Banff 
Lake Louise, located in Banff National Park, is stunning no matter the season, but the autumn months may be the best time to complete the hike up to the famous Tea House at Lake Agnes.
The stunning turquoise Lake Louise is always a draw for those who are looking for picture-perfect backdrops, but many people don’t realize that there is a short hike that can take them up to some fantastic viewpoints and a unique, historic tea house as well.
The tradition of drinking tea at the top of the mountain has been in place since 1905, with the original building having been in place since 1901. The lake and Tea House are named after the original First Lady of Canada, Lady Agnes MacDonald, who traversed the path up to the lake in 1886. The Tea House is a family-owned business and a unique place to enjoy a homemade snack or a cup of tea.
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The months of September and the beginning of October provide the stunning background of fall colours, along with the towering peaks that surround you as you climb up to the Tea House.
Only open until Thanksgiving weekend (Canadian Thanksgiving – 2nd Monday in October), there are fewer visitors to the area during this shoulder season, which means that you will have more time to enjoy the path on your own.
Plan to spend at least half the day enjoying this medium-level hike. With an elevation gain of 400 meters (1300 feet), you may need to take your time if you are not used to climbing up hills, but with patience and determination, any level of hiker should be able to get up to Lake Agnes.
Each way you will be walking approximately 3.5 kilometres, and if you want to explore farther afield, there are opportunities to do so.
Lake Louise to Historic Lake Agnes Tea House
From the parking lot, walk towards the Fairmont Lake Louise Chateau along the paved pathway of the lakeshore. Just at the end of the Chateau, you will find a path leading up to the right, with a sign indicating that this is the trail to Lake Agnes. Make sure you take the right-hand fork, otherwise, you will just continue to walk around Lake Louise on a paved path.
After you head up to the right, you will enter a beautiful forested area, where the paved path turns into a well-worn dirt hiking trail. Keep following the path upwards through the forest, and don’t worry, it gets easier as you go on, as the first part is the steepest. You will know you have reached the halfway point when you come to an opening and a switchback in the trail, which affords a clear view of Lake Louise below. This makes a perfect resting point and a great selfie spot!
Continue heading up through the switchbacks, and eventually you will come across a horse gate, which you need to pass, before turning left (uphill) to head to Mirror Lake. From this little beauty of a water spot, you can look up to the right side and catch a glimpse of the Tea House! The final leg of the hike up to Lake Agnes should only take about another 20 minutes.
The path continues to the right-hand side, and your last challenge will be the set of stairs leading up to the building itself, with the bonus of a beautiful waterfall falling beside it. Once up, you can enjoy a rest at the Tea House or sit along the lakeshore and take in the magnificent views.
If you would like a bit more of a hike, you can try the walk to the Lake Agnes Lookout, which is just 500 meters to the back of the lake; or Little Beehive, which is 1 kilometre long; or Big Beehive, which is 1.6 kilometres long; or continue around the side of the mountain on the High Line Trail.
High Line Trail is 5 kilometres long and takes you from the Lake Agnes Tea House to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, before continuing down the side of the mountain and around the end of the lake back to your starting point.
If the Tea House itself is your destination, then you can relax and soak in the beauty of the area before returning to your starting point along the same trail.
Don’t forget to take a camera or charge your phone up! The photos that you will leave with will be worth the walk.
Trip Planning – Lake Agnes Tea House
What: A 3.5 km one-way hike from Lake Louise parking lot with an elevation gain of 400 m (1300 ft).
When: Tea House: June 4 to Thanksgiving weekend (2nd Monday in October).
How Much: Banff National Park Admission Fees
Food: Varies; Lake Agnes Tea House serves tea (100 varieties), sandwiches, soup, cookies, and other snacks.
Where: Lake Louise Parking Lot, Banff National Park
Lake Louise is located right in Banff National Park – don’t forget to purchase your Park Pass – approximately a 40-minute drive west from Banff along Highway 1 (Trans Canada Highway).
Most visitors find accommodations in Banff, but some hotels and services are in the town of Lake Louise itself. Of course, if you aren’t travelling on a budget, you can always spend a night or two at the Chateau Lake Louise.
If you don’t have a vehicle or don’t want to drive to Lake Louise from Banff, you can purchase a bus ride to get back and forth.
You will need to drive through a part of town before heading up the winding road to Lake Louise itself. During weekdays, if you arrive early enough, you will most likely find parking right at Lake Louise, but be aware that weekends can be very busy, and you may have to park in town and take the shuttle bus up.
Directions: Approximately a two-hour drive from Calgary
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Fall tends to be a cooler time of year, so when hiking, you should be prepared with layers, including a rain jacket, a sweater, and a cap or hat. You can also expect snow towards the end of September/Early October. As you gain elevation,n the temperature will cool. Make sure to pack yourself a snack and plenty of water. You will have to pack out whatever you have packed in. This trail is not paved the entire way, so good walking or hiking shoes are recommended. Hiking poles may be useful to those hikers with balance issues.
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