Things to do in Lake Louise Canada

Lake Louise is a beautiful glacial lake located north of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Lake Louise combines breathtaking mountain landscapes with the purest blue of its waters. Considered one of the best destinations in the Canadian Rockies, it is not only an attractive destination due to its scenery, but also for its hiking opportunities.

If you are a traveller in search of adventure and nature in its purest form, this is the place for you.

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Things to do in Lake Louise

Lake Louise Village

Surrounded by mountains, the village of Lake Louise is located five kilometres down the mountain from the lake. Here you’ll find shops, restaurants and a wide range of accommodation options. It is a popular destination for both the ski season and the summer months, and offers a multitude of outdoor activities to enjoy in this amazing Canadian wilderness. Try hiking, horseback riding, or canoeing through the lush landscape.

Skiing in Lake Louise

This stunning mountain scenery and fluffy snow attract skiers and snowboarders to the slopes of Lake Louise every winter. In the winter, it is home to some of Canada’s best skiing pistes.  

Hiking trails

Lake Louise is the starting point for a variety of hiking trails, ranging from a leisurely stroll along the lake’s shore to steep, long trails into the Canadian forest.

Lake Agnes

The hike to Lake Agnes starts from Lake Louise and is one of the most popular with visitors due to its proximity and relative ease. It is a 3.4km one-way hike, with an elevation gain of 400m. Before reaching Lake Agnes, you pass Mirror Lake, a tiny lake at the foot of a tall mountain called The Big Beehive.

To begin this trail you start from the shores of Lake Louise. In front of the Fairmont Chateau hotel, the path starts to go up. The water of the lake will change colour with each step, becoming more intense. After 2.7 kilometres, the first stop is Mirror Lake; a beautiful lake that, as its name suggests, reflects the surrounding landscape in its crystal-clear water.

Here you will want to take a few minutes to rest and admire the beauty of the Canadian landscape. When you pick up the trail again and, after just half a kilometre, you’ll start to hear the sound of a waterfall: it’s the waters of Lake Agnes tumbling down the mountain. A few steps further up, you will also find a teahouse. Not only are the views spectacular, but there is also a small café where you can recharge.

The Big Beehive

Following the path out of and around Lake Agnes to the right, you will begin to climb a very steep and zigzagging path up the mountain. During your ascent you will be able to see Lake Agnes from above and appreciate its deep emerald green colour. This trail takes you to The Big Beehive, a mountain with a breathtaking view of Lake Louise, the same one you saw straight ahead when you passed Mirror Lake. At the top there is a shelter and benches where you can sit and admire the breathtaking scenery below.

The Big Beehive is one of the best trails thanks to the viewpoint that gives it its name. The views from up there are breathtaking, but it takes some effort to get there. The hike to the top is about 4.5 kilometres, but there is more than 500 metres of elevation gain. Once at the top you can return to Lake Louise via the same route, or do a circular walk around the side of the lake.

Plain of Six Glaciers

Nestled between alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks towering over dense forests, this valley is considered the best hiking terrain in Lake Louise. This is a hike into a mountain valley with nothing but glaciers around you. You’ll hike about 6 or 9 kilometres, depending on how far you want to go, as there are two destination points. One of the most surprising things about this trail is that you will come across a beach, offering a completely different perspective.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Things to see in and around Lake Louise?

Town of Banff

The town of Banff, Canada, is a small place with a cosy and charming atmosphere and friendly locals. Here you’ll find hotels, shops, museums and historic sites. You can visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies to find out all about the national park or go to the Buffalo Nations Museum, where there are exhibits relating to the indigenous First Nations people.

There’s a reason everyone’s heard of Banff. This mountain town has a lot to offer: historic charm, a simply spectacular natural environment and all the amenities you could ask for. Plus, you can ride the Banff cable car and enjoy an unbeatable mountaintop view. 

Banff National Park

The features that make the Canadian Rockies a year-round destination come together in perfect harmony in Banff National Park. Banff became Canada’s first national park in 1885 and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here you can explore more than 1600 km of trails on foot, by bike or on horseback. It’s also one of the most popular winter skiing destinations. The alpine towns of Banff and Lake Louise have all the facilities and everything you need to stay and explore this magical place.

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is a large glacial lake located in Banff National Park. It is in fact the second longest in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The indigenous people of the area referred to the lake as the “water of the spirits”. In addition, there have long been stories claiming the presence of a merman in the lake.

In fact, one of the most curious things to see is the skeleton of this creature, which is supposedly at the Banff Indian Trading Post. Don’t miss this unique natural area full of history and charm.

Tips for your trip to Lake Louise

• Don’t forget to bring warm clothes and shoes.
• Travellers will need a valid passport and, depending on the length of stay, a visa. Consult the official website of the consulate for more information: Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada.
• Tipping is customary in local restaurants, so be sure to stick to their customs and leave a tip of about 10% of the price of your meal.
• Use the Passporter App to organise your travel itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions