Anna Lake Louise is an absolutely beautiful lake in Banff National Park. It’s known for its hypnotizing turquoise water and surrounding scenery: the soaring snow capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies cradling glaciers and unforgettable wildlife. This is one of the most popular sites within the park but getting there takes some planning. I have reviewed the best things to do and helpful hints for you to plan an incredible day at the lake. Here’s what you need to know before visiting Lake Louise.
How to get to Lake Louise
Where to park at Lake Louise during peak season
Currently, you can drive to Lake Louise and park for about $30 a day. Be advised that the parking lot fills up quickly, often by 9 AM and arriving early is essential. Keep an eye on highway signs, as they will indicate when the lot is full. In the near future, the road to Lake Louise will be closed to public vehicles. This will make the area safer by alleviating massive traffic jams and allowing emergency vehicles access. Visitors can use the shuttle to reach this popular destination—and trust me, it’s well worth it.
Public transportation options for visiting Lake Louise
Shuttle tickets sell out fast, so I highly recommend booking in advance. The good news is that several private bus operators offering service to the lake. Many shuttles depart from the Lake Louise Ski Resort, and thankfully it has ample parking. Located about 45 minutes north of the Town of Banff, the resort also features a cozy lodge where you can grab coffee, snacks, and enjoy clean restrooms before heading to the lake.
I opted for the Lake Moraine Bus Company, a relatively new operator, and we were impressed with the service. Their team was so hospitable and knowledgable, offering information and suggestions on what to see in the surrounding area. They were also accommodating to our plans. I wanted to hike as much as possible, and they advised me on the route that I planned, AND even offered to switch us to later bus if we running out of time at the end of the day. This was a huge relief to me- I was unsure of how much time it would take to do the hikes we planned. I wanted a back up plan for getting back to our car if we were running behind schedule. N.B. There aren’t other ride-share options for getting around Lake Louise, even if there were, the cell reception is spotty in the mountains.
Hiking at Lake Louise
Lakeshore Trail: A Relaxing Scenic Stroll
If you want an easy, scenic walk, start with the Lakeshore Trail. This flat, leisurely stroll lets you escape the crowds that pile up at the front of the lake vying for photos of the legendary view. The further you go, the quieter it gets, giving you up-close views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters and the snowy mountains that surround it. Perfect for a relaxed start or a peaceful wind-down after a longer hike, either way you can’t miss this accessible hike: it’s the best hike at Lake Louise for beginners, perfect for everyone!
Lake Louise hiking trails with the best views
The Beehives & Devil’s thumb: best viewpoints of the Lake and Valley
Hike up to the top of the Big Beehive. This rock formation, aptly named for its beehive-like shape, offers an incredible panoramic view of Lake Louise from above. If you’re up for the challenge, continue up to Devil’s Thumb lookout, a dramatic overlook that towers above the lake and offers even more spectacular views of the valley.
There are two main ways to ascend to Big Beehive and Devil’s Thumb
- North side: A shorter trail but much steeper route. This section of trail is a series of gravely switchbacks, climbing directly to the plateau top of the Beehive, leaving Lake Agnes hidden behind the Larches.
- South side: A longer, more gradual trail that connects to other routes. It’s not necessarily easier though. The trail starts from the plain of 6 glaciers, has sweeping meadow views but becomes more forested as you climb.
Either way, climbing to the big Beehive will reward you with a legendary view of the lake and surrounding area. The lake looks so vibrant when viewed from above. You can’t miss this lookout.
From Big Beehive, you can continue on to Devil’s Thumb. It’s less than a mile to Devils Thumb, but this is a more strenuous route involving a steep climb and scrambles. So be prepared and check out trail conditions if you’re interested. You want to be cautious of time, especially if you need to make it back to the lake to meet your shuttle.
Hike up the Little Beehive. This similar rock formation is smaller and more accessible. If you’re crunched for time, the Little Beehive also offers a beautiful view of Lake Louise. The trailhead can be found branching off from the Lake Agnes Teahouse trail, and is a short detour- easily added your itinerary.
How to see the Teahouses
Lake Agnes and the Teahouse
Lake Agnes is a gorgeous deep blue lake, tucked into the forest under the Big Beehive. It’s the home of the famous Lake Agnes Teahouse, and one of the most popular things to enjoy at Lake Louise.
Most people start off their day by hiking up to Lake Agnes directly via the trailhead near the Fairmont hotel. This trail is a steady incline (4.6 miles out and back) and goes past Mirror Lake and the Little Beehive.
The teahouse is located at the top of a waterfall and such a nice area to just relax and take in the scenery of Lake Agnes, Mt St. Piran and the Big Beehive. The teahouse serves hot drinks and desserts and it honestly smells amazing.
The line can get pretty long, so its wise to also bring food- we were told specifically don’t count on getting food here; it’s in high demand and sometimes the line takes an hour to get through. Pack extra snacks so you’re not left stranded.
Plain of 6 Glaciers Teahouse
Plain of 6 Glaciers Trail is a scenic but less traveled than the Lake Agnes trail. It’s perfect for those seeking a tranquil experience immersed in nature. Although you’ll still encounter other hikers, and maybe horses— part of this trial is used for horseback riding!
The trailhead is essentially a continuation of the lakeshore trail, and starts at the “back” of the lake, where glacial run off forms a marshy delta. The Plain of 6 Glaciers is a pretty straight route, steady incline and about 8.6 miles out and back (if you retrace your steps, but there are alternate routes back to the lake).
This trail is so pretty, and the scenery changes from sweeping meadows, to exposed gravely trails, to pine flanked switchbacks washed in trickling glacial melt water (can get a little muddy). You can see the Victoria Glacier until the trail ends at the log cabin teahouse over looking the glacial valley. The Teahouse is only open during the summer season (usually starts in early June).
Tips for the Teahouses
- Bring cash. They do accept credit cards usually but you’ll want to be prepared in case the credit card machine’s go down. Technology doesn’t pair well with remote mountain cabins.
- Pack extra snacks. If you’re hiking all day, you’ll want to be prepared in case you can’t get food at the teahouses.
- Don’t feed the wild life—even small animals
- Pack hand sanitizer etc. Pit style toilets are available at the teahouses
- Check the website. Teahouses are open during the summer season only
Lake Louise Hiking Tips
- Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the morning tranquility.
- Pack layers as weather in the mountains changes quickly.
- Bring snacks and water—some of these trails take a few hours, and you’ll want fuel for the climb.
- Check trail conditions before heading out, especially for steeper routes.
- Download offline maps becausecell service is spotty
Get out on the water — or ice—
Canoeing on Lake Louise is a remarkable experience. Escape the crowds and enjoy the experience the vivid blue water up close. In the Spring, when the ice is beginning to melt, you may be lucky enough to find some candlestick ice out on the lake. This phenomenon occurs when large ice sheets begin to melt, and fracture in long vertical pieces. It’s so cool!
Canoeing costs about 160 CAD/hr. If you plan to rent a canoe, it’s best to go early because the boat house has shorter wait times earlier in the morning.
Lake Louise in the Winter
Banff in the winter is a dramatically different experience, the snow transforming the landscape in to a dreamy winter wonderland. The snowy scenery is quite simply stunning with the icicles glittering under the sun as far as the eye can see— it is so, so pretty. Lake Louise captures this dreamscape perfectly in the winter. Not only does the lake offer ice skating but decorates the arena with whimsical ice sculptures. This is part of the SnowDays and Ice Magic annual events
Enjoy Fine Dining at the Fairmont Chateau
You really can’t miss the Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise. It’s a (giant) historic building made into a luxury hotel. The resort is gorgeous, and unique- it’s unusual for a luxury hotel like this to be smack dab in the middle of a unesco world heritage site. It’s really the only building around the lake- otherwise the area is undeveloped and a ways form the little Lake Louise Hamlet.
The resort offers a luxurious, high-end afternoon tea service for about 150-100$pp depending on your sparkling wine add on. The service includes specialty teas, fresh baked, warm scones and finger sandwiches and served in the dinning room with the iconic arched windows peeping lake and mountain views.
There’s high dinning offered at the hotel, but hotel guests are prioritized so reservations are especially helpful if you’re interested in exploring the Fairmont. Otherwise, non-guest traffic around the property is limited.
I hope this helps plan your day at Lake Louise- Thank you for reading 🙂
