The day in Banff National Park thus far had been amazing. The weather was great for hiking Johnston Canyon and Moraine Lake. I was hoping the weather would hold for another hike in Lake Louise as well. My goal for the afternoon was hiking the Lake Agnes Teahouse trail, another extremely popular hike in Banff National Park.
Welcome to Lake Louise:
Lake Louise is a short 10 minute drive from the town of Lake Louise off Canada Highway 1 in Banff National Park.
View of Lake Louise upon arrival
Parking at Lake Louise:
Just before the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, you’ll find a couple of parking lots manned by parking attendants. If there is parking, they will let you park — if there is no parking you will be turned away and sent back towards the town of Lake Louise. The best strategy is to get there early (or get very lucky).
From the parking lot, you’ll walk up the hill towards the lake and the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.
The Fairmont Château Lake Louise:
The beautiful and iconic Fairmont Château Lake Louise marks the entrance to the park. Unlike the welcoming Fairmont Banff Springs, only guests of the hotel are allowed to enter the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.
Lake Louise:
Kayaking is a popular activity on Lake Louise
Hiking the Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail: The Trailhead
You can catch the Lake Agnes Teahouse from the paved path that runs along the lake in front of the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. Veer right at the fork in the road leading uphill.
The Lake Agnes Teahouse trail is an out-and-back trail with a distance of 6.8 km [return] and is listed as “moderate” difficulty. Hiking the Lake Agnes Teahouse trail round-trip will take you about 3 hours.
The Trailhead: veer right at this fork in the road
The trail rises above the lake
Panoramic shots from the beginning of the trail
The first part of the path is a slow and steady incline through a thick forest that will take you high above the lake where you can see the Lake Louise’s distinctive blue-green color.
#nofilter
The trail will eventually hit a big switchback that will mark the climb to Mirror Lake.
The Beehive and Mirror Lake:
The Beehive at Mirror Lake
Mile? This is still Canada right?
Mirror Lake is also the junction where you can catch the “Plain of Six Glaciers” trail. From Mirror Lake it’s still another 1/2 mile to  Lake Agnes.
Another view of the Beehive
Arrival at Lake Louise and the Teahouse:
Stairs to Lake Agnes and the Teahouse
The Teahouse
Once you get to the Teahouse, you can enter from the side facing the Lake Agnes. You can either wait in line and order something off the to-go menu (cash only), or try and grab a table following the first-come-first-served protocol. US dollars are accepted – but at the Canadian dollar price.
(Image courtesy of lakeagnesteahouse.com)
Hikers relaxing at the Little Beehive at Lake Agnes (watch out for the brave chipmunks – they bite!)
Lake Agnes
There’s also a “trail” that goes around the lake on the right
Once you head back down, you know you’ve made it when you see the good ol’ Fairmont Château Lake Louise.
Final Thoughts on Hiking the Lake Agnes Teahouse trail at Lake Louise:
Although Johnston Canyon was way more picturesque, Lake Agnes was actually more fun as a hike. Perhaps it was the cool “payoff” of the Teahouse at the end, or the feeling that you are a part of an “elite club” that made it up here, but there was definitely a sense of accomplishment. Â The teahouse is such a nice touch, it makes me wonder why the US doesn’t have anything comparable to this (that I’m aware of).
Just as I got back to my SUV in the parking lot it started pouring rain. I made it – but lesson learned about hiking up here in the afternoon – the weather can change in an instant. When hiking the Lake Agnes Teahouse trail from Lake Louise, bring water, be prepared, and bring some cash for milk-tea.
Cheers!
