Lake Louise is a stunning alpine lake located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. It is famous for its surreal turquoise waters. These waters are fed by Victoria Glacier. It’s surrounded by towering peaks like Mount Victoria and Mount Whyte, making it one of the most iconic and photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies
Lake Louise is packed with unforgettable experiences—whether you’re chasing adventure, serenity, or postcard-perfect views. Here’s a curated list of must-do activities based on top-rated local spots:
- 🏨 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- 🛶 Explore Lake Louise Lake shore
- 🥾 Hike Fairview Lookout
- 🥾 Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House
- Additional Stops- Big and Little Beehive
- Alternative way to reach Lake Agnes and the tea house- Horse Back riding
- 🥾 Hike to The Plain of Six Glaciers and the Tea House
🏨 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Stay or visit this iconic lakeside hotel for luxury, history, and unbeatable views. Try a cocktail class or indulge in afternoon high tea overlooking the lake
The Fairmont Château Lake Louise began as a one-story log cabin with two bedrooms in 1890. Since then, it has transformed into a grand five-star hotel with a European alpine style. It attracts royalty, celebrities, and guests from around the world, serving as a luxury destination for adventurers and romantics. The hotel offers 539 rooms and 7 restaurants. You don’t need to stay at the hotel to enjoy the property, which features a beautiful garden. Afternoon high tea is popular and can be booked here. You can also have lunch or dinner at one of the on-site restaurants. We got coffee from one of the restaurants and sat in one of the many rocking chairs in the garden and appreciated the million-dollar view.
🛶 Explore Lake Louise Lake shore
- Rent a canoe and paddle across the turquoise waters
- Walk the Lakeshore Trail for easy access to stunning vistas
You can rent a canoe at Lake Louise from the Fairmont Chateau’s Boathouse. Rentals run daily from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM during the summer season.
Rental Information
- Location: Canoe rentals are available at the Boathouse. It is located on the west shore of Lake Louise. The Boathouse is operated by Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
- Rental Rates:
- For the Public: $170 CAD per hour / $160 CAD for a half-hour (+ tax).
- For Hotel Guests: $110 CAD per hour / $100 CAD for a half-hour (+ tax).
- Voyageur Canoe Experience: $70 CAD per adult and $30 CAD for youth for hotel guests. For non-hotel guests, it is $85 CAD per adult and $40 CAD for youth.
- Capacity: Each canoe can accommodate up to three adults or two adults and two small children (under 55 lbs each). At least one person in the canoe must be 16 or older to rent.
Important Details
- Reservations: Canoes are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, so reservations are not accepted. Expect longer wait times during peak summer months.
- Hours of Operation: Typically open from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with hours varying based on seasonal conditions. Confirm current hours before your visit, as they change throughout the summer
Special Experiences
- Sunrise Canoe Experience: Guests of the Fairmont can enjoy a unique sunrise canoe experience. This allows for a quieter paddle before the crowds arrive. Reservations for this need booking by 10 PM the day before.
- Guided Group Canoeing: The Voyageur Canoe Experience allows guests to paddle in a larger canoe with a guide. The guide shares local history and wildlife information.
🥾 Hike Fairview Lookout
- Short hike with a big payoff: elevated views of Lake Louise and the Chateau. This was suggested to us by our Radventures and turned out to be one of our favorite hikes.
Trail overview
Trail Length: ~2 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~170 meters
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Duration: 30–60 minutes
🌲 What to Expect
The trail starts near the Lake Louise lake shore and winds through a dense forest. Ends at a wooden viewing platform perched above the lake, offering postcard-perfect views of the turquoise waters and surrounding peaks. This hike is excellent for families. It is also perfect if you are short on time. You can still get a view of the hotel and lake from a vantage point.
🥾 Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House
You’re in for a classic Banff adventure! Starting at Lake Louise, you’ll be greeted by its surreal turquoise waters backed by Victoria Glacier and the towering peaks of Mount Victoria and Mount Whyte. From there, the hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House is a scenic and rewarding journey. The Lake Agnes hike is a picturesque and moderately challenging trek in Banff National Park. It leads to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House and offers stunning views of alpine scenery.
🚶♂️ Lake Agnes Tea House Hike Highlights
- Trailhead: Begins at Lake Louise lakeshore
- Distance: ~7.6 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~433 m
- Duration: 2–4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Season: June to mid-October (when the tea house is open)
🌄 What You’ll Experience
You’ll follow a well-maintained path that gradually ascends through lush forests and alongside beautiful lakes.
- First Stop – Mirror Lake: After 1.7 km, you’ll come across Mirror Lake, a great place to rest with views of the Big Beehive mountain above.
Second Stop – Waterfall: Just before the final ascent through the stairs, there is a small waterfall.
Third Stop- Lake Agnes
Continuing on, the stairs lead to Lake Agnes, where the iconic tea house awaits. The location of the Tea house couldn’t be any better, and it has been operational since 1901. The tea hose serves various types of teas and baked goods. It is a charming little place to rest and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds it.
🍵 Lake Agnes Tea House
- Built in 1901, serving over 100 types of loose-leaf tea, homemade soups, and fresh baked goods
- Open daily 8 am–5 pm, cash preferred (CAD or USD)
- No electricity or running water—staff hike supplies up daily!
🧠 Pro Tips
- Arrive early to beat the crowds and snag a seat at the tea house
- Bring cash, layers, and bear spray
- Use restrooms at Lake Louise before starting—there are only two composting toilets at the top
Additional Stops– Big and Little Beehive
- Fork in the Trail: At Mirror Lake, hikers have a decision to make. They can detour to the Little Beehive. Alternatively, they can continue to Lake Agnes. It’s suggested to go to Lake Agnes first, then tackle the Little Beehive as an extension. We were too tired to do little beehive and skipped it.
- From Lake Agnes to Big Beehive: After visiting the tea house, continue along Lake Agnes. Then, take the ascent via switchbacks to reach the Big Beehive summit. The view of both Lake Agnes and Lake Louie is incredible from Big Beehive. We did not make it to big Beehive
Alternative way to reach Lake Agnes and the tea house– Horse Back riding
Horseback riding to Lake Agnes is another choice if you want to try horseback riding. It’s a great way to reach Lake Agnes if you can’t hike. You can check out the options here.
Booking and Requirements
- Rider Requirements: Most ride operators require riders to be at least 8 years old. Riders must also be of a minimum height, usually around 52 inches. Weight limits might apply (commonly 250 lbs)
- Booking: Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. Various tour operators like Brewster Adventures offer different horseback riding packages. These include the Lake Agnes ride. There are options to combine it with other trails such as the Plain of Six Glaciers.
- Make sure to check the schedule for departure times. Typically, rides to Lake Agnes are offered around 9:00 am and 1:00 pm, but it is best to confirm directly with the tour operators
🥾 Hike to The Plain of Six Glaciers and the Tea House
Another iconic hike around Lake Louise is in the Plain of the Six Glaciers. Just like Lake Agnes hike, there is a historical Tea house that awaits at the top.
Overview of the Hike
- Distance: Approximately 9 miles (14.6 km) out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: About 1,900 feet (588 meters)
- Estimated Duration: 4 – 6 hours, depending on pace and resting time 3.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with a gradual incline and some challenging rocky segments, particularly near the glaciers
Trail Highlights
- Start your hike at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, walking along the scenic Lake Louise shoreline trail. This relatively flat section provides breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- After about 2.5 miles( 4 Km), the trail transitions from the lakeside boardwalk to a more rugged path. It climbs through a forested area into an open amphitheater. This amphitheater is filled with glacial features.
- The hike culminates at the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. This charming establishment dates back to 1927 and has no electricity. It serves light meals and beverages. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of glaciers and the surrounding peaks while taking a break at the tea house. Remember to bring cash, as it is the preferred method of payment.
- For those wanting to extend their hike, a short trail leads to the Abbot Pass viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of multiple glaciers
Peaks to Palaces 