Top 5 Things to See & Do
With so many amazing places to see and experience in Lake Louise, it's a tough job picking the top 5. Here they are.
Lake Louise Summer Gondola
Take an exhilarating ride over one of Banff National Park's most breathtaking scenic and active wildlife corridors where grizzly bears and other animals are often seen roaming below. Indulge yourself in a variety of savory dining options while you take in the views from one of our large outdoor patios or spaciously seated lodges.
Tea House Hikes
Lake Agnes Tea House (built in 1901 by Canadian Pacific Railway)
The Lake Agnes Tea House was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1901 as a refuge for hikers. Climb steadily on a forested trail, past Mirror Lake and the waterfall that cascades out of Lake Agnes, before arriving at the idyllic alpine waters of Lake Agnes and enjoying specialty teas and delicious homemade baking. It's an iconic Banff and Lake Louise experience, accessible to hikers of many abilities. This hike starts at the Lake Louise shoreline and switchbacks for approximately 3.6 kms (2.2 miles). It takes approximately 1-2 hours to reach the tea house.
Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House (built in 1924 by Swiss Guides)
The less-travelled to of the Tea Houses, the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House Trail offers stunning views of the glaciers and mountains that surround Lake Louise. The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House hike is 5.3 kilometres (3.4 miles) one way, with a 370 metre (1,215 feet) elevation gain. It takes most people around 4 to 6 hours for the round trip. Trail offers stunning views of the glaciers and mountains that surround Lake Louise. The hike to the Tea House is moderately challenging, and can be accomplished by people of average fitness.
Johnston Canyon
During spring, summer, and fall, take a walk up the canyon to view the Lower and Upper Falls. Along the way there are many viewpoints from which you can look over the canyon and down to the deep blue creek below. The trail to the Lower Falls is fairly flat and smooth, initially through forest and then on catwalks besides Johnston Creek and up into the canyon. The Lower Falls are 1.1 kilometres along the trail, taking around 30 minutes from the parking lot at an easy pace.
For a close up vantage point, don’t miss the short tunnel through the canyon rock to a viewing platform a couple metres from the falls - just don’t be surprised if you get misted with water. The trail to the Upper Falls is a little steeper, climbing through the forest and out of the lower canyon. It takes around one hour one way, with an elevation gain of 120 metres over its 2.6 kilometres. The Upper Falls drop a dramatic 40 metres to a deep pool below. There are two good viewing spots. The first is a viewing platform looking over to the bottom of the falls. The second is accessed by a steeper trail to a platform overhanging the gorge, with an outlook across to the top of the falls.
Hiking & Biking
Well, that's actually 2 things to see and do but couldn't pick between the two.
There are so many trails to hike and bike in Lake Louise, you are going to need days here.
Rent a Bike or Hiking Gear at Wilson Sports, Samson Mall Lake Louise