Difficulty: Moderate ◼︎
Length: 4.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
Dog Friendly: Yes
Trailhead coordinates (copy + paste): 51.4174, -116.2193
Directions: Park at the Lake Louise area. Passing the Fairmont Hotel, walk along the North edge of Lake Louise. You will soon see a sign for Lake Agnes, where the trail begins to head uphill and into the trees. The trail is easy to follow from here.
A must-do at Banff National Park, Lake Agnes is just a short hike from the tourist hotspot of Lake Louise. This is a popular trail, but you will leave most of the crowd behind as you switch back and forth up up the mountainside at a steady but manageable incline. Looking down on Lake Louise and up at rocky peaks, this trail has some of the best views you could ask for. You'll pass by Mirror Lake and a small waterfall before stepping up to Lake Agnes, which is tucked away in a small basin. The trip would be incomplete without a visit to the famous Lake Agnes Tea House. Constructed in 1901 and serving tea since 1905, the cottage is without running water and electricity, and some supplies have to be delivered by helicopter, hence the prices. The tea house is open from early June through early October. Be sure to bring Canadian or US cash, and enjoy the unique experience.
