Banff 
The famous Lake Louise, with its stunning glacier-blue and green waters and gorgeous scenery, is a summer destination that provides all the adventure you may need this season.
The surrounding mountains give visitors a chance to head off into the wilderness on foot or on horseback, or perhaps you want to spend some time on the Lake itself. Other adventure activities await, while those seeking a more sedate vacation will also find interesting things to keep themselves occupied.
Visiting the Lake Louise Area
Keep in mind that Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park are popular destinations, and with everyone flocking to the Parks to enjoy some outdoor time, there are some things that you may want to do before arriving or when planning your trip.
Although paid parking is available at the Lake Louise parking lot for those who want to drive to the lake, it is almost impossible to find a spot. Paid parking ($36.75) is in effect for all public stalls at the Lake Louise Lakeshore lot from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., from May 16 to October 13, 2025. This is in addition to your Parks Canada Pass, which is required for entry into the National Park. Although this parking fee may deter some people, you will still need to arrive early to secure a spot here – they usually fill up by sunrise.
If you are not able to get a spot up by the lake, there is another option – you can park at the Lake Louise Park and Ride parking lot. While the parking lot is free, you have to take the shuttle bus to Lake Louise. The catch here is that you need a reservation – book online beforehand to pay for your spot. This guarantees that you will get to the Lake, as the paid parking at the top is on a first-come/first-serve basis. There will be a portion of seats released for the Lake Louise shuttle, 48 hours prior to departure day at 8 am MST. If there are still seats available, you’ll be able to get walk-up tickets at the Park and Ride.
Hiking: Check trail conditions report before starting any of the hikes listed in this article. Also, be aware of all Parks Canada safety instructions and related bulletins.
Hike to the creek that is the source of Lake Louise’s Emerald hue
From the Upper Lake Louise parking area, hike the Lakeshore trail (2km) from the Fairmont Chateau to the back of the Lake to get a closer view of the glacier hanging on the mountain at the back, which causes the emerald colour of the Lake.
Visit a Tea House on a Mountain
This tea house requires a bit of effort to reach, as it is accessible by a hike or a horse ride up the side of a mountain adjacent to Chateau Lake Louise.
Be prepared to go up, wear proper walking shoes and carry water with you. There are multiple places along the route to stop to catch your breath and take in the views of the surrounding mountains and the stunning, famous Lake, which appears below you as you climb.
Expect to take at least two to three hours to complete the round trip, 7.2 kilometres (433-meter elevation gain) if you are not a seasoned walker. The journey is worth i,t though, as you get to sip your tea (100 varieties available) and have a snack at a tea house that has been in place since 1905.
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Complete the Beehive Circuit
You can use this as a continuation from Lake Agnes or complete it without spending time at the Teahouse, your choice. Almost 12 kilometres in length, with an elevation gain of 851 meters, this loop trail takes you to the most breathtaking views of the sparkling turquoise lake below, as well as the surrounding mountaintops.
Both good hiking boots and poles are recommended for this route. Don’t forget to pack out everything you have brought with you, including your garbage.
Go Shopping
The hamlet of Lake Louise is smaller than the nearby popular town of Banff, but there are still some neat shops to explore here.
Of course, if you are an outdoor person, you will enjoy all the local stores offering up a plethora of hiking, fishing, rock climbing and other adventure activity items. Wilson Mountain Sports, located in the Samson Mall, also rents a lot of equipment. Otherwise, spend some time browsing the interesting Samson Native Gallery, the bakery, the candy shop and other local stores. As well, there is a great gallery – Art of Man Gallery in the Chateau Lake Louise, but be aware that, depending on restrictions, they may not allow non-guests inside the building.
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Visit Moraine Lake for a Lakeshore Hike
One of the most popular glacier lakes in Banff National Park, this lake is in the gorgeous Valley of the 10 Peaks.
The alpine lake is a wild, turquoise blue, fed by glacier melt and once graced Canada’s twenty-dollar bill. The easy 1.5-kilometre trail goes along the lakeshore for a perfect stroll in natural beauty.
Grab a snack at the Moraine Lake Lodge when you are finished, or pack a lunch to enjoy while soaking in the stunning beauty of the green waters of the lake.
You are allowed to take your own vehicle to the lake. The only option is to take a taxi or plan to take the Moraine Lake shuttle.
You have the option of visiting the park directly via the Moraine Lake shuttle or taking the Lake Connector shuttle (free with shuttle reservation), between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
The Moraine Lake shuttle runs daily from June 1 to October 13, with service every 30 minutes between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., and the Lake Connector shuttle runs on a 30-minute frequency between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from 7 am to 7 pm.
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Explore Moraine Lake by Canoe
Moraine Lake can be less crowded than the famous Lake Louise, but no less stunning, with the fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and nature. It is a great place to spend some time paddling around the lake, watching for wildlife or simply soaking in the fresh air and scenery.
Don’t worry, if you don’t have your own canoe, you can easily rent one from the Moraine Lake Lodge. Rentals are available for a minimum of one hour from 9 am to 5 pm every day.
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Hike the Louise Creek Trail to the Lake
If you are not into the stress of trying to get parking up at Lake Louise, or trying to get yourself booked onto the shuttle, or perhaps if you just prefer to walk through a beautiful setting to get up to the Lake, then this trail is perfect.
Leading from the townsite to the Lake, you wander through the forest and alongside the creek up to Lake Louise.
There is an elevation gain of 257 meters and you should expect to take a couple of hours to get up there. Cross the road at the main four-way stop in town and follow the well-marked trail up.
Hike the Tramline Trail to the Lake
Years ago, travellers arriving by train to the hamlet of Lake Louise were able to travel up to the famous Lake and Chateau by an ingenious tramline. The narrow-gauge line was built in 1912 by the Canadian Pacific Railway but was only used until the 1930s, when the Great Depression hit. Afterwards, cars were more common and the tramline was no longer used.
Now, however, you can follow this historic trail to make your way on foot up to the Chateau and Lake. Start at the parking lot across from the train station in town and travel the 4.5 kilometers (one way) up. It’s an easy elevation gain, great for those who want to get some hiking in but aren’t looking for anything too technical.
Check out the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
If you are not staying here, you may want to take a moment to view the inside of this incredible historic hotel. The oldest existing portion of this hotel dates from 1913, and of course, since it is situated on the shoreline of the famous turquoise Lake, you won’t get a better view anywhere. There are picture-worthy spots both inside and outside this iconic building.
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Enjoy Afternoon Tea
If you are not interested in walking or horseback riding up to one of the other Tea Houses, you can partake of this English tradition right inside the Fairmont Chateau. This is the most stunning place to enjoy an afternoon tea service as the dining room looks out onto the iconic Lake.
Please check the website for any current restrictions in place (such as dining in options), and remember that it is a good idea to make a reservation for this activity, no matter when you want to enjoy it.
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BASIN Glacial Waters
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is set to be the site of BASIN Glacial Waters, a luxury thermal bathing facility located on the shores of Lake Louise. This indoor-outdoor facility combines state-of-the-art design with natural elements to create a sensory journey aimed at reflection, renewal, and vitality. Visitors will experience a self-guided hydrotherapy circuit, featuring options such as Finnish and Bio Saunas, an Aufguss Sauna rooted in European traditions, and various pools with features like reflexology paths, waterfalls, and cold-immersion options.
Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Opening in summer 2025, BASIN Glacial Waters will be an experience available exclusively to overnight hotel guests of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, with daily access passes bookable on a pre-reserved basis while availability allows – opening to guests outside of the hotel at a later stage.
Take a Ride in the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola
If you have never had the chance to travel up the gondola at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, then perhaps this needs to be on your bucket list. The incredible views from the gondola allow you to relax as you travel up to the top – keep your eyes out for grizzly bears and other animals, this is a good area to see them in, and all from the safety of your gondola!
There is a Wildlife Interpretive Center to learn more about the local wildlife, a variety of hiking trails, great food options and even a gift shop to explore.
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Hike to Skoki Lodge
The historic Skoki Lodge is a lodge located in the backcountry and can only be reached by hiking 11 kilometres from the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Dating back to 1930, during the summer months, you can hike, climb, fish, or go horseback riding here. It’s well known as one of the best backcountry lodges in the world, and nights are in high demand, so book early. Even if you are not able to reserve a night in the lodge, the hike out and back is worth it, as you are surrounded by amazing views. Check out the Lodge’s website for exact information on the hiking trail.
Climb to Victoria Glacier and Another Tea House
This glacier is situated at the “end” of Lake Louise. You can view it easily right from the lakeshore, but it’s even better up close. You can access it by hiking up to the Six Plains Teahouse and continuing on the unmarked trail from there.
There are two ways to access this glacier. One is by completing the entire hike, which is 14 kilometres and will take you up to the Lake Agnes Teahouse before heading across and around the mountain to the Plain of Six Glaciers and then on to the second Teahouse and up to Victoria Glacier. This is an all-day trek.
The second would take you along the lakeshore, up the direct trail to the Six Plains Teahouse and then up to the glacier. You would return on the same route. Take a break at the Teahouse on your way up or on your way back for a delicious snack and a cup of tea. Please refrain from walking on the glacier itself.
Hike Consolation Lakes
This hike also starts from Moraine Lake, but it’s a much easier route for those who want to explore the region without anything too strenuous. The round trip is just under 6 kilometres and only has an elevation gain of 65 meters.
Don’t worry, you will still experience the beautiful high alpine meadows and stunning aspects of the region while hiking. This is a perfect hike for more minor children and families.
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Go Camping
You don’t have to go off the beaten track or into the backcountry to enjoy some camping in the Lake Louise area. The townsite has its own campground, tucked into an area down by the river, each morning, you can wake up to the pretty views of the surrounding mountains. Breathe in the fresh air in the treed spots, and listen to the birds’ chirp and the water rush by. There are spots available for both tents and trailers, but you must book online in advance to secure a spot. Watch for information on fire bans or bear warnings.
Go Horseback Riding
We have already mentioned that if you want to arrive at the Lake Agnes Teahouse on the back of a horse, it is possible to do so. What you may not realize is that there are plenty of options when it comes to discovering the beautiful Lake Louise area from the comfort of a saddle. The two companies in the area offer up rides as short as 10 minutes and as long as 7 days.
Experience the thrill of moving along the historic trails and into areas that other visitors may not get to. Whether you are an experienced rider or experiencing the first time, there is an adventure for all levels.
For those who are not able to walk long distances, this is an excellent way to see the views and soak in the beauty of the zone with minimal effort.
Hop in a Canoe, Kayak or on a SUP on Lake Louise
One of the best ways to experience the glacial Lake Louise is to glide along its surface in a canoe, kayak or even stand-up paddleboard. The lake is beautifully surrounded by mountains, with the Victoria Glacier well within viewing distance, and from the middle or far side of the Lake you can get some excellent pictures of the Chateau Lake Louise in the distance.
You can bring your own equipment or rent a canoe from the Boathouse right on the shores of the Lake. There is no boat launch, so if you are bringing your own equipment, you will have to carry it to the Lake. Please keep in mind the parking information we provided above.
Hike the Paradise Valley Circuit
This is a long day hike, with an elevation gain of 1,045 meters and 20.3 kilometres in total, but an incredible experience in the Lake Louise area if you are a seasoned hiker. This is definitely one of the top hikes in the area, with some challenging sections, such as the scramble up, and the descent down the other side. Along the route, you are treated to breathtaking vistas of Moraine Lake, the Valley of the 10 Peaks, numerous waterfalls and clear lakes.
Expect to take up to 9 hours to complete the trail. Another challenge with this route is that it is not a loop, so it is ideal to have two vehicles – one to park at each end. Remember, the parking lots fill up quickly so you probably want an early start. It is best to start at the Paradise Valley parking lot and end at Moraine Lake.
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Do Some Rock Climbing
In the Lake Louise area, you will find more than 20 climbing routes available for all levels of climbers, not to mention the other five or so that are found in the Valley of the 10 Peaks. Whether you are looking for sport climbing, trad climbing or alpine climbing, you will definitely find some routes to enjoy here. You will need to bring your own gear or look for rentals in Banff, as there is nowhere to rent climbing equipment in Lake Louise. Of course, if you just want to watch some climbing, it is quite common to see climbers along the lakeside path towards the end of the Lake itself.
Hike to Lake Annette
A moderate hike that is not as commonly used as some of the other ones in the area, this trail also starts from the Paradise Valley parking lot. The trail length is only 11.4 kilometres and it is an in-and-out trail so you don’t have to worry about having another vehicle to shuttle you back to the beginning, unlike the Circuit listed above.
The elevation gain is only 343 meters, but you will still want to estimate 4 to 5 hours to complete this, as you will probably want to spend some time soaking up the atmosphere at the Lake. Cool off with a dip in the gorgeous waters. You can also continue on to the unique Giant Steps Waterfall before returning along the same stunning pathway that led you up.
Hike up Mount Temple
This is a monster of a hike and not one that you will want to do if you are not an experienced hiker. However, the views from the top are magnificent, as you look down on the entire Bow Valley, Consolation Lakes and Moraine Lake.
This is the tallest mountain in the area at a height of about 11,600 feet, and this hike should only be done in the warmest months of July and August to ensure that all the snow and ice has melted. There are some difficult scrambles here, so be prepared.
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Walk to the Mount Fairview Lookout
One of the shortest and probably easiest walks in the area, this hike actually takes you to the other side of the Lake, for some unique views of the Chateau and the area.
The trail begins right next to the boathouse on Lake Louise and uses a mostly paved pathway through a beautiful forest before opening up right at the lookout point. Of course, there is still some elevation gain of 165 meters, which allows you the fantastic views, but with a round trip of only a couple of kilometres, you can easily do this walk in a short period of time. Allow plenty of time to soak in the views from the lookout.
