this should go without saying. Make sure you pack out everything you bring on your hike. There are garbage cans conveniently located near the trailhead.
Lastly, make sure you have sunscreen and bug spray with you, as well as a basic first-aid kit in case of small mishaps. When we hike with kids, we never leave home without!
Things to Know Before You Go – Hiking Lake Louise
Lake Louise Parking Can Be a Problem
As we mentioned earlier, Lake Louise is very popular and therefore parking can be a problem. Your best bet is to arrive as early as possible to secure a parking space, or to visit much later in the day.
And if all else fails, you will need to take a shuttle bus. If it is not peak season during peak times, you should be able to jump online and book your spot on the shuttle, without having to wait for too long before your departure.
During peak times, however, all bets are off as these seats book up very quickly and often days in advance.
You Need a Parks Canada Pass
If you will be entering Banff National Park during your trip to Alberta, you will need to purchase a Parks Canada Pass. This applies to visiting Lake Louise.
Passes can be purchased online through the Parks Canada website. They can also be purchased at the Lake Louise Visitor’s Center located at Samson Mall in Lake Louise Village.
Be Mindful of Wildlife
Banff National Park is bear country. Be aware and alert while you’re hiking!
Our best advice is to hike in groups and carry bear spray. We also attached Bear Bells to our backpacks, which help to alert wildlife of our presence.
Of course, if you are hiking in the summer months, you will also need to be aware of the ticks and large mosquitos you will encounter on the trails. The worst times are between early July and mid-August. Make sure you spray plenty of repellent to avoid nasty bites.
Garbage Bins are Bear Proof
All garbage bins in Lake Louise are “bear-proof” because they are located in a national park. Why is this important to know?
It’s actually funny that many people attempting to open a bear-proof bin, think that it is locked! Unfortunately, these same people end up throwing their garbage on the floor.
Make it a point to learn how to open the bins. It helps to keep Canada’s gorgeous national parks clean!
Be Mindful of Smoke
Anytime you are travelling in the mountains during late summer and early fall, there is a risk of wildfires. And unfortunately, Banff National Park is no exception.
The smoke from the fires will not only obscure the amazing views but may cause difficulty in breathing when you are hiking. Something to keep in mind, especially if you have any health conditions such as asthma.
Limited Facilities at Lake Louise
Food
If you are looking to purchase food or drinks at Lake Louise, your options will be limited. There are a few places in Lake Louise Village and Samson Mall that serve food, but they tend to be pricey.
The Trailhead Café is a small cafe located inside Samson Mall. They are open pretty early, so are an excellent option to grab a bite before heading out onto the hiking trails.
We all ordered breakfast wraps and coffee. They were delicious! The large wraps were customizable and pretty filling. They were the perfect start to our day!
You can also find a very small supermarket in Samson Mall. You will find all the basics there, but again, it will be pricey.
Once you are at the Lake, you can head inside the Fairmont Lake Louise Hotel for some dining options.
You can also purchase food from either the Lake Agnes Tea House or the Plain of 6 Glaciers Tea House. Of course, both Tea Houses require a hike to reach them first!
Restrooms
A word of advice – there are public restrooms in the same strip mall as the Trailhead Café. Use them! They were clean and well-kept, and were definitely better than the ones we found at the lake.
Lake Louise does have restrooms available. These can be found right next to the parking lot. Expect a wait as there are plenty of visitors during the day.
You will also find restrooms at both Tea Houses. These are outhouses, and chances are, there will be a line to use them.
Other Things to Do at Lake Louise
Although hiking and photography tend to be what most people visit Lake Louise for, there are other things you can do there!
Renting a canoe or paddleboarding at the lake is also quite popular. Canoes can be rented from the Fairmont Lake Louise Boathouse, although it is a little on the expensive side. You will need to provide your own SUPs, however.
Many people also wonder whether you are allowed to swim at Lake Louise. Technically yes, you can swim at Lake Louise.
But considering the water temperature rarely gets above 4°C, you will only have about 15 minutes or so until you start to become hypothermic!
Where to Stay in Lake Louise
After a long day of hiking, you really don’t want to spend more time driving to get back to your hotel. Lake Louise has several hotels right in the village, that range in price to suit any budget.
There are several other hotel options available in Banff National Park. These hotels are also within easy walking distance of the Park and Ride Connector. This shuttle bus leaves from Lake Louise Village and has stops at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
- Mountaineer Lodge: This is the closest hotel to the Lake Louise Village, and is very family-friendly.
- Lake Louise Inn: This Lake Louise hotel is also budget- and family-friendly.
- Post Hotel and Spa: One of the higher-end hotels in Banff National Park, but very family-friendly.
- Chateau Lake Louise: A luxury hotel located right on the shore of Lake Louise.
Final Thoughts on Hiking Lake Louise with Kids
There are several other Lake Louise hikes that we have not included in this list, as we feel they would be too difficult for the average family with kids. We would also recommend that you set aside a full day to take advantage of all that Lake Louise has to offer.
All in all, Lake Louise is a wonderful place to go hiking with the family. With a little advance planning and plenty of energy, you will be able to cross off hiking Lake Louise from your bucket list!
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- Is the Banff Gondola Worth it?
- The Amazing Lake Agnes Tea House Hike – Tips and Information
- The Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Plain of Six Glaciers at Lake Louise
- Hiking Lake Louise – 6 Incredible Hikes You Don’t Want to Miss!
- The Best Moraine Lake Hikes for Families
- Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata in Banff – Why Your Family NEEDS to Try This!
- 11 Incredible Things to Do in Banff with Kids
