27 Dog Friendly Things to do in Lake Louise This Summer
Your dog knows before you've said a word. The suitcase comes out, the ears drop, and the guessing game starts: is this the trip they get left behind for?
Not this time. This is your guide to dog friendly hiking in Lake Louise this summer, from easy lakeshore walks to longer day hikes, plus where to stay so your dog isn't stuck in a car or a kennel while you're out having the best week of your year.
Lake Louise has trails that start right outside the village, teahouses that'll seat your dog at the table, and a hotel room that welcomes your dog. No compromises, no guesswork, no leaving anyone behind.
We're Mountaineer Lodge, and we've watched hundreds of dogs check in with their people. We know which hikes are worth the climb, which ones to skip this year, and exactly what your dog needs waiting in the room when you arrive. Everything below comes straight from that experience.
Grab the leash. Here's where to go.
In this post, you'll discover
- Easy walks straight from the hotel, no car required
- Which hikes are dog friendly, from short lookouts to longer day hikes over 3 hours
- The trailside teahouses that'll seat your dog right at the table
- Why one of the most photographed spots near Lake Louise isn't worth the trip with your dog this year
- What the Lake Louise Summer Gondola's pet policy actually allows
- How to book one of only six dog friendly rooms before they're gone, and what it costs
Short Walks from Mountaineer Lodge (No Car Required)
These are just the dog friendly picks. For the full lineup of things to do in Lake Louise, from sightseeing to summer activities, check out our complete guide to the area.
1. Tramline Trail. Flat, forested, and runs straight from the village to Lake Louise. Zero driving, zero parking stress.
2. Lake Louise Lakeshore. 4 km, easy, and leashed dogs are welcome the whole way. Glacier views the entire walk. Bring the camera.
3. Bow River Loop. A gentle, mostly flat riverside stroll near the Station Restaurant. Perfect low-key evening walk.
4. Coffee and a village loop before breakfast. Beat the day-trip crowds and let your dog stretch out while the village is still quiet.
5. Early morning lakeshore photos. Show up before the crowds for the best light and the calmest water.
6. Sunrise walk. Best time of day for parking, quiet trails, and having the whole place practically to yourselves.
Easy to Moderate Dog Friendly Hikes
7. Fairview Lookout (~1 to 1.5 hours - 2.4 km) Short and steep, but the payoff view over the lake makes it worth the brief stint of huffing and puffing.
8. Louise Creek Trail (~2 to 2.5 hours - 7.1 km) Connects the village to the lake without the crowds of the main path. Our quiet-hiker recommendation.
9. Herbert Lake Trail (under an hour - 1.6 km) A short loop off the Icefields Parkway with calm water. A solid swim spot for dogs who love the water and need a cool down.
10. Johnston Canyon Lower Falls (~1 hour - 2.4 km) Open and dog friendly on leash through spring and summer 2026. Heads up, the metal catwalk sections can be tough on paws, so it suits dogs used to varied terrain. Parks Canada closes it after Thanksgiving weekend for rockfall maintenance, so this one's a warm-weather trip only.
11. Bow Lake shoreline walk (under an hour - 0.8 km) About 30 minutes north on the Icefields Parkway, and worth the drive for the colour of that water alone.
12. Peyto Lake viewpoint (under an hour - 1.3 km) A short walk from the parking area. No dogs allowed on the shuttle bus, so plan to drive yourself.
13. Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park (~2 hours - 5.2 km) About an hour away, with a calm shoreline walk that's easy on tired paws.
14. Bow Summit (~2 to 2.5 hours - 6.6 km) A high alpine viewpoint just off the parkway, and one of the easiest big views you'll get without a full day hike.
15. Skip Moraine Lake this trip. Here's why: you can't drive there. Moraine Lake Road has been closed to private vehicles since 2023. You also can't ride the shuttle with a normal-sized dog. Parks Canada and Roam Transit only allow pets that fit in a carrier on your lap, so most dogs don't qualify. Your only real options are a private tour or cycling in yourself. If none of those work for you, plan to visit Moraine Lake on a different trip, one without your dog.
Longer Dog Friendly Day Hikes (3 hours+)
16. Plain of Six Glaciers (~4.5 to 5 hours - 14.2 km) Long, rewarding, and finishes near the glacier at a teahouse that actually welcomes dogs at the outdoor tables. Refuel together, not separately.
17. Lake Agnes Trail (~3 to 3.5 hours - 7.9 km) A steady climb ending at a teahouse with dog friendly outdoor seating. Order the tea, share the view.
18. Taylor Lake Trail (~6 to 6.5 hours - 13.8 km) Forested and full of wildflowers in summer. It's also one of the best fall larch hikes around, if you're planning a September trip.
19. Fairview Mountain (~4 to 5 hours - 9.2 km) A forested climb that rewards you with a view over the south shore.
Dog Friendly Dining in Lake Louise
20. Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse (~3 to 3.5 hours - 10.8 km) Reachable partway up the trail of the same name, and one of the few spots in the area where your dog can sit right at the outdoor table with you. Open seasonally from mid-June through mid-October, weather permitting.
21. Lake Agnes Teahouse. (~3 to 3.5 hours - 7.9 km) A steady climb through the trees to a historic teahouse perched above its own alpine lake. Dog friendly seating outside, tea for you, a bowl of water for your dog.
22. The Doghouse - pet bakery stop in Banff (~40 minute drive from the hotel) Because your dog deserves a souvenir too.
23. Patio dining in Banff
- Bear Street Tavern welcomes leashed dogs on both patios with water bowls and its own dog menu. Fido is welcome to join you at one of their pet-friendly outdoor tables on either patio while he enjoys a fresh bowl of water and something from their special dog menu
- Three Bears Brewery on Bear Street runs a heated, covered patio year-round with a dedicated pet menu of its own. Their dog friendly patio has heaters and a firepit, dogs must be leashed, and they offer an actual pet menu with chicken, beef, and salmon options Always call ahead, since pet policies can shift with weather or staffing.
Practical Stops and Tips for Dog Owners
24. Village Market at Samson Mall (~5 minute walk from the hotel) The only grocery store in Lake Louise, and an easy walk from the hotel for basic dog food and treats. Selection is limited, so stock up on specialty items in Canmore or Banff on your way in.
25. Vet services in Banff (~40-50 minutes drive from the hotel) Worth knowing before you need it.
26. Pack for temperature swings. Mountain weather changes fast, even in the middle of summer. Layers for you, and check the forecast for your dog's coat too.
A Slower Day in Lake Louise With Your Dog
27. Lakeshore blanket day - Skip the hiking boots entirely. Bring a blanket, a book, and let your dog watch the water. Not every day needs a summit.
Dog Friendly Rooms at Mountaineer Lodge
There are six ground-floor rooms in the Timber Lodge, all with exterior entrances, so there's no elevator and no long hallway between your dog and the door. Food and water bowls and a dog blanket are already waiting when you check in.
On Google, one guest traveling with her dog Sienna shared that her room was clean and genuinely pet friendly, and said Mountaineer Lodge ended up being the highlight of her trip.
Explore our dog friendly room type: One Queen Room with Sofa Bed (Dog Friendly)
What Does it Cost to Bring Your Dog to Stay Overnight?
A pet fee of $30 plus tax applies per dog, per night, up to two dogs per room, 40 kg (88 lbs) or less each. You'll sign our Dogs Can Stay Policy at check-in, and dogs can't be left unattended more than 60 minutes without notifying the front desk.
Is it your first time traveling with your dog? Our Guide to Planning Your Dog Friendly Hotel Getaway covers what to pack and what to expect.
Are Dogs Allowed on the Lake Louise Gondola?
No, except certified disability assistance animals. Pets of any kind aren't permitted on the Lake Louise Summer Gondola for safety reasons. Plan that one for a day trip without your dog, or check with ticket staff if you're traveling with a certified assistance animal.
Pick a few trails, book the room, and let your dog do what dogs do best: make a good trip better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I bring any dog to Mountaineer Lodge?
A. Yes, up to two dogs per room, each weighing 40 kg (88 lbs) or less. A $30 plus tax pet fee applies per dog, per night.
Q. Can my dog stay in any room at the hotel?
A. Only in our six dedicated dog friendly rooms in the Timber Lodge. They're not permitted in other rooms, the pool area, or food and beverage areas.
Q. Are dogs allowed on the Lake Louise Summer Gondola?
A. No, except for certified disability assistance animals. Standard pets aren't permitted for safety reasons.
Q. Do I need to book my dog friendly room in advance?
A. Yes. With only six rooms available, they fill up fast, especially during ski season and summer. Not guaranteed without an advance booking.
Q. Can dogs go on the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail?
A. Yes. Leashed dogs are welcome the entire 4 km out-and-back along the shore, one of the most photographed walks in Canada.
Q. Can dogs go to Moraine Lake?
A. Not easily this year. Moraine Lake Road has been closed to private vehicles since 2023, and dogs aren't permitted on the Parks Canada shuttle or the Roam Transit connector. Unless you book a private tour or cycle in, plan to skip it with your dog.
Q. Are dogs allowed off leash in Banff National Park?
A. No. Dogs must be on leash at all times in Banff National Park, no exceptions. Not every trail permits dogs at all, so check current Parks Canada trail conditions before heading out.
Book your dog friendly room in Lake Louise and hit the trails together.
