Lake Louise, nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, is a hiker’s paradise. With expansive views of massive alpine glaciers, mountain peaks, turquoise waters, and subalpine forest, this stunning region offers a trail for everyone, from easy lakeside strolls to challenging alpine adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just looking for a leisurely walk, there’s a trail here for you. Here’s a rundown of the best trails at Lake Louise.
Getting to the Lake Louise Trailheads
Especially during peak season, parking in and around Lake Louise is extremely limited. For guaranteed access to these incredible hikes, book a shuttle with Moraine Lake Bus Company. We’ll save you the hassle and maximize your time soaking in the Banff views. With flexible booking, a comfortable ride and more departure times than any other shuttle, getting hikers to the lake for less is our specialty.
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
- Distance: 4.5 kilometers (2.4 miles) round-trip
- Elevation Gain: None
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 45-90 minutes
The Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail is perfect for those looking to take in the beauty of Lake Louise without a strenuous hike. This flat, well-maintained trail hugs the shoreline of Lake Louise, offering stunning views of the Victoria Glacier and surrounding peaks. It’s a great option for families, beginners, and anyone looking for a peaceful walk along the water.
Highlights:
- Iconic views of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier
- Accessible for everybody
- Ideal for a relaxing, scenic stroll
Fairview Lookout
- Distance: 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 130 meters (426 feet)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Duration: 45-90 minutes
For a short but rewarding hike, head to Fairview Lookout. This trail starts near the Lake Louise boathouse and climbs through the forest to a viewpoint overlooking the lake. From here, you’ll enjoy an elevated view of the turquoise waters, Chateau Lake Louise, and the surrounding mountains. It’s a quick hike with a big payoff.
Highlights:
- Elevated view of Lake Louise and the Chateau
- Quick, rewarding hike
- Less crowded than other trails
Mount Fairview
- Distance: 8.8 kilometers (5.4 miles) round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 985 meters (3,231 feet)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Duration: 4-6.5 hours
For experienced hikers seeking a serious challenge, Mount Fairview is a must. This steep trail takes you high above Lake Louise, offering wide views of the entire area. The final push to the summit is tough, but the panoramic views from the top are worth it. On a clear day, you can see the peaks of Yoho National Park.
Highlights:
- Spectacular views from the summit
- Challenging and rewarding hike
- Perfect for those seeking an alpine adventure
Saddle Mountain
- Distance: 7.4 kilometers (4.6 miles) round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 645 meters (2,116 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Duration: 3-5 hours
For experienced hikers seeking a less strenuous challenge than Mount Fairview, Saddle Mountain poses a great alternative with less elevation but a similarly rewarding view. This trail takes you away from Lake Louise and offers views of the Lake Louise Valley and nearby peaks. Following the same first half the trail as Mount Fairview, the Saddle Mountain trail then breaks away without the tough final ascent. On a clear day, you can see distant peaks down the icefields parkway.
Highlights:
- Spectacular views from the summit
- A moderate yet rewarding hike
- Perfect for those seeking an alpine adventure without the crowds.
Lake Agnes Tea House
- Distance: 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 384 meters (1,259 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 2-3 hours
The Lake Agnes Tea House hike is one of the most popular trails in the Lake Louise area, and for good reason. This trail takes you through a beautiful forest, past Mirror Lake, and up to the charming Lake Agnes Tea House, where you can enjoy a hot cup of tea and homemade treats. The trail is well-marked and accessible to most hikers, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views.
Highlights:
- Historic tea house with refreshments at the top
- Scenic views of Lake Agnes and surrounding peaks
- Perfect for a mid-morning or afternoon hike
Plain of Six Glaciers
- Distance: 11 kilometers (7 miles) round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 340 meters (1,115 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Duration: 3.5-5.5 hours
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail is a must-do. This trail takes you beyond Lake Louise, along the lakeshore, and into the rugged backcountry. As you climb, you’ll be treated to stunning views of glaciers, moraine fields, and towering peaks. The trail ends at the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, a historic alpine tea house where you can refuel before heading back.
Highlights:
- Views of multiple glaciers
- Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
- Challenging hike with rewarding views
Big Beehive
- Distance: 10.2 kilometers (6.3 miles) round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 599 meters (1,965 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Duration: 3.5-5 hours
The Big Beehive hike offers some of the best panoramic views in the Lake Louise area. The trail starts up the Lake Agnes Trail before branching off to climb steep switchbacks up the Big Beehive. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Louise, the Chateau, and the surrounding peaks. It’s a challenging hike, but the views make it worth the effort.
Highlights:
- 360-degree views of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains
- Challenging yet rewarding trail
- Combine with the Lake Agnes Tea House hike for a full-day adventure with lunch
Little Beehive
- Distance: 8.4 kilometers (5.2 miles) round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 479 meters (1,571 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 3-4.5 hours
If you’re looking for a slightly shorter and slightly less strenuous hike than the Big Beehive, the Little Beehive remains an excellent adventure. This trail also starts with the Lake Agnes Tea House hike and then branches off towards the Little Beehive. The summit offers great views of Lake Louise, the Bow Valley, and Mount Fairview.
Highlights:
- Stunning views with less effort than the Big Beehive
- Quieter than other trails in the area
- Ideal for those wanting a moderate hike with great rewards
Devils Thumb
- Distance: 11.4 kilometers (7 miles) round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 780 meters (2,559 feet)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Duration: 4.5-6 hours
The Devil’s Thumb is a great trail that offers incredible views of Lake Louise, Mirror Lake, and the surrounding area. This trail starts by following the Lake Agnes and Big Beehive trails before splitting off to ascend Devil’s Thumb. The final section is steep and requires some scrambling, but the views from the top are among the best in the area, with sweeping vistas of Lake Louise, Lake Agnes, and the Bow Valley’s surrounding peaks.
Highlights:
- Short periods of scrambling and steep grades
- Stunning views of Victoria Glacier, Lake Louise, and valley views from the summit
- A challenging adventure for experienced hikers
Make the Most of the Mountains with Moraine Lake Bus Company
Lake Louise is an amazing place for your next adventure, as it offers trails for all levels of experience and fitness. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore or a challenging summit with panoramic views, the hikes around Lake Louise have something for everyone. Remember to pack plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear, observe proper bear safety, and always be prepared for changing weather conditions. Most importantly, take your time and enjoy the stunning natural beauty that makes Lake Louise one of the world’s premier hiking destinations. Learn more about our shuttle to Lake Louise here. Happy hiking!
