#40 – Canadian Rockies Day Hikes: Lake Agnes Trail
- Location: Banff National Park
- Trailhead: Lake Louise
- Type: Out-n-Back
- Rating: Moderate
- Total Distance: 5-miles (Tea House & Back)
- Trailhead Elevation: 5,780′
- Total Elevation Gain: 1,306′
- Recommended Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Recommended Season: Early June to Late September
Lake Louise Tea House
Lake Agnes sits in a bowl in the backcountry of Banff National Park near the iconic Lake Louise. The alpine lake is home to one of Lake Louise’s famous tea houses perched on Lake Agnes’ rocky shoreline. The tea house serves several delicious treats and it is a great spot to take in the gorgeous lake backed by sharp mountain peaks. The Lake Agnes trail and the tea house are both often crowded but this is a spot that should not be missed when visiting the Candian Rockies.
Lake Agnes Trail
The path up to the lake is mostly in the trees making it an arduous long climb with few points of interest until arriving at the stunning lakeshore. There are some breaks in the trees as you climb away from Lake Lousie allowing for some views of that iconic lake but there are better places—the Big Beehive being one of our favorites—to get aerial views of the turquoise water. Hikers can also take in the small Mirror Lake along the way but it is best seen in the early morning light. Finally, there is also a waterfall coming off of the lake that hikers can grab a glimpse of before the final ascent.
Explore the Lake
Once at the lake, don’t stop. Add the extra half-mile (one-way) and explore the backside of the lake as the views all along the lake are stunning. If after that you are keen for more adventure, head up and over the Big Beehive and make a loop out of the journey.
