Lake Louise Hikes: Your Guide to the Best Trails in Banff
Master the best Lake Louise hikes with our local guide to massive glaciers, hidden canyons, and historic alpine tea houses.
Lake Louise is a global mecca for hikers. You will find trails leading to electric blue water and peaks that touch the clouds. Mountaineer Lodge is your essential starting point for every rugged adventure.
Who are these hikes best for?
These trails are perfect for Adventure-seeking couples looking for a romantic summit view. Families who love to get outside will find magic in the hidden canyons and waterfalls. Retired people who like to get outside can enjoy steady, well-kept paths that lead to the best views in Banff.
When is the best time for hiking in Lake Louise?
The prime hiking season runs from June through the end of September and into October. In late September, the larch trees turn a brilliant gold that lights up the entire valley.
Book your stay 2 to 3 months in advance to snag the best rates for peak summer dates. Pro tip: Start your trek before 8:00 AM to catch the sunrise hitting the Victoria Glacier.
Essential Activity Guide: Logistics and Prep
What to Bring and Wear
- Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support.
- Layers of clothing because mountain weather is unpredictable.
- At least 1 liter of water per person.
- Bear spray carried in a hip holster for quick access.
Safety and Pro-Tips Insider Tip: Do not fight for a $30 parking spot at the lakeshore. Park your car for free at Mountaineer Lodge. Walk 2 minutes to the Samson Mall and hop on the local Roam Transit or the Parks Canada shuttle. You will save money and arrive at the water feeling relaxed instead of frustrated.
Add more here on weather and temps, snacks, All trails?
Lakes & Waterfalls Hikes
HIKES TO LAKES
Rockbound Lake - Located just off the Bow Valley Parkway at Castle Junction, Rockbound Lake is a classic example of a high-alpine lake. Surrounded by stunning cliffs, the scenery is worth the moderate 16.8 km (return) hike.
Taylor Lake - A great place to check out the famous fall larch trees, Taylor Lake is also home to a few cozy backcountry campsites. 12.6 km return.
- Well known among local hikers as a “must-do” hike during wildflower season, Helen Lake is an amazing choice for a day hike. Travel 12 km (return) and enjoy stunning views of endless alpine meadows.
Cephren Lake - Departing from Waterfowl Lakes Campground on the Icefields Parkway, the quiet 7 km return hike to Cephren Lake is the perfect way to start your day. As a bonus, you can also include Cirque Lake with a short detour on your way back.
HIKES TO WATERFALLS
Bow Glacier Falls - Starting at stunning Bow Lake on the Icefields Parkway, travel 4.6 km (one-way) to the roaring falls and witness the stunning origins of the Bow River.
Silverton Falls - On your way to Rockbound Lake, take a short detour up to Silverton Falls - a classic Banff hidden gem.
Johnston Canyon - If you’re after waterfalls, this is the place to go. The iconic catwalks of Johnston Canyon offer amazing access to several thundering waterfalls. A 1.1 km forest walk will bring you to the lower falls, but it is always worth continuing an additional 1.6 km to the upper falls.
Looking for more hiking inspiration? Check out 9 Bucket List Hikes in Banff National Park.
Tea House Hikes
With breathtaking views and delicious food and refreshments, hiking to a cozy back-country tea house is a must-do experience for your visit to Lake Louise.
Starting at the shoreline of Lake Louise, by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the trail to the Lake Agnes Tea House is a moderate 3.4 km climb up switchbacks. Along the way, you’ll pass numerous viewpoints and the stunning Mirror Lake. Once you arrive at Lake Agnes, you’ll be well positioned to enjoy a snack and then head off on another adventure, including side-trips to the Big Beehive and Little Beehive.
For those looking to continue their tour of tea houses in the Lake Louise area, continue on a 4km moderate hike up to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House where you'll be rewarded with dramatic views of the glacial valley and the vastness of the area, and have more opportunity to spot wildlife. Relax and enjoy a well-deserved hot cup of tea with a delicious selection of homemade treats, before your return journey either via Lake Louise or via Lake Agnes.
Common Questions About Hiking in Lake Louise
Visit Johnston Canyon to see the lower and upper falls. It is a 25 minute drive from Mountaineer Lodge. You will walk on catwalks built right into the canyon walls.
The Plain of Six Glaciers trail is a 4 km moderate climb. You will get a close view of the massive Victoria Glacier. You can stop at the stone tea house for a snack.
Try the hike to Cephren Lake. It is a 7 km return hike from the Icefields Parkway. It is much quieter than the main lake trails.
Taylor Lake is a great place to see the famous fall larch trees. It is a 12.6 km return hike. The trees turn bright gold in late September.
Taylor Lake is a local favorite for the golden larch trees. It is a 12.6 km return hike. The trees turn bright gold for a few weeks every September.
Yes. From Lake Agnes, take a side-trip to the Big Beehive. You will look down on the bright blue water of Lake Louise from high above.
Yes. You can take the Tramline Trail from the village. It is a 4.5 km walk that brings you right to the lake shoreline.
Why Mountaineer Lodge is Your Best Basecamp
Mountaineer Lodge is the first hotel right off the Trans Canada Highway. It's right in the heart of the lower village. You are steps away from the grocery store and the best post-hike pizza.
Your room is built for recovery. The spacious rooms and suites are designed for visitors who love to explore the outdoors and then relax and recover at the end of it all. You will find mini-fridges to keep your hiking snacks fresh and microwaves for a quick warm meal. Sink into our plush pillow-top mattresses after a day of climbing thousands of vertical feet. Complimentary parking right outside your door and free Wifi make this the ultimate hiker's destination. You can easily share all your sites with friends and family back home.
Head straight to our steam room or the large indoor hot tub to melt away the soreness. We also provide a laundry room so you can wash your dusty hiking clothes before the next trail.
Wake up to a full, hot breakfast buffet featuring hot items to fuel your next summit.
Day Hikes in Lake Louise
Connect with the Experts
Great Divide Nature Interpretation
| (403) 522-2735 | |
| Website |
Get the stories behind the scenery with Great Divide Nature Interpretation. Discover the mountain landscape of Banff National Park through a guided hike to see amazing scenery and local wildlife viewing opportunities. Explore the quiet winter wonderful by snowshoe. Having a guide by your side is an unparalleled experience.
Randonnee Tours Self-Guided Biking-Hiking
| 604.568.0139 | |
| Website |
Randonnee Tours offers self-guided 6-day biking and hiking trips in the Canadian Rockies with accommodation at the Mountaineer Lodge. Experience the rugged wilderness of the Canadian Rocky Mountain parks by day and enjoy the warm, luxurious comfort of mountain lodges by night. Hearts will pound as you crest tough mountain passes offering unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks. You’ll begin your exploration in Banff National Park, where towering mountains rise from the shores of turquoise-blue lakes, glaciers gleam, lakes shimmer, vistas overwhelm and forests enchant.