Scenic Hikes Around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park
When you see the first flush of morning sun hit Victoria Glacier, and the impossibly steep northern face of Mount Victoria reflected in the sparkling, emerald-green waters of Lake Louise, you’ll understand why this lake is regarded as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Overlooking the magnificent scene, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is without a doubt one of the world’s most photographed hotels. Apart from staring, photographing, and videotaping, the area has plenty to keep you busy. Nearby you’ll find some of the park’s best hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding. Only a short distance away is Moraine Lake, not as famous as Lake Louise but rivaling it in beauty. Here are some of the top hikes from Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Louise Lakeshore
Distance: 2 km (1.2 mi) one-way
Duration: 30 minutes
Elevation gain: none
Rating: easy
Trailhead: Lake Louise
Probably the busiest trail in all the Canadian Rockies, this one follows the north shore of Lake Louise from in front of the chateau to the west end of the lake. Here numerous braided glacial streams empty their silt-filled waters into Lake Louise. Along the trail’s length are benches for sitting and pondering what English mountaineer James Outram once described as “a gem of composition and of coloring . . . perhaps unrivaled anywhere.”
Lake Agnes
Distance: 3.6 km (2.2 mi) one-way
Duration: 90 minutes
Elevation gain: 400 m (1,312 ft)
Rating: moderate
Trailhead: Lake Louise
This moderately strenuous hike is one of the park’s most popular. It begins in front of the Fairmont, branching right near the beginning of the Louise Lakeshore Trail. For the
first 2.5 km (1.6 mi), the trail climbs steeply, switchbacking through a forest of subalpine
fir and Engelmann spruce, crossing a horse trail, passing a lookout, and leveling out at
tiny Mirror Lake. Here the old, traditional trail veers right (use it if the ground is wet or
snowy), while a more direct route veers left to the Plain of the Six Glaciers. The final elevation gain along both trails is made easier by a flight of steps beside Bridal Veil Falls. The trail ends at its namesake subalpine lake, which is nestled in a hanging valley. It’s also where you’ll find the rustic Lake Agnes Teahouse (8am-5pm daily June-mid-Oct.; cash only), which offers homemade soups, healthy sandwiches, and a wide assortment of teas.
From the teahouse, a 1-km (0.6-mi) trail leads to Little Beehive and impressive views
of the Bow Valley. Another trail leads around the northern shore of Lake Agnes, climbing to Big Beehive or joining the Plain of the Six Glaciers Trail, just 3.2 km (2 mi) from the chateau and 2.1 km (1.3 mi) from the teahouse at the end of that trail.
Saddleback
Distance: 3.7 km (2.3 mi) one-way
Duration: 90 minutes
Elevation gain: 600 m (1,970 ft)
Rating: moderate/difficult
Trailhead: boathouse, Lake Louise
This trail climbs the lower slopes of Fairview Mountain from beside the boathouse on Lake Louise, ending in an alpine meadow with a view of Mount Temple from across Paradise Valley. The trail forks 400 m (0.25 mi) from the trailhead. Keep left and follow the steep switchbacks through a forest of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir until reaching the flower-filled meadow. The meadow is actually a pass between Fairview Mountain (to the northwest) and Saddle Mountain (to the southeast). Although most hikers are content with the awesome views from the pass and return along the same trail, it is possible to continue to the summit of Fairview (2,745 m/9,000 ft), a further climb of 400 vertical m (1,310 vertical ft). The barely discernible, switchbacking trail to the summit begins near a stand of larch trees above the crest of Saddleback. As you would expect, the view from the top is stupendous; Lake Louise is more than 1 km (0.6 mi) directly below. This option is for strong, experienced hikers only.
Larch Valley
Distance: 2.9 km (1.8 mi) one-way
Duration: 1 hour
Elevation gain: 400 m (1,310 ft)
Rating: moderate
Trailhead: Moraine Lake, 13 km (8 mi) from Lake
Louise Dr.
In late September, when the larch trees have turned a magnificent gold and the sun is
shining, few spots in the Canadian Rockies can match the beauty of this valley, but don’t expect to find much solitude. Although the most popular time for visiting the valley is fall, it is a worthy destination all summer, when the open meadows are filled with colorful wildflowers. The trail begins just past Moraine Lake Lodge and climbs fairly steeply, with occasional glimpses of Moraine Lake below. After reaching the junction of the Eiffel Lake Trail, keep right, passing through an open forest of larch and into the meadow beyond. The range of larch is restricted within the park, and this is one of the few areas where they are prolific. Mount Fay (3,235 m/10,615 ft) is the dominant peak on the skyline, rising above the other mountains that make up the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Continue another 1 km (0.6 mi) to the two Minnestimma Lakes, where views back to the Ten Peaks are unforgettable.
Consolation Lakes
Distance: 3 km (1.9 mi) one-way
Duration: 1 hour
Elevation gain: 65 m (213 ft)
Rating: easy/moderate
Trailhead: beside the restrooms at Moraine Lake
parking lot
This short trail begins with a crossing of Moraine Creek at the outlet of Moraine Lake
and ends at a pleasant subalpine lake. The first section of the trail traverses a boulder-strewn rock pile—the result of rockslides on the imposing Tower of Babel (3,100 m/10,170 ft)— before entering a dense forest of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir and following Babel Creek to the lower lake. The wide valley affords 360-degree views of the surrounding jagged peaks, including Mount Temple back down the valley and Mounts Bident and Quadra at the far end of the lakes.
Start planning your hiking adventure today
- Strategic, flexible itineraries, including the Best of Banff and highlights for a day trip
- The Best Hikes in Banff: Find the right trek for you with details on length, elevation gains, difficulty levels, and trailheads
- Experience the Outdoors: Ride over the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh or through the sky in a mountain gondola. Follow the vast network of hiking trails along glacial valleys and discover alpine lakes and spectacular vistas. Soak in a natural hot spring, treat yourself at a luxurious mountain resort, or discover the park’s history at one of Banff’s excellent museums. Grab a cup of coffee at a local shop, or experience the town’s classic après-ski nightlife
- How to Get There: Up-to-date information on gateway towns, park entrances, park fees, and tours
- Where to Stay: From campgrounds and rustic lodges to sprawling ski resorts, find the best spots to kick back, both inside and outside the park
- Planning Tips: When to go, what to pack, safety information, and how to avoid the crowds, with full-color photos and detailed maps throughout
- Expertise and Know-How from seasoned explorer and Banff local Andrew Hempstead
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