Guidebook

Hike the 8 Best Trails in Alberta’s Beautiful Lake Louise

The Lake Agnes Teahouse, Plain of Six Glaciers, Moraine Lake, and Paradise Valley are just some of the famous landscapes you can witness on day hikes from Lake Louise.

Description

Lake Louise may be the most-photographed location in Banff National Park, famed for milky turquoise water reflecting dramatic, snow-capped peaks. But there’s far more to do here than simply snap a photo!

Surrounding Lake Louise is a mountain playground, with many miles of trails to explore. The nearby village of Lake Louise is the gateway to not only its namesake lake, but other photo-famous locations like the Plain of Six Glaciers, Moraine Lake, and Paradise Valley. One campsite or hotel room at Lake Louise can be your basecamp to all kinds of hikes in the Canadian Rockies: from picture-perfect strolls along a peaceful lakeshore to challenging scrambles on an alpine summit.

Lake Agnes Loop

Lake Agnes Loop

Banff National Park
1 - 2 hrs
6.6 km
399 m
399 m
This quick ascent allows for spectacular views of Lake Louise from above and the opportunity to taste tea made from glacier water at Lake Agnes Teahouse.
Difficult
Private
Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers Loop
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers Loop

Banff National Park
3 - 4 hrs
13.8 km
699 m
699 m
A full-value loop combining the best of Lake Louise's scenery, and both of its famous teahouses.
Moderate
Private
Big Beehive
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Big Beehive

Banff National Park
2 - 3 hrs
10.4 km
594 m
594 m
Bonus hike past Lake Agnes to an incredible viewpoint above Lake Louise.
Moderate
Private
Mount Saint Piran
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Mount Saint Piran

Banff National Park
3 - 4 hrs
12.3 km
881 m
881 m
Steep and committing hike to an alpine summit above Lake Louise.
Difficult
Private
Fairview Mountain
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Fairview Mountain

Banff National Park
3 - 4 hrs
9.5 km
980 m
980 m
One of the best views in Banff National Park, reached by a strenuous hike from the lakeshore.
Difficult
Private
Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail

Banff National Park
0 - 1 hrs
2.8 km
47 m
47 m
Stroll along the tranquil shore of Moraine Lake
Easy
Private
Larch Valley
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Larch Valley

Banff National Park
2 - 3 hrs
8.8 km
554 m
554 m
The best hike in Banff for golden larches and snowy peaks in autumn.
Difficult
Private
Paradise Valley and Giant Steps Waterfall
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Paradise Valley and Giant Steps Waterfall

Banff National Park
4 - 5 hrs
19.6 km
730 m
730 m
A longer day hike that leaves the crowds behind, passing a small lake and reaching a unique waterfall in the Banff backcountry.
Moderate
Private