Lake Louise Hikes:
Everything you need to know when hiking to the Lake Agnes Tea House
Introduction
Lake Louise Alberta provides one of the most stunning views in all of Canada. There’s no wonder it is such a popular destination and is often busy with crowds of people.
The well-known Lake Louise hike to Agnes’ Tea House is also busy but can provide some relief from large crowds and presents you with some of the most stunning views you’ll ever encounter. Keep reading to learn about the difficulty of this hike, how to get there, and much more!
How to get to Lake Louise
Lake Louise is located west of Banff National Park which makes it a popular destination for tourists visiting the famous park.
The nearest airports to Lake Louise are Calgary International Airport which is approximately a 2-hour drive and Edmonton International Airport which is approximately a 4-hour drive.
Buses run from Calgary to Banff and Lake Louise daily. This offers visitors the opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery through the Canadian Rockies.
Parking
If you drive yourself to Lake Louise, please be aware that this parking lot fills up extremely fast. Speaking from experience, the lot is typically full by 7 am and remains full all day. There is also a hefty seasonal fee to park your vehicle in their lot.
However, there are lots of shuttles that run from other locations to Lake Louise multiple times per day. I recommend catching one of these shuttles and parking your vehicle at the shuttle drop-off/pick-up point.
Parking at Lake Louise can be done, when we last visited in May of 2023, we were able to secure one of the last spots in the lot when we arrived around 7:30 am. But if you don’t want to get up that early, I recommend utilizing a shuttle service.
The Best Time to Visit
Lake Louise is open all year and it is beautiful no matter the season. However, each season brings different activities for visitors.
In the winter you can skate on this iconic lake! Depending on the conditions, the ice is usually open to skaters from December to April. There are places to rent skates near Lake Louise if you don’t have your own!
In the summer you can rent a canoe and venture onto the lake for the most beautiful canoe ride of your life, or you can hike the Lake Agnes trail to the Tea House.
This trail is open from May to October but there can be ice and snow on the trail in May and October making it more dangerous. Therefore, the most recommended time to visit is June through September.
Hike to Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is the first stop on the Lake Agnes Hike. This lake is beautiful with emerald green water and rock formations in the background.
To reach the Mirror Lake section of the hike, you must hike approximately 45 minutes and gain roughly 250 meters of elevation.
There are some lovely stops along the trail from the Lake Louise Viewpoint to Mirror Lake that provide amazing views of Lake Louise from above. Be sure to look out for those!
From here, you can choose to hike a 1.2km loop called the Little Beehive Trail. This trail offers amazing views of Lake Louise from above and should be added to your hike if you have the time and energy!
Hike to Lake Agnes
From Mirror Lake, Lake Agnes is a 0.8km trek with steep stairs and a lovely waterfall.
Here you can take in the view of the spectacular Lake Agnes with breathtaking blue water and mountains in the background.
Lake Agnes Tea House
Perched on the edge of Lake Agnes you will find the Lake Agnes Tea House. This Tea House was originally a refuge for hikers but they eventually started serving tea to accompany the breathtaking lake views and help replenish hikers after their long venture to the viewpoint.
The Tea House is a very popular stop for hikers so there may be a line to get a table. However, you can opt to enjoy the views without stopping at the tea house too!
Trail Difficulty
Although the views are spectacular, this trail is moderately difficult given its steep slopes and winding turns.
How long does this trail take?
On average, this 7.4km loop takes about 3 hours to complete. I recommend taking time to relax along the trail and take in the views. This may extend how long it takes to complete the hike, but it is worth the extra time for the spectacular views and lasting memories.
The Trail to Lake Agnes Tea House
from the trail to Lake Agnes Tea House
Other Things to Do in the Area
The town of Lake Louise is a lovely place with lots of local businesses and great stops! I urge you to check out some of these places while in the area!
Enjoy a coffee or pastry from Laggan’s Mountain Bakery & Deli, an adorable bakery just a 9-minute drive from the Lake Louise viewpoint. Once you have your treat, walk behind the coffee shop down some steps to a beautiful rushing river. This is the perfect location for a relaxing morning or a picnic lunch!
Nearby is Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe, a fun store that has old and new sugary creations! You can find something fun for all ages and enjoy their brightly colored and vast selection of goodies.
If you’re searching for a filling breakfast at a decent price, venture to Bill Peyto’s Café in the town of Lake Louise. From great food to quick service this café is the perfect place for a filling brunch after a long hike.
bridge located behind Laggan’s.
Overall, Lake Louise and the hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House is a must-do activity if you’re in the area. Connect with nature, take in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, and create lasting memories! If you’ve hiked this trail, comment below your favorite part!
You Might Also Like:
Banff National Park: Where to Find the Best Views
Disclaimer: I can only attest to my personal experiences and I am therefore not liable for any negative experiences you may encounter.